Olaulim Backyards
inland, north Goa
They call it the ‘other side’ of Goa and we tend to agree. Being on the eastern side of Goa’s main road means this is the non-touristy side and is all the better for it.
The property is a little hard to get to if navigating on your own, we had to use google and GPS (!) but that adds to the feeling of ‘getting away from it all’.
Olaulim itself is a tiny village and there are no specific tourist attractions around other than, of course, the natural beauty and serenity that lends Olaulim Backyards its unique, captivating charm.
How to get there:
By air: Goa airport aka Dabolim is very well served all year round by domestic flights (Indigo/GoAir, Jet, Air India, SpiceJet), as well as international charter flights during the holiday season.
By rail: Goa’s main station is Madgaon (in Margao) and is well-served by trains coming south from Mumbai and north from Kerala. For Olaulim, alight at Madgaon or, even better, at Thivim.
Distances & travel times:
airport: 40km / 1 hr 10 mins
railway stations:
Madgaon station: 48km / 1 hr 15 mins
Thivim: 20km / 30 mins
When to go:
You wouldn’t come here to spend every day on the beach and that means Olaulim Backyards is a great place to appreciate both the beauty of the rains and the sunshine of the holiday season, which runs roughly from October to April. As long as you know what you’re in for during the monsoon – no swimming in the sea, no shacks or resorts on the beaches, limited food and drink options, lots of rain – you can still have a fantastic time.
Getting around:
Public transport is not a viable option.
Ask your hosts to call a taxi for you, getting around Goa by car is probably the easiest and safest way to explore (especially with children). Plan your itinerary and agree the tariff in advance (including any waiting time).
Scooter or motorbike is perhaps the best way to explore Goa if you don’t have kids in tow. Be aware that those upfront should wear a helmet and drive only tourist licensed bikes. Olaulim and the back roads are not busy, but nearby Mapusa is as busy as any small town, especially on Friday when the market is on. Goan roads often have unmarked speed breakers, so take it easy!