LOCATION

Colva is a small village in south Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It lies 39 km away from Panaji (the old name for Panjim) the capital of the Indian state of Goa. Two km further ahead from Colva is Benaulim.

ATTRACTIONS

Nossa Senhora de Merces (Our Lady of Mercy) Church

The church is famous for its annual religious event—Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus)—since the 17th century. The predominantly Catholic community celebrates it on the third Monday of October every year. It is one of Goa’s most popular feasts and a big fair is held on the occasion.

On the Beach

While taking a stroll on the Colva Beach, silver carpets of bangdde (mackerels) can be viewed shimmering on the golden sands for drying. Fishermen’s motor trawlers can be seen anchored in a line offshore.

Tourists—Indian and foreigners, as well as locals—can be seen in colorful dresses, coming either for a walk or ‘for a change of air’. Many tourists can be seen having a sunbath on the golden sands.

The trinket stalls and the drink stands on the golden sands under the moonlight make the evening on the Colva Beach utterly romantic.

The Bull Fight

From early October to late May, from 4 pm onwards, one can see the bull fights at Benaulim. On the beat of taped Konkani music, the bullfights are usually held in an old rice field with no fences or barricades just outside a village.

CLIMATE

Goa has a consistent climate through the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens. April and May are warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 400 cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.

VICINITY

About 2 km away from Colva is the Benaulim, which is more peaceful and serene than Colva. Benaulim provides an escape to see nature in its full bounty with meager tourists, yet to disturb its peace. One can still see the old Portuguese houses.

SHOPPING

As far as big shopping complexes or markets are concerned, Colva Beach still has to develop. But there are a lot of trinket shops and drink stalls on the beach where one can buy artifacts, antiques and gifts for friends waiting back at home. Open-air eateries serving seafood and Portuguese dishes are in abundance on the shore.

ACCOMODATION

There are plenty of resorts and low-budget hotels in and around Colva. Benaulim too has a few hotels. Besides it is possible to rent houses for a longer stay.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 68 km from Colva.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Karmali, 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is 39 km away from Colva.

By Road