Location : Goa
Beach Activities : Water Sports, Swimming, Fishing
Best time to Visit : October to March
About Calangute Beach
Often sobriquet as the 'Queen of Beaches', Calangute is one of the busiest
beaches in Goa. The beach became a popular hippy hangout during the 1960's
when the place witnessed the start of rave culture which has been around to
this day. This beautiful little sandy paradise with its golden beaches,
shimmering blues, coconut groves and lush hillocks is a major attraction for
tourists coming to Goa. The salubrious climate, happening nightlife and
other nearby attractions along with the regularly organised flea markets
make this a perfect vacationing experience.
Location
Calangute beach is located near the Bardez coast, just 16 km from Panjim,
the capital of Goa. Calangute is bounded by Candolim beach in the south and
Baga beach towards the north.
Calangute Beach Attractions
From exciting water sports and sea side snack shacks to historical
attractions, Calangute has it all. The entire state of Goa is known for its
churches, so is the Calangute region with two famous churches lying in the
vicinity. The Calangute Church with its amazing architecture is a must visit
while the St. Alex church built in 1595 is one of the oldest surviving
structures in Goa.
The entire stretch of road connecting the beach with the main town is lined
with stalls and shops that sell not just Goan specialties but articles from
around the country such as handicrafts items from Kashmir and Tibet, silver
jewellery and so on. The town has a number of quality restaurants where you
can feast on some delectable sea food or treat your taste buds to other
variety of vegetarian cuisine.
Visit the Kerkar Art Complex to witness local artists display the Goan
traditions in charming performances. Enjoy thrilling water sports during the
day and lose yourself in endless rave parties during the evenings. Fishing
and swimming are other options of enjoyment at the beach.
Stay At
Calangute is one of the most commercialised and busy beaches in Goa.
Witness to hectic tourist activity almost throughout the year, the area
boasts of a number of
quality hotels and resorts which offer good accommodation facilities for
the tourists. Amongst the top rated hotels in Calangute are Kerkar Retreat
(situated at a walking distance from the Calangute beach, the rooms here are
priced between Rs. 1200 and 3800), Hotel Goan Heritage (Situated on the
Calangute beach, the rooms here are priced between Rs. 1800 and 2500), Hotel
Golden Eye (The hotel has 25 rooms which are priced between Rs. 300 and
3000) and Hotel Dona Cristalina (situated on the Calangute beach, the rooms
are priced between Rs. 250 and 1200).
Getting There
By Air : Calangute beach is located just 48 km from
Dabolim airport, a distance which can be covered in local buses or hired
taxis. A taxi from here generally costs Rs. 600.
By Rail : The railway station at Panjim, located just 16
km from Calangute, is the nearest and most convenient railhead. Taxis and
buses are the available options to access the beach from here.
By Road : State transport buses operate regularly between
Calangute-Panjim and Calangute-Mapusa.
