Cola: Beach Sections and River Course

Cola Beach: Two Beach Sections

When planning a trip to Cola, Cola Beach, also known as Khola Beach, is a distinctive coastal feature. The beach is divided into North Khola and South Khola; a small hill separates the two sections. This layout gives your planning a concrete starting point: you can distinguish the named beach sections and take in the landscape of sand, rocks and the river course. If you are looking for a hotel in Cola, these features can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Golden sand and volcanic boulders define the beach. The area around Cola Beach also has rocky outcrops and coconut palm groves. Sand, rock and palm groves are all part of the landscape. The small hill makes the division into North Khola and South Khola clear; the names help distinguish the two beach sections.

The River Course and Names at the Beach

A river runs through the middle of Cola Beach and is known as the Blue Lagoon or Emerald Lagoon. A freshwater stream at Cola Beach also reaches the sea. The names can help with orientation: North Khola and South Khola refer to the beach sections, while Blue Lagoon and Emerald Lagoon refer to the river. The coastal landscape is therefore defined not only by the beach, but also by the watercourse running through its middle and on to the sea.

Plan for the Journey and Swimming

A 2021 travel report describes a stretch of narrow, uneven paths about two kilometres long leading down to Cola Beach after the paved roads end. The distance is approximate, and path conditions may change. Check the current conditions before setting out, so you can plan your journey with this stretch in mind.

You should also consider swimming as a separate part of your planning. An article dated 26 February 2021 describes the sea as not entirely safe for swimming because the seabed drops off suddenly and eddies may occur. Conditions can vary. If swimming is part of your plans, check the local conditions before entering the water.

Canacona as a Wider Destination

The wider destination of Canacona also offers cultural and nature-related attractions. Mallikarjun Temple is near the small village of Sristhal in Canacona, the southernmost taluka. The temple building has carved wooden pillars; the six pillars in the mandap feature carvings depicting scenes from the Puranas and the Mahabharata. During the annual Jatra, the deity’s figure is carried in a procession to nearby Kindlebag Beach. The procession lasts almost two to three hours. If you would like to include the festival tradition in your travel plans, check the dates locally.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is in Canacona Taluka of South Goa District, just under three kilometres from National Highway 17, Panaji–Mangalore. It is located on the undulating, densely forested slopes of the Western Ghats. Its wildlife includes gaur, sambar deer, chital deer, wild boar, porcupines, langurs and bonnet macaques. This forest landscape offers a different regional focus from Cola Beach’s beach sections, river landscape and rock formations.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Verna, Quepem, Agonda, Moisal, Navelim, Dabolim, Mormugao, Majorda.

Return to the wider travel overview: South Goa.