Canacona, located against the backdrop of the jungle-covered Sahyadri Hills, offers breathtaking scenery and a unique blend of pearl white beaches, white-washed churches, and Hindu temples. Unlike other parts of Goa, Canacona has retained its distinctly Hindu feel since it was ceded to the Portuguese in 1791. This region boasts some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes, with laterite headlands and massive boulder formations.
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Key Tourist Attractions in Canacona:
Agonda Beach:
Agonda Beach is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility and solitude. Located 10 km north of Chaudi, the headquarters of Canacona taluka, this 3 km long beach is rarely visited by tourists. The absence of grass huts adds to its untouched charm. The villagers of Agonda oppose excessive tourism development, which explains the limited accommodation options available here.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary:
Established in 1969, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 86 sq km, making it the second-largest sanctuary in Goa. While you won’t find tigers or leopards here, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of animals and plants. Keep an eye out for monkeys, gaur, wild boar, gazelles, sloth bears, porcupines, panthers, and hyenas. The sanctuary also features the Jeevottam Partagal Math, known for its Vedic studies, and is inhabited by two tribal communities, Kunbi and Velip.
Shree Mallikarjun Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Mallikarjun, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, this temple was originally built in the 16th century and underwent renovations in 1778. Inside the temple, you’ll find around 60 images of various gods and goddesses. The temple is also renowned for its intricately carved wooden pillars. Major festivals celebrated here include Rathasaptami, a chariot festival in February, and Shigmo, celebrated in April.
Canacona:
The Shree Sanusthan Gokarn Parthagali Jeevotham Math was founded by Swamiji Shreemad Narayanateertha in 1475 and is located in Parthagali. Belonging to the Gaud Saraswat group, the math is led by the descendants of Swamiji. The math premises house several temples, and there is a sacred banyan tree known as Tapsya Kshetra.
Fort Cabo de Rama:
Legend has it that Fort Cabo de Rama was named after Lord Rama, who supposedly spent a part of his exile here. The fort’s history reveals that it was initially taken over by the Portuguese from the ruler of Soonda and later fell into British hands. Today, the fort is not in the best condition, but climbing up offers a sense of satisfaction with a view of the sea. There is also a functioning chapel within the fort.
Accommodation:
The best places to stay near Canacona are Palolem and Agonda. There are reasonably priced guesthouses near Palolem Beach, while resorts in Agonda also offer comfortable accommodation options.
Shopping:
Canacona offers a wide array of artifacts and mementos for shopping. Popular items include shellwork artifacts, bamboo crafts, brassware, curios, old coins, stone and coral trinkets, papier-mâché crafts, carved furniture, and beachwear.
Climate of Canacona:
Canacona enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Summer
The summer weather in Canacona lasts from March to Might and is mildly warm. During the peak summer month of Might temperatures might go up to 33C. Nevertheless the monsoon season from June to September brings in plenty of rainfall with an increase in humidity levels.
Winter
During the winter months of December and January, the Canacona weather becomes a temperate one with drop in temperature and humidity levels. Temperatures linger in the array of 24C-27C.
Clothing
Clothing requirements are easy and are hardly affected by climate change across seasons. The ones planning to frolic in the seas or bask in the sunny beaches ought to deliver along beachwear and other accessories.
How you can Reach Canacona Rail
For the last year or two, it has been possible to reach Canacona by direct “Superfast” Express trains from Mumbai , Panjim and Mangalore .
Road
The regions primary transport artery is the NH-17, which crawls across the Sahyadri and Karmali Ghats towards Karnataka via the district headquarters, Chaudi. Bus companies between here and Margao are quite frequent.