Benaulim Beach
INTRODUCTION 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 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. 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. 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. By Road We (www.indianvisit.com) would provide you all india tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too. 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.
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