Written by: Bhushan
Palolem Beach
Palolem beach is one of the most recently ‘developed’ beaches in Goa. While it has been a haven for a few hippies in the recent past, it is only in the 1990s that the Indian tourist actually ‘discovered’ it. In its virgin heydays, it was a spectacularly beautiful stretch of sand, now it’s sprinkled with shacks. Its shallow sea bed also makes it one of the safest beaches to swim in. The place is one its way to becoming a complete mess with concrete structures mushrooming around it in unruly, unplanned fashion.
But once you are on this beach, you’ll feel you’ve been here sometime. You jog back your memories a bit. This is the same beach used in the opening sequence in the movie ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ starring Matt Damon.
Weather
Sultry, humid weather throughout the year barring the monsoons. The weather ranges from 33 degrees Celsius and hits a maximum of 39 degrees in summer. Winters are almost non existent.
Best time to visit:
Goa’s great is summers and winters but if beaches are not your only poison, its superlative in the monsoons. Conventionally popular visiting months are from October to March.
Getting there / Route Information
The best part about beaches in South Goa is the comparatively easy access to the airport and railway stations.
Air
Dabolim airport is located at a distance of 63 km approx.
Bus
Bus transport in Goa is generally poor and services wind up for the day by 7:30 pm. You will have to come to the Chaudi for a bus either to Canacona or Madgaon, which is the closest town. But in recent times, connectivity to Palolem has increased manifold with the influx of tourists to Palolem beach. Palolem is a mere two km from Canacona Chaudi.
Train
The Konkan railway terminus at Canacona. The main terminus at Madgaon is at a distance of approximately 40 km.
Pictures of Palolem Beach
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Major attractions
If you are tired of the sun and the sea, there is a perfect antithesis of a remedy available if you are game. Head for the Cotigao wild life sanctuary also located in Canacona, a short distance from the beach. It’s a forest reserve, which has very decent accommodation available. If you are lucky, you can spot the Great Indian Bison, several varieties of deer, leopards, even the Black Panther. Else there are the remains of the Cabo de Rama fort on, which was used by the Portuguese to watch from their Southern most vantage points. The fort is worth spending half a day on.
Nightlife
Palolem is one of the beaches, which is fast acquiring a reputation for nightlife. The place buzzes with shacks, which play loud music to which one can sway at the beach till early hours in the morning. Palolem is also emerging as one of the major drug havens in South Goa.
Shopping
There are shops aplenty if you are looking at artefacts and knickknacks. Funky tees and beachwear, fake jewellery, batik dyed clothes can be easily availed. Bargaining’s the mantra though.
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Sun screen… Lots of it. Do carry your own water. Food can be easily availed of on most beaches. You could carry your own camp bed or a tent and spread out for the night.
Hotel availability
No dearth of hotels in Galgibaga. Although most prefer to hop on to Galgibaga using either Canacona or Margaon as base camps.
Local Transport
Motorcycle
The most preferred mode of transport is a motorcycle pilot, which are in effect two wheeler taxis, driven by licensed riders, who can transport one individual at a time.
Rent-a-bike
This is the latest addition to the transport modes in Goa and has become an instant hit. These self-driven yellow-letters-on-black number plate two wheelers or four wheelers can be sourced from the hotel you are put up in.
Taxis
Taxis, although are easily available during the peak season, the rates charged are exorbitant. Try hardball bargaining.
Nearest known city
Madgaon 40 km approx.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospital(s): | Dhavalikar hospital. Tel: 0832-2643910 |
| Police: | Canacona police station. Tel: 0832-2633357 |
Bhushan, Is Taxi a big issue?? Aren’t they metered?. Oh… Though, I feel its no big deal for me (from Europe)… Are the fares regulated?
Thanks for information… We are going on trip in christmas by car! The goa route info. is superb.