Colva Beach and Calangute Beach in Goa, India
Twelve Miles of Powder-White Sand, Not Just for Hippies Anymore
Nov 2, 2008
Goa has long been one of India's leading tourist attractions. Historic sights of this former Portuguese colony, like Nossa Senhora de Merces (Our Lady of Mercy) Church, along with the tropical climate and beautiful beaches make it an incredible vacation spot. Today, Colva Beach and Calangute Beach in particular are especially popular with visitors to Goa. And with good reason.
Colva Beach
The village of Colva has about 12,000 residents. It is about 24 miles north of Panaji, the capital of Goa. Other than the beach, the village's only real attraction is Nossa Senhora de Merces (Our Lady of Mercy) Church. There is an annual festival on the third Monday in October at the church; the village's mainly Catholic population folds a feast in honor of the Baby Jesus - Fama of Menino Jesuse. The event begins at 8 am and usually lasts between 13 and 14 hours. An image of Baby Jesus is brought out for public veneration; locals line up to kiss the image and a priest quickly walks down the never ending line of devotees and touches the statue to their lips. The festival has been held since the 1600's and is one of the most popular in Goa.
Colva has recently become a popular destination among local Goans. Fishermen lay mackerels out of the beach to begin the process of drying them; their boats anchor just off shore. Sunday's on the beach is a carnival atmosphere for much of the year - complete with music and dancing.
Colva Beach has plenty of tourists, including Indians and local Goans. Souvenir stalls and food stands are open of the evenings. Seafood and Portuguese cuisine abound. Colva has a reputation as one of Goa's most romantic beaches.
From October until May there are also bull fights from about 4 pm onward at nearby Benaulim. Canned Konkani music gives the fights a rhythm and the fact that there are no fences around the bull fight adds some excitement.
Colva's recent rise in popularity has resulted in development. A new hotel seems to spring up each week. There are both resort properties and lower-budget hotels around Colva. Houses can be rented for longer stays.
Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach is only nine miles north from the Goan capital, Panaji. Visitors can either take up accommodations near the beach or make day trips from Panaji.
Several villages are in the area of the beach, but none has a direct enough claim on the beach to be associated with it by name.
The beach is about four miles long and covered with palm trees. November to February is considered the peak tourist season, and tourists avoid Goa in general during the rainy months, but the truth is that there is no bad time to visit Calangute.
Calangute was a hippie hangout during the 60s and 70s. Today the hippies have mostly turned into yuppies. But the beach is unchanged - pristine, serene golden sand and sun. The beach is filled with average sun worshippers and their children. Fresh seafood is everywhere on sale.
Not far from the beach is the Kerkar Art Complex. The Complex's exhibitions are mostly arts and crafts from local Goans. Indian classical music is available on Thursdays and Fridays at the Complex.
A Saturday bazaar near the post office has plenty of good bargains for shoppers. Fish, meat, and grocery are available for visitors planning a prolonged stay. There are also textiles, pottery, and other provisions. There is also a Tibetan market in Calangute. Kashmiri merchants also frequent Goa with carpets, embroidery, and more.
Finally, if the mundane life of a sun seeker becomes tiresome visitors can take one of the crocodile and dolphin spotting tours on the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. Crocodiles inhabit the swamps and mangroves of the area. Dolphins play at the mouth of the Mandovi River.
Calangute Beach is a great vacation.
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