Introduction

About 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from Chaudi and 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Margao in South Goa, Palolem, popularly known as ‘Paradise Beach’, is a mile long and offers seclusion and idyllic scenery. This part of South Goa opens up a spectacular scenery of sweeping, crescent shaped white sandy beach fringed by towering coconut groves, hemmed in by a pair of rocky promontories. Close to it is a lovely fishing village flecked with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops selling interesting local knick-knacks. Unlike most beaches in South Goa that are too busy and packed with visitors, this one looks virgin. The silvery sand arc of Palolem is charming and ideal to soak up the sun in solitude. During low tide, you can even walk up to the far end of the beach that has an island-like promontory, and enjoy some photography. Though, this part of the beach is not safe for swimming in high tide.

Dolphin spotting is a very popular activity at Palolem, besides swimming and souvenir shopping at the seaside market. The resorts around and other agents can book a dolphin watching boat trip into the sea. Fishing excursions and dolphin cruises are offered at reasonable rates.

The Palolem Beach is a part of Canacona, the southernmost town of Goa, also known as Chaudi. In the evenings, the beach is beautifully, rather subtly, lit with colorful lampshades in the shacks made of rice straw, jute, bamboo and papier mache. These beautifully lit shacks lining the beachfront look surreal against the colorful sunset sky. Sundown is truly an ideal time to stroll the beach, enjoy the breeze and take in endless views of the darkening sea. Round up the evening at a beach shack that offers great views of the coastline and serves succulent seafood delicacies to go with drinks. Try the Red Snapper at one of these restaurants; it is deliciously cooked with aromatic spices in a tandoori oven. Just as popular is the traditional South Indian dish (locally called thali), comprising a base of rice served with small helpings of vegetable curries and sauces with coconut, mango pickle and mixed spices.

You will find hoards of beach shacks serving delicious Goan cuisine and deep sea delights, not to mention a great array of cheap booze. But the small shacks taper off as you move southwards. If you intend staying the night at Palolem, there are ample en-suite tents, guesthouses and humble rooms in local family homes. Though, facilities here are minimum. You can even choose to stay in one of the many coconut huts that are put up in the peak season from November to March, and dismantled afterwards. If you have some more time at hand, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at one of the beach houses. A quintessential sun-and-sand getaway in South Goa, Palolem completes the Goan experience.

Special Attributes

Unlike most beaches in North Goa that are too busy and packed with visitors, this one to the far south of Goa looks virgin. The silvery sand arc of Palolem is picturesque and ideal to soak up the sun in solitude.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Palolem is easily accessible from Margao and other major cities of Goa, by the means of buses, taxis, motorbikes and sea route. Backpackers may also take a State Transport approved Bus from Margao Bus Stand to Canacona or Palolem. It takes around 80-90 minutes. If you get down at Canacona, you can take an auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk) to Palolem Beach which is only 5 kilometers (3 miles). The journey by bus is comfortable, though the buses are not air-conditioned nor dust proof.

Enjoyed by

Families, Honeymooners, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Goa. The sun can get harsh near afternoon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, a sun block cream and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Facilities

There are ample eating and accommodation options around. On the same day you can visit the nearby Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Keep at least half a day at hand to explore Palolem and the sightseeing attractions around.

Type of site

Beach in South Goa