Candolim Beach
Location of Beach
Candolim lies in Bardez Taluka, south of Calangute Beach, the southernmost beach of Bardez, near Reis Magos and Porvorim. Mapusa is the closest big town at a distance of 10 kms, while Panaji, Goa's capital city is only 13 kms away.
Beach Overview
If you dream to enjoy an exciting boat trip along with spotting mystic sea creatures or to pass some calm and peaceful moments, then Candolim is the place which offer exactly what you want. Here the charming sea and its magical environs will force you to embark on boat trips either on your own or with the help of villagers while they go fishing. Not only the boating trips, but also the clean white sands, deep blue sea and scrub covered dunes will fascinate your imagination.
Once a fishing village, Candolim is now one of the longest beaches of Goa. It starts at Fort Aguada and merges with Calangute beach at its other end. Candolim Beach extends from the Taj Hotels to Escrivao Vaddo, on the main Candolim-Calangute road. The main road and its bylines' are dotted with plenty of shops, restaurants, but the Candolim beachfront is less crowded and much peaceful than the nearby Calangute Beach.
Apart from a place of tourist interest, Candolim has historic significance as well. Candolim is the birthplace of Fr. Abbe Faria, the founder of the science of hypnotism. In addition to this, Candolim is also the place where the first revolt against Portuguese was launched by the Goans and the revolt of the Pintos was led by Goan Catholic priests.
Beach Attractions
Water Sports : Candolim Beach is the perfect place for you, if water sports feature in your holiday itinerary. In fact water sports are the prime attraction of the Candolim beach. Here you can indulge into a range of water sports that include parasailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, bump rides, banana rides, catamaran sailing, wind surfing, knee and wake boarding, speedboat rides. There are several water sports operators on Candolim beach which provide the essential equipments and trained guides as well.
Remember, Candolim is not safe for swimming as there can be an unpredictable undertow at different phases of the tide.
Boat Trips : Boat trips are an exciting way to spot the mighty creatures of the sea. A large number of boat operators in Candolim offer boat trips. Among the popular boat trips are dolphin spotting trips, crocodile spotting trips, island trips, fishing expeditions and river cruises. All the boats in Candolim are certified by the Mercantile Marine Department and have safety equipment on board and insurance for passengers.
Leisure Activities : If you are worn out after taking up the water sports, go for some leisure activities to rejuvenate yourself. Shopping is the best leisure activity in Candolim, you must visit Rust, a lifestyle store where you can buy almost everything, right from studio pottery to furniture to conversation items. Regal Arcade, a two- storied shopping complex houses several shops which sell leather items, jewellery like earrings, rings, necklaces, branded sunglasses, goggles and spectacles. Apart from these, there are several other shopping arcades and stores where you can shop for a wide range of products.
After shopping, head towards the beachside shacks to enjoy some Goan delicacies. These shacks offer fabulous seafood, especially tiger prawns and lobsters at reasonable prices.
Nightlife : Nightlife at Candolim beach is not exhilarating rather peaceful. Visit the 10 Downing Street, next to Taj Holiday Village which has a pub and a club. If you want to enjoy some pleasant moment, then head towards the Geoffrey's which plays music of eighties at low volumes.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Aguada : A must visit palace, Fort Aguada defines the Goa's Portuguese past. To visit this fort, you have to take a drive on the Candolim's Chogm road. Fort Aguada was erected in 1612 to defend Goa from the Dutch. Initially Fort Aguada was surrounded by a moat, which cut the fort off from the Bardez mainland for protection. Today, the moat is not there, but what you see is only the remains in the form of a ditch. Climb up to the fort, which stands at the top of the Sinquerim Plateau. The climb will provide you a fantastic view of colourful life in Goa. While you are atop the fort, a breathtaking panaroma welcomes you, get the spectacular sight of the Mandovi river meeting the sea, the beautiful city of Panjim on the south bank, the cliff-top Cabo Raj Bhawan and the cargo ships on their way to the Mormugao Port. In the fort you will also see a citadel, a lighthouse, a big clock and a bell.
Chapel of Saint Lawrence : When you are on the way to the Fort Aguada, the magnificent Chapel of Saint Lawrence comes first. Dedicated to St. Lawrence, the patron saint of sailors, this chapel is known for enjoying the most advantageous locale of all Goan chapels. August 10 is the feast day of this chapel, which usually coincides with the Narali Purnima. Just outside the chapel gate, you can get a splendid view of Placio Aguda, a massive structure constructed by Jimmy Gazdar. 
Candolim Church : First constructed in 1560 by Fr. Pedro de Belem, the Candolim Church was repaired and remodelled in 1661. Dedicated to Our Lady of Hope, this church got its present frosted icing-cake look by the efforts of villagers and the contributions of Candolim parishioners. Exterior beauty of this parochial church is enhanced by the rich emerald paddies, while its interior has some superb stained glass panels.
Best Time to Visit
Candolim has an almost similar climate throughout the year, with little variations in average maximum and minimum temperatures. June to October is rainy season here, so it is advised to avoid this period. The best time to visit the Candolim Beach is November to February.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is not at all a problem in Candolim as there are hundreds of hotels in the village. Among the hundred hotels, only few are on the beachfront. Finest hotels of this picturesque beach town are Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Taj Hermitage. Taj Holiday Village, Coqueral Holiday Home, Per Avel Holiday Home, De Mello's Guest House, Sonesta Inn, Dona Florina Beach Resort and Whispering Palms Beach Resort.
How to Reach
Goa's only airport, Dabolim is 45 kms away from the Candolim Beach. Dabolim Airport is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other major Indian cities. Pre-paid taxis and private taxis are available at Dabolim Airport, which you have to hire to reach Candolim. Panaji (13 kms) and Thivim Station (19 kms) are the nearest railway stations from Candolim. Regular buses leave from Panaji and Mapusa to Candolim in every 15 minutes. Bus, motorcycle taxis and auto-rickshaws are the preferred options for local transport.
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