If you are pondering what it’s like to have a home in one of Goa’s most popular and well-known destinations, then Candolim is your place. This spectacular town is in the North Goa district. This tinsel town offers everything to its residents and visitors, from incredible history to its vibrant tropical culture to food, shopping, and much more. This exuberant place charms your mind and heart and gives you memories of a lifetime. People from urban cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune have made this place their second home and enjoy their weekend getaway.
Let’s take a look at things, places and cultures you would encounter in Candolim:
1. Candolim Beach
The captivating Candolim is always on the bucket list of many Travellers and tourists. It is between the south of Calangute Beach and Sinquerim town in the North. Candolim beach is undeniably the longest beach in Goa, as it stretches and meets Baga beach and Calangute Beach. There is a quality of serenity and calm about Candolim beach. The glimmering golden sand and the bluish-green sea create an everlasting impression on your mind. In addition, Candolim Beach bagged a spot in the Top 25 beaches of India in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travellers’ Choice awards. The presence of quirky beach shacks, souvenir shops, and vibrant kiosks serve you scrumptious food and refreshing drinks. You can also test your nerves by choosing an adventurous water sport and get high on the adrenaline rush! Clicking snaps while watching the relaxing sunset would be ideal for the evening.
2. Home to Aguada Fort:
The magnificent Aguada stands tall and mighty along the riverside of Mandovi. This iconic fort is a remarkable illustration of Goa’s rich history, culture and heritage. The well-preserved fort is an unmissable site to visit by any tourist. The fort was built around 1612 by the Portuguese at a strategic location to prevent invasive raids from the Dutch and Maratha Empires. This fort also hosts several prison cells. The concerned authorities may turn these prison cells into a museum sometime in future. Asia’s one of oldest lighthouses is also present, built around 1864. It is an apt location to snap your happy moments while admiring the sunset and the pink and purple sky. One can also experience a breathtaking vista of the grand Arabian Sea, fanning across and capturing unforgettable memories of a lifetime.
3. Significant Landmarks:
Right opposite Fort Aguada is the stunning Cabo palace. The structure of Cabo palace is erected where the confluence of two rivers, Zuari and Mandovi, becomes one with the Arabian Sea. The Palace was built to safeguard and keep vigilance on any suspicious activity happening on Mandovi and Zuari River banks. The Palace is private property and cannot be visited by tourists; they can catch a glimpse of its stunning architecture while enjoying the dolphin boat ride. It is indeed very much click-worthy. Also known as Cabo Raja Bhavan, it is the official residence of the Governor of Goa. Speaking of Churches, a famous and iconic place in Goa that you must learn about is the Church of Our Lady of Hope. This Church was established in 1605 with an area of 10 KMs and occupied the southern end of Vypeen Island. Just by being in the vicinity of this place, you would feel a sense of divinity and bliss. The architectural marvel that this Church would make you want to capture its stunning beauty on your camera roll.
4. EDM Festivals and Exuberant Nightlife:
Once known for its calm and tranquil atmosphere, Candolim is now an epicentre of the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene, silent disco/headphone parties and various other music festivals. You will find music lovers from all over the country grooving to the thumping and electrifying tunes of the music, which throws them into a trance. Moreover, exclusive music festivals like the Sunburn festival, Asia’s biggest EDM festival, have also made their way to Candolim. Another major music festival is the Supersonic Music festival, which receives a heavy footfall of tourists from India and all around the globe. Even when no music festival is happening, Goa’s hip and youthful nightlife will surely make you feel alive and excited. So if you are an EDM enthusiast, you know where to head.
5. Cuisine to try out:
Well, in Goa, you are bound to try the delicious Goan cuisine exclusives like the Goan Prawn curry, Chicken Cafreal, Goan Prawn Vindaloo, Bebinca (dessert), and so much more. But there are other items you get to try in Goa. Thankfully, Candolim offers a diverse range of food varieties. You can gobble on your favourite kinds of pasta and Pizzas from five-star-rated Italian cafes. Candolim is also famous for its French, Chinese and Greek restaurants. And yes, there are plenty of options for all desi food lovers to satiate your appetite.
6. Colourful and Radiant Markets:
Once you step out in the streets of Candolim in the evening, you will realize how colourful and vibrant the market area is. There are various stores to buy souvenirs and presents for you and your loved ones. The very famous Newton’s Supermarket is a self-help type of layout that sells a wide variety of food, household goods, drinks and other essential items. You can also find FabIndia, Castle The Hidden treasure, Tony’s designer jewellers and many more exclusive shopping options for all the shopaholics. Whether it is a luxury item or a daily essential, Candolim’s market does not disappoint you.
Once you leave your comfortable casa, you will discover a lot to unpack in Candolim. So hop on a two-wheeler to explore the best of this town and savour the bounties of nature.