Palolem Beach
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Palolem is a beach in South Goa, India.
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[edit] Location
Palolem Beach is at , within 2 kilometres from the market town of Chaudi, which is about one hour's drive from the coastal town of Karwar in Karnataka.
[edit] The beach
The beach is largely unspoiled and is inhabited by both local fishermen and by foreign tourists who live in shacks along the shore. It is about one mile (2km) long and is crescent-shaped - one can view the whole beach from either end. Both ends of the beach consist of rocks jutting out into the sea. The depth of the sea increases gradually, it being shallowest at the northern ends of the beach, making it safe for average swimmers, and the currents are not fast.
The beach is featured as the Indian residence of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in the film The Bourne Supremacy (2004). The initial footage in the movie gives a good idea of the natural beauty of the beach - the distinctive tree covered rocks at one end (known locally as Monkey Island) and beach shacks.
[edit] Nudity at the beach
It's common to see topless women and girls on the beach. Nude or topless sunbathing and or swimming is not permitted, though local authorities do not enforce rules, in fact they encourage them by photographing/filming western women without their knowledge. This often conflicts with the concerns of locals. [1]
[edit] Residential arrangements
Palolem has shacks, both permanent and temporary, which can be rented. There are also restaurants and bars which offer food and drink right on the beach.
