ABOUT GOA

Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. 

Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, a place of sun sand and see, squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills. It offers glistening sands, swaying coconut palms, and ultra fresh seafood. with its natural scenic beauty, abundant greenery, attractive beaches and temples, churches & even mosques with a distinctive style of architecture, colorful and lively feasts, festivals & above all, hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, has an ideal tourist profile.

HOW TO REACH GOA?

Air: Goa's international airport is 29 km from Panjim at Dabolim.

Rail: Goa has two main stations at Margao and Vasco da Gama. The 760 km long Konkan Railway project between Mangalore (Karnataka) and Mumbai has given a major boost to train travel to Goa

Road: There are interstate bus services to Mumbai (16 hrs), Mangalore, Bangalore, Pune, Londa, Hubli, Hampi and Hospet.

ABOUT THE VENUE?

Built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, this resort is part of a sprawling 73-acre complex overlooking the Arabian Sea. Situated in close proximity to the beach, Fort Aguada Beach Resort (FABR) offers a range of spacious villas and cottages. With its exotic tropical beauty, pristine beaches, nine restaurants, Taj Spa, and vibrant local culture, guests can discover many opportunities for fun. The Resort offers many activities for sporting enthusiasts from adventure mountaineering to tennis and squash.

HOW TO REACH THE VENUE IN GOA?

The Hotel provides complimentary airport transfers to the participants.

On your arrival at the airport in Goa, a representative from the hotel with a placard of your name will receive you in the arrival lounge. In case, you are unable to identify the representative of hotel you may feel free to contact Ajay of Sathguru

DISTANCE & THE TRAVEL TIME TO THE VENUE AT GOA
Situated at Sinquerim, Bardez in Goa, FABR is 45 km from the Air Port, 25 km from railway station and 15 km from the bus stand.

WHAT ARE THE INTERNET FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE?
Internet facility is complimentary to access mails & project work assigned. The facility will be  provided in one of the rooms at FABR.

WHAT IS THE EXACT COURSE DURATION?
The course will commence post lunch on 27th March 2010 & conclude in the afternoon on 31st March 2010.

WHEN SHALL I ARRIVE AT GOA?
The participants may plan to arrive in the afternoon on the 27th March 2010.

WHEN SHALL I DEPART FROM GOA?
The participants may plan to leave by any flight departing after 3.00 pm on the 31st March 2010.

WHAT ARE THE STAY ARRANGEMENTS AT GOA?

Your stay arrangements have been made at FABR, Goa (the venue of the program) from the afternoon of 27th March 2010 till the afternoon of 31st March 2010.

TRAVEL  ITINERARY
The participants are requested to forward their itinerary (with flight no., arrival time/departure time to and from Goa) as soon as their travel plans are confirmed. The information should be forwarded latest by 15th March 2010 toajajaya@sathguru.com

COURSE MATERIAL
The reading material/presentations/case-studies will be handed over to the participants in CD’s or as hard copies, at the venue, during the course of the program.

THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES
Course Material
Tuition
Field Visits
Graduation
Accommodation
Board

THE COURSE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Travel (Domestic & International)
Visa
Insurance
Incidentals apart from inclusions
Telephone calls (Local/STD/ISD)
Internet browsing other than provided by the course
Food other than that provided during the course
Any other room service ordered / utilized
Smokes
Liquor
Laundry Services
Use of transport / travel desk services
Any chargeable Services in the Health Club

HOW DO I REMIT THE PROGRAM FEE?
Payment in USD
You may transfer the amount to Citibank, New York, Swift Code: CITIUS33 to the credit of Citibank NA, India Nostro Account No. 100990895 for onward credit to EEFC Account No. 307174391 of Sathguru Management Consultants Pvt Ltd A/c EDP with Citibank NA, Hyderabad, India.

Payment in INR
Issue a cheque/demand draft in favour of “Sathguru Management Consultants Pvt Ltd A/c EDP” or via online transfer to account no. 0307174359 of Sathguru Management Consultants Pvt Ltd A/c EDP with Citibank NA, Hyderabad, India.
No refund will be made on cancellation; however, substitution of a nominee is acceptable prior to the commencement of the program.
Overseas participants will be provided with an invitation for the visa processing, once the nominations are registered. It will then be the responsibility of the participants to apply for and obtain the applicable visa to travel to India and participate in the program.
 
PARTICIPANTS INTRODUCTION
On 27th March 2010, a special slot is reserved for the participants to make an introductory presentation.
The participants could make a brief presentation for about two minutes giving their professional background indicating their current role in the organization, goals & aspirations in career & a few points that reflect their personality.

PARTICIPANTS’ EXPECTATIONS FROM THE COURSE
The participants are welcome to express their expectations in their area(s) of interest/topic(s) to be covered or discussed, apart from the program structure, latest by 20th March 2010 by email to Ajay (ajaya@sathguru.com) of Sathguru. Sincere efforts will be made to address the participants’ requests.
This initiative is taken with an intention for every participant to benefit immensely from this course and return highly satisfied to implement the same in their respective organizations, thereby contributing significantly for its growth.

DRESS CODE FOR THE PROGRAM
To have a comfortable environment, the dress code for the program is casual and informal, including the dinner & evening events. However, business attire (suit; jacket) is recommended for the group photograph and the graduation. If you are more comfortable in attire that is customary or traditional, by all means you may dress accordingly. 

WHERE CAN I GET THE PROGRAM/COURSE STRUCTURE?
The detailed program structure will be included in the program kit day 1 of the program at Hyderabad.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
All necessary care has been taken to provide food to cater to the general taste of all the participants.
It would be highly appreciated if the participants could communicate any specific diet routine /dietary restrictions to Ajay of Sathguru latest by 20th March 2010.

ABOUT FOREIGN EXCHANGE ENCASHMENT
Traveler’s Cheques/US Dollars can be exchanged at the reception of the Hotel.

FIRST AID KIT
First-aid kit is available with the staff of Sathguru – You may contact Ajay for any help you may require in this regard.

DOCTOR ON CALL
Services of doctor on call are available. You may kindly contact the Duty Manager of the Hotel.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Manisha: +91 99853 26234, manishab@sathguru.com
Ajay (Sathguru): + 91 40 2335 0586, 6666 2190, 6661 2353
                              + 91 98661 93386 (for period of the conference)
                              ajaya@sathguru.com

ABOUT GROUP PHOTO
The group photo session is scheduled on 28th March 2010 between the tea break at FABR, Goa

WHAT ARE THE CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN GOA?
Goa has a moderate temperature showing negligible variations in different seasons. May is the hottest month while January and February are the coldest. There is a prevalence of tropical weather rest of the year. Southwest Monsoon brings rain in Goa between June and September. July is the month that receives maximum rainfall while February gets least amount of rain. Goa is a place for visiting any time of the year. But the time Goa reveals itself best would be the peak of monsoons from mid July to late September and peak winters from November end to mid February. During this time, Goa remains quite pleasant, So one will be able to enjoy the sun-soaked beaches as well as the Goa carnival which is celebrated in February. However it is during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around.

WHAT ARE THE NEARBY PLACES NEAR GOA TO VISIT?
Arch of the Viceroys:
In the area of old Goa, towards the northwest is the Arch of the Viceroys built in 1597 in remembrance of Vasco-da-Gama’s arrival. Closer to it, is the Corinthian style Church of St. Cajetan which was built by the Italian friars made after St. Peter’s in Rome. In the south of old Goa is the splendid St. Catherine cathedral which took around 80 years to build. Opposite the cathedral is the Basilica of Bom which is the resting place of the remains of Saint Francis Xavier. As one moves further in the city, the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine can be seen and also nearby are the Church and Convent of St. Monica Christen.

Aguada Fort:
Aguada Fort is located 10 km from the city of Panjim and very close to Candolin Beach. The fort has the first lighthouse in Asia. It was built in 1612 to protect old Goa from invaders by controlling entry from River Mandovi. The fort is equipped with an ammunition room, barracks and a church. It was a monument of Portuguese power and strength. The ruins are appealing and the ramparts offer a lovely view of the crashing waves along the cliff as well as the city.

The Archaeological Museum:
Located in old Goa, 9 km from Panjim is The Archaeological Museum housed in an abandoned convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The museum displays the objects which recreate the history of Goa. The antiques from Hindu period, sculptures of Hindu deities and many heroes are found here. A large coin collection is the one accumulated over centuries and issued by various Hindu, Muslim and Portuguese rulers. The paintings here include those of Vasco-da-Gama and Alfonso Albuquerque and other governors of Goa.

Anjuna Beach:
Once a very popular world famous resort for being a hippie hang out, Anjuna Beach is one of the most beautiful and exciting beaches in north Goa. It is located 18 km from Panjim, a popular beach area adjacent to Chapora Fort. In Anjuna there is a magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920 flanked by octagonal towers and tiled floor. The band plays at night on the beach and all sorts of restaurants are located here which serve good food and wine.

Calabgute Beach:
Calabgute Beach lies on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the north of Goa. It is one of the most popular holiday spots in Goa and is known as the queen of beaches. There are small houses available on the beach. There is a wide stretch of sandy beach where people round the year can be spotted sun bathing and relaxing. The best time to visit this beach is between September and March.

Dona Paula Beach:
An ideal picnic spot 7 km from Panjim is the Dona Paula Beach. It is the rocky point between the Mandovi and the Zuari, secluded by a bay with a view of the harbor. It is a perfect spot for relaxing and sunbathing. This place is also called a Lover’s Paradise due to some myth attached it. Here, water scooters are available for people who wish to try their hands at it as well as boats for people who want to venture out into the sea.

Colva Beach:
The most important beach in the south of Goa equipped with all the modern amenities is the Colva Beach. Colva is a small village on the shores of the Arabian Sea and lies 39 km from Panjim, capital of Goa. The amenities provided here consist of air conditioned resorts, tourists cottages, discos, and eateries. Here, the church of Our Lady of Mercy is very well known for its miracle statue of Menino Jesus.