Calangute is a beach that is around 16 kms from Panjim, North Goa. The most basic attraction is Baga Beach. The best time to visit this place is from December To February. Calangute derives its name from the local vernacular word—‘Koli-gutti’, meaning land of fishermen. It is the most popular holiday resort in Goa popularly known as the queen of Goan beaches. The rainbow hued canvas of Calangute has welcomed everyone. Seemingly not all that long ago, Calangute was the beach all self-respecting hippies headed for, especially around Christmas when psychedelic hell broke loose.

There are hardly any palms, the sand is contaminated with red soil and the beach drops rapidly into the sea. But wait, there’s more… On the shores of the Arabian Sea, under the shade of palm trees, bathes the Queen of Beaches—Calangute. Some call it Kalyangutti (village of art) or Konvallo-ghott (strong pit of the coconut tree) because the village is full of coconut trees. There are picturesque agors (saltpans) at Agarvaddo, and Maddavaddo is full of madd (coconut trees). While Dongorpur skirts a bottle-green hillock, Tivaivaddo laces the beach. In Gauravaddo lived the gaudds or milkmen ran dairies. Calangute's heyday as the Mecca of all expatriate hippies has passed. It has undergone a metamorphosis to become the centre of Goa's rapidly expanding package-tourist market. Though it isn't one of the best Goanese beaches, there is however, plenty going on, especially if you don't mind playing a minor role in this stage-managed parody of what travelling is meant to be about.

Travel information for Calangute

Calangute is one of the best beaches in Goa. It takes just 45 minutes by road to reach to this busy beach and its resorts. Things have become very commercial at this place as of now. There is a drastic change in the outlook of this place which was once more of a fishing village. But today this place has transformed itself to one of the best tourist spots when it comes to beaches.