Candolim offers a peaceful getaway from the maddening crowd at Calangute and Baga. Fifteen kilometers from Panjim, the Goan capital city, Candolim begins from Fort Aguada merging with Calangute beach at the southern end. The beach front is calm and quiet, blessed with no big resorts. Though tiny, Candolim offers one of the best water sport activities in Goa from parasailing and water skiing and full day boat cruises to isolated islanda or sunset cruises at dusk.
The beach is long and straight with the scrub-covered dunes at the backdrop adding to the beauty of the place. Villages are dispersed haphazardly around the area without having no real center. Lately, the beach has become very popular among package tourists. The beach also occupies an important place in the history of Goa; it is birthplace of the Father of Hypnotism, Abbe Faria and also where the first revolt against the Portuguese invaders was held.
How To Get There: You can catch a bus either from Mapusa or Calangute Beach. Few buses from Panaji will take you to the bus stand opposite the Casa Sea Shell and some continue even to the fort Aguada Beach Resort. Locally, you can hire taxis from the resorts.
Accommodation: The hotels and resorts are a little expensive here so book in advance if you do not want to exceed your budget. The inns at the beach are another good option for backpackers.
Attraction: You will be spoilt for choice at the range of water activities available here.
Parasailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, knee and wake boarding, wind surfing and speed boat rides – these are bound to excite the adventurer in you. All the necessary equipment and guides will be provided by the operators. If hard core activities are not your thing then hire a boat for some exciting dolphin, crocodile and island trips or watch the sun setting slowly down the ocean in a boating cruise. Otherwise head to the fishermen village for angling and practice yoga and meditation at the hotels to relax. End your day by stuffing your tummy with some exquisite Goan cuisine at the restaurants while listening to soft local music.
Another big attraction is the Fort Aguada, one of the most famous forts of Goa and a popular shooting spot for Indian movies. This 16th century fort is atop the cliffs of Sinquerim from where you can enjoy the view of River Mandovi pouring into the Arabian Sea, the grand building of Raj Bhavan and huge cargo ships waiting to dock at MormuGoa port.
To make your Goan holiday ever fresh in you memory, pick a memento from the shops lining the road to Calangute.
