Colva Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Colva, Goa, and explore the top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and much more with our comprehensive travel guide!


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Colva, Goa

Colva is a coastal village located in Salcete, South Goa. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Goa, well-known for its beautiful beaches, adventurous water sports, local cuisine, and cultural landmarks. In this comprehensive travel guide to Colva, we’ll explore the best things to do, top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and much more. Let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in Colva

As a popular tourist destination, Colva offers numerous places to visit. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, beach lover, or history buff, you’ll find something to explore in Colva. Here is a list of top attractions in Colva:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Our Lady of Mercy Church
  • St. John the Baptist Church
  • Archaeological Museum of Goa
  • Houses of Goa Museum

Natural Attractions of Colva: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Colva Beach
  • Benaulim Beach
  • Betalbatim Beach
  • Cabo de Rama Fort
  • Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Hiking/Biking Routes of Colva

If you’re an adventure seeker, Colva is the best place to explore the surrounding hills and valleys. Here are some popular hiking and biking routes in Colva:

  • Colva to Betalbatim Beach Route
  • Colva to Cabo de Rama Fort Route
  • Colva to Dudhsagar Waterfalls Route

Best Things to Do in Colva: Activities and Tours

From water sports to cultural tours, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Colva. Here are some top things to do in Colva:

  • Jet Skiing at Colva Beach
  • Parasailing in Benaulim
  • Dolphin Watching Tour
  • Spice Plantation Tour
  • Old Goa Heritage Walk Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Colva

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Colva, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival at Colva, check-in at a hotel. Relax on the beach.
Day 2 Visit Our Lady of Mercy Church, St. John the Baptist Church, and Archaeological Museum of Goa.
Day 3 Explore the natural attractions of Colva, visit Cabo De Rama Fort, and Betalbatim Beach.
Day 4 Enjoy water sports at Colva Beach and go parasailing in Benaulim.
Day 5 Take a day tour to Dudhsagar Waterfalls and enjoy a scenic railway ride.
Day 6 Visit the Houses of Goa Museum, go shopping for souvenirs, and enjoy local cuisine.
Day 7 Departure from Colva.

Food and Drink Scene of Colva

Goan cuisine is known for its rich flavors, coconut-based curries, and seafood. In Colva, you’ll find some of the best authentic Goan dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish Curry and Rice
  • Chicken Xacuti
  • Pork Vindaloo
  • Sorpotel
  • Bebinca

Local Beverages

  • Feni
  • King’s Black Label Beer
  • Coconut Water

Where to Stay in Colva: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Colva offers a variety of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels, here are some top accommodation options in Colva:

  • The Fern Beira Mar Resort
  • Soul Vacation Resort & Spa
  • Baywatch Resort
  • Graciano Cottages
  • Colva Holiday Homes

What to Buy in Colva: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Goa is known for its vibrant culture, and you’ll find plenty of unique souvenirs to take back home from Colva. Here are some popular items you should consider buying:

  • Cashew nuts
  • Goan spices
  • Bebinca
  • Handicrafts items

Local Culture and Customs of Colva

Goa has a diverse and unique culture influenced by its Portuguese history. The people are friendly and welcoming, and you’ll find a mix of Hindu and Christian customs. Here are some cultural customs you should know before visiting Colva:

  • It’s customary to greet people with “Namaste” or “hello”.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious places.
  • Drinking alcohol is allowed but avoid drinking in public areas.
  • Avoid littering and always dispose of trash properly.

Best Time to Visit Colva

The best time to visit Colva is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the rainfall is low. The summer months (April to June) can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season (July to September) can result in heavy rainfall, making outdoor activities challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Colva

Before visiting Colva, there are some cultural norms you should be aware of. Here are some do’s:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Be careful with your belongings.
  • Carry sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Don’t:

  • Do not consume drugs or other illegal substances.
  • Do not overplay loud music at the beach or in public places.
  • Don’t engage in any activities that are harmful to the environment.

Safety and Health

While Colva is a safe destination, it’s always essential to take precautions for your safety and health.

Safety in Colva

  • Avoid carrying valuables in public areas.
  • Keep your belongings under watch at all times.
  • Be cautious of scams and frauds.

Health in Colva

  • Drink bottled water and avoid street food.
  • Carry prescribed medication if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
  • Wear mosquito repellent and long sleeve clothing to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Colva: Transportation Options and Logistics

Colva is accessible via road, air, and rail.

Airports Near Colva

  • Dabolim International Airport - 22 km

Bus Stations Near Colva

  • Margao Bus Stand - 5.5 km

Other Options

  • Prepaid taxis are readily available at the airport and railway station.
  • Local buses are available to Margao and other nearby destinations.

How to Get Around in Colva

Colva is a small village, and most places are within walking distance. You can also hire taxis or rent scooters for a day or two to explore nearby areas.

Where to Go Next from Colva: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Colva is a great location to explore South Goa, known for its beaches, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks. Here are some nearby destinations you can consider visiting:

  • Palolem Beach
  • Aguada Fort
  • Fontainhas, Panaji
  • Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Conclusion

Colva is a beautiful coastal village in South Goa known for its beautiful beaches, adventurous water sports, local cuisine, and cultural landmarks. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Colva, Goa, and explore the top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and much more. Happy traveling!

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