India is a country full of mysteries, but Indian resorts are known not only for yoga and spices, but also for amazing nature, amazing beaches. In South Goa, Palolem is recognized as the most popular tourist destination. There are always a lot of travelers here, you can choose accommodation of different levels of comfort and prices, try local food. The” highlight ” of Palolem Goa beach is the cleanliness on the shore, as well as an interesting excursion program designed for travelers.
General information about Palolem Resort
Palolem beach is located in the southernmost point of Goa, but from a geographical point of view, this is not entirely true, since there are beaches to the south, they are less comfortable, so visitors to India do not rest there without infrastructure. Palolem is located near the small town of Canacona.
Useful to know! Judging by the map, all tourist sites are within walking distance, but in fact, you need to carefully study the location of hotels, the distance to the sea, the airport, and attractions, and only then choose a place of residence and make a tourist route.
Palolem beach is surrounded by hills on three sides, and its fourth side faces the bay-visually it seems that the coast is hugged by palms and protected from wind and storm.
The state capital, Magrao, is 43 km away from the resort, while the international airport is 67 km away. Palolem has no eventful history, it used to be a small village where fishermen lived, by the way, many residents are still engaged in fishing for fish and seafood. The population is 4 thousand people.
Despite the fact that the length of the coastline is only 1.5 km, the beaches of Palolem are considered the best in Goa. The coast has a characteristic crescent shape, washed by the Arabian Gulf. It is noteworthy that the resort’s beaches are considered the safest in Goa, as the depth increases gradually, and there are no underwater currents.
Important! The length of the coast is small, so there is no need to hope for privacy and a relaxing holiday. Palolem attracts fans of night parties, discos, newlyweds, families with children, respectable travelers.
The business card of the resort in Goa is parties, every evening tourists come to the beach to relax and have fun. There are night clubs on Palolem that have the right to work around the clock.
Weather
Palolem welcomes guests with a sub-equatorial climate, it is best to come here from mid-autumn to the second half of spring. At this time, the weather is favorable for nature walks, you can enjoy nature and the sea. The daytime air temperature is +32 degrees, the water warms up to +29 degrees.
Attractions
Special tourist programs and routes have been developed for vacationers, you can choose a trip for 2-4 hours or a comprehensive excursion that will take all day. If you have free time, visit the ancient fort.
You can also go to the Dudhsagar waterfall, it is called the milk waterfall, it is the largest Indian waterfall. Groups of tourists go to the natural attraction daily directly from the beach.
Additionally, the program may include visits to such places:
- spice plantations;
- ancient part of Goa.
Tourists are offered to experience an amazing adventure-swimming with elephants and take a boat trip.
Fans of active recreation will not be bored on Palolem – canyoning, tracking, and diving are at their disposal.
Palolem Beach in Goa
The resort area is a quiet, peaceful bay with a length of about 1.5 km. On the north side, opposite the shore, you can see an uninhabited island. The coastline looks picturesque and exotic — colorful bungalows, green palm trees leaning towards the water.
Tourists who travel with children note that the water near the shore is warmer, compared to other beaches in Goa. The sea floor is sandy, smooth, there are almost no waves, the entrance to the sea is gentle.
Photo: Palolem Beach
A distinctive feature of Palolem beach is a clean beach, which is monitored by cleaners who clean up garbage throughout the day, so it does not linger. In addition, cows, which are revered in India as sacred animals, almost never go ashore.
Important! Within walking distance from Palolem, there are less crowded beaches where lovers of peace and quiet can go.
Palolem, India is a tourist destination, so there are no infrastructure problems here. Sun loungers, umbrellas, sun beds, water ski rental and much more are available for a comfortable stay on the beach. It is noteworthy that during high tide hours, only a few meters remain from the wide coastline.
Accommodation on Palolem
The choice of housing is diverse:
- beachside bungalow;
- guest houses or guest houses;
- hotels.
If the circumstances are such that you did not have time to book a hotel room before the trip, do not worry, there is a place to stay at the resort, and it is even cheaper than on the Internet.
The Bungalow
Do you prefer to live in a luxury bungalow? You need to book it in advance, otherwise you will have to choose accommodation with a minimum set of amenities.
Bungalow Categories:
- budget — built from palm leaves, plywood, almost no amenities (shower and toilet on the street), cost from $4.50;
- bungalows of the middle price segment – equipped with a fan, wi-fi, hot water, bathroom directly in the house, can be a terrace, cost from $9.0;
- luxury bungalows — there are no restrictions on equipment, furniture and service, maybe even a maid, a Jacuzzi, the cost of a house starts from $ 42 per day.
Useful to know! If everything is more or less clear with the choice of a hotel, then choosing a bungalow is not easy for one reason — the housing is quite exotic. You need to go around as many cabins as possible, check out what services are included in the payment, and be sure to book a bungalow in the shade of trees.
Hotels
The choice of hotels on Palolem Beach in South Goa is as diverse as the choice of bungalows. All hotels are built at a distance from the coast, some are located in more secluded places. Of course, staying in hotels will cost more, but the tourist gets comfort and familiar amenities.
According to tourists, the prices for accommodation are quite affordable, some hotels have a swimming pool, free Internet, and breakfast is included in the payment.
In most cases, hotel accommodation is chosen by package tourists who are not ready to live in an exotic bungalow right on the beach.
A double room in a three-star hotel will cost $ 41, while in a four-star hotel you will have to pay from $56 for one night.
Guesthouses
The choice of such housing is small, moreover, it is almost impossible to determine the line between a guesthouse and a cheap hotel. Many guesthouses are located in inconvenient places for tourists — away from the beach. The average cost of living is $8.
Thus, if you choose between three types of housing on Palolem, you should focus on individual preferences. If you are more attracted to nature, exotics, book a bungalow, but you need to do this in advance to choose a house with good conditions. If comfort is important to you, book a hotel room.
A tip! As for housing in the private sector, it is advisable to rent it if you go to Palolem for a long time, the monthly rent will be about $ 28.
Where to eat delicious and satisfying food
On Palolem, choose fish and seafood dishes, which are exceptionally fresh and high-quality, as they come to the chef almost immediately from the sea. If you prefer European cuisine, visit a pizzeria, restaurants that serve the usual dishes for European tourists. There’s even a pub on Palolem.
As for drinks, choose fresh drinks, cocktails, there is a huge selection of them at the resort. The most delicious food is prepared in Sheki, there are sun beds next to each of these establishments, if you buy something in a cafe, then you can use a sun lounger at least all day.
Prices for food are slightly higher than in the resorts of North Goa. On average, one breakfast bill is $3. Scrambled eggs can be ordered for $ 1.5, toast costs about $ 1, fresh juice — $2.
Useful to know! If you want to try the local cuisine and still save your budget, order a plate of thali. The largest serving costs $ 1.8, one serving of rice with chicken curry costs $ 1.25, and masala tea costs 15 cents.
How to get from Dabolim Airport
International flights are operated by Dabolim Airport, located in Vasco da Gama. During the high tourist season, there is a direct air connection between Ukraine and Goa — charter flights depart several times a week. At other times of the year, you need to make a transfer in the United Arab Emirates, Delhi, Qatar.
From the airport terminal to the resort of Palolem in Goa, you can easily and quickly take a taxi. Prices vary depending on:
- car class;
- availability of air conditioning;
- time of day.
Important! The advantage of a taxi is the fixed cost of the trip, tourists do not have to bargain with the driver. The parking lot is located next to the airport building.
Bus
If you like to travel and want to get to the resort on your own, first you need to get to the Margao bus station and then get to Palolem from there.
There are direct bus services to Margao from Vasco to Gama, but you can walk from the airport terminal to the bus stop. Of course, you can take a taxi. A ticket to Margao costs Rs 30 and can be purchased at the ticket office located near the buses.
The bus arrives at the Margao bus station, where you need to change to a flight to Palolem. These routes are not marked with numbers, just the destination is indicated. Accordingly, the tourist’s task is to find a bus with the inscription-Palolem. The ticket costs about Rs 35 and can be purchased from the conductor.
Important! The easiest way to get from Margao to the hotel on Palolem is to take a taxi, the driver will have to pay about $20.
Bike
You need to get on the highway and go to the sign “Palolem”. Be prepared for the fact that there will often be serpentines along the way, so the road may take longer than planned.
If you plan to travel by bike, be sure to take a helmet, tourists who travel without protection are stopped by the police and fined for violating the rules.
Useful tips
- Palolem is a versatile resort that will suit families, newlyweds, people of advanced age and respectable travelers.
- The hotels have all the usual amenities, and in the resort you will find the necessary infrastructure-cafes, equipment and bike rental, shops, free Wi-fi.
- It is noteworthy that the service staff speaks English.
- After sunset, fun and entertainment begins in cafes and restaurants. It is noteworthy that discos are organized by the owners of these establishments right on the beach.
- Palolem is one of the few Indian beaches where overnight stays are allowed.
- Right on the beach there are small bazaars where you can buy condiments, jewelry, souvenirs, CDs with music and much more.
Palolem Beach Goa is one of the best beaches in the southern part of the state. You can see this for yourself if you spend your vacation here.
