Written by: Bhushan
Polem Beach
Please don’t ask us how. Somehow, even after all these years, Polem beach seems to have missed the tourism bus. So you beach purists, this one’s for you. This is one beach where chances are you’d still see a middle-aged guy, bronzed with the sun, in a loin cloth and a small pot slung across his waist, feeling his way up a coconut palm to fetch some toddy. A rare sight in the otherwise commercialized coast of Goa. Polem beach is way down south, almost threatening to slip into Karnataka. But it’s worth a trip.
Weather
You just can’t beat the sun for most part of the year. And the sultry humidity is bound to get to your hair. But its Goa you are in. The weather scene changes only during the monsoons between mid May and September. The weather ranges from 33 degrees Celsius and hits a maximum of 39 degrees in summer. Winters are almost nonexistent.
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
By Bus
Head for the Margao bus terminal. Board a bus headed for Canacona. It’s a good 30 km approx. The frequency of buses is decent until this point. Once at Canacona, you’d need to hop on to the first bus for Polem. Cause they aren’t too frequent. It’s a further 30 odd km to Polem. The beach is a short walk away.
By Train
Head for the Canacona railway station. A few local trains traipse up that way. From the Canacona railway station take a pilot or an auto to the main bus terminus from where you could take a bus further to Polem.
Pictures of Polem Beach
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Major attractions
The biggest attraction Polem provides is that it provides no attractions. Solace is the name of the only person you are likely to meet here. A word of caution to sun bathers though. The villagers are not really used to Western ways. Mild conservatism is the key here. This small beach presents a spectacular photo opportunity from the cliffs, which cut it off from the mainland. Try and hire a fishing boat used by the locals and do some dolphin spotting here. Dolphins are known to favor the stretch of sea along this quieter beach.
Vital Tourist Information
Hotel availability
Hotel’s an abstract concept in Polem. But it’s a great place to camp for the night. The best option for you otherwise would be to head for Gokarna in Karnataka for accommodation or Canacona.
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, 60 km approx.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospital: | Dhavalikar hospital. Tel: 0832-2643910 |
| Police: | Canacona police station. Tel: 0832-2633357 |
Bhushan, Thank you. Rent-a-bike is cool stuff & Nearby hospital name greatly helps.
Polem & Betul, both are great , I must say, cool & calm beaches.. Last september, we have been there. As said, accomodation is the only problem here. If you have your vehicle, I don’t see any problem.. But these two are must visit beaches.
Excactly … these are so called Virgin beaches. Now very known to many people.