| As you move 2 km further from the Colva Beach, you will come across the magnificent Benaulim Beach. As per Hindu mythology, it was here that the arrow of Lord Parasurama landed on earth, when he was creating Goa. The Portuguese corrupted the original name 'Banali', in Sanskrit, and named the beach as 'Benualim'. Benaulim Beach abounds in natural beauty as well as serenity. It is the perfect place to forget all the worldly tensions and indulge yourself. Though a fishing destination, it is still left largely unexplored by the domestic tourists of India |
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| However, the beach gets a lot of local rush and Goans can be found strolling around its shores in large numbers, in the evening as well as on weekends. The best way to reach Benualim Beach is to go by bus, which drops you approximately one km away, and then walk down. Fringed by palm trees, this beach is well known for the 'Dolphin Cruises' it offers to the visitors. The price of these cruises is pretty reasonable and there are also bright chances of spotting the beautiful creatures in the water. |
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| Just like the other beaches of Goa, Benaulim Beach also has a string of snack joints, serving delicious food. The village of Benualim is as popular as the beach is. Its rosewood furniture and exquisite carvings are renowned throughout the country. There are a number of tourist spots near the beach. One of them is the 'Church of St John the Baptist', which lies on a hill just beyond the village. The major attractions of the church include its exquisite architecture, based on the type Goan Christian style, and the Feast of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao). |
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| The history of the Benaulim beach of Goa has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that the land of Goa was formed when the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu known as Parashuram shot an arrow in the sea and it receded to reveal the land of Goa. The place where the arrow fell is known as "Banali" in Sanskrit which was later corrupted by the Portuguese to Benaulim. That is how the Benaulim beach of India received its name. A welcome change from the other commercialized beaches, the Benaulim beach of Goa is a less hyped yet beautiful beach |
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| The rapid inflow of tourists has turned this once fishing and rice farming village into a popular beach that commands a decent inflow of tourists every year. The Benaulim beach, which hardly made its way to the list of an average backpacker ten years back, has today gained much reputation and fame of being a happening beach in Goa. The Benaulim beach is now famous for its water sports and lavish resorts. A peaceful place, this beach is one of those few beaches that provide unspoilt beauty away from the maddening crowds. |
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| The beach provides a natural landscape and makes the surroundings absolutely photogenic. The tall swaying palm trees, the blue ocean, the golden sands, the wooden boats scattered at strategic places, all make this beach a scene out of Paradise. Occasionally you may find hawkers, fruit sellers, wandering masseurs, roaming on the beach. The Benaulim beach is also popular because people can easily go swimming here as the water is free of jellyfish and other hazards. |
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| Benaulim beach boasts of some of the best eateries. The fresh sea food, cooked in the exotic Goan style and served with a warm smile is unbeatable. Besides restaurants and cafes, you can find some high end resorts and hotels that get booked the minute the tourist season sets in. So book your rooms in advance if you want to enjoy the Benaulim beach without any hassles and tensions. |
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| Things To See And Do |
| The best thing about Benaulim beach is that it is a rather undiscovered beach. Commercialization unlike other beaches hasn't set its foot here yet. The beach is close to Colva so in case you need to catch up with some nightlife, its just close by. You can also try your hand at fishing since its mainly a fishing beach. Or maybe incase you are one of those friendly kinds, just request some of the village folks and you might accompany them to the sea. Apart from sunbathing and getting yourself a nice tan, as you laze on the beach, go for swimming. Its actually more safe here than Colva. |
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| Water sports |
| Apart from boat rides, there are also options of parasailing, jet skiing and wind surfing available. Windsurfing though comparatively cheap is a tough activity. Only the proficient should try their hands. |
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| Church of St. John the Baptist |
| Situated atop the hill is the church of St John the Baptist. Situated beyond the village, this church is a classic example of Goan architecture. Built in 1581, the church has a mannerist frontage. The interiors are made out of unstained Italian marble. Feast of St John is celebrated here on the arrival of monsoon as a thanksgiving. Young men wear crown of leaves and tour the area for gifts. Benaulim also has a recently constructed church, Holy Trinity Church. It was built in 1992. |
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| How to reach |
There are a number of buses leaving from Margao KTC bus station and the many buses to Colva Beach also may extend services to Benaulim. |
