The beaches of North Goa are popular and crowded, particularly because of how easy they are to reach. The capital city Panjim and both airports of Goa are located in the North, and tourists and party-seekers head straight to its numerous beaches, including Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator, to sip beer and sink their toes into the white sand on the shores of the Arabian Sea.
But head south and the beauty of Goa’s beaches shines and soothes. Having mostly escaped the public eye (particularly at Agonda, Palolem, Butterfly Beach), the most ‘hidden gem’ of the lot is Cola Beach, where I recently slipped into its freshwater lagoon in a kayak for an afternoon of calm.
Unlike the over-crowded beaches in North Goa, this out-of-the-way beach is less about partying and more about enjoying nature, making it an ideal getaway in Goa, the smallest state in India, and just an hour’s flight south from Mumbai.
Getting to Cola Beach: It’s About the Journey
They say the journey is part of the experience so keep that in mind when visiting Cola Beach. Due to its whereabouts, getting to Cola Beach feels a little like a mystery adventure unfolding before your eyes as you gradually arrive to uncover its hidden beauty.
Located approximately 63 kilometres from Panjim (Panaji), Â about a 1 hour 45 minuted drive, you’ll want to hire a driver or a car or a motorbike, which can be done anywhere in Goa for a reasonable amount, since petrol is relatively cheaper in the state compared to others in India. Self-driving and exploring the surrounding landscape is a delightful option, but the nearest railway station to Cola Beach is the Canacona railway station, around 16 kilometres away. The nearest airport is at Dabolim, about 55 kilometres from Cola Beach.Â
Once you are near Cola Beach, access is via a downhill dirt road. Four-wheeling arrivals should park and walk, while two-wheelers can take it slow, but it’s advised to go on foot, which means a 1.5-kilometre trek that ends on a plateau overlooking Cola Beach. From here, there is one final push to reach the beach: a further 100 steps down.
The arduous road to get here is what’s kept this place serene and clean, and an easy pick for one of the best beaches in South Goa.
Kayaking at Cola Beach
Once on the sand, I felt transported to a different world. The beach is swimmable, with small waves, and large volcanic boulders spread along the sand against a backdrop of tall forested hills. After a 3- 5 minute walk on the beach, I stumbled upon a pleasant surprise: a freshwater lagoon surrounded by coconut palm trees and kayaks plying the calm water. I had to go in!
The lagoon is smooth and at only 4.5 feet deep, enjoyable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Attendants offer quick training on how to maneuver your boats, and you can choose a single-person or double kayak. Then you’re off and paddling through the tranquil waters of an emerald lagoon, a refreshing and unique experience in Goa that aligns the body, soul, and mind.
On weekdays the cost for 30-45 minutes of kayaking costs INR Rs. 450 or $6.
Stay the night
Given how hard it is to arrive, an overnight stay is a nice choice. There are a couple of options, including the thatched-roof cottages of the Dwarka Beach Resort. They also have an open-air restaurant and bar, serving delicious, local, Indian flavours and sunset cocktails with views of the sea and lagoon.
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BeSeeingYou In: Goa, India
Good to Know: Accessing the beach is challenging for people with mobility issues.Â
WOW! Factor: Kayaking amidst the freshwater lagoon surrounded by coconut trees
Tip:Â Choose a weekday to visit and kayak at Cola Beach
Author bio: Shraddha Sankulkar
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All photos by the author unless noted
