Goa is known as a beach destination for good reason, as the Konkan coastal part of the state is dotted with over 50 of them! While some of them are extremely popular with visiting tourists a larger number of the beaches are relatively uncrowded and free of commercial ventures because the tourists haven’t really discovered them. Benaulim Beach Goa is also part of a fishing village, as are most beaches in the state.

A scene typical of less crowded Goan beaches, people and dogs taking it easy.
Benaulim Beach is in the southern part of Goa (pronounced Benauli by the locals). Its not far from Colva Beach, and perhaps not as crowded as some of the other beaches. It’s long and wide with a couple of resorts right on the beach and a few shacks known for the food they serve. You can also find the usual typical sort of beach tourism activities like boat rides, dolphin spotting rides, parasailing, etc.
If you’d rather enjoy a more relaxed visit, Benaulin Beach is a great place. Take a leisurely stroll either in the morning or the evening. You can find a lounging chair, enjoy the breeze and drink in the spectacular sunsets. Catch the fishermen at work either fishing, or working on their nets depending on which part of the day you’re there.
Benaulim also has a historical significance in the Puranas. Legend tells that Parashurama shot an arrow from the Sahyadri mountains and it landed at Benaulim. Benaulim is supposedly a corruption by the Portuguese of the original name of the village which was Banavalli/ Banahalli (“bana” meaning arrow and “halli” meaning place).

Another typical sight on many of Goa’s beaches, especially close to resorts or shacks – a line lounging chairs with coconut palm umbrellas for cover from the sun.

Lifeguards in on Benaulim Beach, next to the red flag that warns tourists against swimming or even venturing into the water as it’s unsafe.

A view that’s typical of many of the larger Goan beaches. You’ll find local fishing boats and nets pulled up on the sand after the morning fishing expeditions against a backdrop of tourists.

A trip to the beach is incomplete without a walk along the shoreline and getting one’s feet wet.

One of the less spectacular sunsets at Benaulim Beach. A beautiful sunset never the less as the setting sun burnishes the water and the sand with gold.

Little birds, sandpipers I think, at sunset looking for tidbits in the sand.

A cat we found taking a nap on a log just off the beach. It was suspicious but seemed happy enough to pose for my camera……

A great way to spend the afternoon at the beach is to find a nice chair in a shady spot. Settle in and then take a nap before lunch!

There are no sharks at Benaulim beach as far as I know, at least not of the fishy sort. One can often find them though, painted on either on sign boards, hoardings, surf board, etc on many of the beaches.
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