What the area is like
Palolem is a crescent-shaped bay in Canacona, in South Goa. The sea is usually calmer and the pace gentler than on the northern beaches: the sand is quiet in the morning and sociable in the evening, without a rush.
Palolem works well as a base: it is easy to head out to the neighbouring beaches and come back for a class. It suits those who want an unhurried practice with a little life around, but not the busy north.
If you want it even quieter, look at neighbouring Agonda. For comparison, the north: Arambol and Mandrem & Ashwem. The overview of the season, areas and styles is on the Yoga in Goa page.
Where classes are held
In Palolem people practise at the edge of the beach, on terraces and roofs of guest houses, and in small shalas and studios a little way inland. A lot happens outdoors, so class times follow the heat and the weather.
The place, time and teacher are in the Aura timetable: every class has an address and a map pin, so you can see how far it is from where you stay.
Formats and styles
For people staying a couple of weeks, drop-in classes often fit best: you can come once without planning ahead. There are also courses, multi-day retreats and teacher training programmes. What is on right now depends on the season and the teacher.
In the south people often name Hatha, Yin and Restorative, though Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Kundalini also turn up. The teacher states the style and level in the class description.
How to get there
Dabolim (GOI) is the closer airport for Palolem: approximately 1.5–2 hours by taxi. From Mopa (GOX) in the north of Goa the road is much longer, approximately 3.5–4.5 hours. This is approximate: the time depends on traffic and the season.
Season
November to March is the high season: dry, with the most classes. April to May is hot, and practice moves to early morning and evening. June to September is the monsoon, and most shalas are closed. This is approximate: the dates change from year to year. When exactly places in Palolem open depends on the year and on the owners. More in the season overview.
What to bring
A mat (or ask whether one is provided), light clothes, water, sun protection and your documents. For beach classes a light scarf or towel comes in handy. The full list is in the What to bring guide, and your first class is covered in the beginner guide.
Questions about yoga in Palolem
Which airport is closer to Palolem?
Dabolim (GOI): approximately 1.5–2 hours by taxi. Mopa (GOX) is approximately 3.5–4.5 hours away. This is approximate: the time depends on traffic and the season.
Which months are best for Palolem?
There are the most classes from November to March. April and May are hot, and from June to September it is the monsoon and most shalas are closed. The dates are approximate and change from year to year.
Can I start from scratch?
Yes. Look for a note for beginners in the description and, if needed, write to the teacher before booking. If you have doubts about how you feel, talk to a doctor, and tell the teacher about injuries before the class.
Is it easy to get from Palolem to classes in nearby places?
Many people take a taxi or a scooter when a class is on another beach. A scooter usually needs a licence and a helmet, so check the terms when renting. Leave time for the road: the address and pin are in your booking on the map.
What language are the classes in Palolem?
Most often in English, and some teachers also teach in Russian. The language is in the teacher's profile or the class description.
Do you teach in Palolem? Here is how to publish your schedule in Aura.