Colva Beach

Location
Colva is a small village in south Goa on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It lies 39 km away from Panaji, capital of the Indian state of Goa.

Climate
Goa has a consistent climate through the year with just meager fluctuations in the temperature. December and January might require light woolens. April and May are warm. The period from June to October brings heavy rain, almost up to 400 cm. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.

The Beach
With 20 km of virgin white sands, palm fringed, and sun drenched beaches, Colva is the most loved beach for Goans. Colva beach is pride of Salcette and the only rival to Calangute by its scenic splendour. The natural & unique blend of sand, sea and sky is harmonious and enchanting. Colva is given the title of 'Queen of Beaches in India', as this beach has no equal in India. It's like a paradise, with 40 Km of unstopped white sand fringed with coconut palms along the whole of its length and a warm, calm sea. The silver-gray, powder-fine sand of the beach has been the inspiration for many folk tales and songs.

The Main Attraction of Colva Beach
Nossa Senhora de Merces (Our Lady of Mercy) Church
The church is famous for its annual religious event-Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus)-since the 17th century. The predominantly Catholic community celebrates it on the third Monday of October every year. It is one of Goa's most popular feasts and a big fair is held on this occasion.

On the Beach
The seen on the beach is colourful, with tourists both - Indian and foreigners, as well as locals -can be seen strolling in colourful dresses. Many of them can be seen having a sunbath on the golden sands. The novelty stalls and the drink stands on the golden sands under the moonlight makes the evening on the Colva Beach simply romantic.

Colva - Excursions
About 2 km away from Colva is the Benaulim, which is more peaceful and serene than Colva.
The Church of St John the Baptist is situated on a hill beyond the village Benaulim and worth a visit.

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Candolim Beach

Location
Candolim is a beach that is very much in North Goa. This is part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa by the Arabian sea. Begins at Fort Aguada continues as Sinquerim Beach, then as Candolim beach and merges into Calangute Beach and then to Baga Beach and then Anjuna Beach and then to Vagator Beach finally ending at Chapora Beach and Fort.

Climate
Goa has an equable climate with little variation in the average minimum and maximum temperatures. During the summer (April to June) the minimum temperature is 26°C and the maximum is 34°C. The monsoon (July to October) brings temperatures down marginally to 24°C and the maximum temperature down to 31°C. In winter from November to March the minimum is 21°C, while the maximum is 32°C.

The Beach
Candolim Beach is a part of a long stretch of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach. Candolim beach is less crowded and quite peaceful, as compared to Anjuna or Calangute. Though you will find tourists strolling by the shore of the Candolim beach, you can still find some quiet and relaxing places for yourself. Candolim is the best beach if you want solitude from the hustle and bustle of Aguada though not expecting too much of facilities. There is good food and long and straight beach backed by scrub-covered dunes with little shelter, popular with package tourists. Candolim is very quite, and this is due to the fact that there aren't resorts all around the beach.

Candolim is also the birth place of Abbe Faria. Abbe Faria is considered to be one of the Great Goan Freedom Fighters and also the Father of Hypnotism.

The main Attraction of Candolim Beach
The most basic attraction is Aguda Fort & Calangute Beach.

Fort Aguada :
Fort Aguada was built in the year 1612 by the Portuguese. This is a famous Fort in Goa and is worth visiting. On the Northern side of this Fort there are two beaches. One of these is Candolim and the other being Calangute.

Other Attractions
Fishing : If you want to try your hand at fishing, you are welcome to do so too.

Yoga & Meditation : Some hotels at Candolim beaches offer yoga and meditation session for the tourists in Goa.

Water Sports : Goa Candolim beach offers various water-sports activities-right from parasailing to water-skiing and more. There are special guides also who can help you through these activities.

Beach Excursion : Goa Candolim beach also arranges special beach excursions wherein a tourist is taken right to the middle of the sea from where he can capture some memorable sunsets.