With the white powder sands on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Colva is the most popular beach among the Goans. Among the best beaches, Colva is Goa's longest beach with 20 km of virgin white sands, palm fringed and sun drenched.
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.
Best Time To Visit
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.
History
Unlike Anjuna or Calangute, Colva Beach gained popularity only lately. It was little disturbed and life moved on quietly. But those are the things of the past. Over the years, many hotels and buildings have sprung from nowhere. It is developing at a good pace.
Tourists Attractions
Tour to Colva and Benaulim Beaches 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.
Places Around Colva-Benaulim- Beaches
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.
Fairs & Festivals
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.
The Beach Bonanza fair is held on successive Sundays from mid-April onwards, where frenzy visitors in merriment participate in live music, dance, and other entertainment.
Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus)
Celebrated on the third Monday of October every year, Fama of Menino Jesuse is among the most popular festivals of Goa.
The festivities start at eight in the morning to extend until nine in the evening. On the fama day, the miraculous image of Infant Jesus is specially brought down from the left side altar of the church, for public veneration and umao (kissing). The priest hurriedly passes by a long and virtually unending queue of devotees touching the statue to their eager lips.
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 - There are frequent buses from Colva running to and from Margao (also Madgaon; 6 km away) from where one can take a bus to Panaji, which is 33 km further ahead.
