Benaulim Beach is a beautiful beach in South Goa and is, in every way, a jewel that symbolises nature’s calm and serene beauty. But unlike North Goa and its crowded beaches, Benaulim provides proper solitude to travellers; therefore, it is an ideal destination for vacationers who want to get ease and relax. This beautiful beach destination is filled with history, culture, and all sorts of things to see and do. In this all-inclusive travel guide, you will embrace the rich historical origin, social characteristics, sightseeing, tours and best things to do, celebrations, food, and the often-heard questions associated with Benaulim Beach.
History Of Benaulim Beach
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Benaulim Beach’s history is rooted in Goan society’s social and cultural profile. It dates back more than five hundred years, even before the arrival of the Portuguese. Benaulim is said to have been born out of the legend that Lord Parashuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, desired to reduce the size of the Sea and just aimed an arrow at it. As a result, the sea receded, and the Konkan coast of India was formed. The first noticeable changes in the face of Benaulim as a village and many villages in Goa were felt during the Portuguese colonisation of the area in the 16th century. One can see and identify Portuguese architecture, various local dishes, and even people who worship. Sulking all these transitions, Benaulim has remained culturally Goan, where its roots of history are intermingled with colonial edifications, making it socioculturally unparallel.
Benaulim Beach is the most frequented and beautiful sandy beach fringed with palm trees and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. It is though very suitable for sunbathing, swimming and watching the sunset. It is famous for its cleanliness, calmness and the natural beauty associated with the beach. While some beaches in the region that give more tourist attractions are overcrowded, Benaulim offers tourists an opportunity to enjoy award-winning soft white sandy beaches, refreshing blue water and swaying palm trees. It is a perfect place to sunbathe, go scenic dining, and stroll at the beach. For instance, since the beach experience is associated with sand and surf, it is often recommended that visitors enjoy the sunset since the beach will be lit up at night.
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Culture Near The Benaulim Beach
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Benaulim’s culture inculcates the Goan culture, the influence of Portuguese rule, and the tropical style of living. The local people are almost exclusively Roman Catholics, but due to the religiously syncretic state of Goa, the impressions of Hindus and even a few Muslims can also be seen.
Architectural Heritage: Portuguese Influence: Some of the village’s buildings include Portuguese-type structures, which have wrought iron balconies, brightly painted walls, tiled roofs, and large porches. These inherited homes add aesthetic and recreational beauty to Benaulim’s look and layout.
Traditional Crafts and Music: Handicrafts: Famous handicraft centres in Benaulim include pottery, crochet, and embroidery articles, which are specialities of Goan crafts. Local artists design wonderful mementoes in a form of art that captures the local traditional identity of Kano. Benaulim is a Goan village, and music has always been an inseparable part of the Goan life.
Places To Visit Near The Benaulim Beach
Benaulim Beach is one of the few places in Goa where one can glimpse handicrafts typical to this area. The best traditional rosewood furniture is made here. Also, Benaulim is famous as the place where the legendary Parashuram’s arrow landed, thereby creating Goa.
1. Church Of St. John The Baptist
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This arch is of massive historical and tourist importance since it includes the Church of St. John the Baptist in the village of Benaulim in Goa. Founded in 1581 and rebuilt in 1956, this church is unique, with a white colour on the outer body, an elaborate structure, and intricately carved and painted interiors. It is a small church built on a hill, making the surrounding view almost scenic. The Church of St. John the Baptist has some of the most delicate and astonishing altars, headed by the main altar of St. John the Baptist, a work of art in Goan churches.
The statues and wood carvings are captivating and capture the true essence of Goan architecture. The most important event is the local Saint John’s Fest, where people perform traditional songs, dances, and stick-wielding festivities with a formal procession. This feast attracts people from every corner, thus making the church an active centre of cultural and ceremonial events.
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2. Holy Trinity Church
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The Holy Trinity Church, situated in Benaulim, Goa, is one of the beautiful religious structures of immense historical importance. It is a marvellous edifice of the colonial style of the 16th century built by the Portuguese; the construction is straightforward but beautiful, with white walls and a red roof. The atmosphere of the church is quiet and calm, thus allowing people, both tourists and faithful, to feel comfortable.
Richly endowed internally is the chapel known as the Holy Trinity Church, which has a meticulously carved altar of the Holy Trinity with wood and railwork, Goanese art, and iconographic elements. The church’s interiors are also maintained and presented to be extremely clean and beautiful, with fancy statues, aged chandeliers, and beautifully coloured stained glass windows, which make the surroundings very calm and serene for the visitors to introspect. Through the analysis, it is considered that the church is important to the local community as it regularly conducts masses, religious ceremonies, and other cultural events. The beauty of the place, complemented by nature’s green cover, enhances the otherwise spiritual and cultural experience of the destination among the tourists visiting Goa.
3. Colva Beach
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Colva is one of the most famous and most extensive Goa beaches, stretching southwards of the Arabian Sea for nearly 2. 4 km. Colva Beach is famous for capturing natural and party spirit, offering white sand beaches with palm trees swaying on them and shallow turquoise-coloured water. Being a famous tourist attraction centre, the beach offers various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, water activities, and relaxation by the beach.
At night, Colva Beach gets animated with the eateries or the ‘beach shacks’ selling delicious Goan food, grilled prawns, lobsters, and cocktails. This beach is known for its vivid club life, which operates even at night. One of the neighbouring attractions of Colva is the Colva Church or the Our Lady of Mercy Church, which enriches the place with its historical background. Being one of the most beautiful and happening places in Goa, Colva Beach attracts tourists and revellers.
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Top Activities To Do In Benaulim Beach
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There are several things to do in Benaulim, which include adventure, water sports, recreational activities, and a cultural treats spree.
Water Sports: The Benaulim Beach because it is primarily flat and suitable for parasailing, windsurfing and even kayaking. These exciting activities grant the viewer an entirely different outlook on the coastal land.
Dolphin Watching: In Benaulim Beach, boat tours usually include the option of watching dolphins. Such trails help visitors observe active dolphins in their natural environment, which always leaves a great impression.
Cycling and Walking Tours: People can bike around the towns and even take a tour by foot to enjoy the natural and historic attractions of Benaulim and nearby locations. Such tours may involve visiting food markets, local churches, and other historical buildings, such as heritage homes.
Ayurveda and Wellness: Benaulim has several wellness centres to get traditional Ayurvedic treatments, massages, and yoga. These holistic therapies are good for those wishing to relax and get a new look.
Way To Reach To The Benaulim Beach
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Travellers can get to Benaulim beach through the following means:
- By Air: The closest airport is Dabolim Airport, situated 15klms away from Benaulim; it takes about half an hour to reach by car. The nearest road transport to Benaulim is a taxi that one can hire from the airport or use app-based cabs.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Margao (Madgaon), about 6 Kms from Benaulim. Taxis or autos can be quickly hired from the station to reach Benaulim, a small distance away.
- By Road: Benaulim is easily accessible by road, and buses, taxis, or cars can be hired to drive to it from any part of Goa.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see Benaulim Beach plan your trip to Goa to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now! Benaulim Beach is as naturally beautiful as any of the other beaches. It also has facilities for and offers water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin sighting trips. Many shacks and restaurants are close to the beach, where guests can try delicious fish and seafood. In addition, Benaulim is also culturally vibrant, with places such as Holy Trinity Church and the Goan-style local markets located conveniently in and around the town.
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Cover Image Credit: Ray Swi-hymn for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Benaulim Beach
At what time of the year is it suggested that one visit Benaulim Beach?
Benaulim Beach being the most popular beach tourists should plan to visit between October and March since the weather is cool enough for beach activities. The best time to visit is during the relatively dry season from November to February. Still, the ideal time is from March to May when the weather is warm and dry & monsoon is from June to September.
Which water sports can I indulge in while at Benaulim Beach?
Benaulim Beach is perfect for enjoying a wide variety of things including water activities which are parasailing, jet-ski and windsurfing. It is also possible to go on dolphin-watching trips to observe such animals in the wild.
Where can tourists get accommodation when in Benaulim Beach?
At present, there are ample numbers of Hotels which are situated near Benaulim Beach which includes luxury resorts, boutique hotels, guest houses and beach huts. It is composed of resorts such as The Taj Exotica Resort and Joecons Beach Resort.
Which Restaurants can one find in Benaulim Beach?
Accommodation, beach shacks are preparing fresh fish and other seafood and Goan cuisine to the restaurants that offer different international meals and are strategically located along Benaulim Beach. Some of the famous shacks are Johincy’s and Roger’s.
Is Benaulim Beach family-friendly?
Yes, Benaulim Beach is a family beach with its comparatively less violent water, cleaner sand and low crime rate. Calangute Beach is less cramped than other beaches in Goa, which have attracted commercialism like pubs and bars later. Hence, it is ideal for families to enjoy.
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