It is rare to find a secluded beach in Goa, but the beautiful Butterfly Island offers jaded tourists just that. One side of the island is home to Butterfly Beach – a remarkably serene, tiny, pristine and off-the-beaten-path stretch of golden sand. Since the only way to reach this cove is by a short boat ride from the well-visited Palolem Beach, not many tourists bother with it.
Palolem Beach
The little cove is sandwiched between a thickly wooded forest, and translucent waters. You won’t find any crowds, beach shacks or vendors here, and for those looking for an alternative to the touristy, crowded beaches such as Calangute or Colva, this is perfect. Carry a picnic basket, water, sunscreen, and a book and you can easily while away the whole day here. It is one of the extremely rare places in this popular destination where you can spend the whole day without talking to another soul, watching the waters lap against the sand, and crabs scurrying out of the way, undisturbed by other living beings.
When to go Late October-February Location North of Palolem Beach Air Nearest airport: Dabolim Rail Nearest rail: Canacona
THE INFORMATION
Tourist Offices
Department of Tourism
1st Floor, Paryatan Bhawan
Patto Plaza, Panjim, Goa
Tel: 0832-2494200
W goatoursim.gov.in
Central Reservations Office
GTDCL, 2nd Floor, Paryatan Bhawan
Patto Plaza, Panjim, Goa
Tel: 2437701, 2438002-03, 2438866
GTDCL
Facilitation Counter
Goa Airport, Dabolim
Tel: 2540829, 2540031
W goa-tourism.com
GTDCL
Opposite Municipal Garden
Madgaon. Tel: 2715528, 2715096
GTDCL
Mapusa Residency
Near bus stand
Calangute – Mapusa Raod
Mapusa
Tel: 2262794/ 694
GTDCL
Vasco Residency
Near Railway Station
Vasco
Tel: 251319, 2511002
Mollem NP
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Wildlife and Eco-Tourism, Panjim
Tel: 0832-2229701
W forest.goa.gov.in
STD Code 0832