VARCA BEACH
Area: Goa
Country: India


Location:
Halfway down the W coast of India, in the S part of the state of Goa. 6 miles SW of Margao; 27 miles SE of Dabolim airport.

Telephone code from UK:
91 832

Website:
http://www.goacom.com (commercial site)

Position:
Mainly flat, lush, rural, W-facing coastal land with rice paddies, thick with trees and shrubs.

Description:
This peaceful, laid-back fishing village, set on a narrow, fairly busy road, has small shops and businesses spread along its length and a striking white church at its centre. Despite its name, the beach is 2 miles W. The village is less touristy than some of the small neighbouring villages, such as Benaulim and Cavelossim.

Suitability:
Mainly package tourists seeking rest and relaxation. The fairly flat land and wide beaches suit walkers and country cyclists. Few amenities in the village itself, so most of the action is at the hotels. More suitable for couples, as less to do for families and young children.

Accommodation:
Two hotels on the beach front; each is of a high standard, with a good selection of facilities, including nightly entertainment, dining options, water sports and other sports. Some more low-key, budget accommodation can be had around the village, generally in family homes. Hotels are in the higher price bracket (as can be expected from 5-star accommodation), and generally are booked out during the October_April high season.

Shopping:
Fairly limited, with just a handful of more tourist-type outlets selling handicrafts, wood carvings and some textiles and materials. Plentiful small grocers' shops spread along the roadside, and stalls selling fresh local produce. The larger hotels offer more expensive designer shops. More choice in villages of Benaulim and Cavelossim, with their concentrations of tourist stalls and small shops.

Beach:
Part of a broad, 15-mile stretch of light sand with often rough waters of the Arabian Sea. Swimming is reasonably safe close to shore, and there is a selection of water sports, such as jet-skiing and parasailing. Access sometimes over low dunes, often with shrubs and trees.

Entertainments:
Daytime: few amenities in resort itself. Exploring on foot or on bicycles, which can be hired in the village or hotels. The narrow, fairly quiet, flat lanes are well suited to cycling, and cycling on the beach is also possible. A variety of sports, including golf and tennis, at the larger hotels. Fishing and boat trips; tours available. Nightlife: a few small, low-key restaurants and bars in the village itself. Most activity is limited to the larger hotels, which offer varied programmes, including live music, dancing, etc, mainly during the peak season (October_April). A casino and nightclub.

Eating:
Limited mainly to a few low-key restaurants and bars serving local specialities, with fresh seafood being the order of the day. One Chinese restaurant. More choice at the larger hotels, which offer Goan, Indian, Continental and Chinese fare. Also gala nights with beach barbecues. Food is generally of a high standard, with prices to match. Some shack-type bars and eateries dotted along the beach front.

Public-transport:
Frequent Cavelossim_Margao bus from Varca village. Onward connections to Panjim and N Goa. Margao has a railway station for long-distance connections. Some motorcycle- and bicycle-hire outlets. Plentiful taxis and autorickshaws around the village and at ranks at the hotels.

Local-excursions:
A variety of tours offered by a few operations in the village and by some of the hotels. See Colva.