Canacona, located in south Goa is a quiet village with few tourists and beautiful beaches that are generally deserted. The name Canacona is derived from the Sanskrit word Konvapuram. Legend states that Canacona used to be a perfect place for meditating saints. When a renowned sage, Konovmuni came to Canacona and lived here, the place then came to be known after him as Konavapuram.
Canacona is set againat a backdrop of Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats and has many white coves and some fresh water springs. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Canacona along the Goa-Karnataka border.
Canacona is a city and a municipal council in South Goa district in the state of Goa, India.Canacona or Kankon Taluka includes places such as :Patnem,Chaudi,Poinguinim, Loliye,Agonda and Gaumdongre.The famous Palolem beach is located in this Taluka. Chaudi is the taluka headquarter and the most developed town in this taluka. [1]
Located at the southernmost tip of Goa, the region of Canacona is known for its picture-postcard locations and beautiful beaches. It is bounded by the Sahaydri hills of the Western Ghats on one side and by the Arabian Sea on the other. The name Canacona is thought to be a derivative of the word Konkan and this area was once a district of the former Kingdom of Soonda. Its villages are situated in low-lying areas and are representative of a strong Indo- Portuguese influence, in the culture, people, food and lifestyle. Canacona is one part of Goa where the hillocks look out directly into the sea, giving it an interesting geological identity.
The area also boasts some of the state's most outstanding scenery. Set against a backdrop of the Jungle covered Sahyadri Hills (an extension of the Western Ghat Range), a string of pearl white coves and sweeping beaches scoop its indented coastline. Enfolded by laterite headlands and colossal piles of back boulders.
Located at the southernmost region of Goa, Canacona beckons tourists with its picture-postcard locales and sun-kissed beaches. One of the five talukas that constitute the South Goa district, Canacona is snugly ensconced between the lofty hills of the Sahaydri range (Western Ghats) on one side and the azure waters of the mighty Arabian Sea on the other. The name Canacona is thought to be a derivative of the word Konkan.
Tracing its roots, the Canacona region was part of the dominions of the Kingdom of Soonda, itself a remnant of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire of Hampi. When part of the kingdom was vanquished by Hyder Ali of Mysore, the king surrendered the remaining territory to the Portuguese. Canacona was annexed to Goa in 1794.
Despite the wealth of virgin greenery and idyllic beaches, till the 1990s Canacona was virtually untouched by the bustling tourism culture thriving in other parts of Goa. Of late Canacona tourism has gained momentum with beaches such as Agonda and Palolem holding their own against other illustrious counterparts such as Anjuna and Calangute. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, acclaimed as the secondd largest wildlife reserve in Goa, is endowed with verdant forests and exotic wildlife species.
One amongst the five taluka that make up the southern Goa, Canacona is bordered by the taluka of Quepeum in the north and Sanguem in the north east. To its south lies the state of Karnataka and the western portion has the Arabian Sea.
The history of the taluka states that it formed part of the Kingdom of Soonda, which itself was a part of the mighty Vijaynagar Empire. Later, when Hyder Ali of Mysore marched in and captured a part of Soonda kingdom, the king was forced to give away the rest of the portion to the Portuguese, given the fact that he had no one to succeed him. Canacona was merged into the state of Goa in the year 1794.
The name Canacona is a distorted version of Konkan which itself derives from Sanskrit word Konvapuram. According to a legend, the Canacona region, in the ancient times, was covered with thick forests and provided a perfect setting for meditating sages. Once, a renowned sage by the name of Konovmuni made himself a shack here and stayed. The land thus became pure by his presence and came to be known as Konvapuram.
As a tourist destination, Canacona came into limelight in the 1990's, which is pretty recent. As far as attractions of Canacona are considered, there are a quiet a decent number attractions to bind you during your trip to Goa.
Ceded to the Portuguese by the Raja of Sund in the treaty of 1791, Goa's far south - Canacona district - was among the last parts of the territory to be absorbed into the Novas Conquistas, and has retained a distinctly Hindu feel.
The history of Canacona states that it was a part of Kingdom of Sonda, a fragment of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire. But the Raja of Sonda got into trouble in 1764, when Hyder Ali of Mysore attacked him. The King asked the Portuguese for asylum and handed Canacona over to them, later it was merged into the state of Goa in 1794. Canacona came under Portuguese influence and went through many conversions in the 18th century. Like most of Goa, you will find little European impact in this pastoral part of Goa.
How to Reach Canacona by Road
National Highway 17 connects the town of Chaudi, headquarters of Canacona, to Margao and Panaji. This highway runs all the way to Mumbai. To visit different tourist spots in Canacona you can avail of bus services or hire autorickshaws.
How to Reach Canacona by Rail
The Canacona railway station falls on the Konkan Railways network and is located at the center of the district, close to the tourist attractions of the coast. The railway junction of Margao (37 km) to the north is the closest major rail station.
How to Reach Canacona by Air
The Dabolim Airport is 62 km away from Canacona. You can take pre-paid taxis at the airport to reach Canacona.
Accommodation is available in hotels, rest houses and guest houses. Intercontinental the Grand Resort Goa is the only five star hotel at Canacona. Other popular hotels are the Sun Village (4 Star) and Shangrila Beach Hotel (3 Star).