Palolem Beach A growing guide to Palolem Beach, South Goa, India.
Questions & Answers
Everything you need to know about Palolem Beach and the surrounding area.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions people have when considering a trip to Palolem.
How far is Palolem from Goa Airport?
Goa International Airport is a one and a half hours drive away from Palolem by taxi.
How can I get from Goa airport to Palolem?
The easiest way is to get a taxi. Otherwise you can get a public bus to Vasco, and then change for another bus to Margao and from there take a bus to Palolem.
How much should a taxi from Goa airport to Palolem cost me?
Expect to pay 1200 Rupees for a taxi from Goa airport to Palolem. The easiest thing to do is order one at the ‘Prepaid Taxi’ rank as soon as you arrive at the airport. That way you pay beforehand and will not have to deal with any bartering. If you want to bargain you go outside of the airport and find a taxi there.
Which is the nearest train station?
Canacona train station is the nearest train station. There are overnight trains from Mumbai to Canacona, but always check it is stopping at Canacona as some trains coming to Goa stop in Margao.
How do I get from Canacona train station to Palolem?
The train station is a short rickshaw ride away from Palolem. A proximately 10 minutes. The rickshaw ride should cost you 50 Rupees.
Do I need to book beach huts in advance?
This depends on when you are coming and what kind of hut you want. The nicer the hut the more likely it is that you will have to book in advance. Lots of the beach hut resorts have started taking advanced bookings over the internet. You really need to make sure you book if you are coming over Christmas as this is the peak. Otherwise, if you are not too picky about the kind of accommodation you want, you should find something.
What price can I expect to pay for a beach hut in Palolem?
Beach hut prices vary throughout the season with the months of December and February being the most expensive. It also depends on whether you would like a hut with en suite bathroom, and then again, whether you want hot water. Average price can be between 500 – 5000 Rupees per night.
Is there much difference between the north and south sides of Palolem beach?
Yes. Although these are two sides of the same beach they are very different as far as atmosphere and people is concerned. The south side of the beach (turn left onto the beach from the main road) seems to attract younger people and more backpackers. This is where you will find some loud music and a party atmosphere; a couple of the resorts on this side of the beach have a 24hr bar license. The north side (turn right onto the beach from the main road) is much quieter and more suitable for young families. The beach and its tides are also different. We recommend the north side if you have young children as the sea takes a while to get deep and does so more progressively which makes it much safer for little ones.
When is a good time to come to Palolem?
The season in Palolem starts in October, although most places do not really open until November. Christmas is a very popular time to come, but the weather is better in February and March. April and May are much hotter and things close by the end of May.
How hot does it get in Palolem?
During the season (October –May) it is always ‘beach weather’ in Palolem, but during December to February it gets cold at nights (15°C) during the day it is about 27°C. From February to May temperatures tend to go up progressively reaching approximately 35°C.
How much on average will a meal in a restaurant cost me?
A meal for two in Palolem can cost you between 300- 1000 Rupees depending on where you go and whether you order wine/sea food.
Is the food safe in Palolem?
The food is safe in most of Palolem's restaurants. Most of the kitchen’s use filtered water for their cooking and cleaning.
Is Palolem a good place to take children?
Yes. More and more families are bringing their young children to Palolem. The pleasant weather and most of the beach huts’ proximity to the beach means that children can spend most of their time playing outdoors and enjoying the sand and water. Choose a resort on the north side of the beach where the sea gets stays shallow for longer and to avoid loud music in the evenings.
Is Palolem prone to theft and crime?
No. But please take the necessary precautions with your valuables. Most resorts will offer a safe deposit.
Are there ATMs/ Cash points in Palolem?
There is an ATM in Chawdi which is 3kms away, five minutes in a rickshaw, and you can get ‘cash back’ on your cards at the travel agencies on Palolem main road.
Can I exchange money in Palolem?
Yes. There are several travel agencies on Palolem main road. All of them will exchange money for you at the latest rates.
Is there a chemist/farmacy in Palolem?
There is a Chemist on the way to Chawdi, and there are several in Chawdi itself.
Is there a hospital/doctor’s service in Palolem?
There is a hospital nearby called ‘Davalikar’ which offers a very good service, it is a five minute rickshaw ride away. There is also a doctor’s surgery on the way to Chawdi.
Do people speak English in Palolem?
Yes, most people speak at least some English.
Is alcohol legal in Goa?
Yes, alcohol is legal and very accessible in the area.
Is there a baby sitting/ child care service in the area?
This is still difficult to come across in the area, but there is a nursery and primary school inside Bhakti Kutir, in Columb.
Do women have to watch what they wear in Palolem?
Palolem has become more and more used to tourists and their lack of clothing and generally everyone will feel comfortable wearing whatever they choose in the area. But we advise that women take care and we strongly advise against going topless as this invites very persistent staring. Don’t forget that India has some strong religious values, and people from all over the county visit Goa.
Are there any essentials I need to bring with me?
Palolem is extremely well stocked on groceries/things that you may need during your stay. As the area is used to welcoming tourists you can find things in the shops that are sometimes difficult to find in the rest of India. But there are a few things you may find come in handy:
A torch,
Long sleeve tops/jackets for the evenings (from December to February).
A padlock, for use at your accommodation’s safe (if there is one) or for locking your bag for extra safety.
Are there lots of mosquitoes in Palolem?
There are mosquitoes in Palolem, so bring mosquito spray. Most huts/rooms come with mosquito nets and you can buy mosquito plugs to plug into your electricity socket to keep them away. Mosquito ‘coils’ are also on sale on Palolem high street, you burn these in the same way you would incense and they also effectively keep the mozzies away. For advice on malaria risk please consult your local travel health service.
How far is Agonda beach from Palolem?
Agonda is 10km away from Palolem, a fifteen minute rickshaw ride away, it should cost you 150 Rupees.
How far is Patnem beach from Palolem?
Patnem is 2km away from Palolem main road, a rickshaw ride takes 5 minutes and cost 50 Rupees. You can also walk there in about 30 minutes along the beach.
All the above are our own personal experience and are not to be taken as final.
How far is Palolem from Goa Airport?
Goa International Airport is a one and a half hours drive away from Palolem by taxi.
How can I get from Goa airport to Palolem?
The easiest way is to get a taxi. Otherwise you can get a public bus to Vasco, and then change for another bus to Margao and from there take a bus to Palolem.
How much should a taxi from Goa airport to Palolem cost me?
Expect to pay 1200 Rupees for a taxi from Goa airport to Palolem. The easiest thing to do is order one at the ‘Prepaid Taxi’ rank as soon as you arrive at the airport. That way you pay beforehand and will not have to deal with any bartering. If you want to bargain you go outside of the airport and find a taxi there.
Which is the nearest train station?
Canacona train station is the nearest train station. There are overnight trains from Mumbai to Canacona, but always check it is stopping at Canacona as some trains coming to Goa stop in Margao.
How do I get from Canacona train station to Palolem?
The train station is a short rickshaw ride away from Palolem. A proximately 10 minutes. The rickshaw ride should cost you 50 Rupees.
Do I need to book beach huts in advance?
This depends on when you are coming and what kind of hut you want. The nicer the hut the more likely it is that you will have to book in advance. Lots of the beach hut resorts have started taking advanced bookings over the internet. You really need to make sure you book if you are coming over Christmas as this is the peak. Otherwise, if you are not too picky about the kind of accommodation you want, you should find something.
What price can I expect to pay for a beach hut in Palolem?
Beach hut prices vary throughout the season with the months of December and February being the most expensive. It also depends on whether you would like a hut with en suite bathroom, and then again, whether you want hot water. Average price can be between 500 – 5000 Rupees per night.
Is there much difference between the north and south sides of Palolem beach?
Yes. Although these are two sides of the same beach they are very different as far as atmosphere and people is concerned. The south side of the beach (turn left onto the beach from the main road) seems to attract younger people and more backpackers. This is where you will find some loud music and a party atmosphere; a couple of the resorts on this side of the beach have a 24hr bar license. The north side (turn right onto the beach from the main road) is much quieter and more suitable for young families. The beach and its tides are also different. We recommend the north side if you have young children as the sea takes a while to get deep and does so more progressively which makes it much safer for little ones.
When is a good time to come to Palolem?
The season in Palolem starts in October, although most places do not really open until November. Christmas is a very popular time to come, but the weather is better in February and March. April and May are much hotter and things close by the end of May.
How hot does it get in Palolem?
During the season (October –May) it is always ‘beach weather’ in Palolem, but during December to February it gets cold at nights (15°C) during the day it is about 27°C. From February to May temperatures tend to go up progressively reaching approximately 35°C.
How much on average will a meal in a restaurant cost me?
A meal for two in Palolem can cost you between 300- 1000 Rupees depending on where you go and whether you order wine/sea food.
Is the food safe in Palolem?
The food is safe in most of Palolem's restaurants. Most of the kitchen’s use filtered water for their cooking and cleaning.
Is Palolem a good place to take children?
Yes. More and more families are bringing their young children to Palolem. The pleasant weather and most of the beach huts’ proximity to the beach means that children can spend most of their time playing outdoors and enjoying the sand and water. Choose a resort on the north side of the beach where the sea gets stays shallow for longer and to avoid loud music in the evenings.
Is Palolem prone to theft and crime?
No. But please take the necessary precautions with your valuables. Most resorts will offer a safe deposit.
Are there ATMs/ Cash points in Palolem?
There is an ATM in Chawdi which is 3kms away, five minutes in a rickshaw, and you can get ‘cash back’ on your cards at the travel agencies on Palolem main road.
Can I exchange money in Palolem?
Yes. There are several travel agencies on Palolem main road. All of them will exchange money for you at the latest rates.
Is there a chemist/farmacy in Palolem?
There is a Chemist on the way to Chawdi, and there are several in Chawdi itself.
Is there a hospital/doctor’s service in Palolem?
There is a hospital nearby called ‘Davalikar’ which offers a very good service, it is a five minute rickshaw ride away. There is also a doctor’s surgery on the way to Chawdi.
Do people speak English in Palolem?
Yes, most people speak at least some English.
Is alcohol legal in Goa?
Yes, alcohol is legal and very accessible in the area.
Is there a baby sitting/ child care service in the area?
This is still difficult to come across in the area, but there is a nursery and primary school inside Bhakti Kutir, in Columb.
Do women have to watch what they wear in Palolem?
Palolem has become more and more used to tourists and their lack of clothing and generally everyone will feel comfortable wearing whatever they choose in the area. But we advise that women take care and we strongly advise against going topless as this invites very persistent staring. Don’t forget that India has some strong religious values, and people from all over the county visit Goa.
Are there any essentials I need to bring with me?
Palolem is extremely well stocked on groceries/things that you may need during your stay. As the area is used to welcoming tourists you can find things in the shops that are sometimes difficult to find in the rest of India. But there are a few things you may find come in handy:
A torch,
Long sleeve tops/jackets for the evenings (from December to February).
A padlock, for use at your accommodation’s safe (if there is one) or for locking your bag for extra safety.
Are there lots of mosquitoes in Palolem?
There are mosquitoes in Palolem, so bring mosquito spray. Most huts/rooms come with mosquito nets and you can buy mosquito plugs to plug into your electricity socket to keep them away. Mosquito ‘coils’ are also on sale on Palolem high street, you burn these in the same way you would incense and they also effectively keep the mozzies away. For advice on malaria risk please consult your local travel health service.
How far is Agonda beach from Palolem?
Agonda is 10km away from Palolem, a fifteen minute rickshaw ride away, it should cost you 150 Rupees.
How far is Patnem beach from Palolem?
Patnem is 2km away from Palolem main road, a rickshaw ride takes 5 minutes and cost 50 Rupees. You can also walk there in about 30 minutes along the beach.
All the above are our own personal experience and are not to be taken as final.
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.