Goa is known for being a fun-filled coastal getaway that attracts people from all over the world. Being a former Portuguese colony, it has many beautiful architectures reminiscent of its colonial past. The Colva Beach is a star attraction in this beautiful state and lies between two other beaches, namely, the Betalbatim Beach and the Benaulim Beach. The soft, white sands of Colva Beach and pristine waters. The Colva Beach is well connected to other parts of the state of Goa. There are many beautiful places to visit near Colva Beach that you can choose from, while planning the perfect vacation.
10 Places To Visit Near Colva Beach
If you are planning to visit places near Colva Beach, here is a curated list of some places that you can visit.
1. Three Kings Church
Photo: Aneesh Prabhu / Wikimedia Commons
This Gothic Church in the Casualim village of Goa is located on the top of a hill. Going to this church is a rather thrilling experience because it is believed widely to be haunted. The Church is named after the Three Wise Men or the Three Kings who traveled to Bethlehem from afar on the day that Jesus was born. Since the church is located on a hilltop, it provides a panoramic view of the coastline and the sky. Climbing up the church is quite strenuous but the magnificent view makes it worth the while.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 13.4 km
Suggested Read: Discover The Best Places To Visit Near Anjuna Beach For An Unforgettable Experience
2. Mercy Church
Photo: Sharvarism / Wikimedia Commons
This Church is very close to the Colva Beach and is often called the Colva Church as well. It was originally built as a chapel in the 17th century and then replaced by a bigger structure. The church has Infant Jesus venerated within. The Church is known for hosting a grand celebration of Fama Day in October. On this day, the start of the ‘novenas’ is announced. This paves way for the celebration of the feast day. There is a ‘maddi’ built at the entrance of the church, symbolic of holiness.
Timings: 7 AM to 8 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 1.1 km
3. Naval Aviation Museum
Photo: Tomás Del Coro / Wikimedia Commons
This museum is located in the Bogmalo region of Goa. It traces the history of the Naval Air Arm of India. The museum is segregated into two sections, one is dedicated to outdoor displays while the other houses an indoor gallery. The indoor gallery has many interesting armaments on display, like bombs, sensors, auto cannons and torpedoes. You can also see the models of the INS Viraat and INS Vikrant which are of great significance to the country’s naval forces. On the outside, you can see engines of aircrafts and get an insight into how they work.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 22 km
Suggested Read: Explore The Top Places To Visit Near Goa For An Unforgettable Adventure
4. Big Foot Museum
Photo: Deepak Patil / Wikimedia Commons
The Big Foot Museum in Goa not only functions as a museum but also as a theme park. Located in the Loutolim taluka, this museum traces the trajectory of rural life in Goa. The museum is the brainchild of artist Maendra Alvares. Within the museum, you can see a miniature Goan village created, reconstructing what Goan rural life entailed over a hundred years ago. The museum is completely outdoor. Some other interesting exhibits include the statue of Lord Parashuram, that of an armed Portuguese soldier and the fisherfolk.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 13 km
5. The Menezes Braganza House
Photo: Anton Nossik / Wikimedia Commons
This 17th century mansion has several Portuguese architectural components incorporated within its brilliant infrastructure. Visitors come to this mansion to take a look at priceless antiques and intricately designed furniture that are peppered throughout the mansion. The mansion is decorated very tastefully and takes one back in time to Goa’s glorious past. The corridors in this mansion are huge and spacious. There is also a beautiful ballroom. The crockeries kept in the dining hall are exquisite and the chandeliers that hang from the ceiling illuminate the mansion with a soft and sombre lighting. If you love antiques, then you must visit this house in the Chandor Village of Goa.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 17.5 km
Suggested Read: Explore The Best Places To Visit Near Candolim For An Unforgettable Experience
6. Benaulim Beach
Photo: Richard Randall / Wikimedia Commons
This beach is replete with soft white sands and magnificent blue waters. It is not as crowded as the other beaches in Goa. You can swim at this beach except during the monsoon. This beach is also known for following many safety guidelines and lifeguards are present throughout the stretch of the beach, ready to help anyone in need. Parasailing, Jet Skiing and Dolohin Sighting are some popular activities at this beach. A number of cafés, shacks and restaurants are located close to this beach, so that you can enjoy your meal amidst a beautiful location.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From Colva Beach: 3.5 km
7. Raika Honey Apiary
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
This Apiary sells authentic honey and wax products. It also raises a lot of awareness about the sustainable sourcing of honey and wax and the impact it can have on the environment. You can get an insight into the whole process of honey production and watch the bees working hard, at Raika Honey Apiary. You will also be told a lot of interesting facts about bees and the production of authentic honey by the Apiarist at this bee nursery.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 3.4 km
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8. Goa Chitra Museum
Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
This museum traces the trajectory of Goa’s participation in agrarian activities throughout the years. It is known for being home to around 400 artifacts. It identifies itself as an ethnographic museum, tracing the rural lifestyle of Goa. Located in Benaulim, which is close to Colva, it was first established by artist and curator Victor Hugo Gomes in the year 2009. The museum has three distinct sections, namely, Goa Chitra, which explores the connection between the people of Goa and their land, Goa Chakra, which depicts non-mechanised vehicles from within the country and beyond, and Goa Cruti, which focus on significant objects introduced by the Portuguese in Goa.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 4.2 km
9. Shri Shanta Durga Temple
Photo: Mahabalaindia / Wikimedia Commons
This temple in Goa is located at a distance of 33 km from the state’s capital, Panaji. It bears the shrine of Goddess Durga’s Shanta Durga avatar. The idol of the goddess at this temple, features the idols of the other two gods on either side. It is stated that the shrine originated in Koloshi and was later shifted to Kavlem when the Portuguese colonized Goa. There is an agarshala or guest house that occupies three sides of the temple. The exterior of the temple follows both Goan and Portuguese architectural styles. There is also a Kalyan Mandap for Hindu wedding ceremonies and a canteen for visitors.
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 PM
Distance From Colva Beach: 18 km
Suggested Read: Explore The Top Places To Visit Near Varca Beach For A Perfect Getaway
10. Varca Beach
Photo: Andy Mitchell / Wikimedia Commons
The Varca Beach is a secluded beach which has a beautiful coastline along the Arabian Sea. It is known for its lovely sunset and sunrise views. The horizon gets vibrantly painted with the soft sunlight during those times of the day. Windsurfing and Banana Boat Ride are two of the most popular activities that visitors of this beach opt for. While Windsurfing involves both sailing and surfing, the Banana Boat ride is a relaxing yet thrilling experience that bigger groups can choose. There are many stalls at the Varca Beach that sell the famous Goan drink, Feni. You can also find handicrafts and beautiful antiques.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From Colva Beach: 7.7 km
Colva Beach was previously a small village that was a humble abode of the fishing community of Goa. At present, it has emerged as a popular tourist destination due to its exquisite scenic beauty. If places to visit near Colva Beach are on your bucket list, then do not forget to plan a trip to Goa soon and use TripXL for your bookings.
Cover Photo: Tanya Dedyukhina / Wikimedia Commons