Famously
known as the 'Queen of Beaches' and a popular hippy hangout, Calangute is
Goa's most commercialised and also its busiest beach area. Calangute also
owes its discovery to the flower children who settled here in the 1960s from
all over the world. This picturesque paradise with its silvery beaches, salt
pans, coconut groves and green hillocks now hosts busloads of tourists who
come here to soak in the salubrious sea air, pulsating nightlife,
inexpensive flea markets and generous helpings of history.
Attractions
The Calangute Church with its massive white dome is a popular landmark in
calangute and definitely worth a dekko. The Church of St. Alex was first
erected by the villagers in 1595 and is one of the oldest surviving churches
in Goa.
Stalls and even upmarket stores line the road that connects Calangute with
the town, Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls selling
Himalayan curios and jewellery are unique fixtures here. Surprisingly enough
the curious sold here are not specific to Goa but sourced from all parts of
the country.
Calangute's restaurants are grouped around the entrance to the beach and
along the Baga road. Seafood is definitely a specialty here and much in
demand also though many places tack on a few token vegetarian dishes.
Sumptuous western breakfasts also feature prominently.
Entertainment
The Kerkar Art Complex, located on the beach, is a popular center for
exhibitions of arts and crafts of local artistes. This charming
studio-gallery also organises cultural performances by the local artists and
students. Tickets are very reasonable and easily available. At Calangute
also the nightlife is as hip and happening as can be expected. Numerous bars
cater to a variety of tourists and play a wide variety of music. A safe
place to swim, this beach offers a wide variety of water sports; choose from
parasailing, wind -skiing, and windsurfing. A large number of boat operators
also offer dolphin and crocodile spotting trips. Island trips, fishing
expeditions and river cruises are all hugely popular.
Accommodation
Kerkar Retreat
This charming retreat is run by a contemporary artist and even includes an
art gallery and a studio where if you so wish you could even paint your own
masterpiece. The rooms are simple and filled with paintings, objects d'art,
curios and hand painted ceramic tiles, making one feel as if they are in
their own private museum. Guests are welcome to make their own meals in the
small kitchen here, but for those who don't want to cook, the staff make an
excellent Goan curry with freshly caught fish and there are plenty of
restaurants and cafes nearby. Just a few minutes walk from Goa's Calangute
beach, this retreat combines modest rates with sun, sand and a healthy dose
of culture. The rooms are priced between Rs 1,200-3,800.
Hotel Goan Heritage
Located on the Calangute beach itself, this hotel is at a distance of 2 kms
from the the Calangute Village, 8 kms from the market town Mapusa and about
14 kms from Goa's Capital, Panjim. The hotel provides 68 well furnished
rooms, has a swimming pool, a well stocked bar, multicuisine restaurants, a
beauty parlour, live bands and cultural shows and the friendly staff here
even organise expeditions for the guests. The rooms cost anywhere between Rs
1,800-2,500.
