We arrive at Goa airport: how not to get lost, not to be deceived and happily get to the place of rest

Few tourists know the name of the airport in Goa. And yet this place is quite interesting, and can even be included in the list of historical sights of the state. Built by his former colonialists - the Portuguese in the fifties of the last century for the needs of their airlines. He was named after the nearby village - Dabolim. From the transport hub, scheduled flights to other cities in India - in Mozambique, Timor and, of course, in Lisbon.

Briefly about the history

In 1961, during the military campaign, the state annexed India. The Goa airport was bombed, during which two civilian aircraft managed to fly to Karachi under cover of night. Since April 1962, the restored Dabolim again began to receive aircraft. But to this day it's the only state air gate. The first foreign tourists (besides the colonizers) were hippies from Western Europe and the United States. They were looking for uninhabited beaches, not touched by the pernicious breath of civilization, and life close to nature. All of this is more than found in Goa. The first resorts on the shore of the Arabian Sea were built to their specific needs and tastes.

Expansion of Dabolim

The hippies traveled to the resting place by land transport, often making their way from Delhi within 24 hours by bus. Halt and hitchhiker. But the tourist folk that followed the "Flowers of Life" did not want to spend so much time on the road. Therefore, the Goa airport was expanded due to the construction of an international portal. Now he takes the lion's share of flights. We can say that 90% of all charter flights arriving in India, landing in Dabolim. By the way, Russian tourists in this stream take second place after the British.

How not to get lost

This is not Heathrow and not Charles de Gaulle airport. There is really nothing to wander here. From the side of the plane the bus will take you to the entrance. Passengers are then awaiting passport control, which you must show along with your passport and a completed migration card. Next - customs officers, who basically check those who leave India. Goa Airport has a small hall where the baggage claim area, the exchange office and the travel agency are located. But here you need to be alert and show special vigilance.

How not to become a victim of extortionists

In many cities of India there are people who want to make money on an inexperienced tourist, and Goa airport is no exception. You can approach a man dressed in something like a uniform, and ask you to show a baggage ticket. If you give it to him, he will find your suitcases on the luggage belt and ask you for money for this unexpected service. It's the same with porters: they literally snatch the bags from your hands. About the predatory course in the local exchanger, I generally keep quiet. It's the same with sim-cards - in any other place you can buy it much cheaper.

How to get to the place of rest

Goa Dabolim Airport is located 4 km from the small town of Vasco da Gama and 30 km from the capital of Panaji. To get to the place you need, you can go in two ways. First: withdraw money from the ATM of the AXIS-bank (it is hidden from the outside, to the right of the exit). Then go by bus or taxi. The second way is as follows. Opposite the airport building there is a stop for the prepaid taxi. This means that you need to pay money in the window, and then give the receipt to the chauffeur. But you can negotiate directly with the taxi driver (and even bargain with him) about payment upon arrival. Ask him to stop on the way at the exchange. So you will not lose anything because of bank pirates at the airport.