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Tourism in Canacona

People of Canacona are very friendly and it is relatively more-affordable to stay in this place as compared to other parts of Goa.Canacona has a number of hidden destinations, the reason why it is known as a virgin town and unusual festivals.Canacona was left untouched until the early nineties as it was not easily accessible by public transport.Back in the eighties existed only one restaurant on the main street of Canacona that served the local meal during the day.


Places to visit in Canacona

Canacona's beach belt is among the most scenic in Goa. Palolem beach depicts a typical east-meets-west Goan beach serving rich variety of exotic food.Palolem beach is another beach situated at the south of Canacona which is also popular among tourists. The south side of Canacona is bounded by Arabian Sea where lie many beaches.

But apart from these known beaches,there are many lesser-known beaches like Vaturem and Xendrem which are secluded beaches. Quepem's narrow sea front has a two or three beaches, known for their picture-perfect captures.


Beaches of Canacona

Cola Beach:

The Cola beach in Cancona is situated 10 km from Agonda beach and 15 km from Palolem. The beach also known as 'Khola' beach or butterfly beach is along the coast of South Goa. It is one of the remote beaches of Goa that is suitable for those seeking a lovely place for complete peace and relaxation in this picture perfect beach of Goa which has vast stretches of white sand with palm trees in the background. 

Cola beach in Canacona

Talpona Beach:

Located on the banks of the Arabian Sea, in Canacona taluka,Talpona is a small fishing village in Canacona.The Talpona Beach, a remote beach with some small dunes,is the prime attraction. The Talpona river joins the Arabian Sea here.Talpona beach makes a good place for a day trip since its complete isolation makes it worthy for a meditation space. There are 2 local bars and a few shacks on this beach which are the only considerations for a quick bite.

Talpona Beach

Galgibag beach:

Known as the Turtle nestling beach, Galgibag beach is the cleanliest beach one can find, a reason enough for the turtles to nestle. One can easily find turtles and turtle eggs here and its worth capturing the nature's beauty. The cleanliness, the isolated and the most calm beach makes it perfect for someone who wants to lay in the sun or just read their favorite book in the perfectly calm atmosphere. There are no places to eat or drink here, the closest restaurant is around 15 km away so it is advised to carry your own food if you plan to stay for long.


Palolem Beach:

Palolem beach is exactly the kind of beach one picturizes with thick coconut palm trees, the semi circle shape  beach and the sunny weather which never goes beyond 33 degree Celsius.To explore the surroundings, one has an option for going Kayaking, or even rent an inexpensive boat and go dolphin-spotting or fishing. For the shoapholics, behind the beach is a small flea market which is selling jewellery, accessories and souvenirs.


Agonda Beach:

This is situated at about 10 km from Chaudi.The beach is located at the traditional village of Agonda, which is surrounded by over 120 acres of dense forest of thick coconut palm trees.The best and most favored accommodations are the tents and camps set on beach side.To explore the town, one can easily hire motorbikes and scooties. Traditional Goan food and seafood is served at the eateries situated at the beach. Swimming and sunbathing are the main beach activities available at this beach.

Agonda Beach in Canacona


There are no renowned eateries on the beach but you can order for most international cuisines. Delsey's on the southern end of the beach is one of the restaurants.After diversion towards Palolem from NH17, look out for a signboard that shows the name of the restaurant.The best way to reach this beach is by a rented vehicle. 


Rajbag Beach:

This beach is in South Goa District and is known for the beautiful stretch of white sand, sand dunes and Casuarina trees and is known to be a little on the expensive side with luxurious hotels lined up. It is an isolated beach which is located close to Colem village. This beach extends up to Talpona River, which is 2 km away from Palolem.


Cavelossim Beach:

It is situated about 11 km from Colva Beach and has many churches near it. There are numerous beach resorts and luxury hotels located alongside this beach. The beach is easily accessible by ferry from Palolem, near the Sal River. 

Cavelossim beach


Mabor situated close to the Cavelossim Beach is famous for its food and other tourist spots. November to March is the best time to visit this beach. On this beach you can indulge in a wide range of activities like dolphin spotting tours, sunset cruises on Sal River and boating, accompanied by a local guide.Water activities are very popular on this beach.  One can even visit the market/bazaar on this beach wherein jewellery made of shells and wrought iron is very famous.


Patnem Beach:

This beach has many shacks and restaurants that attract several travellors coming to the region. This beach is suitable for swimming and sunbathing along with enjoying traditional seafood. The beach road at Patnem is famous for selling spices, coffee and trinkets.Yoga, Reiki and wellness treatments can be thoroughly enjoyed at this beach.


Temples in Canacona

Mallikarjuna Temple

The Shri Mallikarjuna temple dedicated to Lord Mallikarjun, an incarnation of Lord Shiva is situated in the Sristhal village which lies 7 km northeast of Chaudi in Canacona. The shrine is known to be one of the oldest in Goa and is situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings in a valley completely surrounded by mountains and blue sky.Revered by the Hindus, the origin of the temple goes back to 1778.

Temples in Canacona


The pillars in the mandap hall have scenes from Mahabharata carved on them. While entering the inner sanctum, on the entrance are 2 beautifully sculptured dwarpals (doorkeepers). One of the very famous festivals of Goa, Jatra is also held annually wherein a number of rituals take place which also involves a sacred bath for the deity on beach which is followed by a huge celebration when the deity is taken back to the temple. Other deities like Avatar Purush, Veeramel and Shishiranni are highly respected and a festival is dedicated to them as well.


Shri Navdurga Temple:

The fierce form of goddess Durga is the deity of Shri Navdurga Temple. The origin of the temple is from 1603 and it was renovated 500 years later. The 4 feet tall deity has a tilted head and it has many tales behind this one of which is when a devotee offered a Rs.1000 flower on the deity's head and it tilted, there many such stories and legends which follow for the existence of such deities. Another festival celebrated with pomp and show is Navaratri.


Shree Sanusthan Gokarn Parthagali Jeevotham Math:

Belonging to the Gaud Saraswat community, this math was built by Swami Shreemas Narayanateertha in 1475. TIll date , this math has been served by 23 different saints and sages.The old banyan tree at this math, which is located at the Tapasya Kshetra is very famous and is known to be 2000 years old.
The Math complex is situated alongside the Kushawati River and has a few religious temples which are ancient and this place is known as Brahmasthan.


Parshuram Temple:

According to the beliefs, western seacoast line of Karnataka was created by the sixth reincarnation of Vishnu God, Parshuram.The Parshuram temple is dedicated to Parshuram which is located in Poinguinim Village in Canacona.

Temples in Canacona


The architecture of this temple is very traditional with carved wooden columns and shikhara with classic pyramid shape.

A giant banyan tree is located just beyond the Partagal math. Most of the people say that the tree is almost 2,000 years old. Sacred groves that are ancient, protected forests are very common in interior Goa. The one at Morpila  protects the source of a mountain stream.

Chandranath hill is another interesting place to visit which is a religious place dedicated to the god of moon- Lord Chandranath.'Chandra' means moon.It is situated atop a hill 350m high. Another main feature is that the deity receives moonlight on every full moon. The ancient chariot with detailed wooden carvings is another important aspect of this temple.

The stone idol is sized at 4 inches by 4 inches and is four-handed idol with the right upper hand holding a battle axe and the lower left hand holding a bowl filled with modak.


Other Places of Tourist Interest


Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated 10km southeast of Chaudi, was established in 1969 to protect a remote area of the deciduous forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. October to March is the best time to visit this wildlife sanctuary. Species of monkeys, wild boar and the odd gaur can also be spotted here. A surprise appearance of hyenas, sloth bears, porcupines and panthers can also be seen.

Wildlife Sanctuary in Canacona



Regular bus running south on NH-14 to Karwar via Chaudi stops approximately 2km of the gates of the sanctuary. To plan an overnight stay, permission has to be obtained from the Deputy Conservator of forests and the arrangements can be made there and then by the authorized department.


Fort Cabo de Rama:

Built even before the arrival of the Portuguese, this fort is one of the oldest forts of the Goa. The legend for this fort and the derivation of the name is because it is said that Lord Rama took refuge on this land along with his wife Sita. The fort was taken over by the Portuguese and later on renovated. 


Fresh Water Springs:

Pomburpa spring is one of the famous fresh water springs in Goa and is a popular destination for tourist and an irrigation purpose for domestic use.This water spring is also known for medicinal value which is said to cure certain disease. 


Tree House:

Tree house in Canacona

The tree house is situated in the Cotigao sanctuary and is at a 20 m height overlooking a waterhole. This gives a beautiful view of the surrounding sanctuary.


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