About the Calangute Beach :
Calangute is the premier beach attraction for tourists in Goa, who make this beach one of the most frequented one in the state. The beach is located at a distance of mere nine kms from the Go an capital city of Panjim, and as such commuting is never a problem for tourists. The name of the beach seems to have its root in the either a local word 'Koli-gutti' (land of fishermen)or Kalyangutti (village of art). Some people also associate it with Konvallo-ghott which means a strong pit of the coconut tree ( the village of Calangute filled with coconut trees). The present name Calangute is a distortion which can be attributed to the Portuguese. The beach gained popularity in the 1960-70's with the advent of Hippies.
Best time to visit :
Calangute beach is worth visiting anytime during the year, however, heavy rainfall between June to October can dampen the spirits of tourists who want to enjoy completely. So, the best time for the tourists to visit the beach is during the months of November to February.
Activities on the beach :
The golden sand of this 'queen of beaches' draws in numerable tourists from far and wide who love to lay back and enjoy the warmth of the sun rays.Adults and children a like find this beach enjoyable, though there is nothing really unique about the beach.
For tourists interested in water sports, Calangute offers considerable options.They can enjoy para sailing, water skiing and wind surfing in the after noon when the wind direction is highly favourable. The sunset view from the beach is also something to be enjoyed.
For such a popular beach, Calangute surprises visitors with its relatively quiet night life. Due to the rigorous surveillance by the police, almost all the bars close down long before midnight. Though the night life is not exciting, yet many other things are, for example - eating out. At the entrance of the beach are numerous bars and restaurants where visitors can taste some of the exotic seafood.
Added Attractions :
A huge attraction for the tourists as well as the localities is the market,that fills the road from the town of Calangute to the beach. The items onsale include Kashmiri handicraft, Tibetan curios and jewellery and textiles from Rajasthan, Gujarat Karnataka. Tourists can pick up any of these items but they must remember to bargain as the prices are generally high.
For those tourists who are interested in a bit of sightseeing can visit the Kerkar Art Gallery and the Church Of St. Alex. The art gallery exhibits paintings and sculptures of the native artists. There are also nights once every week when tourists can enjoy Indian music and dance. The church of St Alex, on the other hand is worth visiting because of its architecture.
A little more venture some tourists can opt for a crocodile and dolphin spotting tour in the backwaters of the Mandovi River to the Zuari River (twoof the most important rivers of Goa).
Reaching Calangute Beach :
Air- Dabolim airport is the closest airport 29 kms away from Panjim. From Panjim, it is just half an drive to Calangute.
Rail - Karmali is the nearest railway station around 11 kms away from Panjim.
Road - Frequent bus services connect Calangute to Mapusa and Panjim. The former is just eight kms from Calangute and as such tourist can reach there in about ten minutes.
Accommodation :
Calangute is full of places where tourists can stay. Both budget hotels and comfortable hotels are available. However, during the end of the year there might be a shortage of rooms . As such tourists are advised to book in advance during this period. The resorts of Calangute include Alor Holiday Resort, Hotel Goan Heritage and High Land Beach Resort.
