Calangute Beach

Freewheeling Calangute
Situated on the northern part of Goa, Calangute beach is often referred to as the 'Queen of Beaches'. Calangute seems to be a distortion of the local vernacular word-'Koli-gutti', which means land of fishermen. Some people connect it with Kalyangutti (village of art) or Konvallo-ghott (strong pit of the coconut tree) because the village is full of coconut trees. With the advent of the Portuguese, the word probably got distorted to Calangute, and has stuck till today. In a green semi-circle, the villages of Arpora-Nagoa, Saligao and Candolim do their bit to enhance the divine beauty of Calangute. There are picturesque agors (saltpans) at Agarvaddo, Maddavaddo is full of madd (coconut trees), Dongorpur skirts a bottle-green hillock and Tivaivaddo laces the beach.

In the '60s and '70s, this panoramic beach epitomized Goa's reputation as a haven for hedonistic hippies. It was the hippies who discovered the pristine surroundings and blissful serenity and golden sands. The hippies also spread the word around and brought hordes of European tourists. Decades later, tourists still trudge down the dusty, weather-beaten roads in search of that idyllic coastal Goa. On this lovely beach, Goans and tourists spend summers, bathing in the quiet solitude of the sea, sun and sand.

So, if you are planning to travel to Goa, Calangute is surely a place not to be missed. Frolicking families, eager hands making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea, hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands are some of the images that characterize this Queen of Beaches. This picture of a perfect tourist haven is completed with shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees selling everything from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells. The rainbow hued canvas of Calangute has welcomed everyone to it always though it became popular across the globe only after the hippies discovered it in the '60s. The town also offers a myriad of sightseeing options.

How to travel
If you are looking for easy, fast comfortable transportation modes to travel to Goa, you have a few options to go for the ride. Calangute beach is a mere thirty minutes bus ride up the coast from the capital, Panaji and is about ten minutes from Mapusa. There are frequent buses to Panaji and Mapusa from Calangute. Most buses from Panaji terminate at Calangute and a few trudge further on up to Baga. Mapusa is 8 km away from Calangute.

The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji. The nearest railway station is at Karmali 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour's drive away from Calangute. Private transportation facilities - deluxe, semi-deluxe and ordinary - are also available offering a smooth and hassle free holiday.

Where to stay
Calangute offers varied options for accommodation. From star hotels & resorts to budget rooms, the place has it all. Demand only outstrips supply in the Christmas - New Year high season, and at Diwali. One planning a longer stay should look out for 'To Let' signs, as there are plenty along the back lanes. The top hotels are nearly all gleaming white, exclusive villa complexes with pools, and direct beach access.

Hotels and Resorts near Calangute Beach, Goa

The Aguada Hermitage
Whispering Palms Beach Resort
Taj Holiday Village
Fort Aguada Beach Resort
Dona Alcina Resort
Hotel Baia De Sol
Paradise Village Beach Resort
Ronil Beach Resort
Ondas Do Mar Resort
Dona Terezinha Hotel