Guide to Calangute
Calangute Virtual Tour
The small town of Calangute is situated along the coast of Goa, and it attracts travelers from all over the world primarily between November and March. If you're seeking to escape winter and enjoy the Indian Ocean's coast, Calangute might be the right destination for you. However, there are several aspects that can diminish the charm of a vacation here.
Traditionally, Calangute has been a haven for hippies, resulting in a very relaxed atmosphere with liberal values. The beach, which stretches from Baga to Candolim, is almost always crowded with tourists. If you're looking for peace and solitude during your vacation, Calangute might not be the ideal choice. The high number of tourists can lead to a decrease in the cleanliness of the coastline, with litter affecting both the sand and the sea. Additionally, this part of the Indian Ocean is home to many sea snakes and rays. Sea snakes are poisonous, and rays can deliver electric shocks. Consequently, Calangute may not be the best option for a quiet family vacation, unless you plan to use it as a starting point to explore quieter and more comfortable places along the coast.
On the positive side, Calangute offers relatively affordable prices and easy access to beach activities. For instance, you can get complimentary sunbeds on the beach when you purchase drinks at the beachside bars.
Photos of Calangute
Interesting places in Calangute
Calangute itself doesn't boast many specific attractions, but it serves as a convenient base for exploring the fascinating places in Goa, which are easily accessible from this resort. Consequently, most excursions in Calangute are oriented toward locations outside the resort, and hiking routes often follow the coastline.
One of the pleasures of visiting Calangute is the variety of cuisine available at its restaurants. You can sample not only local Goan dishes but also European cuisine.
However, it's worth noting that Calangute might not be the ideal choice for a family vacation with children. The beach can be crowded and noisy, and there are potential dangers in the marine life, such as sea snakes and rays, which may not be suitable for young ones.
Flight ticket prices
The nearest airport to Calangute is Dabolim, located around 40 km away. You can reach it from Europe with one or two stopovers. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Vistara, and Air India operate connecting flights via Doha, Istanbul, Delhi, and Mumbai. Sometimes budget airlines can also offer convenient options.
From Budapest, Lyon, and Gdańsk, round-trip fares range from €460 to €620. From Bratislava, Chișinău, and Genoa, you can expect prices between €500 and €680. Prices often drop during autumn and winter, especially with early bookings.
The best hotels in Calangute
Hotels in Calangute are many, quite comfortable and arranged based on modern requirements. The five-star hotel in Calangute is called Hard Rock Hotel Goa. The cost of accommodation here starts from 150 USD per day. In four-star hotels in Calangute, such as Resort Terra Paraiso, a room for two will cost you 75 to 180 USD per day. In three-star hotels such as Chalston Beach Resort, a room for two will cost 30-90 USD per night. In smaller guesthouses in Calangute, you can find a room for two for 15 USD per night.
Travel budget
The budget for a vacation in Calangute itself is not high. However, a considerable amount will have to be spent on airfare to Goa. The second impressive part of the budget is the visa to India.
Accommodation in Calangute can be quite economical, as well as meals in local restaurants. But excursions, water activities and all sorts of relaxation techniques can be quite expensive. However, without them, a vacation in Calangute can hardly be called full-fledged.
| The budget for a trip to Calangute | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | From 120 USD | Flight | from 1000 USD |
| Accomodation | from 15 USD per day | Average check in a restaurant | from 8 USD (170 INR) |
| Transportation fare | from 0.1 USD (8 INR) | Excursion | from 20 USD |
| Total: about 1450 USD for two people for a week including two meals a day and at least one excursion per day. | |||
Calangute: tips for tourists
Visa to Calangute
Citizens of the European Union and most other countries require a visa to visit India. India provides an electronic visa (e-Visa) facility, making the process easier for tourists.
The airport in Calangute
Calangute does not have its own airport. The only airport in Goa, Dabolim, is the only one that receives international flights. The revamped airport has one terminal. The international departure areas at Dabolim airport are coded A, B, C.
Transfer to Calangute from the airport
To reach Calangute from the airport, you can book a cab for 800-1000 INR. Or you can take buses. From Dabolim airport, you will have to go to the city market, take a shuttle to Panaji and from Panaji go to Calangute. The bus fare is INR 8-25.
Car rental in Calangute
Car rental in Goa is not particularly popular because of the bad roads. Many travelers rent scooters. The cost of renting a scooter is around 100-250 INR, depending on the duration of the rental. The driver must be at least 18 years of age.
Transportation in Calangute
There is no public transportation in Calangute itself. But there are intercity buses that often run into the city to connect it with the rest of Goa. Bus fares start from 8 INR.
Security in Calangute
Kalangut is not a safe city. There are a lot of newcomers here and you can expect anything from them. So be very careful with your belongings. It's best to leave valuables in the hotel safe, but don't take them to the beach or into town.