Colva Beach

Renowned as the longest beach in Goa and stretching upto a distance of twelve miles of white sand on the Arabian Sea, the Colva beach lies in the village of Colva, 24 km north of Panaji. The beach has the reputation of being the most romantic beach in Goa. The annual festival held in the honour of Baby Jesus in the month of October starting from the Catholic church brings many tourists to the beach.

The brightness of the moon draws the ocean with its glowing fullness, while the winds beat the waves along the white beach which turns out to be the fisherman's feast during the full moon. The beach is the pride of the Salcete and the only envy of Calangute beach in terms of natural beauty and vivid imagery.

Beach Activities
Tourists coming to the Colva beach can have the pleasure of watching the fisher man laying out the mackerels on the beach for drying. The small fishing boats on the shores and in the middle of the sea hunting for the fishes are a sight not to be forgotten. Sundays are meant for merry making accompanied by dance.

The beach is full of stalls of sea foods open till late evenings for the comfort of the visitors around. Colva is known for the bull fights it holds in the open spaces that adds rhythms and excitement in the beach. Swimming, fishing, rafting all can be done at ease in the beach with out any kind of trouble. Apart from that, walking down the banks of the beach can be an amazing experience. It is a time for praising the beauty of Goa, reminiscing the personal memories of the past and planning for the future.

Nearby Attractions The Church of the Lady of Mercy - The simple church has a 17th century history of the statue of Menino Jesus or Baby Jesus found in the Sena river in Goa by father Bento ferraiera. The people of Goa started believing that the statue had healing powers and slowly its fame grew far and wide inviting large tourist to feel its uniqueness.

Colva village - The quaint fishing village that lies to the southern coast is popular for the fishing communities living there for around hundred years. The village is abundant with coconut trees and verdant fields are covered with palms, contributing to the splendid ambiance of the surrounding.

The Church of St John - Situated 2 km away from the beach, the Baptist church above a hill and beyond the village is a great place to visit. The monsoon feast of Baptist St John is celebrated by young men and women wearing crowns of leaves touring the area singing for gifts. The church is built to commemorate St John who was visited by mother Mary while he was in his mothers womb.

Reaching Colva Beach
By Air - Dabolim Airport is the closest airport which is situated 29 kms away from capital city Panaji and 68 kms from Colva beach.

By Rail - The closest railway station is at Karmali which is around 11 kms from from Panaji. Panaji is 39 kms north to the beach of Colva.

By Road - Regular buses connects Panaji to Margao. From there tourists can take a bus to Colva which is just 6 kms away and can be reached in a short while.