Palolem Beach A growing guide to Palolem Beach, South Goa, India.
Get away to Goa
Everything you need to know about Palolem Beach and the surrounding area.
Get away from it all in Goa!
by Palolem-Beach.com
Winter has well and truly set in and with it come the grey skies, the rain and an overwhelming desire to get away from it all. Why not trade your anorak for a bikini and set off for more tropical shores?
India may not be the first place you think of when dreaming of sun, sea and sand but it is home to one of South-East Asia’s most unique holiday spots; the gem that is Goa.
Goa’s unique history and culture, combined with its tropical climate and picturesque beaches make it the ideal place to escape to during the winter. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the sun shines in all its splendour upon the shores of this the coast of Malabar, before the monsoon rains set in in May or June. So pack your sunscreen and flip-flops and get yourself to Goa this winter!
Brief History
Goa is India’s smallest state, and one of its most unique. It is the only state that was never fully occupied by the British Raj and was instead a Portuguese colony for over 450 years. Its location on the coast made it a useful strategic colony for the Portuguese and the Portuguese influence is still very much apparent in all aspects of the Goan lifestyle. The colonial architecture, the local language, the food, and the religion of the Goans were all shaped by the Portuguese occupation. Names like Fernandez or Mourinho are very common among resident Goans, and there is a very strong Catholic presence that has resulted in huge churches, monuments and convent schools. The local language, Konkani, is similar to Portuguese and is perhaps the most melodic of Indian dialects.
Where to go
Direct charter flights from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia are increasing every year, and with it the influx of tourists. Most of the passengers on these flights head straight to north Goa, where they can stay in luxury all-inclusive resorts, only straying from the comfort of their hotel for the odd bit of shopping. But there is another side to Goa, one that will appeal to the more independent traveler searching for a less busy and indeed more authentic experience. To find it, head south to the more secluded area of Canacona, and stay on what is perhaps India’s most picturesque of beaches, Palolem.
Palolem
Palolem beach stretches between two magnificent headlands and the beach is lined with towering coconut palms. Every season bamboo-hut resorts and restaurants are erected along the beach allowing tourists to stay right on the sand, only a few metres away from a swim in the Arabian Sea. The beach huts range from very basic to somewhat luxurious, with en suite huts becoming more common every year. Palolem provides beautiful accommodation for all types of traveller with prices varying throughout the season; Christmas and New Year being the peak. Backpackers should have no problem finding somewhere to stay by just turning up and looking around, but if you are looking for something more exclusive it may be better to try and book in advance especially during December and January. Palolem is also ideal for young families as the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and safe. Restaurants in Palolem are varied and due to the amount of tourists, generally of a very high standard. You can get anything from local Indian delights to authentic Italian pizza and pasta, and an added bonus is that alcohol is completely legal and very accessible. (Alcohol is illegal in some Indian states). The locally produced Kingfisher beer is a favourite amongst all visitors.
Things to do
You may find that all you want to do is lay back in a hammock under the palm trees but there is a lot more on offer. The local fishermen offer ‘dolphin trips’ in their boats. They can usually take as many as five people out and although seeing dolphins is not guaranteed, the boat trip in itself is a great experience. There are several little bays to see and a lot of wildlife around the surrounding cliffs. Dolphins do frequent the area, and sometimes they are even spotted swimming in the bay right near the beach! If you are feeling more adventurous, hire a motorbike or moped and do some exploring. The roads are slow and as long as you are careful you should have a fun day driving through the local villages and along some of the beautiful roads. Alternatively catch a bus or rickshaw into the local town of Chawdi, which is taken over every Saturday by an interesting market. The neighbouring beach of Agonda, even more secluded than Palolem can also be easily reached by rickshaw or by fishing boat. Don’t forget to indulge in some fresh fruit while you are there, pineapples, mangos, papayas and coconuts are all in plentiful supply. The friendly beach fruit sellers will be happy to peel and slice a whole pineapple for you. Delicious! Sunsets at Palolem are incredible so take the time to sit and watch the spectacle of colours. For those who wish to seek it, there is also a mild nightlife which centres around two or three bars with late licenses along the beach.
Palolem is also quite a good base from which to visit other areas of Goa. Arrange for a taxi in advance and spend a day in Anjuna, where there is a weekly market that will dazzle even the most enthusiastic of shoppers. Clothes, material, jewellery, gems, and all kinds of Indian delights are available at bargain prices. Haggling is a must! For a more cultural experience head for the Goan capital, Panaji and from there, to Old Goa to experience a truly colonial atmosphere.
Don’t miss
-A dolphin trip.
-Thali,
This traditional South Indian dish consists of a base of rice and chapattis served with little dishes of vegetable curries and sauces with coconut, mango and mixed spices.
-Fresh fish.
The local fishermen bring fish in fresh every morning so make sure you ask to see the catch of the day at one of the restaurants. The Red Snapper is delicious cooked up with spices in a tandoori oven.
-A yoga class.
There are plenty of places in the area where you can try out some yoga. Yoga at sunset under the palm trees is a serene experience that should not be missed.
-An Ayurvedic massage.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian tradition of natural medicine and treatment. The Ayurvedic head massage is the most popular.
Places to stay
Top of the range is the five star Intercontinental Hotel & Resort at Raj Bag, Canacona. Rooms range from 400 to 1000 US Dollars a night. www.intercontinental.com
For a true Palolem-experience book a hut at Alessandra Resort. Huts range from 20Euro to 70Euro a night. www.alessandra-resort-goa.blogspot.com
For travelers on a tight budget the best bet is to turn up at the beach and try to bargain for a more basic hut.
For charter flights to India see www.charterflights.co.uk.
You will need a Visa to travel to India, for more information visit www.traveldocs.com/in/
Goa is a very low risk are for Malaria and other diseases, but it is important you only drink bottled water while you are there and take extra care with hygiene. Always check with your local travel health centre before traveling: www.travelhealth.co.uk/
by Palolem-Beach.com
Winter has well and truly set in and with it come the grey skies, the rain and an overwhelming desire to get away from it all. Why not trade your anorak for a bikini and set off for more tropical shores?
India may not be the first place you think of when dreaming of sun, sea and sand but it is home to one of South-East Asia’s most unique holiday spots; the gem that is Goa.
Goa’s unique history and culture, combined with its tropical climate and picturesque beaches make it the ideal place to escape to during the winter. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the sun shines in all its splendour upon the shores of this the coast of Malabar, before the monsoon rains set in in May or June. So pack your sunscreen and flip-flops and get yourself to Goa this winter!
Brief History
Goa is India’s smallest state, and one of its most unique. It is the only state that was never fully occupied by the British Raj and was instead a Portuguese colony for over 450 years. Its location on the coast made it a useful strategic colony for the Portuguese and the Portuguese influence is still very much apparent in all aspects of the Goan lifestyle. The colonial architecture, the local language, the food, and the religion of the Goans were all shaped by the Portuguese occupation. Names like Fernandez or Mourinho are very common among resident Goans, and there is a very strong Catholic presence that has resulted in huge churches, monuments and convent schools. The local language, Konkani, is similar to Portuguese and is perhaps the most melodic of Indian dialects.
Where to go
Direct charter flights from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia are increasing every year, and with it the influx of tourists. Most of the passengers on these flights head straight to north Goa, where they can stay in luxury all-inclusive resorts, only straying from the comfort of their hotel for the odd bit of shopping. But there is another side to Goa, one that will appeal to the more independent traveler searching for a less busy and indeed more authentic experience. To find it, head south to the more secluded area of Canacona, and stay on what is perhaps India’s most picturesque of beaches, Palolem.
Palolem
Palolem beach stretches between two magnificent headlands and the beach is lined with towering coconut palms. Every season bamboo-hut resorts and restaurants are erected along the beach allowing tourists to stay right on the sand, only a few metres away from a swim in the Arabian Sea. The beach huts range from very basic to somewhat luxurious, with en suite huts becoming more common every year. Palolem provides beautiful accommodation for all types of traveller with prices varying throughout the season; Christmas and New Year being the peak. Backpackers should have no problem finding somewhere to stay by just turning up and looking around, but if you are looking for something more exclusive it may be better to try and book in advance especially during December and January. Palolem is also ideal for young families as the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and safe. Restaurants in Palolem are varied and due to the amount of tourists, generally of a very high standard. You can get anything from local Indian delights to authentic Italian pizza and pasta, and an added bonus is that alcohol is completely legal and very accessible. (Alcohol is illegal in some Indian states). The locally produced Kingfisher beer is a favourite amongst all visitors.
Things to do
You may find that all you want to do is lay back in a hammock under the palm trees but there is a lot more on offer. The local fishermen offer ‘dolphin trips’ in their boats. They can usually take as many as five people out and although seeing dolphins is not guaranteed, the boat trip in itself is a great experience. There are several little bays to see and a lot of wildlife around the surrounding cliffs. Dolphins do frequent the area, and sometimes they are even spotted swimming in the bay right near the beach! If you are feeling more adventurous, hire a motorbike or moped and do some exploring. The roads are slow and as long as you are careful you should have a fun day driving through the local villages and along some of the beautiful roads. Alternatively catch a bus or rickshaw into the local town of Chawdi, which is taken over every Saturday by an interesting market. The neighbouring beach of Agonda, even more secluded than Palolem can also be easily reached by rickshaw or by fishing boat. Don’t forget to indulge in some fresh fruit while you are there, pineapples, mangos, papayas and coconuts are all in plentiful supply. The friendly beach fruit sellers will be happy to peel and slice a whole pineapple for you. Delicious! Sunsets at Palolem are incredible so take the time to sit and watch the spectacle of colours. For those who wish to seek it, there is also a mild nightlife which centres around two or three bars with late licenses along the beach.
Palolem is also quite a good base from which to visit other areas of Goa. Arrange for a taxi in advance and spend a day in Anjuna, where there is a weekly market that will dazzle even the most enthusiastic of shoppers. Clothes, material, jewellery, gems, and all kinds of Indian delights are available at bargain prices. Haggling is a must! For a more cultural experience head for the Goan capital, Panaji and from there, to Old Goa to experience a truly colonial atmosphere.
Don’t miss
-A dolphin trip.
-Thali,
This traditional South Indian dish consists of a base of rice and chapattis served with little dishes of vegetable curries and sauces with coconut, mango and mixed spices.
-Fresh fish.
The local fishermen bring fish in fresh every morning so make sure you ask to see the catch of the day at one of the restaurants. The Red Snapper is delicious cooked up with spices in a tandoori oven.
-A yoga class.
There are plenty of places in the area where you can try out some yoga. Yoga at sunset under the palm trees is a serene experience that should not be missed.
-An Ayurvedic massage.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian tradition of natural medicine and treatment. The Ayurvedic head massage is the most popular.
Places to stay
Top of the range is the five star Intercontinental Hotel & Resort at Raj Bag, Canacona. Rooms range from 400 to 1000 US Dollars a night. www.intercontinental.com
For a true Palolem-experience book a hut at Alessandra Resort. Huts range from 20Euro to 70Euro a night. www.alessandra-resort-goa.blogspot.com
For travelers on a tight budget the best bet is to turn up at the beach and try to bargain for a more basic hut.
For charter flights to India see www.charterflights.co.uk.
You will need a Visa to travel to India, for more information visit www.traveldocs.com/in/
Goa is a very low risk are for Malaria and other diseases, but it is important you only drink bottled water while you are there and take extra care with hygiene. Always check with your local travel health centre before traveling: www.travelhealth.co.uk/
This website is a work in progress, so do feel free to recommend any businesses in Palolem that you think should be included in our guide. You can contact us.