Palolem on Xmas day

Hi
My boyfriend and I will arrive in Palolem on Xmas day 2012 and I was hoping for some advice about whether to book a room for a few night in a hut or to just turn up and not be ripped off. Is it a good idea to book seeing as it is Xmas day? I do have a fantasy of a hut on stilts overlooking the sea so am tempted to book. Any advice would be great.
Thanks

Also, any advice about booking the train from Mumbai to palolem would be great!
Thanks again

Welcome to India Mike.

Try starting here http://www.indiamike.com/india/india...012-a-t165379/

Additional - As far as I know Christmas/New Year is a very busy time so you will need to book well in advance (That's 120 days in advance)

You're going to pay £50-60 for a very poor value hut if you book ahead, but the price could be higher or lower if you just turn up, it depends if Palolem is extra busy or not.

Trains from Mumbai to Madgaon book up fast, on the first day, 120 days ahead.

Just to clarify - My book ahead advice referred to the trains. My fantasies don't feature beach huts.

Hi Guys
With your helpful advice I went to the www.irctc.co.in website to check out trains but when you try and create an account it doesn't give you the option to register it from a residence not in India - any tips?
G

Mine do.

Did you read the first post on the thread I posted a link to above?

I think its not a good idea to get the train ticket during the X-mas as all the trains will be full packed. try to book the Volvo Bus which is also very comfortable. There are a lot Buses from Mumbai to Goa, they usually start from early evening from Mumbai and drop to goa in the next day morning.

As far as you hut booking, i would suggest you better you book early as this is the peak season for goa for the toursit, so it will be very difficult to get the accomadation before early booking at that time. try to book near about Harmbol Beach there you will get good choice and this beach is itself very good for swimining.

Train tickets cannot be booked earlier than 3 months (oops 4 mths - new rules) from the date of travel.
I'd suggest flying down and do it thro' your travel agent.

Not sure if they have beach huts on stilts in Palolem but it is a very nice but crowded beach. The beach houses I've stayed at were within sight of the surf and reasonable - which extended my fantasy - it was fun.
Places between Palolem and Colva are less crowded.

CJ

Train tickets can be booked 4 months in advance not three..

John

120 days from train origin station. 121 days or more if booking from somewhere along the train route.