Goa, a small state in India with a vast coastline, is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches. One of them would be the alluring Colva Beach in Goa. It is one of the largest beaches in Goa and has powdery white sand. It is a privilege to have an impressive landscape. It is the number one least crowded coastline in Goa and is perfect for any leisurely holiday spent on the sand. There is also movement in the water as small foamy waves gently lap the shore. Beautiful coconut groves are spread all along the coast from Bogamala to Cabo de Rama. Even the coconut trees swaying gently in the sea breeze seem to be in harmony with the entire lush green environment. This beautiful, clean beach is six km from Margao, the main railway station of Goa.
Many midrange and cheap restaurants near the beach specialize in excellent western fare. Many of the hotels have attractive restaurants serving delicacies from the cuisine of Goa and India, along with bars and discos. Avloc is an extremely popular chill-out nightclub which features varied theme nights and sporting events on big-screen TVs. Splash is another popular club. Taj Exotica Goa at Benaulim has some exceptional up-market restaurants.
During the colonial rule of the Portuguese in Goa, the Colva beach became a peaceful haven for Margao’s elite society. The increased rate used to reach the beach on this holiday and for any change in those monotonous routines at work. The vulnerable seaside environment was exactly on target.
6 km from Margao, 39 km south of Panaji, 2 km north of Benaulim beach. Part of the main stretch of Southern Beaches of Goa, location of the most exclusive beach resort hotels in Goa and India tourism.
Colva is perhaps the most loved beach of Goa. Along with Benaulim, it’s a southern base of for backpackers on a laid-back Goa holiday due to its blend of beauty, peace and choice of some of the best options of cheap accommodation in Goa. It’s certainly the most popular beach of south Goa, though much less crowded than its northern counterpart, Calangute as it has been discovered only recently and there’s been some Government control over its development.
It shows off miles of unending soft sand on sunny beaches fringed by gently swaying coconut palms. While taking a stroll on this beautiful Goa Beach, silver carpets of bangdde (mackerels), laid out for drying can be seen shimmering on the golden sands. Walks or rides (4 km) to Benaulim beach through picturesque countryside is another pleasure available here.
Teams of fishermen operate all along the coast to the south till Benaulim, and it’s worth waking up early to watch them haul in their nets. The main Colva village though is quite ordinary.
Dolphin watching boat trips are available from Benaulim beach to the south.
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Church of Our Lady of Mercy
The Church of Our Lady of Mercy (1581) in Colva is famous for its miracle statue of Menino Jesus, allegedly found on the African coast, which is thought to cure illnesses. Fama of Menino Jesus is celebrated in mid-October with a colorful possession and a fair. Specially blessed lengths of strings are sold nearby.
Others
Relegated to its former colonial retreat, Colva still has charming luxury villas and homes that recall its illustrious past from the days when it was a favorite retreat of the elite. Because of this, it has fallen deep into oblivion, except for what would be a few website visitors on the coast. Nevertheless, visitors are gaining more awareness of this beautiful beach, which has so far been lacking among visitors. More and more website visitors today prefer to descend on Colva Beach to enjoy the lazy atmosphere apart from immersing themselves in the appeal of this pristine seaside village dotted with colonial mansions and houses.
Apart from the beautiful beach, Colva can be identified by the statue of Menina Jesus or Baby Jesus. The statue is in the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Piedade, Church of Our Lady of Mercy. It was re-established in 1630. This parish church is located in the village. Number 1 would be Fama Menino Jesus among the known religious activities involving the use of the church. This important holiday has been celebrated since the seventeenth century. The Catholics of Colva, who form a major part of the population in Colva, celebrate with full enthusiasm and joy every 12 months on every third Monday in October. However, it is number one among the major activities and biggest festivals held in Colva. What attracts visitors to witness this occasion is that it is an exercise that actually recalls the colonial days of Goa.
Although Colva Seashore does not have any wild events in the evenings, it has a vibrant nightlife and two famous night clubs – Splash and Disco, which are special in their own way. Colva is easily accessible from Goa’s main railway station, Margao. It is being said that it is at a distance of 68 km from Dabolim Global Airport. If you want to stay in Colva, you will find plenty of hotels there, but it is better to make advance reservations directly with the resort.
If you are looking for a completely relaxing getaway then Colva Beach is the place to be if it is not ostentatious at all. You can take an interesting e-book and relax in complete peace by the sea, a peace disturbed only by the gentle waves against the shores.
Colva Beach, Goa Accommodation
There are numerous midrange, budget and cheap options available close to the beach. Vista De Colva, Longuinhos Beach Resort and Willam’s Resort are three of the better midrange Goa hotels.
EXCURSIONS
- Panaji (Panjim)
- Savoi Spice Plantation
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chandor, Rachol and Loutolim
- Temples at Ponda
- Old Goa
- Other southern beaches of Goa
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary