INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Candolim Beach

Candolim Beach, Mapusa - Goa

About Candolim Beach

Fifteen kilometers from Panjim, the Goan capital, is Candolim beach in north Goa. Beginning at Fort Aguada and merging with Calangute beach towards the end, it is one of the longest beaches in the state and is located in the Bardez taluka. The beach in itself is very calm and peaceful, at times tourists come here from Rajneesh Ashram in Pune to take a break. What adds to the scenic beauty of the sand and sea are the scrub covered dunes at the back of the beach quite popular with tourists.

The main road that is the Candolim Calangute road is packed with shops and restaurants, but the beach front is rather free of any commercial activity apart from some water activities. Though the beach is close to bustling Calangute beach, life is rather laid back at Candolim. Even the village isn't very clustered, its quite spread out so there isn't any centre to it as such. The area around the beach can be termed as resort free as there aren't any resorts there. However, the beach has quite a number of inns at reasonable prices with good facilities.

The beach has emerged as tourist beach lately but the place Candolim a history to it. It is the birthplace of Fr. Abbe Faria, father of science of hypnotism. Candolim has the honour of being the place where first revolt against Portuguese broke out.

Things to see and do

In spite of the rather uncrowded beach front, Candolim offers you a variety of water activities that you won't miss swimming at all. Actually, Candolim is not very safe for swimming since River Princess ship was grounded here in 2000. There can be undertows at any phase of the tide.

At the beach

The village of Candolim is a fishing village. If you are one of those who love to sit in the boat with your harpoon, then Candolim might offer you exactly what you want. You can either be humble and request villagers while they go fishing or embark on your own. Since a lot many tourists come from Pune's Rajneesh ashram, yoga and meditation is also a sprouting activity on the beach. Nightlife at Candolim is rather at peace, but in case you need to catch up with some, then head the adjoining Calangute beach. Or just enjoy some sea food on Candolim Calangute main road.

Some Sightseeing

Fort Aguada

The Candolim Chogm road will take you to Fort Aguada. Built in 1612, this Portuguese fort is a must visit. It was then built to protect Goa from Dutch invaders. It was at that time surrounded by a moat for protection purpose but all that remains today of that moat is a ditch over which Chogm road passes. Aguada fort houses a citadel, a lighthouse, a huge clock and a bell. Situated atop Sinquerim plateau, a climb to this fort will also get you a spectacular view of different shades of life in Goa. You see river Mandovi meeting the sea, the city of Panjim on the southern bank, Cabo Raj Bhavan on the hill top and huge cargo ships heading their way to the Mormugao port.

Chapel of St. Lawrence

On the shore of Aguada bay lies Chapel of St Lawrence. St. Lawrence is the patron saint of sailors of Goa. The chapel has its feast day on August 10. A picturesque snap shot can be taken from there of a beautiful mansion here by the name of Placio Aguada against the sea.

Candolim Church

This church, dedicated to Our Lady of Hope, has a look of a frosted icing cake. Built in 1560, it got its current beauty recently by the efforts of villagers. The church has some real good stained glass work inside and the rich paddies that stretch outside up to the Periline lend a rustic beauty to the scene.

Water activities

Water activity is something which can be termed as the prime attraction of Candolim. Its a perfect zone for you if its adventure that you seek in your vacation. The range of water activities here is so wide, you name it and they have it. Parasailing, Jet-skiing, water skiing, knee and wake boarding, wind surfing, speed boat rides, and much more. There are operators on Candolim who will provide with you with equipment as well as guides.

Apart from the adventure there is water activity if you are the laid back kind. Many boat operators in Goa take you to dolphin and crocodile spotting trips, island trips and fishing expeditions. There is no end to fun with water activity on Candolim. Its for you to gear up and hit the waves.