Calangute india map. Calangute Beach: a complete guide. Beach clothing and souvenir vendors

Calangute Beach in Goa - tourists' dream many countries of the world. White sand, palm trees and the Indian Ocean washing the shore - all you need to organize a fabulous holiday for yourself.

Every year, a huge number of tourists come to the Indian town with a population of just over 15 thousand people to celebrate the New Year and Christmas. It is during this period that the resort experiences the peak of the high season.

City on the map of India and Goa in Russian

Calangute is located in one of the most ecologically clean areas. Most tourists traveling independently, once in the country, strive to get to this resort.

Geographic coordinates of Calangute: 15°32′38″ north latitude, 73°45′19″ east longitude.

Where is?

You need to look for Calangute on a map of India in the center of Goa. The city is located on the coast. It has a very good location. Almost 10 km of sandy beaches of the resort represent a stretch of coastline from Sinquerim to Baga.

Cities closest to Calangute- Mapusa and the capital of Goa - Panaji. The distance from Calangute to Mapusa is 10 km, to Panaji - 15 km.

How to get there?

Well developed in Goa road network which are in good condition. You can get around the state by car, taxi or bus. The latter connect Calangute with other parts of the state. The most convenient means of transport in Goa resorts are scooters and motorcycles.

You have to take a bus to get to remote areas of the state. with transfer. You will have to change 3 buses when getting from Calangute to the airport.

The closest air harbor to Calangute is in Dabolim at a distance of 40 km from the resort.

This airport accepts flights from Russia. The most convenient way to travel from there to Calangute - by taxi. You can save on your trip by ordering public transport from the taxi stand at the exit of the airport terminal. You can select a private carrier that suits the cost of your trip on a special information board.

Getting to Calangute by train possible from Tivim station. You can travel between the resorts and the state capital by bus. The distance from Calangute to is 19 km, to Arambol - 24 km. Hampi, a popular tourist destination, is located 324 km from the city. You can get there from Goa by a sleeper bus.

The flight to Goa lasts at least 7.5 hours. Read about flight options from Russia to the state.

Information about the resort with photos

In the recent past, Calangute was an ordinary Indian fishing village with a poor population. Only occasionally did random tourists and local rich people visit these places.

Story

The resort has the glory of the former hippie capitals. They were the first tourists who began to explore Goa in the 60s of the last century. From those memorable times, the resort has a tradition of holding noisy parties and open airs.

Until 1961, Goa was a Portuguese colony for many centuries. Traces of this period can still be felt in the resort today. In the city you can hear English and Spanish spoken. The hippies who replaced the Portuguese on the coast were attracted to Calangute by the warm climate and the legal sale of hashish.

Local residents came in droves from nearby villages to look at the stoned, naked hipars.

Gradually, people began to appear on the sandy beach. bars with alcoholic drinks. Following them, campsites began to be built in the village, then hotels, restaurants and cafes. It's hard to find hippies in modern Calangute.

Currently sounds here Goa trance. This is one of the trends of psychedelic music that originated in Goa in the 90s.

Weather

High season at the resort lasts from November to March. This is the most comfortable time to relax in Goa. The largest flow of tourists comes to Calangute in December-January. The average air temperature on the coast during this period remains at +33°C. This is the driest time of the year at the resort.

At night the air temperature drops to +20-24°C in January. Water temperature in the winter months is +30-32°C.

The period from April to October is considered at the resort rainy season. At this time, the temperature and humidity of the air increase significantly; people feel completely uncomfortable in such conditions. The hottest month at the resort is May. The temperature during this period is 2-3 degrees higher than in January.

Safety

Traveling around Goa need to be wary of theft. When checking into a hotel or hotel, you should use a safe. Its provision is included among the additional services.

In the reviews of many tourists about their holidays in Calangute, you can find words that valuables can disappear at the resort even from a locked safe. Chances of finding the thief and returning the stolen property close to zero. They steal in Goa on beaches, in transport, shops, bars, restaurants, and on the street.

When traveling to the resort, you must be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis. When relaxing at sea you need to observe:

• It is forbidden sail far from the shore due to strong tidal waves and strong seasonal currents. If a problem arises on the water, you should not count on someone else’s help at the resort;
• You can't relax on the beach drink alcohol and drugs, which are not difficult to buy at the resort;
• It is forbidden swim next to the rocks and leave children without visual supervision;
• When swimming in the sea, you must comply special caution. Its waters are home to poisonous fish, jellyfish, stingrays, moray eels and other inhabitants of the deep sea that pose a danger to humans;
• Even minor wounds received in Goa must be handle carefully. The consequences of their suppuration can be fatal.

When moving on land, you need to carefully look under your feet and to the sides. Poisonous insects and snakes can be found at the resort. Here a lot of stray dogs.

Tourists are often interested in the question of whether one woman can go to Calangute. Undoubtedly it is possible, but to ensure their safety, women vacationing at the resort should not go out at night or appear unaccompanied.

Despite the large list of possible dangers that a tourist may encounter at the resort, in general the situation at the resort is not so tragic. Only a few of the thousands of tourists arriving in Calangute encounter any danger. If you follow all the rules, your holiday at the resort will leave only pleasant impressions.

Transport

Most of the state's residents use public transport. When traveling by bus or train, you need to be careful. Many people in the state have skin diseases.

To travel around the resorts, it is better to use a taxi or rent a car, motorcycle or moped.

Before renting a vehicle, you must carefully inspect and check technical serviceability. International companies operate at the resort: Hertz and Budget Rent-a-Car, Eurocar. It is better to rent a vehicle from such companies. Moped and motorcycle rentals at the resort can be found in any area of ​​Calangute.

Infrastructure

The main attraction of Calangute is the beach. The city has a network of restaurants and hotels, and a large number of bars. Most shops are open at the resort from 10:00 until late in the evening. In them you can to bargain with sellers. The exception is the network of large Government Emporium supermarkets and shops with the inscription “fixed prices”.

The menu of local restaurants consists mainly of national cuisine. European food can be found in hotel restaurants. There are such establishments in the city. Among them:

1. Chef Soumyen's Kitchen;
2. A Reverie;
3. Chocolatti.

These establishments offer a large number of dishes for vegetarians. Restaurant chefs can prepare a variety of children's dishes, so the question of where to feed your child should not arise.

The entire coast of the resort is built up with shek huts. These are small eateries where you can taste excellent seafood and local fish.

Not far from Calangute beach there is tibetan market. Nearby you can find the best fish restaurants in the resort. The largest fresh assortment of fish is presented at the central market of the city.

Most colorful and attractive for tourists, the market is located in Mapusa. Here you can inexpensively buy exotic fruits, local souvenirs, jewelry, spices and much more. Three night markets are very popular at the resort: in Arpora, Baga and small Vagator.

There are a large number of things to do in Calangute massage according to Hindu and Tibetan methods. The city has medical centers, spas, and a well-developed network of pharmacies; for example, experienced travelers recommend Himalaya and Patanjali pharmacies.

Shopping

Most tourists bring with them from their trip to this village silver jewelry, which are sold at the resort by Tibetans. You can’t leave Goa without buying the local “Old Monk” rum. The drink is bottled not only in glass, but also in plastic containers. Traditional purchases in India include tea, spices and local fabrics.

Where to stay?

It is better to determine your accommodation location at the resort before your trip. Calangute hotel service starts from 2*. This is super economy class with a minimum of comfort. The highest prices for accommodation are in hotels located on the first line. The majority of 5 star hotels are located here.

The best 5 and 4 star hotels, first line

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Candolim 5* located on the coastal line, 5 km from Calangute beach, 8 km from Baga and 50 km from the airport. The hotel has 121 rooms. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning. The hotel has Wi-Fi, its own garden, car and bicycle rental.

Aashyana Lakhanpal Villas and Casinhas 4* is located next to the beach. The hotel has Wi-Fi, spa, bar, restaurant. All hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning.

Hotel staff says in English.

Rating of 3* and 2* hotels

• Village Royale 2*. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, parking and a swimming pool.

A big plus is that every room at the Village Royale has a fan or air conditioning.

• Calangute Mahal 2*. Budget guesthouse option. Located next to the beach.
• Dona Terezinha 2*. The hotel has a swimming pool, rental of scooters or bikes. Each room has fans.
• Kris Resort 3*. The hotel rooms are equipped with a safe, minibar, satellite TV. Each room has a fan or air conditioner.

You can find a room in the hotel you need using this search form. Enter city, check-in and check-out dates, and number of guests.

Rest in the village

The main holiday destination in Calangute is, of course, beach tourism. It is for the sake of swimming in the Arabian Sea and enjoying the warm rays of the sun that tourists come here.

Beach

From Baga in the north of the state to Candolim in the south stretches a sand spit, which is called "Queen of the Beaches of Goa". Calangute is located between these resorts. Here you can find various water activities. These include surfing, diving and shore fishing.

To feel comfortable on vacation, you need to take care of filling your suitcase. Read on to find out what things you will need for a trip to the sea.

Along the entire length of the beach there are sun loungers. In order not to pay for them, it is enough to buy something in the bar closest to the sun lounger.

In terms of cleanliness, the local beach is significantly inferior to Greek or Turkish ones, but still in Calangute the water is quite clean, and so is the sand. For local residents, going knee-deep into the sea is considered heroic. At sea, they can expect an unpleasant encounter with stinging jellyfish or poisonous fish.

Entertainment

Local entertainers came up with their own for vacationers entertainment list. These include:

1. courses meditation and yoga;
2. different kinds massage;
3. night clubs "Mambo", "Tito's" And "Kamaki" with eternal parties.

One of the types of local entertainment is shopping. The variety of exotic oriental goods and the opportunity to bargain with sellers delight many tourists.

Tibetan and Kashmiri goods are exhibited in museums in many countries around the world. Paintings by local artists are also of great interest.

There are many attractions in the vicinity of Calangute that are of interest to vacationers. You can visit them as part of a tour. Quest lovers can visit in Calangute Mystery Rooms. The doors of the Casino Palms casino are open for gambling tourists.

Sights: what to see nearby and where to go?

Already at the entrance to the city, tourists are greeted by a Catholic St. Alex's Church. Its age exceeds 400 years. The snow-white walls of the temple stand out against the backdrop of a palm grove.

Among those located around Calangute is worth seeing:

• Old Goa(Goa Velha). This is a monument from the era of Portuguese colonization. The Catholic Cathedral of St. Catherine is located here. It was built in the 16th century and is the largest in Asia;

St. Catherine's Cathedral was built in honor of the victory over the Muslim occupation.

• Fort Aguada. The building was erected by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Ensured the safety of the Marathas' approach from the sea;
• Divar Island. A visit to the island is included in many excursion programs. It is located on the Mandovi River. Travel to it is carried out on small boats or motor boats;
• Dudhsagar Falls. Its length is 603 meters. It is located in a place unique in its natural beauty - Bhagwan Mahavir National Park.

It is better to travel around Goa as part of a tourist group.

Candolim or Calangute: what to choose?

Two popular resorts of Goa are located at a distance of 2 km. Despite such geographical proximity of their location, there are serious differences. Tourists come to Calangute who prefer a noisy, exotic holiday, devoid of prejudices. Candolim is a place for a quiet holiday.

Each tourist chooses a vacation spot based on the environment in which he wants to be more. Considering the short distance between the resorts, during one holiday period you can taste the delights of both cities and appreciate their merits.

Look video review Calangute resort:

The state of Goa has received more than a hundred kilometers of coastline, stretching from the borders with the state of Maharashtra in the north to the borders of the state of Karnataka in the south. For many years, sections of this extensive coastline have been popular destinations for locals and travelers. Since the influx of foreign tourists to Goa began in the 70s, some beaches have become more popular than others due to their distinctive natural features and the various attractions that are available near them.
Perhaps the most famous among all the beaches in Goa is Calangute. This is the largest beach in North Goa with an uninterrupted coastline stretching for several kilometers. Calangute Beach is actually part of the city of the same name, located 15 km north of Goa's capital, Panaji. Also known as the "King of Beaches" due to its immense popularity and long coastline, Calangute is a very popular and therefore crowded beach during the high season, which is in stark contrast to the beaches in South Goa.

On this page:

1. Video
2. Location on the map of Goa
3. How to get there
4. When is the best time to go?
5. Attractions
5.1. St. Alex's Church
5.2. Healing springs
5.3. Kerkar Art Complex
5.4. Fort Aguada
5.5. Holiday Street
6. Beaches nearby
6.1. Sinquerim Beach
6.2. Coco Beach
6.3. Baga Beach
7. Nightlife
8. Shopping in
9. Tibetan market
10. What to do for tourists
11. Where to eat
11.1. Lazy Days
11.2. Chef Soumyen's Kitchen
11.3. Zuperb
11.4. Chelsea
12. Hotels
12.1. Horizon Hotel
12.2. Lambana Resort Hotel
12.3. Ocean Palms Goa
12.4. Osbourne Resort Hotel
12.5. Palmarinha Resort
12.6. Santa Monica Hotel
12.7. Somy Resort
13. Questions from tourists
13.1. Distance to Candolim
13.2. Distance to Baga
13.3. How long to walk to Anjuna
13.4. How much does drinking water cost?
13.5. Are there large supermarkets
13.6. How much does it cost to rent a scooter
13.7. Massage
13.8. Pharmacy
13.9. What to buy

Video

Calangute on the map of Goa

If you look at the map, you will notice that Calangute is located in North Goa, about 15 km from Panaji, and is surrounded by areas such as Saligao, Candolim and Epora Nagpoa.
This is one of the most crowded beaches in India during the high season. The best time to visit it is from November to February, when a pleasant atmosphere reigns here. However, it should be noted that Calangute is one of the few beaches in Goa where you can relax throughout the year. Although the summer here is hot, rainy and stuffy, the beach does not die out like other tourist areas of Goa.

How to get to Calangute

Due to its immense popularity, Calangute Beach is one of the most accessible places in Goa. This town has a bus station, so many other parts of North and South Goa can be reached through regular bus services. Buses to Panaji run from here with enviable regularity, and from the state capital you can take another bus to any place.
Apart from buses, you can always use a taxi or a rickshaw. For trips within the resort area, a rickshaw is better, and for trips to other resort areas, a taxi is a more comfortable option. Although the cost of riding it is about 2 times higher than that of a rickshaw, a long rickshaw ride can make you very tired. In addition, I do not see a rickshaw as a safe transport for traveling between regions of Goa.
The drive to Calangute from Panaji takes about 30 minutes. It should be noted that taxi fares tend to rise rapidly during peak season.
If you need to get to Calangute from the airport, a taxi is the best option, although you can also take a bus to Panaji and then change buses to Calangute. Another option is to rent a car.
To travel inexpensively in Goa, you can rent a bike in Calangute. On a bike you can not only get to various attractions for pennies, but also go to the nearest beaches, such as Candolim, Baga, Anjuna, etc.

Weather in Calangute: when is the best time to go?

To make the most of your holiday in this resort area, it is best to visit before the start of the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. During May, temperatures regularly reach 34°C. For this reason, May, although a relatively dry month, is not very suitable for holidays here. The best time for a holiday, as we have already said, is from November to February, but October, March and April can also be safely considered for a trip to this area of ​​North Goa.
Since most of the locals are Christian, the New Year period is a great time to visit Calangute, as there are plenty of events to enjoy, including fireworks on the beach at Christmas and New Year. Temperatures at this time of year are usually the most comfortable, with an average of 25°C. In addition, the amount of precipitation at this time is minimal.

Attractions of Calangute

St. Alex's Church

The church founded by Francis is popular among tourists due to its architectural beauty. The church has two towers, altars and a white dome. This church was originally founded in 1595, making it one of the oldest functioning churches in Goa. The church you can see today was built by local residents in 1741. The towers of this church were built in 1765.

Healing springs

These springs are believed to have medicinal properties. They are located in Mottante and are an ideal place for a picnic and a dip in the healing waters. The road to the springs begins at the Bom Vijam Temple.

Kerkar Art Complex

Kerkar Gallery is a popular art gallery that displays images and paintings created by Subodh Kerkar. The exhibition also features works by contemporary artists from across India.

Fort Aguada

Relatively close to Calangute is the largest and best preserved fort in Goa. It was built in 1612 to guard the entrance to the Mandovi River and takes its name from several freshwater springs that existed in its place. For the ships that sailed from Portugal, this was the first stop after a long journey. Today it houses a state prison. In the center of the fort there is a lighthouse built in 1864. It once housed the Great Bell of St. Augustine's Church in Old Goa before it was moved to Our Lady of the Immaculate Church in Panaji.

Holiday Street

This is the first place in Calangute to find quality Indian products. If you're looking for a souvenir for yourself or your friends, or jewelry to complement your wardrobe, you'll enjoy strolling through the many stalls that line both sides of this street. If you get hungry while walking, there are plenty of restaurants in the area where you can grab lunch or a snack.

Beaches near Calangute

You can walk or take a rickshaw to other resorts nearby. Why do this? Well, at least because these are quieter places where you can take a break from the crowds. In addition, he always wants variety, to see something new and interesting.

Sinquerim Beach

Coco Beach

Baga Beach

Nightlife in Calangute

After sunset, Calangute continues to be quite a noisy and crowded place as hippies and travelers party throughout the evening and night. Beach cafes turn into bars in the evening, where alcohol flows like a river.
Despite its size, Calangute does not have as vibrant a nightlife as Anjuna. The parties here are not so noisy, although you will always find a place where you can have a blast. Tito's club has the only dance floor in the entire resort area, but this does not mean that you cannot dance somewhere else. Dancing on the beach on the sand has not been canceled. In my opinion, the atmosphere at the party depends not so much on the establishment, as much as from the people who are present at it.I have often seen examples of how an ordinary beach shack turned into a central place on the entire beach.
Among the places where it is almost always fun, one can highlight only Tito's and the Bob's Inn bar, located near Candolim.

Shopping in Calangute

If you take into account the neighboring Baga Beach and the nearby village of Arpora, which can be reached on foot if desired, it is fashionable to say that Calangute is the best shopping destination in Goa among the beach areas. Only Panaji and perhaps Margao offer better shopping conditions.
In the neighboring village of Arpora, a flea market opens on Saturday evening. It's a great alternative to the Wednesday day market at nearby Anjuna. The Saturday market in Arpora offers the opportunity not only to buy quality goods, but also to watch impressive shows and listen to live music.
There is also a good Tibetan market in the center of Calangute, which offers all kinds of gems and silver items, wooden statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods. In addition, Calangute and Baga are inundated with Kashmiri traders who offer Kashmiri carpets, embroidery and papier-mâché for sale.
There are other shops in the area, including supermarkets and numerous gift shops.

Tibetan market in Calangute

Get ready to haggle because it's kind of a must in the Tibetan market. Here you will find a series of stocked stalls with an array of Tibetan jewelry and trinkets, scarves and ornate teapots with Indian and Tibetan themes.
The listed prices for products are usually much higher than expected, so they may seem overpriced. However, you can bargain to lower the price. However, some merchants will not change their prices for you. If the seller does not want to bargain, then simply go to another seller. As a rule, products here are repeated in different stores. I advise you to first quickly go through the market and compare prices, and then start thinking about what and where to buy.
Is it worth buying something from the Tibetan market? I think it's worth it if it's not a typical souvenir that you can buy elsewhere. Still, you are unlikely to be able to buy Tibetan goods at any other market in Goa. The Tibetan market in Calangute is not just a name - most of the traders here are actually Tibetan refugees.

Entertainment in Calangute: what to do for tourists

What to do in the most popular area of ​​North Goa? If you choose this resort for your holiday, you can be sure that the choice of entertainment here will be maximum. It is unlikely that any other beach in Goa will offer as much entertainment as Calangute, where you can find so many beach activities, including a variety of water sports. This beach is a fairly safe place for swimming and one of the best places to watch sunsets.
Calangute is one of the few beaches in Goa that offers all water sports. There are more than a dozen water sports centers on the beach. You can go parasailing, surfing, jet skiing or banana boat. There are also several companies here that offer dolphin watching boat trips as well as fishing trips. These adventures are unforgettable.
This is one of the most favorite pastimes for adventure seekers. The parachute takes you high into the sky and gives you the opportunity to enjoy enchanting bird's eye views.
On the coast you can always play volleyball or beach soccer. Foreign tourists also often play other games and are happy to welcome anyone who wants to join them.

Where to eat in Calangute

Since this resort area is the largest and most popular in Goa, there is nothing surprising in the huge abundance of restaurants and cafes here. Seafood restaurants can be found on every corner in this area. Everywhere there are numerous cafes and fast food outlets where you can have a snack without harming your wallet or time. If you want to come to Goa for no more than two weeks, you are unlikely to be able to visit even half of all the establishments in Calangute. Therefore, we decided to introduce you to several establishments that have a good price-quality ratio.

Lazy Days

Chef Soumyen's Kitchen

Zuperb

Chelsea

Hotels on Calangute Beach in Goa

You will not find hotels on the first line in Calangute, which you are used to seeing in Turkey, Egypt or even Thailand. In Goa there are practically no such hotels at all, since according to local laws the beach cannot belong to a hotel. However, this does not mean that you will always have to walk far to the beach and back. Many hotels here are a stone's throw from the sand strip. If you definitely want to live near the coast, then you should look for housing locally, as the owners of some shakes can rent out rooms. This is a common practice throughout Goa.
There are many 2 and 3 star hotels in Calangute, but there are also many guesthouses and a large selection of accommodation for rent. Below we will present only the most popular and more or less comfortable hotels to which you can buy a tour. Of course, you can also book only stays at these hotels.

Horizon Hotel

If you want to be right in the middle of the fun, the Horizon Hotel is about a 7-minute walk from the coast. With straw umbrellas around the pool and lush greenery throughout, the hotel is a small oasis of calm in the bustling resort area. Horizon Hotel features a restaurant serving Goan and Chinese cuisine, a poolside bar and evening entertainment including live music.

Lambana Resort Hotel

This small hotel is great for relaxing by the pool and sipping a cocktail. The rooms at Lambana Resort Hotel are clean and comfortable. Lambana Resort Hotel has a fairly convenient location, as it is just a five-minute walk from the sea coast.

Ocean Palms Goa

Elegant with a hint of luxury, Ocean Palms Goa is a place where you can relax and forget that you are in Goa's busiest resort. The tranquil atmosphere here is created by the lush trees that surround it. But don't be fooled - the resort center is just a few minutes' walk from Ocean Palms Goa.
In any case, Ocean Palms Goa guarantees you relaxing conditions around the pool and offers the opportunity to taste Indian and international cuisine in a cozy restaurant.

Osbourne Resort Hotel

Located just off the resort's main road and about an eight-minute walk from the coast, the Osbourne Resort Hotel is divided into three colorfully painted blocks, which include a swimming pool and sun terrace. The restaurant here serves a variety of dishes, and there is also a barbecue near the pool. Each room at Osbourne Resort Hotel has a balcony or terrace.

Palmarinha Resort

This hotel's name means "swaying palm trees" in Spanish, and it suits it perfectly. Palmarinha Resort has two swimming pools, as well as a fitness room and a small games area. It also offers beauty treatments and massages. Although Palmarinha Resort is located relatively far from the beach, the hotel offers transfers to and from the coast for its guests.

Santa Monica Hotel

A small and cozy hotel with 36 rooms is considered one of the paradises in Calangute. Santa Monica Hotel's restaurant serves Chinese and Indian cuisine. The distance to the coast and the resort center is approximately the same. It will take you about 6 minutes to overcome it.

Somy Resort

The hotel is located among trees in the central part of the resort, and is surrounded by restaurants and bars. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the beach from Somy Resort. On the territory of Somy Resort you will find a swimming pool and a bar next to it, a buffet restaurant and a beauty salon. There is a bus stop near Somy Resort from where buses go to Panaji.

Questions from tourists

Since Calangute is the most popular resort area of ​​Goa among Russian tourists, travelers ask many questions regarding this area. We decided to publish the most popular questions and answers to them.

Distance from Calangute to Candolim

Distance from Calangute to Baga

How long does it take to walk from Calangute to Anjuna?

How much does drinking water cost in Calangute?

Are there large supermarkets in Calangute

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Calangute?

Massage in Calangute

Pharmacy in Calangute

What to buy in Calangute

Here is a detailed map of Calangute with street names in Russian and house numbers. You can easily get directions by moving the map in all directions with the mouse or clicking on the arrows in the upper left corner. You can change the scale using the scale with the “+” and “-” icons located on the map on the right. The easiest way to adjust the image size is by rotating the mouse wheel.

In which country is the city of Calangute located?

Calangute is located in India. This is a wonderful, beautiful city, with its own history and traditions. Calangute coordinates: north latitude and east longitude (show on large map).

Virtual walk

An interactive map of Calangute with attractions and other tourist sites is an indispensable assistant in independent travel. For example, in the “Map” mode, the icon of which is in the upper left corner, you can see a city plan, as well as a detailed map of roads with route numbers. You can also see the city's railway stations and airports marked on the map. Nearby you see the “Satellite” button. By turning on satellite mode, you will examine the terrain, and by enlarging the image, you will be able to study the city in great detail (thanks to satellite maps from Google Maps).

Move the “little man” from the lower right corner of the map to any street in the city, and you can take a virtual walk around Calangute. Adjust the direction of movement using the arrows that appear in the center of the screen. By turning the mouse wheel, you can zoom in or out of the image.

Calangute in North Goa is a real center of tourist attraction for foreign and local holidaymakers. If we can use this word, then Calangute can be called central, since it is literally in the center of everything that happens. If you walk to the right from the Calangute beach, you will find yourself on the more proletarian Baga beach; if you go to the left, you will come to respectable Candolim. As you can see, this resort village is really located in the center. :)

All the most interesting places and Goa attractions located at an equal distance from Calangute, and in capital of Goa - Panaji There are regular regular buses, they go along a direct route, i.e. there is no need to travel with several transfers through Mapsa.

There are always a lot of package tourists at the resort; probably 90% of all package tourists end up in this area of ​​Goa. It’s noisy here like in Sochi, crowds of foreign vacationers and local tourists merge into one single seething mass. You quickly get tired of Calangute, but it doesn’t drain you of energy, but rather gives you the strength and desire to explore this unique place better.

Calangute on the map of Goa

The local beach is considered the most popular beach in north Goa, the village is located next to similarly densely populated villages. He's from the north borders Baga, and from the south with less populated Candolim. Even the locals don’t know where the border between these villages is, so everything is very arbitrary.

As I wrote earlier, the beach and resort village are located in a strategically advantageous place for tourists, before the international Dabolim Airport You can get there in an hour and a half by regular buses to the capital of Goa - Panaji, the journey will take about forty minutes.

All attractions are located at an equal distance; they can be explored either independently or as part of an excursion group.

Calangute on a paper, tourist map

As can be seen on the paper map, the tourist infrastructure at the resort is more than developed, and this is true. The main tourist movement is located on the street leading to the beach, and the beach itself is also very noisy and crowded.

Hotels and guesthouses in Calangute

Accommodation in Calangute is the most expensive in all of northern Goa, despite the huge selection of hotels, motels, guesthouses and other residential buildings, prices for accommodation here are high and remain so throughout the entire tourist season. Decent accommodation in Calangute is especially appreciated in the high season, when all local hotels (from 1 star and above) are filled to capacity with packages, it is very difficult to find something decent.

Searching for accommodation on your own during high season can be frustrating, so book your hotel in advance or be prepared to pay a little extra. My search for a room in numerous guesthouses in Calangute was a fiasco, the average cost of rooms did not fall below 700 rupees per day (trading was sluggish), and it was the end of the tourist season (end of March).

The general condition of the room stock can be rated as a solid C, but in northern Goa you quickly get used to the squalor of hotels, and if you don’t get used to it, then you move to more comfortable ones hotels in south Goa.

There is a large selection of hotels in Calangute, from star and prestigious ones to unknown guesthouses, the latter can only be booked on the spot, since they are not in any booking system.

A small survey of tourists vacationing in Calangute revealed several hotels that are worthy of your attention, followed by a brief description of these hotels.

The sea in Calangute may not be the best in the world, but it is certainly the most memorable, friendly waves and numerous local tourists will be in your memory for a long time.

The beach in Calangute is considered one of the best in the north of Goa, here it is the widest and flattest, in some places the sandy strip of the beach reaches 100 meters. The entrance to the sea is gentle and there is a pleasant depth for those who want to swim, but the waves can make it difficult for the youngest tourists to enter the water.

The abundance of local tourists on Calangute beach cannot be counted; there are an indecent number of them here, so get ready to be in the role of a movie star. If you are a pronounced European, then there will be more than enough requests for a joint photo. If your vacation falls at the end of the tourist season, then there will be even more local tourists on Calangute beach.

You should also know that ordinary Indian people flock to this resort place at the end of their work week, so regardless of the season, Calangute is full of Indians on Saturday.

Sunset on Calangute Beach

Seeing off the sun is a universal theme that is practiced on any beach along the coast and Calangute is no exception. The sun in Calangute sets directly into the sea, and hundreds of tourists, thousands of local residents, many dogs, cows and other Calangute residents come to this show.

For the paying public, Sheki set up tables and bring juices and soda, those who don’t go to Sheki meet the sunset right on the warm sand and there is enough space and warmth for everyone. An amazing natural show, I recommend it to everyone.

Tourist service on Calangute beach

The beach in Goa is a place to make money, the locals have learned this well and certainly use this golden rule. There are police on the beach who chase away illegal traders and other “beach workers,” but they do it in true Goan fashion, sluggishly and casually, so that three minutes after the cops’ raid, all the characters are back at their jobs.

Beach clothing and souvenir vendors

Everything is clear here: buy cheaper, sell more expensive, lure tourists with the sweet word “Good price, believe the chip” (Very cheap), or put pressure on pity “I Make Little Business” (This is my small business). If the tourist even looked in the direction of the seller, then that’s it, the job is done and no amount of sticks can drive the merchant away. The excuse “no money” doesn’t work either, they will give you the thing you like without paying, and they will come for the money the next day.

Don’t be surprised if you find that you overpaid for the purchase from 10 to 100 times, as they say “beach service and nothing personal.”

Beach massage therapists and epilators

If you need to get rid of excess hair or experience Ayurveda on your own skin, then similar procedures can be provided to you right on the beach. And hair removal will also take place right on the sun lounger, in full view of everyone.

Of course, this massage has nothing to do with Ayurveda, but for the sake of experiment you can try it. I took a course of Ayurvedic massage in one of the massage shops, I’ll be honest - it’s bullshit, bullshit, and it’s also expensive, and after the course of sessions there was a mandatory extortion of tips.

Beach excursion vendors

There are always a lot of tourists on the beaches of Calangute, most of whom are Russian speakers. All sorts of excursion sellers know this fact; many speak Russian or are our compatriots.

You can buy excursions on the beach, but you cannot pay money for excursions on the beach. I think you understand what I'm talking about. There are no prepayments or other fees. If you like the price of the excursion, you can pay at the time of the excursion or after it. This rule does not apply to stationary tourist shops; as a rule, they have been operating for a long time and do not fool tourists.

Calangute Beach reviews from tourists

Calanut Beach can shock any unprepared tourist and I’m not kidding. If you are accustomed to a European type of holiday, or an Egyptian-Turkish one, then Calangute will definitely shock you. If you arrive at a “good time”, then there won’t be many European tourists here; there are probably some, but they are simply impossible to see in the black “sea of ​​Indians”.

Many Indians will pay close attention to any white body, especially if it is a female body. Indian men can stroll past the sun loungers and enjoy admiring the pale butts of tourists; the bravest ones can secretly or not so secretly take pictures of your butts and take selfies against your background in every possible way. The more advanced ones will ask you to pose with them.

Many tourists are not against such attention, but there are those who flatly refuse to be an exhibit in this human zoo. This is perhaps the biggest pain of tourists (especially girls), about which they write their negative reviews about Calangute beach on the Internet.

If you search, you will find many negative reviews on the Internet about Calangute beach and about the village of Calangute in general, which can be summarized as follows: it is very dirty and noisy here. This is also true, but that’s how India is, you either love it or hate it.

Positive reviews about Calangute are as follows: a beautiful beach with a wide coastline, in some places crystal clear water and sand, friendly Indians, delicious food in Shakh, on the streets of Calangute you can see elephants with their drivers, a large market street, etc.

Cafes, beach shacks, restaurants and other entertainment in Calangute

For those who love good food, Calangute has prepared a real gift; literally the entire beach is strewn with beach cafes, which in Goa are called shek. In Calangute, I noticed some minor scams with prices, so be sure to compare prices in the Russian and English menus (especially the alcoholic menu).

Sheki looks especially colorful in the evening, when tables are placed right at the edge of the surf and bright candles are lit on them; the entire beach to the horizon turns into the Milky Way. Very beautiful and romantic, even if you just came to drink beer in splendid isolation.

On the streets adjacent to the beach there are also numerous cafes and restaurants, they have a higher price tag, there is no sea, but the food is just as tasty as on the shore. My favorite place in Calangute is the Redonda restaurant, table for two, on the second floor (in the very corner).

Every evening, in almost any cafe and restaurant, loud music is played, but the fun lasts only until 23:00. There is a law on silence in Goa, but there is also a loophole here; some establishments hold so-called Silent parties. The essence of the Silent party is the following: everyone is given wireless headphones that play music, and there is also interactivity.

The interaction between Silent party and wireless headphones is that several DJs are working at the disco at the same time, and the headphones allow you to choose the most suitable one.

If you need more serious club entertainment, then in neighboring Baga there is a whole club street - Titos line, and in neighboring Candolim you can play in a real casino.

Calangute prices for food and accommodation

All types of transport that can be found in a small resort town are present in full in Calangute, and some are even in abundance, so tourists do not experience problems with moving.

Rent a moped

The main tourist transport in Calangute is a rented moped; almost all tourists in Goa ride mopeds, and even those who in their homeland had no idea that a moped is cool.

Among the vacationing tourists riding mopeds in Goa, you can meet all walks of life and tourists of all ages, but you should ride with extreme caution, since Calangute traffic is gloom and horror.

Local buses

Buses run along the main streets of the village, and in the very center of Calangute there is a bus station where you can find out more about the bus service.

Taxi rides

If buses and mopeds are not for you, then you can travel around Goa by taxi, it will be much more expensive, but more convenient, faster and more comfortable. Taxi drivers have their own parking spots; as a rule, such parking lots are located in the most crowded places. You can agree with a taxi driver to rent a car for the whole day, for the whole vacation, etc.

You can get around Calangute by taxi, but you have to bargain for every rupee; the local taxi driver is very roguish and can carry you at a fantastically high price.

Auto rickshaw rides

In Calangute, you can also try a more exotic type of transport - an auto rickshaw. Indian exotica can be quite fun, but I wouldn’t recommend driving such a cart along a long route. There is no convenience for passengers when traveling in an auto-rickshaw, the rickshaw shakes from every bump, all the smoke and soot from the street ends up on the passengers, and the fare is almost the same as in a regular taxi.

You can ride once, but no more, and besides everything else, this is a very environmentally polluting form of transport.

Markets in Calangute and other places of trade

Trading in India is a centuries-old culture; there are no dull, dissatisfied with life and the surrounding faces of sellers behind the counter; here you are welcome and always smiling, even if you haven’t bought anything. In India, trading is a holiday and an attraction rolled into one. As a rule, there are no fixed prices in markets, and the purchase of goods turns into a verbal duel between the seller and the buyers, a kind of theater, in the end both win. Be sure to visit the main market of Goa, which is located in Mapsa.

In fact, the whole of Calangute is one large tourist market (especially its central street, which goes to the sea), but there are several places specially designated for this type of activity.

Tibetan market in Calangute

A little away from the main Calangute street, you can find a small Tibetan market. In the Tibetan market you can buy a limited type of goods, many of which are handmade, and there are also ordinary factory products, but there are not many of them.

The assortment is approximately as follows: jewelry made of stones and knives, coins, figurines (wooden, stone, copper, etc.), talismans, dishes, masks, clothes and blankets made of Tibetan yak wool, etc.

The traders here are either refugees from Tibet with whom you can enter into a heated discussion about the aggression of communist and bloodthirsty China against Tibet, or immigrants from Nepal with whom you can also enter into a discussion about the annexation of Tibet by bloodthirsty communist China.

The market is open every day, so come and buy some trinkets to help support the Free Tibet movement, which is trying to fight China and its imperialist policies in Tibet and around the world.

Saturday market in Calangute

On Saturday, a real market day comes to Calangute; all the surrounding traders and traders come here. The goods are sold directly from the land, this type of trade does not offend anyone (the local inspectorate doesn’t care), and trade is brisk and lively.

Traders of all sorts of things set up along the road (not far from the main city intersection and bus stop) and bargain to the bitter end. Along with European and our tourists, local residents also wander around the ruins, asking prices, bargaining and buying something.

The assortment is approximately as follows: fruits, vegetables, live chickens, dishes, all kinds of household appliances made from environmentally friendly materials (coconut ropes, bags made of coconut fibers, etc.), freshly caught fish, dried shrimp, fresh shrimp, clothes (skirts, saris, children's clothing), jewelry, etc.

I didn’t find any particularly exclusive items at this market, but if you bargain wisely, you can buy all sorts of unnecessary nonsense for half the price.

Attractions of Calangute

If you carefully read the article about Goa attractions, then it will become clear that there are no special attractions in Calangute. An exception can be considered a few sand figures, right at the entrance to the beach, and watching the fishermen unload the caught fish and that’s it.

If you think that I’m wrong, then tell me about it in the comments.

One of the attractions of Calangute, which can be reached on foot right along the beach, is old fort of Aguada, but it is located on a nearby beach. For other attractions you need to go, but in Calangute there is only the beach.