'Must Visit Beach In Goa'
Beautiful Palolem Beach in South Goa is in Canacona,
the southernmost town of Goa. The market town of Canacona is also known as
Chaudi. This mile-long beach is very picturesque, with shady palm trees and
silvery sand. At the far end is an island-like promontory and you can walk to
it during low tide.
During evenings, the beach is beautifully lit. There
are colourful lampshades in shacks made of rice straw, jute, bamboo, papier
mache or plain cloth. The shacks lend colour to the coastline at night.
How to get there?
Palolem Beach is in the centre of coastal Canacona in
South Goa. You can take a taxi from Dabolim Airport (67km), Margao Station
(43km) and Panaji (76km). You can also commute by bus. Buses operate every hour
from Margao to Palolem.
Accommodation
Apart from guest houses, there a few good hotels to
stay in. However, the best places to stay are the hundreds of beautiful coco
huts that are put up only during tourist season and dismantled afterwards.
What to experience?
In the southern end of the beach is a stream and near
it is a large cup-shaped rock called the Pandava's Drum. Tourist throw stones
on top of the rock to hear the sound that emanates from it. Provided they hit
the right spot.
A little further on is the Figueiredo House, built by
the Figueiredo family in the early 20th century, but this was later vandalised.
Today, this is a part of the Neptune Point Hotel.
At the northern end of the Palolem beach is the
island. You can spend your time watching mussels, sea urchins and sea
cucumbers. You can also take a trip to spot dolphins.
Around Palolem
Patnem and Colomb Beach :
Located to the south of Palolem beach is the Patnem
and Colomb Beach. Patnem beach is a one-kilometre-long beach and is safe for
swimming. The tourists are advised to avoid the little coves of Colomb. You
will not find any lifeguard here. Colomb is very quiet and desolate, giving you
an idea of how Goa must have once looked like.
Being here gives you an opportunity to enjoy a beach
that is uncluttered and peaceful in. In Colomb, the accommodation ranges from
cottages made of eco-friendly material to huts.
Rajbag Beach
South of Patnem, Rajbag is a quiet beach. It stretches
all the way to the place where the mouth of the Talpona River emerges.
Galjibaga Beach
It is one of the famed sites in Goa where the giant
Olive Ridley turtles make their yearly visit. Between November and March, the
hatchlings emerge from their nests and head for the sea. This is the best time
to spot them. However, this is a protected area.
Adventure Sports
The visitors can go on trips to spot dolphins or on
canoe rides. These trips are organized by fishermen. You can also visit the
Butterfly Beach that lies between the Palolem and Agonda Beaches. But tourists
ought to be cautious while swimming or wading, as the water gets deep here.
Safety information
Palolem beach is a safe beach for swimming. But you
have to be careful and keep a safe distance from the stream near the island
specially when the tide is receding. A lifeguard is present here.
Eating out
There are a few eating places in Palolem beach which
offer Goan and Italian food.
Night out
There are a few bars and clubs that organise parties
for those who like to dance the night away.
