Candolim Beach

Beaches

Goa

28°C / Clouds

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Goa is one of the most happening and the most loved tourist destinations that entertains tourists from across the globe. Admired for its pristine beaches, scintillating cruise experience, luxurious casinos, exciting nightlife, delectable cuisine, and adventurous water sports, Goa has something for everyone!

Life in Goa revolves around its surreal beaches, and one such mesmerizing beach is Candolim beach. Located nearly 15km ahead of Panaji, Candolim beach along with the Calangute beach and the Baga Beach forms the terrific trio of beaches. Candolim beach is the first beach that you will come across if arriving from Panaji towards North Goa. The beach also hosts the much-coveted Sunburn festival, which is an extravagant celebration for people who admire electronic dance music.

Besides the nightlife and beaches, Goa is a hub of water sports, here you may experience numerous water activities under expert supervision and best safety measures. Parasailing, Snorkeling, Banana Ride, Jet Ski Ride, Wind Surfing, Bump Rides, and Catamaran Sailing can be enjoyed if you are at Candolim Beach.

Moving on to the best time to visit Goa; the months between November and February will suit you best. The overall weather conditions during this time are good for sightseeing and exploring around and is also apt for an excursion or to enjoy water activities.

Continue reading to find out the must-visit places around, the fun activities to indulge in, and the colonial heritage of the Candolim town.

History of Candolim Beach, Goa

Candolim is essentially a town that comes under the North Goa district. The locals of this town converted to Christianity in the 16th century under the influence of Franciscans. Candolim also finds its mention in history books for being the epicenter of the anti-Portuguese revolt of 1787. This revolt is also known as the ‘Conspiracy of the Pintos’, and it took place to condemn discrimination against natives for higher positions in government. Another major attraction from the past is the ship named River Princess, which had been stuck at the shore since 2000. Locals report that this ship got stuck due to a cyclone and is now a tourist attraction.

Major Attractions in and Around Candolim Beach

1. Aguada Fort

Aguada is a Portuguese fort built in the 17th century. The major highlight of this fort is a four-storeyed lighthouse that is one of its kind in Asia. The fort was essentially constructed to curb the attack/invasion of the Dutch and Marathas. Aguada fort has been constructed with state-of-the-art architecture that makes it one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Asia. Aguada fort also has a jail on its premises, which is now closed for preservation and security purposes.

2. Calangute Beach

Calangute is the largest, busiest, most happening, and the most popular beach in Goa. Fondly known as the Queen of Beaches, this beach has everything you need from shacks, clubs, seafood, and numerous water sport options such as parasailing, skiing, banana ride, and surfing. Nightlife at the Calangute beach is equally vibrant and lively as it is during the day. Parties at the clubs with unlimited food, drinks, music, and casinos are surely going to make you bid adios to sleep!

3. Sinquerim Fort

Sinquerim Fort is an extension of Aguada Fort. Built in 1612 with fortified walls for enhanced protection from the Dutch and the Marathas. This fort faces the Sinquerim beach and attracts huge footfall for its rustic yet welcoming vibes.

4. Chapel of St.Lawrence

Located close to Candolim beach, this chapel is one of the most significant Chapels of all in Goa. Built-in 1630 as an ode to Saint Lawrence, the pillars of the church have inscriptions carved on them describing the incidents of Saint’s life.

How to Reach

Just like any other beach in Goa, Candolim beach is also bound to impress you with its lively yet calm vibes. To reach Candolim beach, you have to cover approximately 1900km via NH 48, 567km via AH 47, 2100km via NH 16, and 600km via NH 48 from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively.

By Air

Dabolim Airport, which is 37km away from Candolim beach is the nearest. Because Goa is the most happening tourist destination in the country regular flights from all the states arrive here, hence you may plan an air trip any time of the year without worrying about the availability of flights. Airlines like Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet, AirAsia, AirIndia, GoAir run non-stop flights to Goa, and some of them have been listed below along with the minimum airfare.

Delhi - Board AirAsia or AirIndia flight from Delhi. The airfare starts from INR 4,500
Mumbai - Board GoAir flight from Mumbai. The airfare starts from INR 2,500
Kolkata - Board SpiceJet flight from Kolkata. The airfare starts from INR 6,700
Bengaluru - Board IndiGo flight from Bengaluru. The airfare starts from INR 3,000

By Train

Thivim Railway station is where you must terminate your rail journey if you wish to explore the nightlife of Candolim Beach. After deboarding the train, you have to cover another 20km via a cab to reach the beach which will take approximately 40 minutes from Mapusa - Bicholim Road.

Delhi - Board MNGLA LKSDP SPL from H Nizamuddin station and deboard at Thivim Station
Mumbai - Board LTT TVC SPL from Lokmanyatilak Terminus and deboard at Thivim Station
Pune - Board MAO Festival SPL from Pune Junction and deboard at Thivim Station
Ratnagiri - Board CBE Festival SPL from Ratnagiri Station and deboard at Thivim Station

By Road

A trip to Goa via roadways is not just the fancy of Bollywood movies but of everyone! If you too are planning one then you may get behind the wheels or may get on a tourist bus and capture the scenic vistas en route to Goa. Review the best routes that you may consider if arriving from nearby cities or adjoining states.