Essential information for Calangute

When to go

To make the most of Calangute‘s proximity to the coast, it’s best to visit the town before the monsoon season that lasts from June to September. During May, the temperature regularly hits highs of 34°C and creates the perfect climate for watersports activities on your holidays to Goa.

As a large proportion of the locals are Christian, the festive season is a popular time to visit with plenty of events in the area to mark the occasion. This includes fireworks on Calangute beach for Christmas and New Year. Temperatures at this time of year only ever drop as low as 25°C with minimal rainfall, making for the ideal getaway from the cold British winter with plenty of cheap Goa holidays available at this time.

Health and safety

Before travelling to Calangute, you’ll need to receive vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid, as well as a tetanus booster. Your doctor may also advise that you receive shots to protect against cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis and rabies. Because of the malaria risk in India, make sure you discuss your travel plans with your local GP so they can advise you.

It’s recommended that you purchase bottled water for drinking in Calangute, due to the potentially unsafe nature of the local resources. Sun cream is also advisable given the hot climate. As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip.

If you’re visiting Calangute specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/health.

Passports and visas

In order to visit Calangute you’ll require a visa. UK passport holders may be eligible for an e-tourist visa that you can apply and pay for online in advance to make the process quicker and cheaper.

Alongside a visa you must have a valid passport to enter the country. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements.

Getting around

You’ll fly into Goa International Airport in Dabolim, just an hour to an hour and a half away from most resorts in Calangute. Many tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so getting to your resort is hassle-free. Alternatively, car hire is available, you could hail a taxi or take the public bus, it’s worth noting taking the bus may take a little longer.

Calangute itself is a small town so most people choose to walk around the area as opposed to using transport. The beach is only a few minutes’ walk away from most hotels, as are the town’s restaurants and bars.

Roadways in and out of Calangute are in good condition thanks to the town’s popularity with tourism. For travel to the surrounding areas, there is a cheap and frequent bus service to popular destinations like Mapusa and Panjim.

Advice for travellers with children

As one of the larger towns in Goa, Calangute has plenty of variety in restaurants that cater for families and watersports to keep older children and adults entertained. All members of the family will enjoying browsing the Indian goods and souvenirs on Calangute’s shopping street dubbed Holiday Street.

The large stretch of beach here is close to many of the family-focused hotels. Or, if you prefer, you can walk further from town to discover one of the areas of more unspoilt Goan beach. With a range of options available, book your Goa holidays early and take the stress out of dining with little ones, knowing your trip includes plenty of family-friendly options.

Electricity

Connector type: Three-pin plug, type C, D and M

Voltage Info: 220 to 240 volts

Emergency information

108 is the number in Goa for emergency situations.

For direct phone lines call:

Fire services: 101 Ambulance: 102 Police: 100

You can also dial 1718 for the coastguard and 2278284 to contact the Calangute police station.

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in nearby Panaji.

Address: 303-304 Casa del Sol, Miramar, Goa, Panaji 403001

Email: consular.goa@fco.gov.uk

Phone (from within India): +91 832 6636 777 Phone (from the UK): 020 7008 1500

Hospitals

Calangute has a selection of hospitals for you to choose from. Dr. Dukle’s Hospital houses a popular pharmacy and Mathew Braganza Hospital is open 24 hours a day.

Dr. Dukle’s Hospital & Research Centre

Address: Aguade-Calangute Road, Candolim, Bardez, Goa 403515 Phone: +91 832 248 9333

Mathew Braganza Hospital

Address: Calangute-Anjuna Road, Naikawado, Calangute, Goa 403516 Phone: +91 832 652 2111