Why Palolem Beach, Goa Was the Perfect End to Our India Trip

The last stop on our recent India adventure was Palolem Beach in South Goa. And, honestly, it might have been my favorite beach of the entire trip. After months on the go, Palolem was exactly the peaceful, relaxing escape we desperately needed. This was the place we would say goodbye to South India and make our way back to Delhi for our return flight to Tbilisi, Georgia. 

But what a place to end it all! 

Our Arrival

Getting there was half the fun. Actually, it was quite an ordeal. We arranged to have our hotel rent us a taxi in Baga, and began what would be a couple hours journey to South Goa. We were not able to get the low rate that we were offered, but felt that the cost was similar to what was suggested on internet forums. So we climbed in and zoomed south.

Our driver was in a bit of a hurry. As we hugged curved roads, the heat mixed with the dizzying turns made our daughter feel quite car sick. We did not know if she was going to throw up, and I think our driver just wanted to get us there. When we arrived in town, he asked for more than we were quoted at the beginning. My wife had to lay down the law and say "no." Eventually, we agreed to disagree (putting it mildly) and we got out. We were seriously dehydrated and frazzled after the journey. But we were here! Now it was time to haul our bags to our bungalows... but finding them was not easy. The beating sun blazed overhead as we finally stumbled into what would be our home for the next few days.

Our Stay at Lacto Cressida Bungalows

We stayed at a budget-friendly spot called Lacto Cressida Bungalows. It wasn’t right on the beach, but just close enough for easy access. The bungalow was spacious, with a private bathroom, an inviting hammock, and a shaded outdoor seating area surrounded by lush palm trees and plants. It had that chilled, tropical vibe I was craving...well, except for the drunken neighbors who kept swiping our chairs at night and never returning them. But hey, it added something to write about, and that's what makes travel so interesting. 

Days Spent on the Beach and Delicious Local Eats

Most of our days were spent walking along the pristine shoreline and hopping between restaurants. Our absolute favorite find was a tiny thali stand built inside a local’s house right on the main road. It was dirt cheap, and the food was fantastic. It was loaded with authentic flavors that blew us away!

The beachside restaurants, while picturesque, were quite pricey. So we saved a special meal there for Valentine’s Day. It was a romantic dinner with the sea as our backdrop. I can't tell you the name of the place, they all kind of blend together, but it was fun and memorable, the perfect way to celebrate the love that I have for my wife and daughter. 

Swimming, Sunsets, and Scenic Hills

The sea at Palolem was pure perfection. Calm and warm, inviting us in for daily swims. Sometimes, a huge wave would crash unexpectedly. Honestly, that was a little scary but thrilling too. I was reminded of the last time I visited Goa, in 2016, and I was drug by a riptide and lost my glasses in the struggle. I would not let that happen again. The beach itself is jaw-droppingly beautiful, the kind of place you stare at in awe without even realizing it. Sunsets here are something else. Rich, golden, and unforgettable. Truly a romantic place!

Both ends of the beach are framed by hills that separate Palolem from nearby beaches. At the northern tip lies a lagoon with a small island that’s walkable at low tide. We loved heading out there in the evening to watch the sunset. There’s a rock painted like a shark. That was totally cute and kind of quirky!

Kayaking the Lagoons and Jungle Backwaters

One of the best things we did was rent kayaks and explore the nearby lagoons. I struggled a bit at first.  Paddling against the current was no joke, especially with my daughter in the back seat! Meanwhile, my wife had her own kayak, and we followed another group who were feeding a flock of local birds. They eventually told us to bug off. Kind of. They just needed to turn their dinghy aroun,d and we were in the way. 

We paddled deep into the jungle-like backwaters, a calm, green wonderland that felt a world away from the beach buzz. It was an incredible couple of hours, and a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

Secret Trails and the Quiet Side of Goa

Later, we took a walk down a trail behind the village that opened up into a vast, peaceful field. No tourists, no noise. Just endless hills and trees as far as the eye could see. It felt like stepping into another world, and a reminder that Goa’s wild beauty goes far beyond the beaches.

The ATM Saga Continues

The only real downside? The ATM situation. One day, I had to walk nearly an hour and a half to a neighboring village hunting for a working ATM. After trying three machines that were out of cash, I almost gave up. Later, I learned you can actually get cash advances at some tour agencies in town, which would have saved me all that trouble (and those pesky ATM fees). Lesson learned for next time! 

Why Palolem Beach is So Special

Palolem stands out because it combines breathtaking natural beauty with a laid-back, friendly vibe. It’s touristy but not overcrowded, with stunning scenery that feels almost untouched. The mix of hills, lagoon, golden sands, and vibrant local culture creates a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. The food is great, it's not too expensive, and there's some seriously good shopping. It is the kind of beach place I like. No big hotel chains, lots of cute beach huts, and people who are friendly. It's not anything like Baga beach. This is South Goa, the more laid back part. 

What People Say About Palolem

Likes:

• Many travelers rave about Palolem’s beautiful crescent-shaped beach and calm waters (TripAdvisor reviews).

• The variety of affordable food options, especially local Goan and Indian cuisine.

• The peaceful vibe compared to Goa’s busier northern beaches.

Dislikes:

• Some complain about noisy nightlife and party crowds during peak season (Lonely Planet forums).

• The occasional litter left behind by careless tourists (Reddit discussions).

• Limited ATM availability, which can be frustrating (been there!).

5 Things to Do in Palolem

1. Sunset at the Lagoon Island: Walk out at low tide to the island and enjoy a magical golden hour with the painted shark rock. You can see the fishing boats in the distance as they make their way back to shore. 

2. Kayak the Backwaters: Rent a kayak and explore peaceful jungle lagoons filled with birds and wildlife. This is not to be missed!

3. Try Local Thali Stands: Skip expensive beach restaurants and eat where the locals do for authentic, budget-friendly meals. They are tantalizing! Bonus: Enjoy Dosa for breakfast. My favorite food of South India! 

4. Visit Butterfly Beach: Take a boat ride or hike to this secluded beach nearby, known for its crystal-clear waters. Sadly, I missed this, but maybe next time! 

5. Yoga and Wellness: Join a yoga class or meditation session offered by local shalas for a rejuvenating experience.

Final Thoughts

We left Palolem with full hearts and salty hair, wishing we could stay forever. This beach gave us exactly what we needed. Peace, beauty, and a chance to recharge after a challenging year. If you’re heading to Goa and you want something romantic and laid back, make sure Palolem is at the top of your list.