Calangute Beach: The Queen of Beaches
Calangute Beach, often referred to as the Queen of Beaches, is perhaps Goa’s best known beach and is also considered to be one of the world’s best beaches. The beach infrastructure is well-developed and is in line with the beach’s beautiful geography and clean environs. On weekends (especially, long weekends), the beach is thronged by hundreds of urban dwellers, who come to take a dip in the sea water and soak in some dun. On less-crowded days (which are increasingly becoming rarer), Calangute beach is ideal for long swims and walks; one can also avail of the many water sports options available at the beach.
Places to visit in Calangute Beach
The nearby authentic Goan villages of Arpora-Nagoa, Saligao and Candolim are a definite must-visit. These villages are perfect representatives of the idyllic laid-back Goan lifestyle that is world known. Further, the Calangute beach is situated in Goa, which can be considered to be the most-visited tourist destination in India. Goa is a former Portuguese colony and as such is quite blessed with Portuguese-style colonial architecture. Goa has plenty of Portugal-styled churches and colonial era government buildings, which are in use even today. Further, there are many other beaches within the vicinity of Calangute beach; these too make for excellent getaways.
Calangute Beach- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
- Languages- English and Hindi are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Calangute beach, and as such communication should not be a problem.
- Cuisine- Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Calangute beach.
Many tour operators cover the Calangute beach as part of their Goa tours. The waters surrounding the Calangute beach are rich in aquatic life and make for excellent fishing points
Best time to visit Calangute beach
The Calangute beach can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, one may not be able to soak up a whole lot of sun. Further, as the Calangute Beach is decently accessible from the major towns and cities of the region, it has become one of Goa’s premier weekend getaways. Consequently, the Calangute beach is not so secluded during the weekends. Also, Goa gets very crowded during the months of November and December when tourists from all over the world throng its beaches. Further, even the most secluded of seafronts and beaches may not be that empty. If, however, one digs trance and beach parties, Calangute beach is the place to be, especially during the New Year’s.
Best way to reach Calangute beach
- By Air: Dabolim Airport, located about 40 kms away, is the nearest airport. Dabolim is one of India’s most prominent domestic airports, and is connected via daily flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Mysore, Pune, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Chennai and Hyderabad.
- By Rail: The nearest railhead is Thivim (located some 20 odd kilometres away), which is one of the more important railway stations in the region and as such is well-connected to the major cities in the region.
- By Road: The Calangute beach is well connected to all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region. Local transport largely consists of non-metered auto rickshaws, unregulated and regulated buses and hitch-hiking. Perhaps, the best way to enjoy Goa is by hiring a motorbike.
Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The Calangute beach abounds in family vacation beach resorts, beach retreats, beach vacation homes, beach hotels and beach houses. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via beach holiday packages, beach tours and beach holidays. A very interesting feature of Calangute beach is that there are many beach camps and beach resorts that dot all over the long sandy stretch. Many such beach camps and beach resorts offer private beaches that are out of bounds for outsiders.