Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, a place of sun sand and see, squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills. It offers glistening sands, swaying coconut palms, and ultra fresh seafood. with its natural scenic beauty, abundant greenery, attractive beaches and temples, churches & even mosques with a distinctive style of architecture, colorful and lively feasts, festivals& above all, hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, has an ideal tourist profile.
About CandolimBeach
Fifteen kilometers from Panjim, the Goan capital, is Candolim beach in north Goa. Beginning at Fort Aguada and merging with Calangute beach towards the end, it is one of the longest beaches in the state and is located in the Bardez taluka. The beach in itself is very calm and peaceful; at times tourists come here from Rajneesh Ashram in Pune to take a break. What adds to the scenic beauty of the sand and sea are the scrub covered dunes at the back of the beach quite popular with tourists.
Sightseeing
Candolim Church
This church, dedicated to Our Lady of Hope, has a look of a frosted icing cake. Built in 1560, it got its current beauty recently by the efforts of villagers. The church has some real good stained glass work inside and the rich paddies that stretch outside up to the Periline lend a rustic beauty to the scene.
Fort Aguada
The Candolim Chogm road will take you to Fort Aguada. Built in 1612, this Portuguese fort is a must visit. It was then built to protect Goa from Dutch invaders. It was at that time surrounded by a moat for protection purpose but all that remains today of that moat is a ditch over which Chogm road passes. Aguada fort houses a citadel, a lighthouse, a huge clock and a bell. Situated atop Sinquerim plateau, a climb to this fort will also get you a spectacular view of different shades of life in Goa. You see river Mandovi meeting the sea, the city of Panjim on the southern bank, Cabo Raj Bhavan on the hill top and huge cargo ships heading their way to the Mormugao port.
Chapel of St. Lawrence
On the shore of Aguada bay lies Chapel of St Lawrence. St. Lawrence is the patron saint of sailors of Goa. The chapel has its feast day on August 10. A picturesque snap shot can be taken from there of a beautiful mansion here by the name of Placio Aguada against the sea.
Chapel of St. Lawrence
On the shore of Aguada bay lies Chapel of St Lawrence. St. Lawrence is the patron saint of sailors of Goa. The chapel has its feast day on August 10. A picturesque snap shot can be taken from there of a beautiful mansion here by the name of Placio Aguada against the sea.
Weather in Goa
Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a warm and
humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, seeing
day temperatures of over 35°C coupled with high humidity. The monsoon rains
arrive by early June and provide a much needed respite from the heat. Most of
Goa's annual rainfall is received through the monsoons which last till late
September.
Goa has a short cool season between mid-December and February. These months
are marked by cool nights of around 20°C and warm days of around 29°C with
moderate amounts of humidity. Further inland, due to altitudinal gradation,
the nights are a few degrees cooler.
Air
Goa's international airport is 29 km from Panjim at Dabolim.
Rail
Goa has two main stations at Margao and Vasco da Gama. The 760 km long Konkan Railway project between Mangalore (Karnataka) and Mumbai has given a major boost to train travel to Goa
Road
There are interstate bus services to Mumbai (16 hrs), Mangalore, Bangalore, Pune, Londa, Hubli, Hampi and Hospet.
The best time to visit Goa is during the months of October to April, when temperatures range between 21 and 32 C.