Location of Beach
Benaulim
is located in Salcete Taluka, between Sernabatim and Pedde beaches on the
central Salcete coast. Margao (8 kms), home to one of the major railway
stations of Goa, is the major city near Benaulim. Benaulim is 41 kms away
from the Goan capital, Panaji and just two kms away from Goa's longest beach
Colva.
Beach Overview
Halt just two kms before you reach Colva to pass some good time at tranquil
beach of Benaulim. As a beach Benaulim has everything Colva has, except the
crowds. Mainly a fishing village, Benaulim is still undiscovered by domestic
tourists. This has helped it to maintain its natural charm. Except the
evening and weekends when the vendors roam and local come for their evening
walk, the beach remains mostly uncrowded. What is best about Benaulim is
ofcourse its closeness to Colva, if you stay here you can enjoy the Colva's
nightlife by maintaining your seclusion.
Apart from a fishing village, Benaulim is a village of gifted carpenters.
Here you can see a number of ornamental altars in houses as well as
churches, which depict the craftsmanship of carpenters. Like Colva, in
Benaulim too, you will find beach shacks where you can enjoy some delicious
sea food. Boat rides are also in offer at Benaulim beach and there are good
chances of spotting the dolphins.
Beach Attractions
Water Sports : At Benaulim you can indulge yourself in an
exciting range of water sports including wind surfing, jet skiing and
parasailing. Windsurfing is a comparatively cheap adventure option, but try
your hands at this sport only if you are experienced.
Swimming : Benaulim beach is considered safe for swimming,
apart from swimming enjoy sunbath and laze around the beach.
Leisure Activities : After burning your calories in water
sports, head for some leisure activities. Boat trips are popular leisure
activities at Benaulim beach which will take you far in the sea. There are
several boatmen on the beach organizing dolphin-spotting trips,
crocodile-spotting trips and island tours. Pedro's Restaurant at Benaulim
beach organizes a Dolphin Dundee boat ride every morning and a full day
Paradise Island Trip that include food and beverages, underwater snorkelling
equipment and fishing rods.
Another excellent leisure option for you is the boat trip all the way up to
the Benaulim coast to the Flea market at Anjuna. If you want to extract
maximum benefits of the marvellous Goan sunset over the Arabian Sea, take
Pedro's evening sunset trip. Since Benaulim is mainly a fishing beach you
can also try your hand at fish catching.
Nearby Attractions
Church of St. John the Baptist : Take a walk on the Colva Road, at the far
end of the village you will see the Church of St. John the Baptist. The
church built in the year 1581 is situated at the top of a hill. A fire
destroyed the church in 1784, but it was later rebuilt and restored by its
parishioners. An excellent example of classic Goan architecture, this church
has a Mannerist frontage.The twin balustrade towers in four distinct tiers
surround the facade and the central pedimental gable is capped by finials
and spires. Move inside the chruch to see the unstained white marble
interior.
Holy Trinity Church : Next visit the Holy Trinity Church
in Mazil Vaddo. Built in 1992, the Holy Trinity Church is the new church at
Benaulim.
Best
Time to Visit
Benaulim has a consistent climate throughout the year with a little
fluctuations in temperature. The period between June to October brings heavy
rain and it is better to avoid this period. However the best time to visit
Benaulim Beach is November to February when you will find a pleasant
weather.
Where to Stay
Benaulim offers an interesting variety of accommodation, ranging from rock
bottom rates to luxury five star resorts. Most popular hotels include the
Taj Exotica, O Palmar, Carina Beach Resort, Rosario Inn, Hotel Failaka,
Castello's Tourist Nest, Oshin Holiday Care and Palm Grove Cottages.
How to Reach
Benaulim beach is located 28 kms away from the Dabolim airport. Indian
airlines as well as private airlines operate flights to Dabolim from cities
like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc. Hire the pre-paid taxis from the airport
to reach Benaulim. If you are coming by rail leave the train in Margao
railway station which is 8 kms away from Benaulim. Regular buses ply from
Margao's city bus stand to Benaulim in every 15 to 30 minutes. For local
transport auto rickshaws are available.
