Essential information for Arpora

Health and safety

Before travelling to Arpora, you will need to receive vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as well as a Tetanus booster. Your doctor may also advise that you receive shots to protect against Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Because of the malaria risk in India, make sure you discuss your travel plans with your local GP so they can advise you on how to protect against the disease while you’re abroad.

It’s recommended that you purchase bottled water for drinking in Arpora, due to the potentially unsafe nature of the local water supply. As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip.

If you’re visiting Arpora specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/health.

Passports and visas

In order to visit Goa you’ll require a visa. UK passport holders may be eligible for an e-tourist visa that you can apply and pay for online to make the process quicker and cheaper.

Alongside a visa you must have a valid passport to enter the country. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements.

Getting around

All flights to Goa land in Dabolim at the International Airport south of Arpora. Most tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so getting to your resort is easy. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi, with a journey time of around 60 to 90 minutes. Public buses do also make the journey from the airport but this takes longer.

Most of the village’s restaurants and facilities are located around Arpora junction in the south. Travelling to restaurants around here is easily done by foot, but some of the activities found further north are better reached by car or taxi as they’re around a 20 to 30 minutes walk away.

Buses regularly pass through the south of Arpora for destinations like Mapusa and Calangute – must-see resorts during holidays to Goa. These services are cheap and ideal for day-trips outside of the village.

Advice for travellers with children

Arpora is over an hour away from the closest airport so families with young children may need to bring something with them to keep the kids entertained, especially after a long flight from the UK.

Activities in the north of Arpora provide a good number of ways to help keep the children entertained, including go-karting and a waterpark. The village’s close proximity to the coast makes for an easy day or two out to the beach, and the variety of watersports will keep older children busy. You may need to walk along the seafront for a short while to find a quiet part of the beach as the area is very popular with both tourists and locals.

There are some great family-friendly restaurants in the area, although you may need to travel to the surrounding towns for a better variety of places to eat. The availability of kids’ menus differs between establishments, but you can easily find the restaurants best suited to children online before your travels. It’s also best to check with your hotel before travelling if you’re planning to book an All Inclusive Goa holiday, as the food can differ from one to another.

Electricity

Connector type: Indian three-pin plug, type C, D and M.

Voltage Info: 220 to 240 volts

Emergency information

108 is the number in Goa for emergency situations.

For direct phone lines call: Fire services: 101 Ambulance: 102 Police: 100

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Panaji.

Address: 303-304 Casa del Sol, Miramar, Goa, Panaji 403001

Email: consular.goa@fco.gov.uk

Phone (from within India): +91 832 6636 777 Phone (from the UK): 020 7008 1500

Hospital

There are no hospitals within Arpora itself, but there are plenty of large hospitals and pharmacies in the surrounding area. Here are some of the closest and most highly recommended.

Mapusa District Hospital Address: Peddem, Mapusa, Goa 403507 Phone: +91 832 222 5540

Calangute Mathew Braganza Hospital Address: Calangute-Anjuna Road, Naikawado, Calangute, Goa 403516 Phone: +91 832 652 2111

Anjuna St. Anthony’s Hospital Address: Zor Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509 Phone: +91 832 227 4308