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Calangute rejoices in year-round, Indian Summer temperatures
Calangute, in India’s western state of Goa, sits in an idyllic setting, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The resort is best known for its long, sandy beach which now has flagship status as the country’s prime beach holiday destination. Calangute has long attracted the local well-to-doers from centres such as Bangalore and Mumbai. Word spread though and Calangute’s status as a prime holiday destination is now secured. Known as the Queen of Beaches, India’s enthusiastic holiday makers now mix with the super-rich, backpackers and holidaying couples and families from around the world. Combined, they sing the praises of Calangute. Feel free to join in the chorus.
Setting the scene in Calangute
Today, this busy resort is supported by a generous supply of hostels, guest houses and hotels; the latter with ratings ranging from low to stratospheric. Along the edge of the beach there are numerous shack-like bars and restaurants. Many are open throughout the year to satisfy visitors’ appetites with the supply of mouth-watering local dishes. Sea food, unsurprisingly, features prominently in their menus. In the area to the north of Calangute lies Baga and the beach here is a hot favourite with water sport enthusiasts. Baga is also known for its vibrant nightlife and for night clubs including the infamous Tito’s Lane. Calangute buzzes brilliantly, too; primarily in the fascinating market and Baga Road areas. You’ll also find here, an array of restaurants, tattoo and massage emporiums and sunbed shops … everything under the sun, really. One of a number of fascinating excursions is to take the local bus to the state’s capital, Panjim. This city has an appealing Portuguese-type atmosphere and was the first Indian city to be built using the grid system. As with all aspects of visits to Calangute, this is a truly fascinating experience.
No tears; but crocodile smiles in the Calangute climate
You can visit Calangute in the certain knowledge that the fairly constant, year-round temperature will range from extremely warm, to very hot. It is, though, considered to be less oppressive here than in other areas of Goa. It’s not all perfect and there are other aspects to consider in this monsoon-like region. The June to September period is the rainy season and the intensity is such that beach swimming and water sports are prohibited during these months. During the remaining months, the rain disappears and the relentless sunshine is tempered by a gentle and cooling breeze. May is usually the hottest month. It is during the October to May period that the full gamut of beach activities and excursions swings into action. There are river cruises and island trips that are designed to enthrall you; plus, there’s immersion in sports such as parasailing, water skiing and surfing. Your Calangute hotel will carry detail on all activities and attractions. These even include dolphin and crocodile watching. Better make it snappy, though; if the prospect of a Calangute holiday floats your own particular pleasure boat.
Calangute is full of festivals and fun
Throughout Goa, religious Hindu festivals are entered into with enthusiastic gusto. Calangute is no exception. Cal, in fact, is derived from Kali , the name of the Hindu goddess. In the world of festivals, Ganesha is dedicated to the Elephant God and is celebrated during August and September. Janamashtami takes place during the same period. The colourful Holi festival marks the beginning of Spring and other festivals include Dusshera and Diwali . Locally, the Church of St. Alex on the road into Calangute has architecture that thrills the visiting tourist. Also in the town, Kerkar Art Gallery has exhibitions of paintings and sculptures from local artists, plus regularly staged evenings of Indian music and dance. Western-style entertainment often takes the form of meals, with added live entertainment in Calangute’s local restaurants. You’ll love it here if you fancy an early night. Most, but not all, bars close well before midnight. If you have a craving to rave; take a cab five miles up the road, just beyond Baga, to Anjuna. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Flights of wining and dining fantasies in Calangute
It has to be said that, for many visitors, the confidence of dining in their hotel has understandable appeal. Calangute’s restaurants and bars are, though, well worth exploring. Those on the beach fall into two categories. Generally, south beach brings up-market sophistication, while the north beach attracts the tourist crowds in search of bars and budget restaurant dining. Menus throughout reflect Portuguese and Arabic influences and Goa’s legendary Vindaloo is really a Portuguese stew-type base, but with aromatic spices thrown in. Lovers of sea-food would be ill-advised to miss out on the local prawn curry and kishmur offerings. Crab Masala and shellfish with coconut are also completely irresistible. These and other delights are approximately an hour’s road journey from Dabolim International Airport.