Pristine beach lined with swaying coconut trees, a mixture of people and wild, wild parties – all these combinative factors have won for Calangute the sobriquet – Queen of Beaches. This exquisite beauty was discovered by a group of hippies in the late 60s and after that hordes of European tourists have quickly started flocking in.
Calangute is by far the busiest and most happening beach in Goa. You will find just about anything from food, shops, parties and a variety of accommodations here. Running 4 miles long, it is also the largest beach in North Goa. It lies between Baga and Candolim beaches.
Getting There: Calangute is 45 minutes bus ride from Panjim. A better means of transport is the motorbike available on hire for easy traveling to and within Calangute.
Accommodation: Being the most commercialized beach, Calangute offers a range of accommodation. Resorts have increased in numbers to meet the lodging needs of the multitude of domestic and international tourists.
Attractions: A perfect choice for extroverts. Enjoy meeting new people and making lots of new friends. During the day, laze in the sun while sharing a conversation with the stranger next to you or soak in the serenity of the ocean and golden sands. After that, fill your tummy by gorging on some spicy Goan cuisine at the shacks along the beach. In the evening, adventure freaks dot the waters parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing. Shopping is another big attraction at Calangute. Rows of small Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls line the road to the beach selling small curios and hand made objects.
Night too offers as many activities. You can dance the night away with the hippies and cool yourself off with some bubbly chilled beer that can be found almost at all the local shacks and quaint huts.
The southern edge of the beach is a different world altogether where busy fishermen can be seen hauling their hand nets praying for their day's catch.
The 400-year-old Church of St. Alex draws in many audiences who come to view the lofty tower and the imposing dome. Also visit the Kerkar Art Complex and acquaint yourself with the paintings and sculptures of local upcoming Goan artists. Indian classical music concerts and dances are held here once every week, so if you are there on Thursday or Friday, you can take part in the festivities.
|
