Beaches of South Goa
The
beaches in south Goa extend from Vasco da Gama and Bogmalo to Palolem Beach.
The stretch includes Bogmalo, Velsao, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Betul, Canaguinim,
Agonda and Palolem.
Colva
Colva is by far the most popular of South Goa beaches, famous for its white
sands and is to South Goa what Calangute is to the North Goa. For those who
like to be where the action is Colva is the place in South Goa, with lots of
resorts, shops and activity. For those who prefer more tranquil surroundings,
there are smaller places to stay at within 20 minutes walking distance on either
side of Colva. There are a number of restaurants on either side of the road
leading up to the beach and the numerous shacks on the beach provide less variety
but equally good quality of food. Colva is only a 20 minute ride by bus from
the town of Margao.
Bogmalo
Bogmalo beach is only eight kms from Vasco and four km from the airport at Dabolim.
The small beach became famous when the Oberoi Group decided to put up a 5 star
hotel here. There are a few shacks on the beach next to the village.
Benaulim
According to legend as described in the Skanda Purana, Vishnu, in his sixth
incarnation as Parsurama shot an arrow to mark the limit where Samudra, the
Indian Neptune should withdraw. Defeated, Samudra receded when the arrow fell
in Bannali (Bann: arrow, ali: village). This is how the village of Banali got
its name. It was later corrupted by the Portuguese to Benaulim. Banaulim lies
2 kms away from Colva Beach.
Ever since backpackers started patronising the place, this fishing and rice-farming
village with coconut groves and paddy fields, has turned into a tourist haven
with small guest houses and souvenir stalls. Most visitors to Benaulim are transient
budget travellers from Colva.
The gently shelving sands are increasingly being haunted by hawkers, masseurs
and fruit-vendors. Otherwise, Benaulim is a relatively quieter beach than many,
friendly and warm. The neighbouring beach of Varca, is more peaceful as tourism
has not reared its head enough to change the lifestyle of the locals. There
are a few bars and restaurants and basic accommodation is available here.
Palolem
Palolem, 2 km west of Chaudi, is one of Goa's most idyllic beaches. It has a
crescent shaped bay lined with swaying coconut palms hemmed by a pair of rocky
crags. The white sand beach in an arc is picture perfect.
The village has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to day-trippers who
arrive in droves on sight-seeing tours of the beaches. Despite the commercialisation,
Palolem remains a traditional village, where the easy pace of life is dictated
by the three daily rounds of todi-tapping.
