Colva, Goa is a popular resort in the southern part of the state, where both residents of nearby cities and Europeans prefer to relax. This place is known for its mild climate and large beach.
General information
Colva is the largest Indian resort located in the southern part of Goa. Since it is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, almost all local residents have been fishing for a long time.
The official language is Konkani, but many locals speak Portuguese and English.
It is interesting that here you can meet a very diverse audience. First of all, they are residents of Margao-they come here to relax on weekends. Secondly, it is the hippies who were among the first to choose this part of the Indian coast. And third, it is the Europeans who love to visit this exotic resort.
The popularity of Kolva is understandable: beautiful nature, mild climate, a huge beach (its length is 2.4 km) and well-developed infrastructure.
As for the climate, it is sub-equatorial – hot weather is observed all year round, and the high season is considered to be the period from November to March. At this time, the air temperature does not exceed +32 degrees, and waves and rain are completely absent. In the rest of the year, you should not go to Kolva – not only is it constantly raining, but the temperature can rise to +38 (and this is at 100% humidity).
Colva Beach
The resort of Kolva is famous for its beach – its length is 2.4 km, where coconut palms grow, cows walk and tourists relax. The shore is wide – more than 150 meters. The sand is fine and has a golden hue. The bottom is flat, and waves only occur in the off-season. There is no garbage, as it is regularly cleaned.
Colva Beach, located in the south of Goa (India), has no problems with infrastructure – there are sun beds and changing cabins, there are free toilets, a large number of cafes and bars. There are both paid and free sun beds. Lifeguards are working on the Kolva beach.
Since the beach is large, there is enough space for everyone. There are a lot of people in the central part of Colva Beach (especially in November and December), but if you walk 200-300 meters in a northerly direction,you can easily retire.
Keep in mind that there are many small crabs crawling out on the shore of Colva Beach in the evening.
On the beach of Colva (Goa) there is no shade, as palm trees grow at a decent distance from the sea. You can also relax in straw gazebos (about 150 meters from the water) or in a cafe.
Tourists are advised to meet the sunset on the beach – this is a very beautiful sight. Here you can also take some of the most beautiful photos of the village of Colva in Goa.
Accommodation
The resort village of Kolva in India has 130 hotels, inns and hostels. Most of them are located on the first or second coastlines.
A room for two in a 3* hotel for a day in high season will cost 50-70 dollars. It is important to note that the accommodation conditions are very good: a spacious air-conditioned room, an on-site swimming pool and a terrace with sea or tropical garden views. The room rate also includes a good breakfast and free Wi-Fi on site.
A 4* hotel will cost $ 80-110 per night for two people. As a rule, such hotels are located in 6-10 minutes walk from the sea. Guests staying here can enjoy free access to the on-site swimming pool, relax in gazebos or tents, and take a walk in the well-kept garden.
If the above options do not suit you, you should pay attention to guesthouses – they are cheaper and are closer to the sea. The average price per night is $ 20-30. However, keep in mind that guest houses often do not have air conditioners (instead of them there are fans) and the level of service may be lower.
If you like noisy parties and want to see the nightlife of Kolva (India), tourists are advised to stay in a guesthouse near the coast – there is always a lot of life here. If you want to relax in silence, it is better to rent a hotel room, which is located either on the outskirts or in the center of the village.
Beleza By The Beach
Beleza By The Beach hotel rating at booking.com – 8.5 (very good).
Beleza By The Beach is located in the center of the village, and on its territory there is a swimming pool, sun beds and gazebos for vacationers. All rooms are clean and spacious. Each room has a balcony (with a beautiful view of the rainforest or garden), all necessary appliances and designer furniture. Tourists note that the staff is very friendly, and local chefs cook delicious food.
The price for a double room is$124.
Soul Vacation Resort & Spa
Soul Vacation Resort & Spa rating on booking.com -8.1 (good).
This is a small hotel in Colva (South Goa), located a 7-minute walk from the sea. Tourists will find cozy rooms, a swimming pool, sun beds and tents on the territory, a relaxation room (massages and other treatments are performed here), as well as delicious breakfasts. Be prepared to meet a large number of Russian-speaking tourists here.
Price per night for two people – $ 78.
C Roque
The C Roque rating is 8.2 / 10.
The rooms at C Roque are very simple – there is nothing but a bed, chairs and a table. However, tourists love this hotel for its cleanliness, good location (right on the beach) and friendly staff. Several cafes and bars are located nearby.
The price for a double room is $ 83.
Book your accommodation in advance (preferably 5-6 months in advance), as the best rooms sell out quickly.
Where to eat
Colva Beach itself has many cafes and bars, as well as small shops where you can buy fast food. In these establishments, you can try both local and European cuisine (although it is prepared here in a very peculiar way). Tourists recommend tasting it:
- tondak (fish fried in coconut oil);
- sukem (seafood);
- rice cakes;
- to wright (it looks like yogurt);
- curry.
Be sure to try the local desserts as well:
- Kulfi ice cream;
- Buffy;
- curd balls.
The average check for lunch for two in a small cafe will be 3-4 dollars. This price includes a main course and a drink. If alcohol is ordered, the price will increase by 2-3 dollars. The menu in most restaurants and cafes is the same, only the delivery and cost differ. Always ask before ordering if the price includes tax and tips. Often not, and the total cost of the dish increases by 20-30%.
Restaurants
There are also expensive restaurants in Kolva. These include Rias Cuisine, The Garden, Jamies Colva. The above establishments serve both Indian and European cuisine. Despite the prestige of the establishments, prices are not much higher than in ordinary cafes. For example, a lunch with alcohol will cost 10-12 dollars.
Interestingly, in many restaurants you can also bargain!
Market
Many travelers recommend visiting the fish market, where you can buy fresh seafood, and then ask to cook them in one of the local cafes (the nearest is House Family). For example, a kilo of king prawns will cost 300 rupees.
At the same time, many people note that in India, in comparison with Thailand or the Dominican Republic, prices for fruits and vegetables are greatly inflated.
Supermarket
Supermarket in Kolva odin is Sho Faz, located 15-20 minutes walk from the beach. Perhaps its main advantage is that here you can buy everything at once (which can not be said about local shops). It clearly does not lose out to European supermarkets – there is a large selection of goods from India, as well as well-known brands.
Shops
You can’t buy a full-fledged lunch or dinner at the shop, but you can buy flavorful tortillas, ice cream or fresh juice here. Pay attention to the souvenir shops, where there is a large selection:
- of spices;
- different types of tea;
- incense;
- leather accessories (sandals are especially popular);
- costume jewelry;
- silk shawls;
- traditional indian clothing;
- wreaths of fresh flowers;
- postcards and magnets with photos of the Colva resort in Goa.
How to get
Colva Resort in Goa (India) is located 21 km from Dabolim International Airport, so you can reach your destination in less than 40 minutes.
Taxi
This is the easiest and fastest option. You can find a car either near the airport (there is always a large number of taxi drivers there), or by calling one of the local companies.
The journey time is 30 minutes. The price is 600-800 rupees. However, it should be borne in mind that fixed prices for transportation in India simply do not exist, so always bargain, and there is a chance that the original price will be reduced by 30-40%.
Bus
If you want to save money, pay attention to the bus that runs from Vasco da Gamma to Margao via the airport. You need to go to the highway that runs parallel to the airport, and wait for the bus, which will be written Margao (capital of South Goa). After arriving in the city (disembarkation is carried out at the bus station), you need to change to a bus that goes to Kolva. The total travel time is 40 minutes. The price is 15+15 rupees. There is no exact timetable, but it is known that buses run on this route every 20-30 minutes.
Be prepared for the fact that the buses are quite old, there are no amenities, and there are always a lot of people. Therefore, it is necessary to understand that this option is suitable only for those who travel without large suitcases.
Useful tips
- Prices in Kolva for hotels and food are much lower in the off-season, but traveling to this part of India from April to October can be dangerous – during these months, due to high humidity, insects that carry many diseases are activated. One of the most dangerous is Dengue fever, which cannot be cured.
- Tourists who have already visited Kolva recommend coming to the embankment in the evening – at this time, fire shows are usually held on the verandas of several cafes, magicians, acrobats and singers perform.
- The most beautiful photos of Colva beach in Goa can be taken at sunset.
- In the nearby village of Benaulim, there is a large Kadar shopping center, where you can buy clothes, groceries and household goods. You can reach it from Kolva on foot (most conveniently along the beach).
- During parties, be careful and do not leave your drink unattended – it is not uncommon for drugs to be spiked in the glass.
- Keep hygiene in mind, and always carry a pack of wet wipes or disinfectants with you.
- If you are planning to take a taxi in India, always check the meter before starting your trip – The driver often turns it on earlier.
- When using taxi services and Indian auto rickshaws, always keep small amounts of money with you – otherwise, there is a high probability that you will be left without change.
- You can only drink bottled water.
- If you don’t like spicy food, always tell the waiter about it (no spicy).
- There are very few exchange offices in Kolva, and the exchange rate is not the most favorable. It is best to exchange money at the airport or in a major city (for example, in Margao).
- If you want to go on excursions, do it better on weekends – there will still be a lot of people at Colva Beach on Saturday.
- Before checking in to the guesthouse, be sure to check the availability of hot water. Employees almost always say that it is available, but after checking in, it often turns out that it is “temporarily disabled”.
- If you buy clothes or souvenirs, be sure to bargain. As a rule, prices are inflated by 2-3 times.
- In the market and busy streets, beware of pickpockets – there are plenty of them here.
Colva, Goa is an exotic resort for lovers of fun parties and beautiful nature.
