Introduction

About 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from Colva is the unspoilt beach of Benaulim in South Goa. Benaulim Beach opens up a vista of uncluttered silvery sand lacing the Arabian Sea. More peaceful and serene than Colva, Benaulim remains largely undiscovered by domestic travelers. But, the place gets fairly crowded in the evenings and weekdays when locals get off buses a kilometer away and head to the beach to enjoy the breeze and stroll at leisure. Interestingly, Benaulim has a string of mythology and folklore attached to it, something you wouldn’t generally expect a beach to have!

It is believed to be the place where the arrow of Lord Parashurama landed when he created the state of Goa, known in Sanskrit as Banavli (ban meaning arrow) and later corrupted by the Portuguese to Benaulim. Dolphin cruises are a popular attraction here, conducted by the locals. Reasonably priced, such a cruise is worth a try as the chances of spotting dolphins are quite high. After a saunter on the beach, proceed to the quaint Benaulim village beyond the palm trees, famous for its rosewood furniture and carvings. You can even explore the church of St. John the Baptist perched atop the hill beyond the village. This old church is noteworthy for its typical Goan Christian architecture. During monsoon, it holds the feast of St. John the Baptist, celebrated as a thanksgiving.

The gently shelving sand of Benaulim shimmers away almost to the horizon, and you will come across wooden fishing boats languishing on the sand, on your walk from the palm trees to the sea. Though there will be hawkers, masseurs and fruit sellers at all times on the beach, a firm ‘no’ is the best way to steer clear of them. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in Benaulim Beach, being generally jelly-fish free.

Stop for lunch at the Benaulim village that has a few serviceable bars and restaurants, besides several telephone booths and a couple of stores. It is Benaulim’s proximity to Margao (Madgaon) market, along with the presence of its Christian fishing community that makes the restaurants here serve the most succulent and reasonably priced seafood in Goa. Some other popular places to eat are the shack cafes in the beachfront area, and the smaller terrace restaurants further along the beach and scattered around the village. Grove’s Congenial Garden Restaurant and Hawaii Shack are popular seafood places in Benaulim, and are a must-try for its assortment of Goan delicacies. Besides, there are numerous resorts and low-budget hotels in and around Colva, and a few in Benaulim. You can even rent a house if you wish to stay on for long.

If you are visiting the beach around mid-April, you will be just in time for the Beach Bonanza Fair held on successive Sundays. Great music, sumptuous food and a free flow of wine are the essence of this little beach carnival. Benaulim also serves as a venue for bullfights from early October to late May. The set up for such fights is very interesting; it is usually held in an old rice field without any fence or barricade just outside the village, to the rhythm of taped Konkani music. While touring South Goa, spend at least a day at Benaulim for its wonderful beach scenery, rich cultural heritage and lip-smacking food.

Special Attributes

Dolphin cruises are a popular attraction here, conducted by the locals. Reasonably priced, such a cruise is worth a try as the chances of spotting dolphins are quite high.

Nuisance

Hawkers and touts

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Benaulim Beach is about 28 kilometers (17.5 miles) away from Dabolim airport. You can hire a pre-paid taxi from the airport to reach Benaulim. If you are coming by rail leave the train in Margao (Madgaon) railway station which is approx. 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Benaulim. Also, regular buses ply from Margao's city bus stand to Benaulim in every 15 to 30 minutes. For local transport auto rickshaws are easily available.

Enjoyed by

Families, Honeymooners, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Goa. The sun can get harsh near afternoon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, a sun block cream and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Facilities

There are lots of beach shacks and smaller terrace cafes in the village serving delicious seafood, in addition to many hotels and resorts.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

The beach is best visited during the day when you can soak up the sun at leisure, enjoy a traditional Goan meal at a café-bar, set out on a dolphin spotting cruise, explore the Benaulim village and the quaint church on the hilltop.

Type of site

A pretty South Goan beach