Despite cloudy skies, occasional pre-monsoon showers and rough sea conditions, thousands of visitors flocked to the beaches on Sunday.
Calangute beach, often called the “Queen of Beaches”, was packed with holidaymakers enjoying the long weekend and the extended Eid holiday break ending on Tuesday. While many tourists relaxed on the beach, others entered the rough sea despite repeated warnings from lifeguards.
Lifeguards remained on alert throughout the day, repeatedly advising visitors not to go into deep waters because of strong currents and high waves caused by pre-monsoon weather. “The sea has been rough for the last few days, and we are continuously asking tourists to avoid risky activities in the water. Most follow the advice, but some still ignore the warnings,” said a lifeguard at the beach.
Tourism stakeholders said the surge in visitors was due to the long weekend and Eid holidays, which encouraged travellers from neighbouring states to visit Goa for a short break. Many tourists reportedly arrived in private vehicles, especially from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The heavy flow of vehicles led to major traffic congestion in the Calangute“Candolim stretch, causing inconvenience to residents and commuters. “The roads are packed as many tourists park their vehicles carelessly, causing traffic jams and inconvenience to locals. However, it has been good for business and we are seeing excellent sales,” said John Lobo, General Secretary of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society.
President of the Goan Traditional Shack Owners Association, Manuel Cardozo, said the beaches and roads in the coastal belt had remained crowded over the last two days because of the tourist rush. “There was heavy traffic congestion from Calangute Tinto to Candolim, but not a single traffic police officer was seen managing the situation,” Cardozo alleged.
Local shack operators and restaurant owners reported good business during the weekend, with many establishments operating near full capacity. Hotels and guesthouses in North Goa also recorded strong bookings as tourists made the most of the season before monsoon-related restrictions begin on several beaches.
Authorities are expected to strengthen safety measures along Goa’s coastline in the coming days as weather conditions are likely to worsen with the advance of the monsoon.
