Goa, Calangute – one of the most popular and crowded resorts in North Goa. This place is famous for its spacious beaches, huge market and beautiful nature.
General information
Calangute is a coastal city in North Goa, known for its beaches and their length. The population is just over 15,000 people. The name of the resort comes from the Indian word Kolongutt, which translates as “beautiful fishing village of the goddess Kali” (from Hindi) or” coconut palm” (from Konkani).
In the past, this is the” capital ” of hippies, and the city still has a lot of clubs, bars and quite a lot of other night entertainment.
Calangute, located in the north of Goa, is very popular with tourists. The peak season falls on New Year’s holidays, when thousands of residents of Europe and America come here to sunbathe and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the resort. This popularity is primarily due to its location. Calangute is less than 15 km from Panaji, the capital of North Goa, and less than 10 km from Mapusa.
Another reason why many tourists choose Calangute as a holiday destination is that it is home to the largest market in North Goa, where you can buy both fresh vegetables and a lot of interesting souvenirs.
Beach
The total length of the coastline in Calangute is about 7 km. The width is about 100 meters. In high season, the beach is never empty, so it is recommended to come to the water no later than 9 am. Most of the vacationers are young people, but there are quite a lot of families with children.
The beach is very crowded. On the outskirts of the town, vacationers are much smaller, but finding a place for privacy near the water is unlikely to work even there. If you prefer quiet, go to the beaches next to Calangute-there are fewer people and cleaner.
Sand and water
The sand on the beach is of volcanic origin, has a grayish tint. Rocks and shells are not found. Garbage is regularly cleaned, but there is still quite a lot of it.
The entrance to the water is gentle, so the beach is perfect even for families with small children. Waves rarely rise, and you will not find surfers here. There is no shade on the beach itself, but palm trees grow 50-60 meters from the water and there are many straw gazebos.
Please note that the beach is not suitable for sports activities. For snorkeling, the water is too muddy, for surfers-the lack of waves. Diving is also not popular here.
Infrastructure
The beach infrastructure in this part of India is well developed. There are a lot of sun beds and umbrellas, where you can relax relatively free of charge (for this you need to order a cocktail or dessert in one of the sheks). There are toilets and several changing booths. All this is located in the central part, but on the outskirts of the beach it is not.
Cafes and shops with Indian fast food are more than enough (prices are reasonable). There are a lot of merchants. The same goes for locals, many of whom like to be photographed with white-skinned tourists. In India, it is believed that such photos will bring good luck.
Advantages of Calangute Beach in Goa, India:
- beautiful nature;
- many cafes and fast food shops;
- night entertainment.
Cons of this beach in India:
- large number of people;
- lots of merchants;
- it’s dirty.
Accommodation
Calangute, India is a popular tourist destination. In total, the village has just over 300 accommodation options, including expensive hotels and guesthouses. The average price per night for two people in a guesthouse is $ 11-18 in high season. In a 3* hotel-from $ 24.
If you want to be in the center of events and are not afraid of noise, stay on the first coastline or in the center – there are always a lot of people here, and the nightlife is lively. Lovers of a more relaxed environment should pay attention to the outskirts of Calangute – it is relatively quiet and there are not so many tourists.
Hi Hospitality — Waves Calangute
- Rating on booking.com – 8,5 (very good).
Wave Calangute Beach Resort in India offers clean and spacious rooms, a large on-site swimming pool and a kitchen with all necessary appliances in each room. The hotel is located on the second coastline.
More photos of the Wave Calangute Hotel in Goa and Calangute Beach in India can be found on the booking page.
The price of a night for two in high season is $ 39.
Le Méridien Goa, Calangute
- Rating on booking.com -8.8 (amazing).
Le Méridien Goa, Calangute-a cozy 5* hotel near the sea. The rooms, designed by professional designers, have everything you need for a comfortable stay: household appliances, a private bathroom and basic necessities. Other facilities offered at the hotel include a family kids ‘ club, a billiard room, a fitness room and an outdoor pool.
The price of a night for two in high season is $ 126.
Chalston Beach Resort
- Rating on booking.com – 8,5 (very good).
Chalston Beach Resort is located a few meters from Calangute’s main beach. The rooms are small but clean and tasteful. The hotel offers:: an on-site swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, bar and garden entertainment. Guided tours to the nearest Indian cities can be purchased directly at the hotel.
The price of a night for two in high season is $ 53.
Calangute hotels and guesthouses in North Goa are very popular with tourists, so you need to book a room much in advance. This rule applies to all resorts in India.
Where to eat
The entire coast of Calangute is built up with large and small shops, cafes and restaurants, so tourists will definitely not stay hungry here. Prices vary greatly. So, the most expensive sheki are located on the beach. The cheapest ones are located in the village center.
Prices in restaurants on the beach:
| Dish, drink | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Seafood soup | 2.10 |
| Pizza | 4.20 |
| Tandoori Chicken | 3.00 |
| Rice with king prawns | 2.60 |
| Chicken Sandwich | 2.10 |
| Local spirits (60 ml) | 2.00 |
| Bottle of local beer | 1.20 |
Goan and Indian dishes, as well as European dishes, are prepared in the establishments. In almost all cafes, you can find a menu in Russian.
Prices at restaurants in central Calangute:
| Dish, drink | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Momo with cheese and vegetables | 1.80 |
| Rice with seafood | 2.40 |
| Vegetable salad | 1.20 |
| Thai soup | 1.45 |
| Porridge with fruit | 0.89 |
| Fruit cocktail | 1.5 |
| Fresh juice | 1.0 |
Cafes in the central part of Calangute are most popular with locals, so prices are lower here. In addition, you can try local fast food, which you are unlikely to find on the beach.
Thus, in a cafe located in the city center, you can have a snack for 5-6 dollars.
How to get there (from Dabolim Airport)
Calangute and Dabolim Airport in India are 40 km apart, which can be covered by:
- By bus. This option should be considered only for those travelers who have little luggage. You will need to take the Dabolim-Panaji bus, and then transfer to the Panaji-Calangute flight. The total travel time is 1 hour. The price is 50 rupees. Boarding and disembarking takes place at the main bus station of Panaji.
- Taxi. The easiest and not very expensive way to get around. The car can be picked up either in the parking lot in front of the airport, or ordered in advance. The journey time will be 40-50 minutes. The price is 600-800 rupees.
- By train. This is the most difficult option, but it will not be superfluous in some situations. You will need to take a train to Tiwim station. Take a taxi for the remaining 7 km. The journey time is 45 minutes. The price is 200-350 rupees.
It should be borne in mind that train tickets in India must be purchased in advance, and it is quite difficult to find them. However, even if this was not done, you should not worry too much – many travelers say that the inspectors, who are already rare, usually fine only residents of India.
If you plan to take a taxi, many tourists recommend visiting the tourist forums dedicated to Goa – there you will not only find like-minded people, but also those people with whom you can share the cost of a taxi ride.
If you come to Calangute by bus, then do not skimp, and get to the hotel by tuk-tuk-the price will be low, and will save a lot of nerves and effort. As for getting around inside the resort, experienced travelers recommend either walking or renting a bicycle – the city is very small, and there is no need for a car.
Useful tips
- Calangute is home to one of the largest markets in North Goa. Here you can buy vegetables, spices and fruits, as well as traditional Indian clothing. Of particular interest to visitors to India are bright shawls and postcards with photos of Calangute and Goa.
- The city is connected by public transport only to Panaji and Mapusa, so if you want to go somewhere far away, you will first have to come to these cities.
- The most comfortable holiday weather in Calangute is set in November-February. The thermometer does not rise above 32 degrees, and there is no rain or strong wind. During the rainy season (June-October), you should not come here.
- Many locals like girls with white skin, so if you are one of them, you will often be approached with a request to take a picture or just try to strike up a conversation. Polite refusals are unlikely to make a difference.
- One of Calangute’s most famous cultural attractions is the Kerkar Art Complex. Here the most famous local artists exhibit their works. In addition, eastern dance festivals are often held here, and guests of the country can also take part in them.
- Tourists vacationing in the resort of Calangute like to visit the flea market, which takes place in Ajuna on Wednesdays.
- One of the main disadvantages of the beach in Calangute, Goa is the huge number of merchants who greatly inflate prices and simply do not allow you to relax in peace. Be also prepared for a large number of dogs and cows on the beach.
- Calangute has a very lively nightlife, and almost all establishments are open at least until 02.00 am. The biggest parties are during the Christmas holidays.
- Hotels in Calangute should be booked at least 2 months in advance (especially if the trip is planned in high season).
- Near Calangute beach there are two forts – Chapora and Aguada. The distance is 8 and 10 km, which can be covered by tuk-tuk or taxi.
Goa, Calangute is a great holiday destination for active people.
