Hi there!
So you’re headed to Goa!
And more specifically..
You’re going to Palolem!
So if you’re trying to get to Goa by train…
What is the closest train station to Palolem?!
The closest train station to Palolem Beach is Canacona.
And then…
How to get from the train station to Palolem?!
If you’re arriving to Canacona by train, I think the easiest way to get there is to just walk. (Yes, really!)
At least if you’re arriving during daylight hours, not at night. Just a general precaution especially if you’re traveling alone.
It’s not too long of a walk.
Okay, maybe it will feel long if you’re just getting off the train after a long train ride.
Just how far it is it to Palolem Beach?!
It might take about 20-30 minutes to reach your Palolem Beach accommodation by foot.
But also consider that walking can be a good way to get a nice little introduction to the area too!
I was arriving by train to Goa from Gokarna (so not a long train ride – maybe 1.5 hours), and the walk to near Palolem Beach did start to feel a little hot.
Still, a nice intro to the neighborhood! π
In case you really don’t want to walk much in the heat, there might be some rickshaws you’ll find along the way. (Although maybe not immediately at the train station.)
So…
What’s it like to go to Palolem Beach from Canacona railway station?!
Arrival to Canacona train station
There’s a “tea stall” that you can buy snacks or drinks in case you arrive to Canacona hungry or thirsty!
There’s also a toilet at the train station that might be slightly better than the one on the train. Maybe. It’s best to keep your expectations low.
So once you’re ready to leave the train station…
Leaving Canacona train station
Head for the exit and go down the stairs.
Be careful on the steps!
When I was here, some of the stairs were uneven and I nearly fell down the stairs! (I actually did slip a little, but I caught myself.)
Once you reach the bottom of the stairs…
There will be 2 directions to go.
In one direction is a more narrow footpath like street…
And then the other direction is a road that will lead to the “main” road.
So you’ll want to go in the direction of the main road.
And then…
Start walking!
You can basically follow Google Maps once you start walking.
The WALK!
aka intro to Palolem neighborhood π
From the Canacona train station, it’ll be just a few minutes walk until you reach the main road.
Then there will be a sign that tells you which way is Palolem Beach.
You’ll then reach another “main” intersection, and then you’ll keep walking straight.
When I arrived here, there was a mini fish market on the corner. (They aren’t always there though.)
From here, specifically where you go will depend on where in Palolem you’re staying!
Here are scenes from my walk!
So then…
Where to stay in Palolem?!
Palolem is one of the beaches in South Goa that you can find both beach huts and hostels.
I stayed at Rainbow Lining Hostel, which is one of the top-rated hostels in Palolem (and South Goa!).
Otherwise, put in future dates below (partner website) for prices of accommodation right on Palolem Beach, and right nearby!
Rickshaw to Palolem Beach?!
When I arrived to the Canacona train station, there were no rickshaws just outside the train station.
But as you keep walking, there’s a good chance you’ll probably find a rickshaw.
It might take you 10 minutes or so.
On Google Maps, there’s a spot that says “Way to Palolem Beach.” (This is also the “main intersection” referred to above.)
And it’s from around here as you keep walking that your chances of getting a rickshaw will increase.
It seems like this corner also does have a spot to rent a scooter too, if you’re looking to rent a bike during your time in Palolem. (It seems like a spot to get a rickshaw, taxi, or scooter.)
HAPPY WALKING FROM CANACONA TRAIN STATION TO PALOLEM BEACH!