Candolim Beach is among the most visited beaches in Goa, located south of Calangute Beach. The beach coastline stretches 30 km, from the Aguada Fort up to the Chapora beach. This beach is located at a distance of about 15 km from Panjim and faces the Arabian Sea.
History of Candolim Beach
This beach is the birthplace of Fr. Abbe Faria, the father of Hypnotism. Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1612 and was used for a long time before it was abandoned. It was at this beach that the first revolt against the Portuguese was launched by the Goans. The revolt of the Pintos was led by Goan Catholic priests. Candolim Beach was the first area to have adopted Christianity under the Portuguese rule.
Things to do in Candolim Beach
Candolim Beach has a mixed crowd of youngsters, monks, artists, seers, researchers and tourists. Residents here speak Marathi, Konkani, English and Hindi. As this place is frequently visited by people from all over the world, many other languages are spoken. Moreover, different forms of art are prevalent in the place, with Jazz being the soul.
Tourists can indulge in a wide range of water sports that include parasailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, bump rides, banana rides, catamaran sailing and wind surfing. With considerable varieties of sea food, the different dishes cooked in Goan style are also popular. Tourists here usually shop for handicrafts, brass ware, terracotta, shell work and casual garments.
Candolim has a constant climate all throughout the year, with the rainy season extending from June to October. However, the best time to visit Candolim Beach is from November through February.
Candolim Beach is the host of the Sunburn Festival, India’s biggest electronic music festival. It is attended by thousands of people not only from the country, but across the world.
Travelling To Candolim Beach
Candolim Beach is situated very close to Aguada Fort and is well connected to Mapusa and Calangute by bus. The KTC bus station, which is an interstate bus station, is at Mapusa. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, in Panjim, the state capital. Karmali is the nearest railway station at a distance of 11 km away from Panaji.
Travelling around Candolim Beach
Tourists can hire motor bikes to travel around the town which costs about Rs 400 per day. Taxi services are also available for tourists who not comfortable with two wheelers. Taxis cost about Rs 6 to Rs 11 per km.
Accommodation options in Candolim Beach
Tourists in Candolim Beach can avail various accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to 5 star hotels. They can also opt for accommodations close to the Candolim Beach.
