This walk is ideal for those who's in love with rural Goa and seeks
pleasure in more than just sun and sand in Colva Beach.
Location:
Colva village is in Salcete Taluka in south Goa, 20 minutes north west of
from Margao and about an hour from Panaji, by road. Its a home to the
busiest beach in Goa.
Arrive:
You will hire a bus or take a taxi and reach at Colva Church Square.
Walking Time:
40 Minutes
Best Time To Walk:
Before Sunset
The Colva Walk
The name Colva comes from Kol Vadda or Koli Vaddo, the word inhabited by
the Kolis or fisher folk. Start at the Colva Church crossroad that 'll lead
you to Colva Beach (westward), Benaulim (southward), Betalbatim (northward)
and Margao (eastward). Walk through the beach bare feet and feel the shells
alluding you. Walk up the beach to Colva which is a working fishing village
and watch the men in the early morning dragging in their scrimpy catch -
help them if you want.
You also come across small stalls that offer food and drinks. Having dinner
in one of those shacks on a moonlit night can beat any candlelight dinner in
a good restaurant. If you're a keen shopper, quickly move to the road
leading to beach. You would find a beautiful market selling pottery from the
northern regions of Bicholim Taluka in Goa, embroidered work from Kashmir
and good leather handbags. If tired of walking and in a mood to stop, you
can rest by the near by tea stalls.
Now, take a narrow road northwards, from the Colva Church crossroad,
towards the village of Betalbatim. It is named after the local deity called
Betal Or Vetal. Unfortunately, very less architecture survives of
Pre-Portugese period.
The first house displayed is the yellow with a prominent corner stone at
its front door. Every Christian house in Goa supports such as a stone
bearing a cross. Its the relic of the ground breaking ceremony. In this
ceremony freshly-minted coins with a date on them and a few other tokens are
buried.
Now, look for a sign saying Nosso Lar visible from the first house. Right
cross the street, you would be delighted to see a pretty house with fine
wooden railings. Its actually a half-storeyed house and the other houses on
this road could be called as cold-blooded murder. There are hundreds of
examples all over Goa where, new houses have been tagged on to the old ones
haphazardly.
Then, you move to the entire length of the front facade to appreciate it
many facets. After that, stop at the pub named The Fork and Spoon. Relish
the Goan dishes and fish curry here. Casa Mesquita up the road has inborn
crafted columns. It offers rooms for rent. Casa Goa Mestre Compos has
beautiful windows. then there is a house with JAF on its gate post and
keeping a watch on the on goers.
