The beach of Palolem streches over more than two kilometer and despite the fact that every structure has to be removed in summer, the whole beach is lined with huts and restaurants

Like all beach places, Palolem is a perfect hangout for parents traveling with their children. (At least as long as the children are able to walk. Crawling and sucking in the sand might be no fun.) Palolems beach looks like you know it from postcards, it is palm-fringed and stretches over approx one km. Ten years ago it might have been an insiders tip, but now every available corner is filled with either guesthouses, restaurants or email-shops. What makes Palolem nevertheless as good and peaceful destination is the governments decision not to allow permanent buildings within 200 meter from the line of high-tide. So every single shop, hut and restaurant has to be removed after the season (around end of March) and will be re-erected beginning of the next (around mid november). That leads to a relaxed atmosphere of improvisation even though everything is highly professionalised.

The northern end of Palolem beach is said to be quieter and more of a family-destination, wheras the southern part has the reputation of beeing a party-zone. When we were there (Jan. 07), we couldn't confirm that and found families all along the beach.

South of Palolem beach, a 10-min-walk away, the quieter Patnem beach starts. Patmen became popular only in the last three years and is also a good place to stay with kids.

Childcare in Rainbow Gardens: On the south end of Palolem beach there is a daily (except weekends) childcare in "Rainbow Gardens" near "Bhakti Kutir". The teacher there accepts children between 2,5 and 5 years.

Childcare in Bhakti Kutir: In Bhakti Kutir itself children above 5 get cared for every afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30. Both courses operate in english.

Open: 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Naturewatch: On the north end of Palolem beach you can examine the laws of tide at the entrance to the lagoon, where the waters flow in and out with amazing power.

Price: 0 Rs

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary makes a good day-trip. It's only 9 km from Palolem and if you don't manage to spot wildlife: there is a tiny zoo as well.

Spotting Dolphines: Nearly every place on the beach offers tours to Butterfly beach or rides to spot dolphines. A wonderful experience, but go for a good sun-protection!

Price: 600 Rs

Huts to sleep in are generally easy to find - as long as you come outside the two weeks peak starting from 22th of December. Since all structures have to be removed at the end of the season, all huts are more or less similar.

Nevertheless we came across two places that were especially well suited for families:

Simple but sufficient huts are the predominant accomodations in Palolem

River View: River View is a place in the north of Palolem beach, next to the lagoon, a little bit hidden behind the Banyan-Tree-Restaurant and Cozy Nook, the last place on the beach. River View offers ten basic huts with commen bathroom (400 Rs, during peak time 1000-1200 Rs) that sourround a sandy, communicative and shady open space - a giant, enclosed sandpit whrer even small children can play safely. At night, the place is guarded.

Price: 400 Rs, during peak time 1000-1200 Rs

The huts in Bhakti Kutir are more comfortable than the most and are situated well-shaded underneath palms

Bhakti Kutir: Bhakti Kutir in the south of Palolem beach is a popular place with mainly english parents. It offers robust, clean and well-kept huts, a good restaurent and many additional services. Huts range from 1200 to 1600 Rs outside the New-Years-peak.

Price: 1200 to 1600 Rs

Lotus Yoga Retreat: They have yoga for kids, and babysitter service. But also they have healthy and organic food (including the best macrobiotic juice). They speak English, German, French, Spanish and Hindi. And the place is very children friendly. Situated at the southern end of Patnem beach

Address: South of Patnem Beach
Email: info@lotus-yoga-retreat.com
Website: www.lotus-yoga-retreat.com
Price: 5000 Rs to 7600 Rs (2 people including food and yoga)

The beach is lined with restaurant and during our time there, we couldn't find a place that is better or worse than the others. They all serve a similar mix of tourist-food and seafood.
We found only two differing places: "Brown Bread" and "Blue Planet".

Brown Bread and Health Food: Brown Bread and Health Food is on Palolem Main Street and serves light and tasty dishes (as well as fresh salad. If you want to trust their assertions to wash everything properly is up to you. See health section for that...). You can get filtered water for free.

Blue Planet: Blue Planet works on a similar scheme and is a little bit hidden on the left side of the main road leading towards the beach. The food there is fresh and vegetarian and they sell filtered water for 3Rs per liter.

Magic View: On the north end of Patnem beach "Magic View" is run by italiens, offers real italian food and coffee (!) and attracts lots of italians.

The next doctor is in Chaudi, 3 km away. Dr. Nilesh is said to be well-known, old and very experienced.

From Margao Train Station the taxi takes one hour to Palolem beach (600 Rs). The night bus from Hampi stops at Chaudi around 5am. From there it's only 5 minutes in the Riksha (around 40 Rs, depending on the time of the day)