Overview
Canacona: A Blend of East and West
Located in the extreme south of Goa, Canacona was outside Goa’s boundaries until the 18th century. Canacona Tourism showcases a major beach belt that gained popularity after the 1990s. This region offers an exciting blend of East-meets-West Goan beaches. Historically, Canacona was known as Kanvapura.
Travel to Canacona to enjoy idyllic beaches and serene backwaters. It provides the perfect ambiance for travelers seeking tranquillity and peace.
Main Attractions of Canacona
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Ideal for nature enthusiasts, this dense forest sanctuary features multi-layered greenery and limited sunlight on the forest floor. Located about 10 km from Chaudi, Canacona’s main town, it was established in 1969 to protect the remote forests near the Goa-Karnataka border.
Palolem Beach
Situated in the market town of Chaudi, Palolem is an unspoilt crescent-shaped beach mostly inhabited by fishermen and a few foreign tourists staying in seaside shacks. The sunset at Palolem Beach in Canacona is breathtaking and unforgettable.
Cabo de Rama Fort
Named after the Hindu God Rama, Cabo de Rama Fort is one of the oldest forts in Goa. Legend says Lord Rama and his wife took shelter here during exile. The fort is open to tourists from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM.
Anjadip Island
Located off the coast of Canacona, Anjadip Island (formerly Anjediva) is surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Historically, it served as a refuge for Hindus and Christians during Tipu Sultan’s invasions. The island is known for the Annual Feast of Our Lady of Springs on February 2 and the Feast of the Chapel of St. Francis D’Assisi on October 4.
Excursions from Canacona
Nearby attractions include Chapoli Dam (6 km) and Butterfly Island (8.5 km).
Shopping in Canacona
Visitors can purchase Ayurvedic herbs and medicines, swimwear, and sarongs from local shops.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to explore Canacona is from October to April due to pleasant weather. The Shigmotsav Festival (February–March) is also a great time to experience local culture.
How to Reach
Air: Dabolim Airport is 62 km from Canacona.
Rail: Margao Railway Station is the nearest station, with connectivity from Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka.
Road: National Highway No.17 from Mumbai to Goa passes through Panaji and Margao. Driving from Chaudi leads directly to Canacona’s headquarters.
