Goa a former Portuguese colony is a state on the western coast of India
with an area of 1430 Sq miles and a population of about 1.3 million.
Goa was under Portuguese rule for 451 years and re-occupied by India
in 1961. It therefore retains its Old Portuguese charm in a unique culture
that is an exotic blend of the old European and Indian heritage. With
its endless beaches and tropical waters, Goa has become a favorite destination
for tourists coming to the Indian subcontinent. The temperature ranges
from a warm 33 o C in summer to a comfortable 26 o C in winters. The
warm waters of Goa offer an excellent opportunity to dive and observe
the marine life so abundantly found in tropical waters. Clear waters
for a safe and rich diving experience are principally found around Grande
Island , located around 4 miles from Margaharborur .These diving locations
are in an average depth of 10 meters without any currents , riptides
etc. For the more experienced divers there is the thrill of diving on
wrecks where the marine life is more prolific. The existence of two
major river mouths, that of the Zuari and Mandovi Rivers make the waters
along the beaches a little murky. However, the Islands of Grande, Sao
Jorge and Pequero offer much clearer and safer diving sites. There are
many wrecks along the coast of Goa both old and modern. Many of these
are unexplored thus offering an excellent opportunity for a unique adventure.
Routine diving sites off Goa include the following,
Suzy's Wreck -
30 Meters long WW II metal wreck in very shallow waters; starting
at 3 meters depth with a maximum depth of 12 meters. Plenty of fish
life which includes batfish, angelfish, barracudas, snappers, lionfish,
sargent major, sweetlips, stonefish, blennies, nudibranchs, parrotfish,
moorish idols, groupers, sea whips, sea fans, morays, etc. An ideal
dive site for beginners, as well as experienced divers.
Sail
Rock -
Big fish include jacks, groupers, barracudas, tuna, sharks,
rays. Several species of small fish in the shallows. For experienced
divers only due to strong currents, as well as surge. Depths range from
20 meters to 6 meters along. Sloping walls making it ideal for multilevel
divers.
Turbo Tunnel
-
A
narrow channel between the island and a rock with the sea surging through
it. The shallow depth (max of 8 meters) makes it ideal for experienced
divers as well as beginners subject to the strength of the waves.
Surge City
-
An area of big boulders interspersed with sand with a fair
bit of surge. Parrotfish, damsels, triggerfish,
angelfish, sargent major, sweetlips, snappers, porcupinefish, stonefish,
tangs, small barracudas, etc., make this site a lovely place to dive
for all level of divers.
Shelter Cove -
An ideal dive site for beginners with lots of
small fish, wide variety of hard coral, lobsters, etc. Fish include
stonefish, lionfish, sargent major, parrotfish, damsels, triggerfish,
angelfish, sweetlips, snappers, etc. Hawksbill turtles are spotted on
rare occasions. Very shallow depths (max of only 8 meters).
Bounty Bay -
Great site for beginners as well as trainee divers.
Several species of small fish as well as hard coral found here. Cuttlefish
and nurse shark have also been seen here. Maximum depth of only 6 meters.
The Jetty -
Located at the northwestern tip of Grande Island,
this is a very shallow site with a maximum depth of 8 meters and an
average depth of 5 to 6 meters. Many species of small fish Lionfish
and schooling baby mullets frequently seen.
|
|
 |
The
Dive Package We organize dive tours as part of
the Goa package under the supervision of highly trained advanced divers.
Safety and Quality are paramount. Other dive locations include the Andaman
and Lakshadweep Islands. Goa offer the trinity of sight-seeing, culture
and diving. The dive tour itinerary is excellent value. Dives can be
adapted for experienced and advanced divers. Minimum 6 and maximum 15
people in one group.
|
Day
|
Program
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Assistance
on arrival by our friendly Representative and transfer to
the Hotel. Bombay is a rags to riches story. From an obscure
humble beginning of seven small islands with tidal creeks
and marshes, it has risen to the eminence of being one of
India’s most important commercial and industrial centers.
Today the islands survive only as names of localities, as
the swamps have been filled up and even large expanses of
sea reclaimed. It is the home of people of all Indian creeds
and cultures. Local Muslim Nawabs ruled this area, and handed
it over to the Portuguese in exchange for support against
the Mughals. In 1662 Charles II of England married the Portuguese
Princess Catherine of Braganza and received Bombay as part
of the dowry. Bombay produces more films each year than
any other city in the world, and handles more than 40 percent
of India’s’ maritime trade.
|
|
|
|
Bombay
- Goa (overnight train) BLD
|
|
The morning
is at leisure to recover from jet-lag.
This afternoon enjoy
a tour of Bombay city. Drive past some of the finest Victorian
Gothic structures. The adjoining Victoria Terminus and adjoining
head-quarters of the Central Railways were designed by Fredrick
William Stevens. The structure is of yellow sand-stone and
granite combined with polychromatic stones and blue-gray
basalt for decorations in the interiors. Further on is the
Municipal corporation Building, another of Stevens masterpieces
, especially the vast domed central staircase and the cuspated
arches in the arcaded stories. The Western Railways central
office building in Churchgate is built in gray-blue basalt
with bands of white has towers with oriental domes, giving
the structure an imposing presence.  Visit
the Gateway of India on the waterfront conceived as a triumphal
arch to commemorate the visit of George V and Queen Mary
for the Delhi Darbar in 1911. Drive through the Fort area,
once an area that fell within the walled city, along the
Marine Drive, a graceful curving road along the buttressed
sea coast. Take in the sights and sounds of Malabar Hill,
Dhobi Ghat and the Flora Fountain. Dotted by skyscrapers
and multi storey apartment blocks it could well be any metropolitan
city in the world.
Transfer to the
railway station in time to coard the overnight train to
Goa.
Dep. Bombay :
2250 hrs on the Konkan Express
Overnight on the
train.
|
|
|
|
|
Arrive
Goa LD
Arr. Goa : 1045 hrs
|
|
Assistance
on arrival by our friendly Representative and transfer to
the Hotel. Wrested from Yusuf Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur
by Aldonso de Albuquerque in 1510 began four centuries of
Portuguese influence on this tiny island. The Portuguese
came looking for spices, and stayed to make Goa the capital
of their empire in the east. It is the Iberian aura, the
cultural alloy of Latin and Oriental, the coexistence of
Hinduism and Christianity that epitomizes the distinct identity
of Goa. Stained glass windows of churches and flamboyant
design of Latin exuberance are set off against traditional
Indian attitudes and life-styles. It is easy to slip into
Goa’s effortless existence. There is a Mediterranean atmosphere
in the quaint towns with their red-tiled roofs and narrow
streets, and the charming fishing villages snuggled against
coconut groves. Strung along Goa’s 100-kilometer coastline,
like the lace frill on the edge of a colorful skirt, are
some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, dazzling
stretches of golden sand edging the aquamarine expanse of
the Arabian Sea.
This
afternoon take a tour visiting Old Goa, built by Adil Shah.
Continue on the Church of Bom Jesus dedicated to the infant
Jesus and which houses the mortal remains of Saint Francis
Xavier in a rich casket. Visit the Church of Saint Francis
of Assisi that has an interior illustrated with rich paintings.
Enjoy a Carnival Cruise on the Mandovi river at sunset.
Later
in the evening briefing and orientation about the dives.
|
|
|
|
Leave early
this morning for the dive site by boat. Full day diving.
|
|
|
|
Leave
early this morning for the dive site by boat. Full day diving..
|
|
|
|
Leave early
this morning for the dive site by boat. Half to three-quarter
day diving..
Afternoon return
to the hotel and relax. In the evening enjoy a beautiful
Goan Farewell dinner and drinks.
|
|
|
|
|
 Transfer
to the railway station in time to board the day train to
Bombay.
Dep.
Goa : 1030 hrs on the Mandvi Express
Arr.
Bombay : 2145 hrs
Assistance
on arrival by our friendly Representative and transfer to
the Hotel.
|
|
|
|
|
Hotel check-out is 12..00
noon. Later transfer to the international airport in time
to check-in for the onward flight.
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.
|
|
Cost
per Person
Each of 6 full paying persons US
$ 860 per person
Single Room Supplement US $ 175 per person
The price and tour operates between 01 October 2001 till 15 April 2002
The
price includes
-
Professional
and experience dive and safety instructors
-
Dive
equipment, including air tank, harness, regulator, mask, flippers,
etc
-
Snorkeling
on site between dives during rest-periods if desired
-
Accommodation
sharing a double/twin bedded room in Superior Tourist Class Hotels
(3 star type). These are air-conditioned rooms with attached baths
having running hot and cold water.
-
Meals
as indicated in the program. Meals - (B – breakfast, L – Lunch &
D – Dinner)
-
Non
air-conditioned car for all transfer, sight-seeing, excursions and
intercity runs as per the program
-
Train
journey in air-conditioned tourist class sleeper (on overnight)
and chair-car (day journey)
-
Local
English speaking guides for all sight-seeing as per the program.
The prices
does not include
-
Laundry,
Telephone Calls, Camera Fees, Aerated Drinks, Juices, Alcoholic
Beverages, Tips and other expenses of a Personal Nature
-
Entrance
fees to the monuments (at present as per the itinerary it is nil)
-
Any
item or service not specifically mentioned as included
Enquiry
and Booking
Vir Rawlley Tour Masters (India) Private Limited
Flat E, South Patel Nagar Market
Near Vivek Cinema
New Delhi - 110008
India
Tel. +91-11-25847470,
25840692, 31023142 (24 hours)
Fax: +91-11-25841364
e-Mails:
rajiv_chopra@vsnl.com
Site http://www.indiatourmasters.com/
| BACK
| GO TOP | HOME |
|
|
