Goa, India: 6 places to see, from Palolem to Butterfly Beach
Explore Palolem in South Goa, a peaceful coastal town offering a stark contrast to India's bustling cities. This 44.1 km route showcases the region's pristine beaches, local cafes, and tranquil atmosphere ideal for recovering from travel fatigue.
- Distance
- 44.1 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Palolem
- End
- Goa
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Palolem — Sleepy coastal town in South Goa renowned for its pristine beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and beachfront shack restaurants offering a tropical escape from India's busy cities.
- Honeymoon Beach — Secluded cove accessible by boat from Palolem's main beach, featuring calm turquoise waters and rocky shores surrounded by lush forested hills, less crowded than neighboring…
- Zest Cafe — Upscale beachfront cafe in Palolem serving contemporary cuisine with ocean views, specializing in smoothie bowls and specialty coffee, resembling a Bali-style establishment.
- Main Palolem Beach — Wide sandy beach in Palolem village center flanked by palm trees and traditional beach shacks, offering sunset views and a lively atmosphere with beachfront restaurants and water…
- Butterfly Beach — Popular beach near Palolem village accessible by a narrow jungle path, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to accommodation and dining options.
- Goa
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Boat trips to Honeymoon Beach cost around 1,500 rupees for two people. The beach is actually just around the corner and could be reached by swimming, so consider if the cost is worth it.
- Food
- Zest Cafe offers high-quality food with beautiful beachfront views. They serve items like acai bowls and ice lattes. It has a Bali-like aesthetic and is one of several nice cafes in the area.
- Where to stay
- Maria Guest House offers rooms with AC, bright interiors, balcony, and bathroom for about £30 per night. It's a 1-2 minute walk from the beach, half the price of beachfront shacks which cost around £60 per night.
- Transport
- Bike rentals in Palolem cost 500 rupees (£5) per day. Roads are dusty and narrow; watch out for cows while driving.
- Timing
- March temperatures are already very hot, especially in the sand. July and August are expected to be extremely hot. Even in March at midday the sand is too hot to walk barefoot.
- Tip
- Palolem has lifeguards on both the main beach and remote beaches. The town layout requires walking through restaurants to reach the beach.
- Tip
- Goa is known as India's party destination with the lowest alcohol tax among Indian states. It's considered one of the safest places for women in India and much more relaxed than northern regions.
- Food
- Fresh coconuts are readily available for 70 rupees. They're more hydrating than water and have high nutritional value.
- Timing
- Sunset at Main Palolem Beach can be obscured by cloud cover. Visit early enough to catch the light; the beach gets more crowded closer to sunset.
- Transport
- Palolem is in South Goa. Consider arriving after traveling through northern India, as the contrast in pace and atmosphere is significant.
Video on this route
INDIA'S beach PARADISE - Palolem, South Goa 🇮🇳