1. Benaulim Beach
INTRODUCTION
Benaulim, located some two kilometers from the ever popular Colva Beach is fast becoming a hot spot
with the beach lovers looking for seclusion. It is long white virgin beach, palm fringed and sun drenched.
LOCATION
Two km ahead from Colva is Benaulim Beach in the South Goa. The beach is located at some 40 km from
the Panajim - the capital of Goa.
KEY 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.
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.
HISTORY OF POPULARITY
Unlike Anjuna or Calangute, Colva and Benaulim 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.
VICINITY
2. 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 AND FESTIVALS
The Beach Bonanza
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.
TRADITION AND DRESS CODE
The east and the west, the twain does meet in Goa. Both Christmas and Diwali are celebrated with equal
fervor. Fish curry and rice take a place alongside chouricos (Portuguese for sausages) on the dining
table.
Colva and Benaulim still have the Portuguese influence. Goan gents on vacation can be seen attired in
suits, and their delicate women wearing stockings. Otherwise, the Western tourists are seen in colorful
or skimpy beachwear and bikinis.
On a Sunday mornings, men and women get into dark suits and dresses, the younger women carry
scarves to cover their heads, and together go to the church.
SHOPPING
As far as big shopping complexes or markets are concerned, Colva and Benaulim still have 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.
We can provide hotel bookings for all of Goa on the prices never heard before. Contact us immediately
to get exclusive offers on Hotel Packages from Goa.
3. 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.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Swimming is dangerous at most of the beaches because of the strong undercurrents. Consulting the
lifeguards is a must before venturing out into the waters.
Drug trafficking is against the Indian law. Anyone found in breach of the law could be awarded a lifetime
imprisonment.
Nudity is against the local norms and traditions. Indulging or encouraging nudity on the beaches would
be a nuisance and a source of embarrassment for the local inhabitants.
Source: http://www.tourismofgoa.com/beaches/benaulim.html
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