FAQs

 

Do I need a visa for India?

 

Yes, a visa is required when you are at your airport of departure before you board your plane. You can get a 6-month tourist visa from your local Indian consulate or embassy and often you can download the application form for your country on the Internet. Your visa will start from the date it is issued not from the date of your travel. Applying in good time is advisable !

 

 

How do I get to Goa?

 

Goa is a small state on the south west coast of India. The local airport is called Goa Dabolim, which serves international charter flights from some European countries. There are also many domestic airlines from gateway cities in Goa, the most frequent being New Delhi, Bangalore and the nearest Mumbai (Bombay) which is a 1-hour flight.

 

 

How do I get to the retreat from the airport?

 

We are happy to organise transfers between Goa Dabolim airport and the retreat for an estimated cost of 850 Rupees one way (TBC). You can change money at the airport on arrival as drivers only accept Indian Rupees. You should pay the driver directly.   You will need to send us your flight details including the day, date and time of your arrival, airline and flight number and city of departure, ideally within 4 weeks of your arrival. Cancellations or delays to your arrival times have to be notified to avoid Taxi charges. Please note that drivers take a maximum of 2 guests due to size of vehicle and comfort.   If your travel dates do not match the course you have chosen see the section on Travel & Visas for local hotel reccomendations. 

 

 

Do I need to have vaccinations to travel to Goa?

 

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 kind of clothes will I need?

 

If you visit in December and January the early mornings and late evenings can be cool, so a sweater and some warm yoga clothes for the start of your practice will come in handy. As soon as the sun comes up the temperature averages 28 to 30 degrees and you can lie in the sun all day. The Goans are used to Western tourists and you do not need to cover your shoulders and arms unless visiting churches or temples. One of the benefits of Purple Valley is our 24 hour laundry service which costs approximately 12 pence / 16 Euro cents or 20 US cents per items which means you do not have to pack too many items.

 

 

Do I need to bring a yoga mat?

 

It is always nice to have your own mat, however we do have loan mats available to borrow or new mats available for purchase.

 

 

Can I do just one week of a course?

 

We do find that due to the distance of travel and continuity of the teaching of the courses that students benefit most from joining the course dates as outlined. If you can only do one week we advise that you join the first week, however it is possible to do the 2nd week of one workshop and the first of the next one or stay for as many courses as you like. ( They may be courses that are strictly 2 weeks or more. Please look at the courses page for more information)

 

 

How do I exchange money?

 

In some countries you can buy rupees, the local currency in the departures side of the airport, otherwise you can exchange cash or travellers cheques at exchange bureaus near the retreat and there are also a couple of ATMs a 5 to 10 minute drive from the retreat.

 

 

I am a beginner are the courses suitable for me?

 

Most teachers have beginners on their course, a couple are not suitable, for full details see the course descriptions or contact us for more details.

 

 

Can I walk to the beach from the retreat?

 

Purple Valley is in a secluded area away from the main tourist areas, the beaches are accessible by the small taxis that are usually waiting at the top of the road. Most guests group up together and share a taxi to the beach. This year we will also have our new pool on site to cool off and relax by.

 

 

I would like to take a course at the retreat but am staying somewhere else, is that possible?

 

On some workshops we do have a couple of places for non-residential guests, please contact us to enquire about availability.

 

 

I would like to attend the course but my partner does not do yoga, can they stay at the retreat anyway?

 

Yes, we do have a limited availability for room and meals only rate for non-yogi partners on most courses. Please contact us to discuss the rates.

Please note that for C5 David Swenson and C10 Kino Macgregor and Tim Feldman these options are not available.