Palolem Beach is located in the Southern Part of Goa. It should be stated that it is a tropical paradise. This beach in Goa is popular for its tranquil vibe and beauty. North Goa is generally known for its crowded beaches. But, comparatively, Palolem offers a more serene and relaxed atmosphere. It is an ideal destination for a serene and relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for travellers looking for a place to unwind.
Are you planning a trip to this beach in Goa? The beach has something for everyone. You might be interested in exploring marine life. One of your family members might be interested in water sports. Palolem Beach can satiate both. In this guide, you will learn everything you should know about Goa Beach before you plan a trip to this beach from Bangalore:
Palolem Beach – An Introduction
Palolem Beach is a crescent-shaped stretch of beach with golden sand. It is lined by vibrant beach huts and swaying palm trees. The beach is popular for its serene waters. So, it is the ideal spot for a whole lot of water-based activities like kayaking and swimming. Due to its scenic beauty and laid-back vibe, it attracts a lot of travellers from across India and the world. Due to its shallow and safe waters, this beach is a great place for beginners to try water sports.
The relatively untouched nature of this beach sets it apart from other beaches in Goa. Also, its strong sense of community and clean environment attracts locals and tourists alike.
Palolem Beach – The History
The history of this beach is connected with the overall history of Goa. For many centuries, Goa was part of the Portuguese Colony. You can still experience European influences in its traditions, cuisines, architecture and culture. Before Goa tourism started to flourish in this area, Palolem Beach was a fishing village.
In the late 20th century, when Goa started to be seen as a hotspot for tourists from across the world, Palolem Beach also transformed from being a quiet village to a key tourist attraction. Even though it has gained popularity as a tourist attraction, the beach continues to be a quiet and relaxed place. This is why it is highly popular among tourists looking for a serene escape away from crowded North Goa.
How to Reach Palolem Beach?
Considering that you are travelling from Bangalore, you have different options to travel from Bangalore. From Bangalore, Palolem Beach is located around 548.8 km distance. If you travel by car, you will have to travel via the NH 48 route. There are other routes as well. The distance is higher compared to the NH 48 route. The other routes are via NH 69 and NH 67. For instance, the distance will be 578.3 km when you take the former route. In the case of the latter, the distance will be 666.5 km. Now, you know how to travel by car to reach Palolem Beach from Bangalore. How about the other modes of transportation:
By Bus
If you would like to travel at night to save time, many overnight buses are operated between Bangalore and Goa. The trip will take around 12-13 hours based on road conditions and traffic. When travelling by bus, you can request to drop you off at Canacona. This is the nearest bus stop to Palolem Beach. However, you might have booked accommodations in Goa. So, get down from the bus at a suitable place. From your accommodation which can be in Canacona, you can take a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the beach located around 2-3 km away.
By Train
Would you like to travel by train from Bangalore to Goa? Then, you should remember that Canacona Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Palolem Beach. From this station, you can hire an auto to cover the three-kilometre distance to reach the beach.
- From Bangalore Yashwantpur Junction, you can take Vascodagama Express that runs towards Vascodagama
- On this train, you can travel to Magoan Junction
- From this junction, board the Madgoan – Mangaluru Central MEMU Express that runs towards Mangaluru Junction.
- Board off the train at Canacona.
- From Yashwantpur Junction, you can also board the Panchaganga Superfast Express that runs towards Karwar
- Board off the train at Karwar
- From Karwar take the Madgoan Special Fare Special that runs towards Magoan Junction
- Board off the train at Canacona.
In addition, there are also other trains from Yashwantpur Junction.
By Bus
You can also book tickets on private buses that take you from Bangalore to Canacona. From Canacona, you can hire a cab or auto to reach the beach.
By Flight
If you would like to travel by flight, you can travel by flight from Bangalore to reach GOI Airport in Goa. This airport is located around 46 km away from Palolem Beach. Goa Mopa or GOX airport is located around 82 km away from the beach. From these airports, you can hire a taxi to reach the beach.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
In this comprehensive guide, you will be interested in knowing about the best things you can do in Palolem Beach. Here are the things to do on the beach:
Things to Do
Relax on the Beach
Palolem Beach is mainly popular for its scenic and calm atmosphere. When you are at the beach, you can lounge on sunbeds. Also, you can enjoy the cool breeze and pristine views of the Arabian Sea when you are here. Further, the crescent shape of the beach makes it visible during panoramic views from any point.
Dolphin Spotting and Kayaking
Palolem Beach is popular for Dolphin spotting instances. If you are lucky enough, you can spot dolphins. The reason is that they frequently visit the waters near the beach. Also, the beach offers kayaking adventures, where you can paddle out into the calm waters of the beach.
Silent Noise Parties
One of the important and unique experiences to get at Palolem Beach is the silent noise parties. These parties are held only on some nights. You can dance to the music of your choice at these parties. You will be provided with wireless headphones for this purpose. You can expect a silent yet fun party atmosphere.
Yoga and Wellness
It should be stated that Palolem is a paradise for yoga enthusiasts. You can find a lot of yoga centres and retreats that offer long-term and daily courses. The beach is an ideal place to meditate, relax and reconnect with yourself.
Shopping at Palolem Market
Do you love shopping? If so, you can go to Palolem Market. Yes, near the beach, you can find small shopping stalls. They sell everything from colourful clothes and accessories. Even, you can find handicrafts and souvenirs. It is a great place to buy trinkets, jewellery and beachwear.
Walk Along the Palolem Beach Road
In case, you are staying in Palolem for a couple of days, you should not miss out on walking on Palolem Beach Road. This road leads to the beach. It is lined by a lot of stalls and shops that sell a lot of stuff. Also, you can find a lot of restaurants on this road.
Goa Jungle Adventure
Goa Jungle Adventure is an organization that organizes canyoning tours in Goan jungles. The trips are organized both for beginners and experts. Canyoning encompasses walking through river gorges, swimming, cliff jumping, abseiling and trekking. You should have good swimming skills and minimum jumping ability. The trip will begin at Palolem and will take you to Margoa, Panjim and Calangute/Baga by road. You should be fit with less than 29 BMI to participate.
Key Attractions
Go to Canacona Island
At the northern end of Palolem Beach, you can walk to Canacona Island. This island is otherwise called Monkey Island. You can do this during low tide days. The island offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding beaches, which need a short hike.
Visit Butterfly Beach
The best time to visit Butterfly Beach is morning hours. For this, you will have to take a boat ride from Palolem. During this boat ride, you can luckily spot dolphins. The butterfly beach is known for its calm vibe and clear water. If you carry your swimsuit, you can swim here. Also, you can have a cup of beer and relax for a while at this beach. It is otherwise called Honeymoon beach as you can find a lot of newlywed couples on this beach. Not only boat ride, you can also hike via a forest to reach the butterfly beach from Palolem. In this case, you will have to hike for around 2 km.
Go to Beach Viewpoint
You can go to the beach viewpoint. It is located at one end of the beach. To be specific, it is close to the Big Bull Beach Bar. When you visit here, you will have to climb for around 30 steps to reach the top of the hill. This place is not maintained well. Nevertheless, you can get some great views across the bay. You can take some photos from the top to get a bird’s eye view of the beach.
Art Resort Gallery
When you visit the Art Resort Goa, you can visit the Art Resort Gallery. It is a not-for-profit gallery. The good thing about this gallery is that it supports talented Indian artists from across India. The gallery offers them a platform to display their artworks. You can buy the artwork here. Even, the gallery organizes art exhibitions then and there. During this exhibition, it offers free welcome drinks. Also, if interested, you can participate in daily painting classes.
Best Time & Season to Visit Palolem Beach
The best time to visit Palolem Beach is during the winter months. It is between November and February. During this season, the weather will be pleasant and cool. The temperature during this season ranges between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. So, this season is ideal for lounging on the beach and outdoor activities.
Peak Season
The Peak Season in Palolem Beach is between November and March. During this season, a lot of tourists visit. The reason is that during this season the climate is suitable for sightseeing and beach activities. If you do not want a crowd, you can avoid this season.
Off-Season
The monsoon season between June and September is off-season. During this season, there will be heavy rains in this part of Goa. So, beach activities will be difficult.
The season between peak and off-season called shoulder season can also be chosen. It means that you can choose to visit in October or May. There will not be much crowd and there will not be heavy rains during this shoulder season.
Duration To See
To completely enjoy Palolem Beach and its surroundings, you can spend around 2-3 days in this part of Goa. When you have these many days, you can spend a lot of time on the beach itself. Also, you can take part in water sports and can visit nearby attractions. Also, with 2 or 3 days available, you can enjoy a laid-back ambience.
On the other hand, if you are short of time, you can consider a day trip. Nevertheless, a day trip to this beach is possible only if you are staying in nearby towns. A day trip from Bangalore to Palolem beach is not possible.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
Would you love to visit Indian restaurants near the beach? Here are some restaurants and cafes you can try:
- Rumba Cafe Palolem
- Sumaya Goan Authentic Cuisine
If you would like to try out at international restaurants, here are some choices:
- Yum Thai
- Sushi Café
- Pizza & Pao
- Juno’s Gelato
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
You need not pay any entry fee to Palolem Beach. However, if you take part in some activities around the beach like boat rides, kayaking and yoga charges, you will have to pay. Here are the average costs you can expect for these activities near the beach:
- For Silent Noise Parties, you may have to spend somewhere between Rs.600 and 800 based on the event.
- For boat rides on the beach, you will have to pay around Rs.300 to Rs.500 per person.
- For Kayaking, the charges might be somewhere between Rs.200 and Rs.400 per hour.
FAQ
1. Is Palolem Beach family-friendly?
Yes, Palolem Beach is not only family-friendly but also a safe beach. The shallow and calm waters of the beach make it an ideal spot for swimming. Above all, people of all age groups can swim. Further, to keep the kids and adults engaged, there are a lot of activities on and around the beach, thereby making it family-friendly.
2. Can Solo Travellers Go To Palolem Beach?
Yes, Palolem Beach is one of the best beaches for solo travellers. With a vibrant community of backpackers, solo travellers have great chances to meet fellow travellers. Above all, in this part of Goa, solo travellers can find a lot of affordable accommodation options.
3. Are There Accommodation Options on Palolem Beach?
Yes, it is possible to find a lot of accommodation options right from luxury hotels, mid-range accommodations and budget-friendly beach huts. If you would like to stay close to the seashore, you can opt for beach huts. They will let you enjoy the stunning ocean views during your stay.
4. Are Water Sports Available in Palolem Beach?
Yes, Palolem Beach offers a wide range of water sports. Examples include boat rides for spotting dolphins, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. However, activities like jet skiing and parasailing that are popular on other beaches in Goa are less common in Palolem.
5. Can I Visit Palolem Beach Any Time in a Year?
Yes, you can visit at any time. However, the best time to visit the beach is from November to March. The monsoon season in this region is between June and September. During this season, there will be heavy rains in this region. So, you may not be able to participate in activities. Also, many beach shacks remain closed in this season. So, it is better to avoid visiting during the rainy season.
Conclusion
Palolem Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in visiting Goan beaches. The wide range of activities, stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere, make this beach an ideal destination to visit.
You might be interested in spending a quiet day by the ocean. Otherwise, you might be interested in indulging in some water sports. Otherwise, you might be interested in learning about the local culture. In all these cases, Palolem Beach has something for every visitor. With its laid-back vibe, vibrant community and attractive scenery, this beach holds the pride of being one of the most-loved beaches in Goa.
You might be planning for a short getaway from Bangalore. Otherwise, you might be planning for a longer stay. In both cases, Palolem is sure to help you create some unforgettable memories.
Check out my other posts related to Goa: