Palolem Beach - Goa

Palolem Beach, enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms in far south Goa, is arguably the state's most beautiful beach. This mile long, shady, semi-circle shaped beach continues to grow in popularity every year, and it's become very lively with the diverse crowd that it attracts. 

Location

Palolem Beach is located at 15°00′36″N 74°01′24″E, within 2.5 kilometres of the market town of Chaudi in South Goa, and about 40 minutes from Margao, the district headquarters of South Goa.

The Beach

Palolem beach is largely unspoiled and is inhabited by both local fishermen and by foreign tourists who live in shacks along the shore or in the main village itself.[1] It is about one mile (approximately 1.61 km) long and is crescent-shaped; one can view the entire beach from either end. Both ends of the beach consist of rocks jutting out into the sea. The depth of the sea increases gradually, being shallowest at the northern end of the beach, making it safe for average swimmers, and the currents are not fast.

The beach is featured as the Goan residence of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in the film The Bourne Supremacy (2004). The initial footage in the movie gives a good idea of the natural beauty of the beach - the distinctive tree covered rocks at one end (known locally as Green Island - to which tours are run) and beach shacks.

At the top of the island adjoining Palolem beach there is a stone sculpture created by an American conceptual and land artist Jacek Tylicki called "Give if you can – Take if you have to" also called the "Money stone". It became a pilgrimage destination. At the low tide it is a tough jungle walk and a guide is recommended. People can leave or take money at will at the Money stone. 

Getting There 

The closest railway stations to Palolem are Marago on the Konkan Railway and Canacona (also known as Chaudi). Canacona is a 10 minute drive away from Palolem and the journey costs around 100 rupees in an auto rickshaw. Marago is 40 minutes away and costs 600-700 rupees in a taxi. Alternatively, Goa's Dabolim airport is around one and a half hours away. A taxi from the airport will cost 1,000-1,500 rupees ($20-30). There's a pre-paid taxi counter after you exit the airport, on your left. 

Climate and Weather 

The weather is warm throughout the year. Temperatures rarely reach more than 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day or drop below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Some winter nights can get a bit chilly from December to February though. Palolem receives rain from the southwest monsoon from June to August, and most places on the beach close down during this time (including the beach huts, which get dismantled). The tourist season kicks off in late October, and starts slowing down around March. 

What to Do 

Palolem offers both relaxation and adventure. Those who've had enough of lounging on the beach can go dolphin spotting or fishing in a boat, or take an inexpensive boat trip along the backwater canals during high tide. Hiring a kayak is also a good way to explore the surroundings. During low tide, it's possible to walk to Butterfly Beach (which becomes an island when the tide is in) where there are hiking trails and striking sunsets to be enjoyed. For those who like to shop, Palolem also has a market just behind the beach that sells jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary makes a pleasant day trip from Palolem.