Candolim, Goa – a small cozy village in the northern part of the state. It is known for the cleanest beach in Goa and the absence of annoying merchants.
General information
Candolim is a small Indian village 15 km from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It is home to 8,500 people, most of whom work in the tourist industry.
Interestingly, this resort is not very similar to the neighboring ones. It is very clean, there are few merchants and almost no colorful public. Many tourists say that this part of India is more like Europe than Asia.
The main attractions of Candolim in Goa are the golden sand beach and Fort Aguada, located next door. Near the beach there are many decent cafes and restaurants, there are bars and shakes. In the menu of establishments you can find both local and European dishes.
The village has a large market, 2 shops and many shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Beach
Candolim Beach in Goa is one of the best in the state. It is clean, spacious and not noisy. Pale yellow sand is very fine, stones are extremely rare. The entrance to the water is gentle, there are no large boulders and seashells. Candolim’s coastline is 1.5 km long.
Waves in this part of Goa are extremely rare, so Candolim has become a popular holiday destination for the elderly and families with children from Europe. Also, wealthy Hindus often come here.
Interestingly, Candolim is always full of tourists, but the local beach can not be called noisy – here you can always find a quiet place to relax and meditate. One of the reasons is that merchants and fishermen are not allowed on the beach. Police officers are also often seen here, thanks to which Candolim is considered one of the safest resorts in India.
There are plenty of sun loungers, straw umbrellas and tables on the beach. They belong to the owners of local cafes, so in order to use the infrastructure of the beach for free, you need to order a drink or dish. Toilets and changing rooms are also available.
Finding shade on the beach itself is unlikely to work – palm trees grow 120-150 meters from the sea.
In the southern part of Candolim, there are many sports equipment rental points.
In the evening, the beach comes to life – karaoke, bars start working, and many locals come to admire the setting sun. Don’t forget to take a couple of beautiful photos of Candolim in Goa.
Things to do
Water attractions
You won’t be able to find water attractions and sports equipment rental points on Candolim beach itself, so if you want to have fun, head towards the village of Sinquerim (south direction). There you can enjoy banana boat and catamaran rides.
Diving
Diving is one of the main activities in Candolim. This is facilitated by the amazing beauty of the underwater world: colorful corals, large fish and seahorses. Many divers recommend diving into one of the sunken ships nearby – this is an unforgettable experience.
You can find a good instructor either directly in India, on Candolim Beach, or on the Internet (there are really a lot of diving schools in Goa).
Dolphins
Not far from the coast of Goa, fishermen often meet dolphins. Tourists can also see them. To do this, you need to rent a boat and go on a short trip.
Sunburn Festival
The Sunburn Festival is an electronic dance music festival that takes place in February. The dance floor is located right on the coast.
Last year, the festival was held not in Candolim, but in Pune. Nevertheless, local residents hope that next year the holiday will return to them again.
Night Market
Some of the best places to go in Candolim, Goa, are night markets – they are popular with Europeans in the dark, and Hindus are rarely found here. Since the sellers are focused on foreigners, here you can find things that you will not see during the day: all kinds of amulets, minerals, figurines, Indian jewelry.
Usually, local artists perform at night markets-they dance, sing and entertain the audience in every possible way. Tourists are advised to look at one of these events.
Accommodation
There are about 250 hotels and guesthouses in Candolim. There are both huge five-star hotels and modest apartments.
So, a room in a 3* * * hotel for two in high season will cost 40-120 dollars (a very large price range). This price usually includes an on-site swimming pool and restaurant, airport transfer, free parking and free breakfast.
Hotel Room 4**** in high season, it will cost $ 70-140 for two people. Living conditions are very different, but usually the price includes free spa treatments, the opportunity to swim in the on-site pool and relax in comfortable gazebos, and a very good breakfast.
Guesthouses are the most affordable, but no less convenient option. On average, a night for two in high season will cost $ 25-30. The price includes a buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking and a beautiful view of the sea from the room.
Please note that there are very few guesthouses in Candolim, and you must book your room well in advance.
As such, there are no districts in Candolim, so you should stay where you can afford. It is clear that the highest prices are in hotels located on the first coastline.
Where to eat
Candolim in India is a paradise for lovers of delicious food. There are a huge number of cafes, restaurants, and bars here. Local and European dishes are served at the hotel. Travelers are encouraged to try seafood and fresh juices.
Please note that unlike most Indian resorts, there are not a large number of fast food stalls here. It is also unlikely that you will be able to try the food that the locals eat.
Dish or drink | Cost (USD) |
---|---|
caesar salad | 2.10 |
Vegetable salad | 1.40 |
Seafood soup | 2.30 |
Chicken Sandwich | 2.30 |
Pizza | 4.50 |
Rice with chicken and curry | 2.10 |
Rice with king prawns | 2.40 |
Tandoori Chicken | 3.10 |
Local spirits (60 ml) | 2.20 |
Bottle of local beer | 1.50 |
Water and other soft drinks | 0.50-0.90 |
It is interesting that in addition to the dishes presented on the menu, in most cafes you can buy fresh seafood by weight. Tourists say that prices are not higher than market prices.
So you can have a big lunch in Candolim without spending more than 1,000 rupees ($14).
How to get there (from Dabolim Airport)
Dabolim is the only airport in the state of Goa, whose main task is to serve tourists. Both regular and charter flights arrive here. The airport receives more than 3.5 million passengers a year.
Candolim is located 14 km from Panaji and 40 km from Dabolim Airport.
Taxi
This is the most comfortable and fastest option. For those who travel with a large suitcase – and at all the only one. You can get to Candolim in 1 hour. The price will be 900-1000 rupees ($15-16).
Please note that there are 2 types of taxis available in Goa:
- Taxi of the Indian Department (black and yellow).
- Taxis accredited by the Goa Tourism Department (white).
There is no significant difference between these taxis, and the prices are exactly the same.
Bus
There is also a more difficult option – you must first get to Mapusa, and then get to Candolim. You can get from Dabolim Airport to Mapusa by bus. The journey time is 1 hour. The price is 20 rupees. Then you need to either change to another bus that goes to Candolim, or take a taxi to your destination. Travel time is 30 minutes. The price is 15 rupees.
Useful tips
- The best time to visit Candolim in Goa, India is from October to February. At this time of year, it is not so hot (no more than +32 °C), there are no heavy rains and high waves. The only downside is that prices are quite high during these months.
- To experience the local flavor, visit the markets. There are both day and night modes. Here you can buy aromatic spices, souvenirs and incense sticks.
- Candolim has 2 supermarkets – Newtone and Delfinos. The first one is quite large, but the prices here are also higher. And the second is a standard shop ” at home”, where there is everything you need.
- Officially, you can buy alcohol only in stores, and it is allowed to do this from 8.00 to 22.00. During the rest of the day, alcoholic beverages can be found in bars, but here they are sold at a surcharge.
- If you arrive at Dabolim airport, experienced travelers advise you to look for the same tourists as you, in order to take a taxi together (this will be much cheaper). You can also join various groups in social networks in advance, where you can not only find a company, but also read real reviews about Candolim beach, see photos of Goa taken by tourists.
- Be sure to check out the fish market, where you will find freshly caught shrimp and fish. Prices are low.
- The night life in Candolim ends early – already at 12 o’clock in the morning, the owners of cafes and bars gradually turn off the music, as if hinting that it’s time to rest. On weekends, they work a little longer – until 01.00-02.00 at night.
Candolim, Goa is the perfect holiday destination for those who are tired of India’s muddy beaches and pesky merchants.