Guide To Colva Beach In Goa- A Soulful Retreat
Let me take you to the longest beach in Goa, which is covered with white sand, swaying palm trees, and colorful fishing boats, which add to the charm of this off-beat beach. Yes, we are talking about Colva Beach, about 6 km from Margao and 40 km from Panjim. Colva Beach Goa has a rich history and culture, as it was once a retreat for the Portuguese high society and a fishing village for the locals. It is also the abode of the Our Lady of Mercy Church, which hosts the annual Fama of Menino Jesus festival.
Ideal Time to Visit Colva Beach Goa
The ideal time to visit Colva Beach, Goa, is between November and February. This period is distinguished by pleasant and dry weather, ranging from 20°C to 32°C. However, this period also marks the peak season for tourism in Goa, resulting in crowds and higher prices.
You should avoid visiting Clova Beach, Goa, from June to September during the monsoon season. The beach becomes unsafe for swimming due to high tides and strong currents.
Things to Do at Colva Beach Goa
Dolphin Spotting: You can enjoy the view of friendly and playful dolphins in their natural habitat by hiring a boat or joining a tour at Colva Beach, Goa.
- Dolphin spotting mainly occurs from 7 am – 10 am.
- Prices differ based on the boat type and number of people.
- The shared boat costs around INR 300-500 per head.
- Private boat rates range from INR 1500-2000.
Water Sports: The rejuvenating activities at Colva Beach incorporate bumper rides, jet skiing, banana rides, snorkeling, kayaking, speed boating, wakeboarding, parasailing, and paragliding, providing a varied range of water sports and adventure experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Also Read: THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF GOA: LAND OF BEACHES
- Water sports operate from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Prices differ based on the activity and duration.
- Parasailing costs around INR 300-500, Windsurfing – INR 400-600
- Speedboat rides (approx) – INR 500-700, Jet skiing – INR 600-800, Banana boat rides – INR 200-300
Sunset Viewing: Watching the sunset is one of the most romantic and surreal activities at Colva Beach, Goa.
Tasting Goan Cuisine: Try the tongue-relishing seafood, curries, vindaloo, xacuti, and other local delicacies.
Explore Pandava Caves: Nestled in the Sattari district of North Goa, the Pandava Caves are believed to have been carved out by the Pandavas during their exile. Visitors can tour these ancient caves, which are essential in Hindu culture.
Our Lady of Mercy Church: Dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, it represents unique Goan-Portuguese architecture and provides a peak into the region’s colonial history.
Dr. Jose da Silva Pereira House: A historical landmark near Colva Beach, which represents the influence of Portuguese design and craftsmanship.
Nightlife in Colva Beach Goa
Cohiba: This venue performs live music daily, with famous bands and a lively atmosphere. It is familiar for its open-air location, types of drinks, and vibrant crowd. Ladies’ nights on Wednesdays and Retro Saturdays are trendy here.
Saltamontes—Garden Cafe & Bar: is ideal for Jazzy weekends, soulful live melodies, and chilling with friends. It is familiar with its Garden Concert Series, which has open mics and jam sessions.
Down The Road: This vibrant location hosts talented local artists. It has an extensive bar, inviting open-air seating, and a buzzing dance floor. The venue serves eclectic tunes and enthralling weekends as the sun sets.
Boomerang Beach Bar & Restaurant: It provides a picturesque setting right on the beach, giving an ideal spot to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, good food, drinks, music, dancing, karaoke nights, live bands, live matches onscreen, pool tables, and so on.
Bridge Beach Shack Restaurant: This place offers a serene and beautiful setting for unwinding and grooving in style. It gives a multi-cuisine spread, live music, karaoke, and a soothing atmosphere to chill and experience a happening night by the beach.
Also Read: KNOW GOA LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Best Places To Eat Near Colva Beach
- Mickey’s Restaurant: This popular restaurant serves authentic Goan food, especially seafood and continental and Indian dishes.
- Leda Lounge and Restaurant: This stylish restaurant serves fusion food, combining Goan, continental and Asian flavors.
- Kentucky Seafood Restaurant and Bar: This casual beachfront restaurant serves fresh, grilled, or fried seafood, along with continental and Indian dishes.
- Pinacolada Beach Shack: This lively beach shack serves mouth-watering seafood, Goan, and continental dishes.
- Nazaré Beachfront Restaurant: Situated within the luxurious Beleza by the beach resort, this restaurant offers an enthralling dining experience with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Where to Stay at Colva Beach Goa
- The Golden Crown Hotel & Spa: It’s a 4-star hotel about 1 km from Colva Beach, Goa. It has 50 rooms with air conditioning, television, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms.
- Beleza by the Beach: This 4-star resort offers luxurious villas, a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and two restaurants. It is about 2 km from Colva Beach, Goa, and has a stunning sea view.
- Soul Vacation Resort & Spa: This 3-star resort offers cozy rooms, a swimming pool, a spa, a yoga center, and a restaurant. It is about 500 m from Colva Beach, Goa, and has a charming garden view.
Some of the other best restaurants in Goa are:
- Clarissa Resort Goa
- Sea Hawk Suites Baga Goa
- Hilias retreat
- Simply Homestay
- Mermaid Avisa Resort
Places To Visit Near Colva Beach Goa
Cabo de Rama Fort: This 16th-century fort offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and Colva Beach. It is free and open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Palolem Beach: This beach is known for its crescent-shaped shoreline, calm waters, palm trees, and colorful shacks. It is also a famous location for kayaking, fishing, dolphin spotting, and yoga.
Also Read: WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT BUTTERFLY BEACH IN GOA?
Spice Plantations (Tropical Spice Plantation): Tropical Spice Plantation is famous for its organic farming approaches and the chance to see spices like black pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg growing in their natural habitat.
Varca Beach: Famous for its soft white sands and peaceful environment, Varca Beach is ideal for those looking to relax by the sea. It’s less crowded than other beaches, offering a more intimate experience with nature.
Majorda Beach: A central beach in South Goa known for its soft golden sands and picturesque setting. Majorda Beach is famous for sunbathing, water sports, and enjoying Goan delicacies at beach shacks.
Goa Chitra Museum: This ethnographic museum houses many traditional Goan artifacts. It’s a hidden treasure for those interested in the local culture and history.
Japanese Garden: Sitting on a hilltop, this garden is a slice of Japanese tranquility in Goa. It serves panoramic sights of the sea and is ideal for sunrise or sunset.
Rivona Caves: These 6th-century Buddhist caves offer a peep into ancient religious practices. Carved out of laterite rocks, They feature a ‘Pitha’ believed to have been used by monks for meditation.
Ancestral Goa (Big Foot Museum): It’s an open-air museum that takes you back to Goan rural life a century ago. It provides a glimpse into the region’s past with life-size sculptures and dioramas.
Old Goa Churches: The Old Goa Churches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site incorporating the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Se Cathedral, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
How to Reach Colva Beach
By Bus:
Bus: 8A, 8B, 8C from Margao and 33A from Panjim.
Buses are available every 15 minutes from 6 am to 8 pm.
Duration: 20 minutes from Margao, about an hour from Panjim.
By Taxi:
Taxi operators: Goa Miles, Ola Cabs, Uber Cabs.
Fare: around INR 300-400 from Margao, INR 800-1000 from Panjim.
Duration: 15 minutes from Margao, about 45 minutes from Panjim.
Nearest Transportation Hubs:
The nearest bus stop is Colva Circle, about 1 km from the beach.
The nearest railway station is Margao, about 6 km from the beach.
The nearest airport is Dabolim, about 21 km from the beach.