Benaulim Beach is a serene and picturesque spot in South Goa, located about 6 kilometers from Margao. It is one of the best beaches in Goa for families, nature lovers, couples, and solo travelers, known for its calm, laid-back atmosphere. Here’s a detailed rundown of what Benaulim Beach has to offer:
How to Reach
By Air
To reach Benaulim Beach by air, book flights to either Dabolim Airport or Goa International Airport. The distance between Benaulim Beach and the airport is around 26.1 kilometers, and the journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Various travel options such as auto rickshaws, taxis, buses, and cabs are available outside the airport.
By Train
Traveling by train is another great option, with the Suravali station and a major junction located near the beach — just 6.7 kilometers and 8.5 kilometers away, respectively. The main train stations are Madgaon (9.3 kilometers) and Vasco-da-Gama (29.1 kilometers).
By Road
Road travel is also a convenient method for reaching Benaulim Beach. Several highway and intercity bus lines go to the shores. Additionally, national highways from Pune, Delhi, and Mumbai are well-developed and lead directly to Benaulim Beach. Taxis and cabs are readily available for direct travel to the beach from major cities.
Best Time to Visit
Benaulim is less crowded than some of the more famous beaches in North Goa. The best time to visit is during the winter months from November through February due to the pleasant weather. This is also when beach shacks, cafes, bars, and restaurants are fully operational, offering the best food, beverages, and services. Winter is also the season for water sports. Summers can be extremely hot, and the monsoon season is considered too risky for beach activities.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Goa Chitra Museum: A haven for art, crafts, and history enthusiasts, this ethnographic museum in Benaulim houses over 4,000 traditional Goan items. Founded by Victor Hugo Gomes in 2009, it is a tribute to Portuguese culture and is about 3.3 kilometers from Benaulim Beach.
- Raika Honey Apiary: Located near Benaulim Beach, this spot offers fascinating insights into apiculture, beekeeping, and honey processing. Visitors can learn about producing raw honey and take home a jar of honey.
- St. John Baptist Church: A notable site for those with a strong inclination toward spirituality. This well-maintained church, situated just 4 kilometers away, is popular among both international and local tourists due to its Franciscan architecture.
- San Thome Museum: For technology enthusiasts, this museum showcases every piece of technology used by humans from the 18th century to the present. Located 4 kilometers from Benaulim Beach, it captures the era of Thomas Alva Edison beautifully.
Activities to Do on Benaulim Beach
- Jet Skiing: Experience the thrill of speeding across the ocean on a jet ski.
- Parasailing: Get a bird’s-eye view of the sea and coastline while being towed behind a boat with a parachute.
- Banana Boat Rides: Enjoy this fun and exciting group activity as participants try to stay on a banana-shaped boat pulled by a speedboat.
- Water Skiing: Engage in this exhilarating water sport that involves skimming across the water on skis pulled by a boat.
- Windsurfing: Combine the principles of sailing and surfing to glide over the ocean on a surfboard with an attached sail.
FAQs on Benaulim Beach
What is the best time to visit?
- The best time to visit is from November through February.
How to reach by air?
- Book flights to either Dabolim Airport or Goa International Airport. Benaulim Beach is around 26.1 kilometers from the airport, and the journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Various travel options such as auto rickshaws, taxis, buses, and cabs are available outside the airport.
What activities can you do on Benaulim Beach?
- Activities include Jet Skiing, Water Skiing, Parasailing, Banana Boat Rides, and Windsurfing.
