CAVELOSSIM
Area: Goa
Country: India


Location:
Halfway down the W coast of India, in the S part of the state of Goa. 10 miles S of Margao; 6º miles S of Colva. 32 miles SE of Dabolim airport.

Telephone code from UK:
91 832

Website:
http://www.goacom.com (commercial site)

Position:
Village is » mile inland, set in fairly flat countryside with lots of rice paddies and open woodland, getting drier and less green farther to the S. The Sahydri Hills in the distance to the S provide an attractive backdrop.

Description:
This small, peaceful village (1º by 3º miles) has a large, appealing church (Santa Cruz), a few basic general stores, market stalls, some tiny, low-key bars and restaurants and little else. It is the last of the larger settlements in the Saclette area, with the River Sal to the S, which is a rich source of shellfish. Most of the hotels are spread along the narrow road to the S and W, fronting the beach.

Suitability:
For quiet, low-key holidays in peaceful, lush surroundings where nightlife is low on the agenda. Suits couples seeking tranquillity. Some facilities at the larger hotels for children, but not really a family destination.

Accommodation:
Larger, well-equipped, tourist-orientated hotels towards the top end of the scale. A few smaller, sedate, family-run hotels to the S of the village.

Shopping:
Suitably limited. Roadside stalls selling local produce; small grocers and vendors. Many larger hotel have their own (rather expensive) shops. To the S of the village, however, is a congregation of tourist-type outlets selling handicrafts, carvings and clothes, with some larger, well-stocked shops. Various larger markets farther N, including Panjim, Anjuna and Mapusa.

Beach:
The S part of a broad, sandy, 15-mile stretch, colonised in parts by rough shacks. Rather grey seas with waves that sometimes create an undertow, but swimming near shore is safe. A few water sports on offer, including jet-skiing and parasailing; boat and fishing trips as well.

Entertainments:
Daytime: aside from the attractive beach, hotels offer various tours, sports facilities (including golf and tennis) and water sports. The narrow, flat, fairly quiet lanes should keep cyclists happy. Nightlife: a few low-key bars; most options in hotels. Variety of evening entertainment, including live music, dancing and karaoke at the hotels, mainly during high season (October_April). For more active nightlife, head for N Goa.

Eating:
A few more basic roadside eateries and beach shacks, all serving fresh seafood and local Goan and Indian dishes. Wider choice in larger hotels, including Goan, Indian and Continental, plus theme nights and barbecues.

Public-transport:
Frequent buses to Margao, with its railway station for long-distance journeys, as well as onward connections to Panjim. Infrequent, unreliable service to points S of Cavelossim. Plentiful taxis and rickshaws; taxi ranks outside larger hotels. Some motorbike and bicycle hire.

Local-excursions:
See Colva.