Palolem or Gokarn

I am arriving in India for my second visit in late April and will mainly be visiting Kerala. I also wish to visit a couple of other beaches and would appreciate any advice as to which is a better beach out of Palolem or Gokarn. I am not into the rave/party scene, I would just like a place where I can go out for a drink and a meal, watch the sunset over the water and meet others. I would welcome any advice.

my favorite beach was definately Paolem- is a bit far down in the south. about 1 and a 1/2 hours bus from Benaulim (where I stayed) and around three hours bus to Ajuna in the north. Benaulim is nice and laid back with a huge long strech of beach. If your there I recommend Furtados beach hotel right on the beach. Doubles for around 300 a night.

have a god one

I want to india last year, l only wanted to spend a few weeks in Gokarn then move further south, but not to sound to chessy but I fall in love with Gokarn. Everything you are looking for but without the tourist feel of beaches in Goa, there are loads of beaches in Gokarn; Middle, Koolee, OM to name a few, all have there own feel and type of people, cost is about 100r for a basic room per night. Try both there only a train a bus ride away from each other. If you go to Gokarn I recommend middle beach and a place called Sunset inn.