Colva Beach
Location of Beach
Colva is located in the Salcete Taluka, 6 kms due east of Margao on the central Salcete coast. The beach is just south of Betalbatim beach (3 kms) and just north of Sernabatim beach (2 kms) and Benaulim beaches. Colva is 40 kms away from the Goan capital, Panaji.
Beach Overview
With its seemingly endless stretch of soft, clean white sand, gentle, warm sea and swaying palms right up to the beach's edge, Colva qualifies as the most versatile beach in Goa.
Not long before, Colva beach was a place for an evening walk for Margao's high society. Also, till few years back, few foreign tourists used to enjoy sun bath and sea bath in Colva by making thatched shed by palm trees. However, now, with the growth of Beach Resorts in recent years, Colva has become South Goa's main tourist beach and attracts thousands of people.
In its something-for-everyone air, Colva offers you an opportunity to enjoy the exhilirating water sports, adrenaline pumping Goan nightlife, interesting sightseeing and even some trinket shopping.
Beach Attractions
Water Sports : Jet skiing and Speed boat rides are the two main water sports which you can try on Colva beach. If you are a speed loving person, Jet skiing is the sport for you. Jet skiing machine is very simple and you can handle it yourself. Alternatively, you can hire an instructor to accompany you. Speed boat ride is another sport, which you can enjoy in a group of three to six people.
Leisure Activities : If leisure activities are high on your holiday priorities, Colva is the place for you. Indulge yourself in a variety of leisure activities and pass a good time. If you are an avid reader, tie your swinging net between two coconut trees in a peaceful place and go through your favourite books.
If you want a swim, Colva is quieter and considered safe place to swim. But, unless you are an experienced swimmer, do not venture more than waist-deep water into the sea.
There are lots of boatmen on the beach who will take you on dolphin-spotting trips, crocodile trips or island tours. Also, do some trinket shopping or buy seashells and make a collection of your own.
If after all this, you are feeling hungry, no problem, just grab a table in the sea-facing shacks, get your feni and stuffed papad and enjoy the breeze and the splendid seaside view.
Nightlife at Colva Beach : The nightlife at Colva beach will tempt you to stay awake almost all through the night. Its beach shacks and restaurants remain open till the wee hours of the morning.
Nearby Attractions
Our Lady of Mercy Church : The Margao-Colva road, before reaching the village will take you to the famous Our Lady of Mercy Church. Dedicated to Our Lady of Merces (mercy), this church was first erected in 1581 and was rebuilt in the 18th century. What is unique about this church is that here the object of admiration is not its patron saint but a statue of the infant Jesus. It is said that the statue was found by a Jesuit priest, Fr.Bento Ferrira, on the Mozambique coast. In the year 1648, Fr. Ferrira brought the statue to Goa and placed it in the Colva Church. The statue is believed to have worked many miracles. Since then, every year on the second Monday of October, the Fama Festival is organized here. During the festival the statue is taken out from the church vault for procession and later placed in the church for devotees.
Sernabatim Beach (1 km) : When you are tired of the shops, nightlife and crowds of Colva, visit the Sernabatim beach. This beach will give you all the peace of a secluded beach with cheap to mid-range seaside accommodation. Despite tourist boom, the village life is very alive and a walk around will provide you with some wonderful sight.
Bull Fight : If you are visiting Colva between October and May, don't miss the interesting bull fights. Usually organized in the rice fields along with the beats of Konkani music, these fights promise lots of fun and excitement.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Colva beach is November to February, when the weather remains pleasant. You may also visit the beach any time in the year, but it is advised to avoid the rainy season between June and October.
Where to Stay
Colva offers an interesting range of budget and mid-range hotels. However, you will not find five star luxury resorts here. Choose a hotel that suits your pocket and needs. Among the popular hotels are Colva Residency, Forex Beach Resort, Hotel Colmar, Lucky Star, Longuinho's Beach Resort, Star Beach Resort, Hotel Colva Plaza, Williams Beach Resort, Vincy Beach Resort and Sukhsagar Beach Resort.
How to Reach
Colva is 26 kms away from the Dabolim airport. Flights of Indian airlines and private airlines ply to Dabolim airport from major cities of India. From the airport you have to take a pre-paid taxi or bus to reach Colva. Margao (8 kms), Goa's one of the main railheads, is the nearest railway station from Colva. Buses in every 15 to 30 minutes leave from Margao's bus station at the old market for Colva. Auto rickshaws are also available from Margao's Municipal Garden to Colva. Minibus, bus, auto rickshaws and taxis are available for local transport.
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