Location
This is Goa's southernmost taluka. Its capital is Chaudi. It is the gateway
to many of Goa's southern tip beaches including Agonda, Palolem and Rajbhag.
Canacona - Know before you go
Far south of Goa is Canacona district - among the last parts of the
territory to be included into the Novas Conquistas, and has retained a
distinct Hindu feel. It was ceded to the Portuguese by the Raja of Sund in
the Treaty of 1791. The area also boasts some of the state's most striking
scenery. Set against a backdrop of the jungle-covered Sahyadri hills
(extension of the Western Ghat range), a string of pearl-white caves and
sweeping beaches briefs its indented coastline.
Major Attractions
Shree Mallikarjun Temple
This temple is situated at Canacona. It is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjun,
an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It was built in the 16th century and renovated
in 1778. The temple contains more than 60 deities of different gods and
goddesses inside. It has massive wooden pillars that are exquisitely carved.
The main festivals celebrated are Rathasaptami or the chariot festival is
celebrated in February and Shigmo in April.
Shree Sanusthan Gokarn Parthagali Jeevotham Math, Parthagali
This Math is situated at Parthagali, in Canacona taluka. It is a math of
the Gaud Saraswat community, and was established in 1475 by Swamiji Shreemad
Narayanateertha. It is headed by a Swamiji, an uninterrupted lineage of over
23 so far. In the campus lies a Banyan tree, considered to be a Tapasya
Kshetra, the site of revelation of the inner self by the process of
meditation. There are few temples in the campus.
Catigo Wildlife Sanctuary
The
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10-km southeast of Chaudi, was established in
1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa-
Karnataka border. Encompassing 86-sq-kms of mixed deciduous woodland, the
reserve is certain to inspire tree lovers. more.
Pololem Beach
Palolem, 2-km west of Chaudi, pops up more often in glossy holiday
brochures than any other beach in Goa more.
Cavelosim Beach
Sleepy Cavelossim, straddling the coast road 11-km south of Colva, is the
last major settlement in southwest Salcete.
Agonda
Agonda, 10-km north of Chaudi, can only be reached along the sinuous coast
road connecting Cabo De Rama with NH-14 at Chaudi. No signposts mark the
turning and few of the tourists that whizz past en route to Palolem pull off
here, but the beach, fringed along its entire length by Todi trees, is
superb.
