Written by: Bhushan
Coco/Nerul Beach
Coco beach nestled in the picturesque Nerul village is one of those places, which you want to roll up and carry home. One of the most striking characteristics of this small but beautiful beach is that on the horizon you see the beautifully delicate façade of the Panaji city, instead of the vast unending sea.
Coco beach or Nerul (originally Nellur) beach as it is also called was long hidden from the throbbing tourism trail, because the almost divinely secluded cove was well ensconced in the interiors of the Nerul village. The beach which is rarely frequented is a great venue for picnics by locals because of the serenity the place provides as well as a lot of foliage.
Weather
It’s as hot and sunny most times of the year with the temperature ranging from 33 degrees Celsius to 39 degrees Celsius. And there is only one way you can beat the heat and that’s either with a liberal splash of sunscreen or splashing about in the sea. It rains unceasingly from mid May to mid September.
Best time to visit:
Conventionally popular visiting months are from October to March. Some try to avoid Goa in the rains. But it’s worth a visit then too, to see the monsoons in their uninhibited glory.
Getting there / Route Information
By Bus
Now getting to Nerul is quite a task. In fact difficult access, which has resulted in the non commercialisation of the beach, is the very same reason why it’s difficult to get to. Buses take you only up to a point. So what you could do is take a bus from the Panaji Kadamba Transport Corporation bus stand that travels to Candolim beach and alight at the Nerul village, which is a distance of about six kilometres. Once in Nerul market, you either gear yourself for a 2 km long walk or hire an auto that will take you straight to the beach for about 50 bucks.
By Train
The nearest station is Karmali, which is about 23 km from Nerul and is not an option we would recommend. If you are left with no choice alight at Karmali hire an auto or a cab straight to Coco beach.
Pictures of Coco / Nerul Beach
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Major attractions
The most amazing attraction which the Coco beach presents is the feeling that you are far far away from the maddening crowd. In reality you are not too far off. Out on the horizon the Panaji city. The beach is also famous for Dolphin sightings. And some fishermen who own motorised boats stand waiting on the sand to oblige you.
A small distance from Coco beach is the Reis Magos fort. Built by the Adil Shah in the 1550s and later annexed by the Portuguese. The fort is one of the most well preserved monuments in Goa and is definitely worth a look-see. Further inland, the mangroves which grow along the Nerul River are perfect habitation for the crocodiles. Some entrepreneurs have started crocodile spotting tours in an effort to tap the tourism potential and are a great hit. The expanse of the Nerul River and its picturesque banks has been the backdrop for several movies.
About 10 km from Nerul lies the islands of Divar and adjoining Chorao which host the only bird sanctuary in the state called the Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary. You can participate in the organised tours and book a machan, which has been built for the benefit of bird enthusiasts. The sanctuary attracts several migratory and rare birds.
Other sites to visit in and around Nerul are Candolim beach, Sinquerim beach, Aguada fort and the Aguada light house, Miramar beach, Dona Paula, etc.
Vital Tourist Information
Hotel availability
Nerul is a laidback village with only very few resort in it. You may have a problem getting a place here if you land up unannounced. But with the capital Panaji in such close proximity, you can always stay and Panaji and convert Coco beach into a one day sojourn.
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
This is the latest addition to the transport modes in Goa and has become an instant hit. 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: Panaji is at a distance of about 6 km
Contacts in case of contingency:
| Hospitals/Clinics: | Goa Medical College. Tel: 0832-2458700/16 |
| Police: | Calangute police station. Tel: 0832-2278284 |
Moonbay Resort has opened on Coco Beach. It has four a/c rooms and a restaurant ,The Waterfront. For more details contact at 093739918
We are on Coco beach – with the sea virtually at your feet. Four a/c rooms which are tastefully doneup are available.