Goa is one of the most beautiful states in the country. The state is blessed with lush greenery, some scenic beaches and the picturesque Western Ghats. Among the beaches of Goa, Candolim is one of the most famous. Candolim Beach is not far from the village of the same name, which is situated in the north of the state. Candolim beach is actually a continuation of the famous Calangute Beach, which lies north of Candolim. Both the village and Candolim beach are famous tourist destinations in Goa. The tourist population swells during Christmas season and during summers.
Background and Demographics
Candolim has an interesting legacy associated with it. Santu Sinay, later known as Salvador Pinto, belonged to the noble class of the people who had migrated from Loutolim to Candolim. During the sixteenth century Santu Sinay and his family was converted to Christianity and the whole village was entirely converted along with them. Santu Sinay was greatly devoted to St. Francis Xavier and was responsible for most of the evangelical work in the village during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.
Even though the population of Candolim swells during peak tourist season, the village has a permanent population of 15000. Male to female sex ratio is 1000 to 923 and the literacy rate is on par with the rest of the state. The village has been widely overrun by shops, restaurants, hotels and shacks.
Since Candolim is a popular tourist destination, it is well connected to major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore and Panjim by rail, road and air. Candolim is not too far from railway stations such as Thivim, Margao and Vasco da Gama. Taxis are easily available and there are plenty of buses plying between Panjim and Candolim. Panjim airport also has prepaid taxis which are useful for foreign tourists.
Candolim Beach
The biggest attraction of Candolim village is Candolim beach. The beach is situated just fifteen kilometres from Panjim, the Capital city of Goa. Candolim beach is bound between Fort Aguada on the south and the famous Calangute beach on the north. Candolim is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Goa. It is also a very tranquil and peaceful beach, which is why a number of tourists visit the beach to spend some quiet time. The main road that runs parallel to the beach is referred to as the Candolim – Calangute Road and is crammed with countless shops, hotels and restaurants.
Fortunately, the beach itself is free of any commercial congestion and litter. Even though Candolim is quite close to the vibrant and lively Calangute Beach, the ambience at Candolim is quite laid back. The favourite pastime of tourists at Candolim is sunbathing. Perhaps the only activity at Candolim which has any adrenaline associated with it is water sports. There aren’t any resorts in Candolim, but there are a number of reasonably priced inns in the vicinity of the beach; tourists willing to stay close to the beach can avail the services of these inns which are not exorbitantly priced. In recent times Candolim beach was also infamous for the ship, River Princess, which was docked at the shore since 2000. In fact the high court went as far as calling the river princess a state disaster. Candolim is also famous for the Aguada Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in 1612. Aguada Fort and Aguada Jail are places of immense historical significance and tourist interest
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