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The long sweep of very crowded beach at
Calangute and Baga is overloaded with beach shacks and sun
beds, backed by midrange concrete-block hotels. This is
package-tourism central, though many travelers still prefer
the upbeat atmosphere here to that further north.
Calangute and Baga were the first beaches to attract hippies
travelling overland in the 60s, then the first to secure the
rampant package and charter-tourist market in the ‘90s. Today
they are India’s most popular beach resorts in the country
with holidaying Indians. For many people it’s just a busy,
noisy and tacky Indian beach. |
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generally quieter and more
rustic than further north.
Baga
Beach
Baga Beach, up near the mouth of the river, is popular with
those wanting to drink, dance and get rowdy. Baga Beach is
really the top end of Calangute beach. For something a bit
more chilled out take a room at the southern end of Calangute,
towards Candolim, or among the last remaining patches of
greenery on the north side of the Baga River. It has become
more sedate and offers some cheap accommodation, beachside
restaurants and shops.
Activities in the Calangute and Baga
Beach
Water sports, including parasailing, jet-skiing, and boat
trips are offered about halfway along the beach between
Calangute and Baga by Altantis Water Sports. The Ayurvedic
Natural Health Centre, 5 km inland, offers a range of packages
that include accommodation and courses, in reflexology,
aromatherapy, acupressure and yoga. There’s also a range of
herbal medicines on offer and a free consultation by a Keralan
doctor. Diving trips and courses are offered by the German-run
Goa Dive Center. There are two Saturday-night markets in the
Baga area that are alternatives to the Anjuna Market.
The Kerkar Art Complex showcases the colourful paintings and
sculptures of local artist Dr Subodh Kerkar. Here you will
also find a restaurant, hotel and an open air auditorium where
classical Indian music concerts are held.
If you’re staying a while and want to rekindle the hippy days
by not just playing a guitar around the fire but actually
building one yourself (the guitar that is, not the fire), then
you can learn how to do it with a tailormade course from
Jungle Guitars based on the north side of the Baga River.
How to reach Calangute and Baga Beach
Mapusa is 10 kms. away from Calangute Beach. Calangute runs
into Candolim beach and then becomes Sanquerim beach. |
