Colva Beach Travel Guide
The
Colva Beach, at a distance of 6 km. from Margao, equals Calangute in
natural splendor. The silken sands of Colva beach stretch to nearly
20 kms and end at the Bethul beach (sparsely populated), which is
perhaps one of the best in Goa. Lining the beach are coconut and
palm trees. Evenings are picturesque - with the sun setting in the
horizon and the fishing boats returning with the day’s catch.
Colva has some of the best resorts in Goa.
A hot-season retreat for Margao's moneyed middle classes since long
before Independence, Colva is the oldest and largest - of south
Goa's resorts. Its leafy outlying vaddos, or wards, are pleasant
enough, dotted with colonial lection of concrete hotels, souvenir
stalls and fly-blown snack bars strewn around a bleak central
roundabout. Colva is pleasant and convenient place to stay, swimming
is relatively safe, while the sand, at least away from the
beachfront, is spotless and scattered with beautiful shells.
Accommodation
There are plenty of resorts and low-budget hotels in and around
Colva beach. The Benaulim beach, near Colva beach, too has a few
hotels. Besides it is possible to rent houses for a longer stay.
Colva 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.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is
29 km away from Panaji and 68 km from Colva.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Karmali,
11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is 39 km away from Colva.
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
