Cotigao wildlife sanctuary is a good day trip from palolem. you can also ride along the narrow but beautiful coastal road northwards to visit agonda beach and still further north cabo da rama(a ruined fort on a cliff)

you can hire a hitman from the same people you buy your bananas from

The easiest way to get to Palolem is to get the train/fly to Margao (locally known as Madgaon), and then pay for a Government approved fixed-price taxi to Palolem. Fixed-price taxis are available from the train station and from Dabolim airport at Vasco da Gama.

Alternatively, Canacona is Palolem's nearest train station, approximately 10 minutes drive away.

Backpackers may also take a State Transport approved Bus from Margao Bus Stand to Canacona or Palolem. It takes around 80-90 minutes. If you get down at Canacona, you can take an autorikshaw (tuktuk) to Palolem Beach which is only 5 Km. The journey by bus is comfortable. The buses are not airconditioned nor dust proof.

Palolem is quite small, so easy to explore on foot. Mopeds and bicycles are available for hire on the main street.

Taxis and rickshaws are also readily available on the main street or though a travel agency. Day trips can be booked through agencies.

Sadly most of the food in Palolem is quite Westernised. Local trade is mainly tourism and fishing - so it can be guaranteed that your fish dinner is straight from the sea. A good fish main course usually starts from 300Rs upwards.

Magic Italy - the best pizza in Palolem, try their Four Cheese or Spinach pizzas. Cosy, with a selection of tables or cushions on the floor.

Palolem Beach Resort - Curries in Palolem tend to be quite lacklustre - but the Palolem Beach Resort does a great paneer butter masala and chana masala with garlic naan and rice. Chicken is great here too.

Cool Breeze - a jazz cafe that is quite popular with the locals, great food.

Smugglers Inn - British run bar serving old favourites like fish and chips, bangers and mash, bacon sandwiches. Go here if you want a big mug of British tea and HP brown sauce.

Sameer Restaurant - good breakfasts and their fish sizzlers are to die for. It's right on the beach, so fantastic views of the ocean.

There are many places along the beach serving alcohol and are usually your best bet if you want to mingle and meet new people. Try the Sameer Restaurant or Cafe del Mare which are supposed to be quite happening. There are two places on the main road with cable so you can watch the football.

Try feni/fenny - the local liquor, approximately 20-30Rs a shot. Cashew or coconut flavoured. Be warned - it's lethal!

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