The Indian sub-continent is bordered on three sides with fine beaches. The idea of a vacation along the coastline brings to mind the blue sea, the white, sparkling sand, coconut or palm trees lined along the seashore, and a horde of fun stuff. Some of the best holiday experiences take place by the seaside. Most of these beach-holiday destinations offer rentals ranging from lavish resorts to comfortable cottages.
Some of the best beaches in India are:
Calangute Beach - Also called the ‘Queen of Beaches’, this beach in the Union Territory of Goa, is known for its water sports. Parasailing, wind surfing, water skiing, kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and swimming are some of the popular water sports here. It boasts an incredible nightlife, and a busy flea market. It is often crowed with people. It is a complete tourist destination with stalls and shacks under palm trees, selling everything from sea food to jewellery fashioned out of sea shells.
Kovalam Beach - One of the best beaches in South India, Kovalam beach in Kerala boasts of unspoiled beauty. The word Kovalam means a ‘grove of coconuts’, which is perfect since the many coconut trees along the water's edge, add to its privacy. Many secluded coves can be found here. Two beaches form the Kovalam beach, the Light house beach and Eve’s beach. The endless blue waters and miles and miles of white sand brought in by the surf make this beach a perfect destination for that much needed relaxation.
Pondicherry Beaches - The small town of Pondicherry is blessed with beautiful and serene beaches. The French part of the town has beautifully laid roads and well constructed buildings. The beaches are lined with fine, white sand and the clear blue water of the Bay of Bengal. The two popular beaches are Paradise Beach and Serenity Beach. Unlike the beaches of Goa, these beaches have a more tranquil and beautiful feel to them.
Kanyakumari Beach - Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, this place is the meeting point or ‘Sangam’ of the three water bodies surrounding India. The beach of Kanyakumari is noted for its multicoloured sands. The fascinating sunrise and sunset at the beach is a must-watch. Though the seashore is not exactly conducive to bathing or swimming with its rocky and dangerous surface, it is worthwhile to watch the beauty water bodies merging. This beach is also a paradise for seashell collectors.
Marina Beach - One of the longest beaches in India, one can find shimmering golden sand, good surf and the blue sea here. It is located on the eastern side of Chennai. The beach is surrounded by buildings which date back to the British period. Close to the beach is the Marina Beach Aquarium, which has a collection of exotic marine life. The beach is lined with various entertainments and food stalls.
Anjuna Beach - The second most popular beach of Goa, this is an ideal place for honeymooners. The calm blue sea is a great place for swimming and other water sports. Anjuna beach is noted for its famed Trance parties and the Hippie culture. It also comes with its weekly Wednesday flea markets. The main attractions here are the famous Albuquerque Mansion and the Chapora Fort. This beach is most crowed during the Christmas and New Year.
Gokarna Beaches - Situated in one of India’s sacred places, in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, the small town of Gokarna is surrounded by five beaches - Gokarna beach, Om beach, Paradise beach, Kudle beach and Half Moon beach. Gokarna beaches offer scenic beauty with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian sea on the other. This beach lies to the south of the beaches of Goa.
Mahabalipuram Beach - The magnificent beach of Mahabalipuram attracts thousands of tourists all year round. One can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while soaking in the sun. The golden sands of the beach shimmer in the sunlight. Many historical and ancient monuments are close to the beach. It is famous for its shore temples. There is a crocodile farm nearby where nearly 5000 crocodiles of 6 different species, alligators and other reptiles can be found. Though it is an excellent place for sun bathing and relaxing, swimming is not recommended owing to its rocky shoreline.
Puri Beach - Located in the land of beautiful temples, Orissa, Puri beach is a wonderful holiday destination. It is a favourite among honeymooners or courting couples. During the Annual Puri Beach Festival, one can witness the coastline come alive with wonderful arts and crafts, and different forms of dance, upholding the traditions of Orissa. The chill breeze coupled with the roaring of the waves leaves you thrilled. The major activities here are angling, surfing and cruising.
Juhu Beach - Juhu beach in Mumbai is a perfect hangout for the young and old alike. The beach is always alive with courting young couples, boisterous kids and families out for a day on the beach. During sunset, the beach gets into its fun-fair mode with sea side stalls offering mouth watering snacks. On weekends, you can catch vendors selling their toys and other trinkets, see dancing monkeys and acrobats, and go horseback riding.
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