Beaches & Bazaars

Palolem beach has often been voted amongst the world’s best beaches. Its shallow waters make it great for swimming and safe for kids. Book an early morning dolphin boat ride, or a trip to Honeymoon/Butterfly Island. Try your hand at kayaking. During season, some shacks offer jet ski rides and parasailing. Enjoy the sunset from a beach-side shack over chai and hot bhajiya. Get a temporary tattoo done, or a colourful hair braid. Go in for a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Go for a long walk or jog. Try out the local beers with the catch of the day. Lots of different restaurants with food varying from local cuisine to Continental or Mediterranean and Vegan to burgers and pizzas, dot the area. Some happening spots on the road to Palolem and on the Palolem-Patnem road have live bands and DJs playing on all the days or on weekends. The main road leading to the Palolem bus-stop is the place to go for all kinds of shopping – from designer clothes to artifacts and jewellery. Read more

A long stretch of soft, light sand has made Agonda Beach one of the world’s best beaches. Try the tandoori fare in the evenings/nights under a clear star-lit sky. Go in for a surfing lesson. The beach also offers dolphin boat rides, fishing trips and visits to Honeymoon/Butterfly Island. A little ahead of Agonda is the famous Cabo de Rama fort with its brilliant sea view. If you want some great local fare, try Fishland (aka Nikki's bar) and Bandekar's bar.

Hidden from the main road, Cola Beach is a like a secret cove! Its lovely stretch of sand, with the river joining the sea makes it very picturesque. Mostly peaceful - except for the busy river kayaking scene. Not too many restaurants here - and they're usually packed. Be prepared to climb up and several steep steps to reach here, or get back up.

This a teeny little cove tucked in between Palolem Beach and Patnem Beach. Two of the most happening resto-bars are located here: Kala Bahia and Destiny Beach Resort. They often host DJs and live bands and have some great food. The Crepe House serves delicious buckwheat galettes. Several restaurants in the area offering everything from Sushi, Tandoori, Vegan and Indian food. Piccolo Dreams on the Palolem-Patnem Road is a chilled out boarding house with a pool table and great music.Read more

A chilled out, peaceful beach with several shacks. Patnem Tea Shop is a tiny little shop on the main road with the most reasonably priced tea, cookies and omelette pav - all served with a big smile! Cuba has a great sea-facing restaurant with some really good food. Jaali House Cafe on the main road is beautifully done up, with an interesting menu and special musical evenings. The road to the beach has many little stores offering basic groceries.

This is where all the action is! The main road is jampacked with stores offering everything from electronics, appliances, hardware, clothes, eyewear, alcohol, shoes, groceries, fabric, stationery, mattresses… You can find ATMs, banks, pharmacies, doctors, clinics, salons, tailors, lawyers cold storage stores and supermarkets to a church and the main vegetable and fish market here. The Saturday Market Day is bustling with vendors who gather here from all the nearby villages with their fresh produce – from vegetables to spices. On the way to Chaudi Market is the ubiquitous Udupi Hotel with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes on its menu.Read more