GOA Teachers Training course
THE LOCATION:
The venue for our Goa course is called Mandala
resort. It is situated in Mandrem, north of Goa.
Mandala 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 Mandala (
http://www.themandalagoa.com/en/home.html)
THE LODGING:
Mandala offers a variety of rooms, chalets (set
of two rooms with a place for four to sleep) and
suites. 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. Mandala offers all the meals
within the price and being a Yogalife student you
avail a discount of 15% on top of it. This is the
most suitable and economic option for the students.
For reservations you can directly coordinate with
Mandala. (
http://www.themandalagoa.com/en/home.html)
THE WEATHER:
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
GETTING AROUND:
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.
ETIQUETTES:
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.
DOMESTIC AIRLINES:
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.
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)
VISAS:
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.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
As with any holiday travel insurance is always
recommended.
VACCINATIONS:
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.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
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
http://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
