Colva Beach is Goa's longest beach, stretching 20 km along the Arabian Sea. It is located 39 km from Panaji in south Goa. Popular attractions include the Church of Nossa Senhora de Merces, known for its annual Child Jesus festival. The beach offers a scenic view of fishermen's boats and is a romantic spot in the evenings. Development has increased over the years, though the area still retains Portuguese influences in its culture and architecture.

1. Colva Beach
FACTS & FIGURES
Length: 20 kms
Population: 12,000
INTRODUCTION
With the white powder sands on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Colva is the most popular beach among
the Goans. Among the best beaches, Colva is Goa's longest beach with 20 km of virgin white sands, palm
fringed and sun drenched.
LOCATION
Colva is a small village in south Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It lies 39 km away from Panaji (the
old name for Panjim) the capital of the Indian state of Goa.
KEY ATTRACTIONS
Nossa Senhora de Merces (Our Lady of Mercy) Church
The church is famous for its annual religious event, Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus), since the 17th
century. The predominantly Catholic community celebrates it on the third Monday of October every
year. It is one of Goa's most popular feasts and a big fair is held on the occasion.
On the Beach
While taking a stroll on the Colva Beach, silver carpets of bangdde (mackerels) can be viewed
shimmering on the golden sands for drying. Fishermen's motor trawlers can be seen anchored in a line
offshore.
The trinket stalls and the drink stands on the golden sands under the moonlight make the evening on
the Colva Beach utterly romantic.
CLIMATE
Goa has a consistent climate through the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature.
December and January might require light woolens. April and May are warm. The period from June to
October brings heavy rain, almost up to 400 cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C
to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.
HISTORY OF POPULARITY
Unlike Anjuna or Calangute, Colva Beach gained popularity only lately. It was little disturbed and life
moved on quietly. But those are the things of the past. Over the years, many hotels and buildings have
sprung from nowhere. It is developing at a good pace.

2. VICINITY
About 2 km away from Colva is the Benaulim, which is more peaceful and serene than Colva. Benaulim
provides an escape to see nature in its full bounty with meager tourists, yet to disturb its peace. One can
still see the old Portuguese houses.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Beach Bonanza
The Beach Bonanza fair is held on successive Sundays from mid-April onwards, where frenzy visitors in
merriment participate in live music, dance, and other entertainment.
Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus)
Celebrated on the third Monday of October every year, Fama of Menino Jesuse is among the most
popular festivals of Goa.
The festivities start at eight in the morning to extend until nine in the evening. On the fama day, the
miraculous image of Infant Jesus is specially brought down from the left side altar of the church, for
public veneration and umao (kissing). The priest hurriedly passes by a long and virtually unending queue
of devotees touching the statue to their eager lips.
TRADITION AND DRESS CODE
The east and the west, the twain does meet in Goa. Both Christmas and Diwali are celebrated with equal
fervor. Fish curry and rice take a place alongside chouricos (Portuguese for sausages) on the dining
table.
Colva still has the Portuguese influence. Goan gents on vacation can be seen attired in suits, and their
delicate women wearing stockings. Otherwise, the Western tourists are seen in colorful or skimpy
beachwear and bikinis.
On a Sunday mornings, men and women get into dark suits and dresses, the younger women carry
scarves to cover their heads, and together go to the church.
SHOPPING
As far as big shopping complexes or markets are concerned, Colva Beach still has to develop. But there
are a lot of trinket shops and drink stalls on the beach where one can buy artifacts, antiques and gifts for
friends waiting back at home. Open-air eateries serving seafood and Portuguese dishes are in
abundance on the shore.
HOW TO REACH

3. By Air
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji and 68 km from Colva.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Karmali, 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is 39 km away from Colva.
DO's AND DON'Ts
Swimming is dangerous at most of the beaches because of the strong undercurrents. Consulting the
lifeguards is a must before venturing out into the waters.
Drug trafficking is against the Indian law. Anyone found in breach of the law could be awarded a lifetime
imprisonment.
Nudity is against the local norms and traditions. Indulging or encouraging nudity on the beaches would
be a nuisance and a source of embarrassment for the local inhabitants.
Source: http://www.tourismofgoa.com/beaches/colva.html
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