Colva & Benaulim, Goa, India

Colva & Benaulim
form a small stretch of guest houses, beach huts and restaurants in southern
Goa, India.  The beaches are beautiful and you can
regularly see the fisherman land their catch on the
beaches.  Both have tourist facilities such as travel agents and
ATMs.  There is no party scene here, mainly chilled out travelers, and
Indian holiday makers, so this is a good place to relax
. 

Development is slowly changing Colva, with a string of
ugly hotels and restaurants appearing close to the beach.  Benaulim remains
more traditional, and is particular is a good place to spend long term in
Goa.  There is a minibus to the Anjuna Wednesday market.

Getting to Colva or Benaulim

A taxi from Margao train station costs about INR200.

Colva

Development is slowly changing Colva from a peaceful
fishing village to a resort.  Several hotels and poorly planed restaurants are appearing around the
bus stand area, behind the beach.  However, for now, Colva remains a quiet
town with stunning beaches.  Colva is popular with Indian Tourists and middle-aged Europeans.  There is
an ATM, several travel agencies, an autorickshaw stand and places to rent
bicycles and motorbikes.

There are a number of restaurants on the beach, which
continue south down to Benaulim.  Some make a good effort with fireworks
and music such as Papillon.  I don’t recommend eating a Falcons, which was
less than ordinary.

Hello Mate Communications offer the best Internet
access, near the bus stand.

Jet-skiing and parasailing are available on the beach in
peak season.  Dolphin spotting boat trips are also available from the
beach.

Accommodation in Colva

The cheapest places to stay are the guesthouses
(about INR350) on the beach road, about a 10 minute walk from the beach.  The
best places to stay are the beach huts that spread down to Benaulim, but these
costs INR1,000 at Christmas.

Joema Tourist Home
t: 2888411
A friendly,
family run operation with 4
simple rooms, with private bathrooms.  It’s away from the main
beach road, amongst quiet local homes surrounded by palms.  The rooms have
a porch, furniture, cold showers. Bring a mosquito net. The family
have pigs and chickens running around which just adds to the lovely vibe.  A
great place to chill out without beach hut prices.  There is a
‘candle light cafe’ in the front garden.  INR350 at Christmas.

Garden cottages
Right next to Joema
and a similar deal, without the farm animals or palm trees.  There are a
few other guest houses in this area.

Blue Corner
Offering nice beach
huts, arranged in a circle, on the beach towards Benaulim.  The rooms have
fans, power, and private bathrooms.  Restaurant and bar out the front. 
INR1,000 at Christmas. 

Benaulim

Benaulim, 2km south of Colva, remains a
peaceful village with a beautiful beach.  Bikes can be hired at the beach.

There are a number of restaurants on the beach. 
The Hawaii cafe is recommended.

Accommodation in Benaulim

Accommodation is mainly in family guest houses in the
village (INR350 at Christmas), and some beach huts (INR1,000 at
Christmas).  Benaulim is a good place to stay long term in Goa.

Furtado’s Beach House
t:
2770396
Prime beach front location with a restaurant and 10 simple double
rooms.  INR1,000 at Christmas.

Roasrio’s Inn
t: 2770636
Next to
the football ground – a huge, friendly family-run place.  The cheapest
rooms share bathrooms, the rest have verandas and private bathrooms. 
INR400 at Christmas.