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.