Benaulim | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 | |
| Etymology: Village of the arrow | |
  Benaulim Location in Goa, India  Benaulim Benaulim (India) | |
| Coordinates: 15°15′N 73°55′E / 15.25°N 73.92°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Goa |
| District | South Goa |
| Sub-district | Salcete |
| Elevation | 1 m (3 ft) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
| • Total | 11,919 |
| Demonym | Bannalemcar |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Konkani |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 403 716 |
| Vehicle registration | GA-08 |
Benaulim (Bannalem) is a village in the state of Goa, India. Located in Salcete taluka of South Goa district, it neighbours Colva village to the north, Margao in the northeast and Varca village to the south. During Portuguese rule, it was one of the nine communidades in Salcete. Benaulim is the birthplace of St Joseph Vaz, who was a priest and missionary in Sri Lanka. Benaulim is home to several traditional carpenters, and has long been known as Goa's 'village of carpenters'. Contemporary Benaulim is a popular seaside resort, renowned for its beautiful rice fields, balmy weather and golden sand beaches. It also houses Goa's only Don Bosco Animation Centre. There are two big churches in Benaulim. The Holy Trinity Church in Mazilvaddo is a modern church built over the centuries-old chapel of the Loiola Pereira family. The St John the Baptist Church in Povacao area closer to Colva, is where St Joseph Vaz was baptised.
In 2016, Benaulim hosted the 8th BRICS Summit.