Where is PALOLEM?
Palolem is 38km/ 1hr from Madgaon in South Goa. If you are arriving by public transport, then buses leave from the Kadamba bus stand.
Panjim is 68km/ 2 hrs~ take a direct bus to Madgaon and then Palolem.
Mapusa is 80kms/ 2.15hrs~ take a direct bus Mapusa -> Panjim -> Madgaon
Tip~ Ask the bus driver to drop you at '4 rasta' the highway signal section just before the Canacona bus stand. Then walk right for about 10 min to Palolem beach. Walk left if you're arriving from the Karwar side.
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| 3 friends meet at PALOLEM: GOA Diaries |
Hello, Miss Rivera
"Say, is that Miss Rivera in the bar?" I wondered, but not so sure; so I crept stealthily around to get a better glimpse. 'I could be wrong but I'll take my chances,' I thought walking up to the lady. Miss.Rivera was, after all, no ordinary lady.
"OMG Angel?!!" she gasped, looking at me. I too was stunned at this extraordinary chance meeting. "How nice it is to see you my dear friend!" I was seeing her after ages and was truly glad. "Some cocktails for the lady, please" she said in her usual bonhomie.
The Perfect beach
Such a magnificent place this is! PALOLEM is the perfect crescent-shaped beach with turquoise blue waters, and I could sit here all day sipping a drink and watch with envy as kids splashed around.
đź“ł Mrs. Rivera's phone is ringing, and then for some reason she handed it over to me. "Hello"... "Hei Habibi" said the voice with a strong Arabic accent.
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"Hei Habibi" said the voice with a strong Arabic accent. |
"Hahaha, got ya! guess who's this... guess guess". the guy continued. "It's me Ronny," he said. I was shocked beyond words, WHAT??!! Where are you calling from? I asked.
"I'm right here behind you, turn around," so I did and there he was standing~ the same 'ol funny, showoff and dramatic guy I had known ever since he knew Miss. Rivera. And so we sat chatting along over drinks and starters until sunset.
Where to stay in PALOLEM
PALOLEM has many stay options in various categories. For a budget backpacker like me 'Backpacker Hostels' work best. I find GOSTEL really convenient [350rs/ night]. Most hostels are open to working out long-term stay deals, like Gostel offered me about 200rs/night for 1 month stay. They have a kitchen where you can cook and a nice rooftop to chill. The Lost Hostel is right next door and there are more places.
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Expensive wooden cabanas have replaced inexpensive thatched Coco huts at Palolem (Feb 2022)
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Where to eat in PALOLEM
Like all other beaches in Goa, Palolem too is tourist-friendly and restaurants are aplenty. I assure you though these are expensive. There are few stalls where one can still eat an inexpensive meal
< Next day >
Yesterday, both Miss Rivera and Ron asked me a hell lot of questions about what I do for a living, my love life etc. etc; that I didn't get a chance to question them about anything. Today I made up my mind to do just that!
I discovered this restaurant further away from the beach, which I found to be more reasonable. So I invited them to join me here.
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Ordered a fish thali for 120rs. Miss Rivera and Ron will be here anytime soon
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A juicy gossip
So, apparently Miss Rivera [pssst.. that's not her real name] but she likes to be called that. "My real name doesn't matter," she used to say~ but I think it was her way of pushing back a painful past. Interestingly, she has also lived a glamorous life as an actress and has done some bit roles in a few movies. Once she appeared in the inner-fold of an influential magazine scantily dressed, since then her family cut ties with her... very sad! She gave up acting long ago.
[psstt] Another thing... Oh, maybe later. Here they come.
"Oh hello, hope we didn't keep you waiting."~ And so we spent our lunch hours chatting like we do. After a short siesta we decided to meet again on the beach for water sports.
Water sports and beach fun
Palolem is a beach for everyone. There are frisbees flying, football practice and a game of cricket. But the favorite with tourists is~ Paddling and kayaking, probably due to the placid waters here.
Tip~ To the far south-end of Palolem is a rocky end. But look carefully and you will find steps that take you to the quiet rocky Cove called Colomb beach on other side. Sitting on the rocks and enjoying the sunset from this end is a whole new experience.
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| Sunset at Colomb beach, South Goa |
Later that evening, a hot shower and a nip of brandy was all I needed before going to bed.
< Day 3 >
A visit to Smugglers Cove
"Why do you call this place Smugglers Cove, instead of Butterfly Island?" I asked Ron. "Wait till you see it!" he said with a grin.
Is the Butterfly Island trip at Palolem worth it?
Cost- 500rs/ person for a 1.30 hrs trip
Personally, I feel it's too expensive for such a short trip. Before getting there I imagined there would be 🦋 but that's not the case. The island is named so due to the shape of the rocks that once resembled a butterfly. But not anymore, as there are changes in the rock shape now.
As Ron mentioned, this is a beautiful golden sand Cove with rocks and hills around that resembles a mysterious Smugglers Cove story we read as kids.
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Butterfly 🦋 island, PALOLEM South Goa
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In fact If it wasn't for the beautiful photo-ops at this location, It's otherwise not worth the effort and money.
It's time to say goodbye to Ron and Miss Rivera for now. I do hope you enjoyed reading this blog, do comment if you have any questions and I'll be happy to reply back. Bye for now!!
Suggested read~
WoW nice story!
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