Only a decade ago, this fishing and rice-farming village
scattered around the coconut groves and paddy fields between
the main Colva-Mobor Road and the dunes had barely made
it onto the backpackers map. Now, the shady lane leading
through it is studded with guesthouses and souvenir stalls
while the paddy fields on the outskirts are gradually disappearing
under a rash of gigantic luxury resorts and time-share apartment
blocks. For the time being, however, this remains a peaceful
and welcoming place to unwind.
Moreover, the sea is safe for swimming, being generally
jellyfish-free, while the village itself boasts a few serviceable
bars and restaurants, several telephone booths and a couple
of stores.
How to Get There
Road:
Buses from Margao, Colva, Varca, Cavelossim and Mobor
roll through Benaulim every thirty minutes, dropping passengers
at the Maria Hall crossroads.
Useful Information
Ranged around this busy junction are two well stocked
general stores, a couple of café bars, a bank, pharmacy,
laundry and the taxi and auto rickshaw rank, from where
one can pick up transport to the beach 2-km west.
Bikes on Rent:
Signs offering bicycles and motorbikes for rent are dotted
along the lane leading to the sea: rates are standard, descending
in proportion to the length of time one keeps the vehicle.
Exchange:
The nearest place to change money is one of the banks in
Margao. Benaulim's Bank of Baroda only handles visa card
encashments; the L'Amour Beach Resort also has a Foreign
Exchange Counter for guests.
Airline Bookings:
International and domestic flights can be booked or reconfirmed
at meeting point travel, in the centre of the village, which
also does deluxe bus, train and catamaran ticketing for
cities elsewhere in India.
