Benaulim Beach

Before you rev yourself up and head for the Benaulim beach spare a thought for sage Parashuram. Legend has it that once long ago, an arrow from Parshuram’s quiver landed in Benaulim and gave rise to this paradise called Goa. Hit the beach here and you would perhaps even believe that this place has had some kind of a celestial tryst.

Serene Beaches and a long white shore as compared to its immediate counterpart, Colva beach to the north. And while Varca is where the starred hotels are, Benaulim is where the backpacker haven in Salcete taluk.

Weather

The sun does not spare you one bit for most part of the year barring the rains in the monsoon season. Gear up for a 33 degrees Celsius summer with a maximum temperature of 39 degrees or around there. Winter in Goa… whats that?

Best time to visit:

Goa’s great is summers and winters, but if sun-kissed beaches are not your only poison, its superlative in the monsoons. Conventionally popular visiting months are from October to March.

Getting there / Route Information

Bus

Board any of the mini buses from Margao heading for Benaulim or Varca. Get off at a place called Maria hall, which is about one kilometer from the beach. The distance from Margao to Benaulim is about seven kilometers

Train

The Margao railway station is as close as a train could get to Benaulim beach. You troop out of your compartment here and either ho into a pre-paid taxi or an auto or a pilot if you are travelling single and ask the driver to head for Benaulim. The distance is about 8 km.

Pictures of Benaulim Beach

 

 

Major attractions

There’s something about Benaulim that you may not have heard of… not in most travel guides that is. The village of Benaulim is renowned for delicate carvings made of rosewood. The artistry is famed all over the country. Benaulim beach otherwise is also known for its low-end snack bars and café which fringe the beach around the village. The exquisite church of St John the Baptist, which lies on a hillock on the other side of the village, is also worth a look, for its exquisite architecture.

Vital Tourist Information

Hotel availability

Unlike snooty Varca, Benaulim is tailor-made for the budget traveler with most houses in Benaulim renting out rooms for travelers. There are also several budget hotels for the people passing through.

Shopping

Benaulim also has several stores selling you handicrafts and artifacts made from paraphernalia found on the beach like shells, driftwood, fishbone etc.

Local Transport

Motorcycle

The most preferred mode of transport is a motorcycle pilot, which are in effect two wheeler taxis, driven by licensed riders, who can transport one individual at a time.

Rent-a-bike

These self-driven yellow-letters-on-black number plate two wheelers or four wheelers can be sourced from the hotel you are put up in.

Taxis

Taxis, although are easily available during the peak season, the rates charged are exorbitant. Try hardball bargaining.

Nearest known city

Madgaon, 7 km approx.

Contacts in case of contingency

Hospital:	Hospicio hospital. Tel: 0832-2722164
Police:	Colva police station. Tel: 0832-2788396