Palolem is a beautiful crescent shaped beach in distant south Goa . It cannot be called as a very peaceful place , but definitely more relaxed , less commercialized and less tourist exploited than most of the North Goa beaches .
Palolem can be reached by road from Madgaon bus terminus or by Konkan Rail . Buses from Kadamda Bus Stand in Madgaon take you directly to the beach ; otherwise one can easily find a bus to Canacona Chaudi from where the beach is 3 kms away and many eager rickshaws can take you to the beach. Konkan Railway is far more comfortable but least reliable when it comes to its timings .
Palolem is a place to relax , sunbathe and go for small explorations around . At the north there is Canacona Island – uninhabited . One can reach the island during low tide by crossing two water bodies which are not deep . There is a small but lovely beach between the two water bodies – it is strewn with rocks which enhance the beauty of the place . It is an adventurous experience to climb over the rocks to watch the sunset or sunbathe on them . There are abundant harmless crabs hiding in between the crevices of the rocks . It is supremely blissful experience to watch the beauty of the nature , sea , rocks , sand and sky at the north end of Palolem . Palolem has also a very safe sea to swim . The beach has very little slope as it enters the sea – hence you can walk a long distance along the very soft sea bed . The waves are also gentle .
Patnem beach is a 15 minutes walk from Palolem . It is a huge beach which was quite deserted when we saw it ; but the shacks and huts were being built as the peak season was due to begin .
Accomodation in the beach bamboo huts is a different experience . The huts are illegal but tolerated by local authorities in peak season . Do not expect a lot from these huts – they offer basic things like a bed with net , toilet and shower .They are very cheap .
The food at Palolem is good . The food is mainly to suit the foreign travelers .Indian cuisine is not unavailable , but expect little .The food is good at all the shacks as well as at a few hotels near the beach . Typical beachside trinket shops are available . Self designed embroidery shirts which are made to order is a novelty of this place .
Palolem is an ideal place to relax at a paradise like beach where you can quench your ocular thirst for beauty , pamper your taste buds and live with nature at a cost which will not be heavy on your purse .