The venue for our Goa course is called Anamika Music and meditation center. It is situated in Mandrem, north of Goa. Anamika provides a serene and peaceful destination in natural surroundings, where inspiration is in abundance. The emphasis is on relaxation, de-stressing and a generally feeling at peace. The beaches near the venue are untouched and away from commercial and crowded touristic environment. You can check the venue on the website of Anamika
Anamika offers a variety of rooms and Bamboo huts with clean bathrooms attached. You can choose an option according to your preference and budget. You can opt for the sharing accommodation and Yogalife helps you to coordinate with your course mates(we keep you updated through a Google group which gives oppurtunity to be in touch with your future friends in the course and coordinate and share information). This is the most suitable option for the students and we recommend this place but you are free to look around. We give you a list of places to stay, recommended by the past students after the admission process is complete. For reservations you can directly coordinate with Anamika
The monsoon season last from May until early October, however there can be the occasional shower of rain during the dry season (November to April) The month of December and January, the evenings and early mornings can be cool. A light jacket maybe needed. Once the sun is out the days can become very warm
The easiest way to get around is to hire a scooter or a bicycle. There are no sidewalks so walking can become difficult. There is also very little street lighting so at night you wouldn't be seen on the street.
Population in Goa (mainly Hindu or Christian) are extremely tolerant by nature. English is spoken. Respecting their views and beliefs is very much appreciated. It is advisable to keep scanty beachwear for the beaches, and to dress appropriately when going into town.
There are excellent domestic airlines from the gateway cities which you can book online, try the following, making sure you are paying the fare for a non-resident of India or have your travel agent book the flight for you.
Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Air Deccan, Spice Jet
FOOD AND ACCOMODATION POLICY : Yogalife leaves you full liberty to arrange your accommodation and all the meals according to your preferences and budget. There are mainly two reasons why we decide to do so.
A. We follow the adult learning style and believe that you should choose the way you want to live during your stay.
B. In a country like India and specially both the locations of our courses (Dharamshala and Goa), you will find a great variety and choices for food and accommodation. The feedback of past students strongly recommended this liberty of choice.
(We provide a list of recommended places well in advance to the registered participants)
You will need a valid Tourist visa to enter India. To obtain contact your local Indian High Commission, fill in the application form, which is usually available to download online, and take it to them or send it in along with the required fee. This can take up to 10 days and your visa is activated from the day you get it rather than upon entry into the country. When stating your purpose on your visa form it is best to say Tourism rather than Yoga.
As with any holiday travel insurance is always recommended.
It is recommended that you visit your GP, personal physician or a travel health clinic 4 to 8 weeks before your departure to India. Recommended vaccinations often include hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Goa is not a high-risk area for malaria and the tablets can be considered controversial, we recommend that you do some research and make your own decision on this.
Most of these items can be purchased locally.
Yoga mat : Mats are available but we advise you bring your own mat, block, strap Clothes: Yoga clothes and loose clothing. December and January does become hot once the sun comes up however the mornings can be chilly.
Money :Cash and travelers checks can be exchanged to rupees, the Indian currency, and there are also some ATMs. Remember one cannot buy rupees before getting to India and one cannot take rupees out of India. You can exchange your currency upon arrival at any Indian airport. For the up to date exchange rate see www.xe.com
Electrical adaptors : Goa operates on 220V, the same 2 prong plugs as Europe, which are different from North America.
Beach : Towels or sarongs can be bought in locally (for Goa)
Mountains : A light jacket or a warm shawl (for Dharamshala)
Sunscreen : take care against the strong sun, especially when sunbathing or other wise.
Driving license : If you plan on renting a car or scooter
Torch / flashlight : Power outages are frequent in India and you might want some help seeing in the dark.
Earplugs : If you are sensitive sleeper
Mosquito repellent : an excellent version called Odomos is available
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