Beach Vacations

India’s Top 10 Beaches

Written by Sudhir Kumar
Candolim Beach in Goa

Located 14 kms north of Panaji in the state of Goa, the Candolim Beach is a part of a long extension of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach. This place is also famous as it is the birth place of Abba Faria, considered to be one of Goan freedom fighters and the Father of Hypnotism. Special beach excursions are also arranged in Candolim beach wherein a tourist is taken right to the core of the sea from where he can capture some memorable sunsets. Candolim’s nightlife is very calm, giving a break from the chaos and commotion of other beaches.

Food:

There are a lot of makeshift bars and restaurants made from wood and palm leaves on the beachside. Tourists can stop at a small taverna (bar) for a drink of feni – a locally brewed drink made from cashew or coconut.

Major Tourist Attraction:

Aguada Fort is the greatest attraction of Candolim Beach. The fort was built by the Portuguese way back in 1912 for fortification against the Dutch and the Maratha invaders. Along with the fort the church, lighthouse and the garrison of the Aguada Jail have also been a part of tourist attractions. The northern side of the fort has two beaches, one of them is Calangute and the other one is Condolim. It is one of the most visited spots in Goa. There are many resorts, villas and guest houses around this fort.

How to reach there:

There are a number of buses that help people reach Candolim from Mapusa and Calangute. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa, which is the KTC bus station. Buses from Panjim stops frequently, at the bus stand opposite to the Casa Sea Shell.The Dabolim airport provide the connectivity through air.

Karaikal Beach in Pondicherry

At Karaikal Beach, sunrise-watchers can catch a magnificent view over the bay, with the serene Arasalar River reaching out to the sea. Easily accessible from the main town of Pondicherry, Karaikal Beach is equally famous for its breathtaking sunsets. On a trip to this beach, don’t forget your camera behind, as there would be many instances worth capturing in the lens. If you want a truly Indian experience, you can try the beaches of Kerala the spas here are world renowned for their prowess in the practice of Ayurveda. In this idyllic setting by the sea, you can drift into a blissful state of mind and drown away your worries in the clear blue ocean.For every traveler, for every type of holiday; for the perfect beach vacation in India, you will find everything you need to know right here with us. So join us and create memories that will last you at least a lifetime!

Special Attributes:

The beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts who come here to enjoy kayaking, canoeing and boat rides.

Exposure:

You will be under the open sky of Pondicherry. In the morning and evening, enjoy the fresh breeze wafting from the sea. But noon gets quite warm and the sun rays are rather strong. You are advised to wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Facilities:

For your convenience, there is a boat jetty in the Arasalar, and immovable sitting chairs have been provided along the road. You can enjoy a game of tennis here, though an unlikely beach activity. Kids can be kept occupied at the Children’s Park scattered with different types of riding. Visitors can avail the vehicle parking facility close to the beach.

Vagator Beach in Goa

The Vagator beach in north Goa is located at a distance of 24 kilometers from Panaji, the capital of Goa. The beach lies on the northern side of the Bardez taluka. Offering a stretch of soft white sands, coconut palms, and a scenic view of the Arabian Sea, the Vagator beach has become a hot favorite tourist destination among the tourists. So, Contact us Place for Holidays.Dominated by the red ramparts of Chapora Fort, Vagator’s broad white sandy beach – Big Vagator Beach also known, as “Little Vagator” is undeniably beautiful, just like a picture postcard. For better, then, to head to the next cove south. Backed by a steep wall of crumbling palm-fringed laterite, Ozran Vagator beach is more secluded and much less accessible than either of its neighbours. To get there, walk ten minutes from Big Vagator, or drive to the end of the lane off the main Chapora-Anjuna Road, from where a footpath drops sharply down to a wide stretch of level white sand. At this southern end of the beach, a row of makeshift cafes provides shade and sustenance for a predominantly Israeli crowd. Like Anjuna, Vagator is a relaxed, comparatively undeveloped resort that appeals, in the main, to budget travellers with time on their hands. Accommodation is limited, however, and visitors frequently find themselves travelling to and from Baga every day to find a suitable place to stay.

Kovalam Beach in Kerala

Yeah! It is a paradise. Kovalam is famous for its beaches, among the most pristine in India. It is about 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, the capital of the southern state of Kerala in India. Kovalam Beach is popular region comprising three beaches situated in the state of Kerala in the south of India. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular of the three. Kovalam beaches are the rich blend of gentle waves, lush grooves of palm trees and miles of golden sand. These lazy Kovalam beach are the perfect place to make your leisure a lifetime memory. These crescent shaped beaches are separated by the rock outcrops. On the basis if which Kovalam beach can be divided into three beaches, the southernmost beach Lighthouse beach, the middle beach Hawa beach and the northern most beach Samudra beach. Along with spoiling you with a host of impeccable dining and entertainment options, The Leela Kovalam Beach, Kerala also has Divya, an authentic Ayurveda Wellness Spa. You could also choose to unwind in our splendid infinity pools that merge into the westerly horizon. And when living in God’s Own Country, can the living be anything less than divine in one of the best hotels in Kovalam? All our beach-view guestrooms have their own private sundecks. And the Sea View wing, which houses The Club, is perfectly positioned on a seaside cliff.

Bangaram Beach in Lakshadweep

The Bangaram Island Resort at Bangaram Island offers you a variety of outdoor pursuits – scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kayaking and so on. A well-equipped and professionally manned Scuba Diving facility is available at the resort. As a diving location, the virgin reefs of Bangaram have been ranked by experienced divers as being among the best anywhere. Recently an ancient shipwreck was discovered. Diving courses and lagoon diving are offered for beginners. Diving is permitted only within safe depths around 30 meters. Visitors can avail of a decompression chamber, except from 15 May to 15 September. Bangaram Island Beach Resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life.Two small islands of Thinnakara and Parali also lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is totally enchantingAccommodation on the island is simple, unpretentious, yet comfortable.Set in 128 acres, there are 30 tiled -roof beach huts, each with its own palm-thatched verandah, en suite bathroom, ceiling fan and fridge.In a bit to preserve Bangram’s unique environment, a hotel atmosphere is avoided intentionally, but there are enough creature comforts to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one. There are also four bungalows, which are bigger and offer more privacy. At the heart of the resort is the restaurant hut. It’s a little architectural marvel, being made entirely out of bamboo and palm fronds, around one tall central poleThe cuisine styles of Bangaram island beach resort are international and the menu also offers a selection from the coast of India and local island recipes.

Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Radha Nagar Beach is situated in Havelock Island. This beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The Radhanagar Beach is the most popular beach in Andamans for its crystal clear turquoise blue waters. Radhanagar and Vijaynagar Beach in Havelock are real exposures of unpolluted nature for an environment lover. Vijaynagar beach is just infront of Dolphin Yatri Niwas and Radhanagar beach is 7km away from Dolphin Yatri Niwas. Radhanagar Beach is very Beautiful Beach so, contact us Place for Holidays. The beach is the favorite among all nature lovers who love to explore the nature of different places. Radhanagar Beach offers a wide range of fauna and flora for one to explore. The main attraction of the Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is its calm and clean surrounding which offers you a soothing sensation and relieves you of all the worldly worries. The beach is also a favorite hangout of love birds as the place has nothing to hinder their privacy. At Radhanagar Beach, you will love to spend some time swimming. You can also try your luck in fishing as the sea water is an abode to various species of fish. And if you are a sports lover, then try out some water sports at Radhanagar Beach. It’s a nice place to peacefully watch the sun go down. You can capture a beautiful sunset picture here. The jungle which lines the beach is a dense one. A walk in the woods is rejuvenating. You can relish fresh coconut water referred to as ‘Daab’ locally on the shacks on the way to the beach. Tea and other snacks are also available here. At Radhanagar Beach, you will love to spend some time swimming. You can also try your luck in fishing as the sea water is an abode to various species of fish. And if you are a sports lover, then try out some water sports at Radhanagar Beach. But if you are at Radhanagar Beach just for relaxation, then do try out for a session of sun bath. People from all across the globe visit this beach.Though you can visit Radhanagar Beach at Andaman and Nicobar Islands during any time of the year, you can enjoy the real beauty of the nature in between March and April when the spring is in full bloom. During this period, you can explore the natural flora of the island.

Where to stay:

There are limited options available for accommodation here. There are palm-thatched beach huts available in plenty for staying on the beach. There are few beach resorts on the beach facing the sea and giving an amazing view of the sea.

Ideal time to visit:

Best time to visit Radhanagar beach is between January and May as during this time the beach experiences bright and sunny days.

Cherai Beach in Kerala

The beautiful Cherai Beach, bordering the Vypeen Island, the sea on the western side, and the backwaters on the east, gives this upcoming tourist destination a uniqueness and supreme serenity, found no where in Kerala. The 15 km long unspoiled, shallow, and calm beach is considered to be the best golden beach in Kerala, for which it is popularly known as the ‘Princess of the Arabian Sea’. An ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing, you are likely to be fascinated by the thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront. To add to your marvelous and breathtaking experience, this beach offers you an opportunity to explore the village life charmed with vast paddy fields and coconut palms. Plus, the tourism fest held in the month of December attracts numerous tourists from all across the country and abroad. The occasional sighting of dolphins is one of the prime reasons for many tourists flocking to this destination in huge numbers. Thus, you will find many locals and tourists picnicking on the sandy shores of the beach, which stands surrounded by tall coconut trees and green paddy fields. Cherai beach is the golden beach of Kerala and is also famous by the name of ‘Princess of the Queen of the Arabian Sea’. The main beach area has been newly added with the 400 meters long walkway. The high mask lamps along the edges of the walkway make the Cherai beach enjoyable even during the night. Apart from that, the beach is also well known for its fresh & delicious seafood. Occasionally, people also see dolphins in the water. Cherai Beach is rightly considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. It is a beautiful combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms and paddy fields. There is also a park for children on the beach. Tourists and visitors can also ride the water-scooter and speedboats, which are available here on rent. There are also a number of lodges and hotels in this area where you can put up. Generally, there is a lot of rush at the beach during the holidays.

Ullal Beach in Mangalore

Situated 5 km away from mangalore,this is one of the best beaches of Karnataka. It faces to the Arabian sea and hence offer the visitor an incomparable view. This beach resort, the silvery shore of which command breathtaking views of the sunset, especially, when viewed through the Casuarinas groves. Ullal Beach– And, finally, there’s our favourite beach in Karnataka: Ullal. It’s on the outskirts of Mangalore and served by the green, serene, Summer Sands Beach Resort. The resort’s architect-owner has designed it like an exclusive little colony of tiled cottages served by a long, palm-shaded, road. We like it because it’s comfortable, quiet, has its own swimming pool, and no bar. And so its clientele is both up-market and low profile: no noise, no glitter, and no razzmatazz. Your neighbour could be a captain of industry and his wife, or a writer collecting his thoughts and seeking inspiration, or a family who has `been there, done that’ and now just wants to be left alone to re-establish its bonds of togetherness. It helps of course, that Summer Sands’ Mangalorean and western cuisine is both creative and well worth mentioning. And the last time we walked on its beach, there were only our footprints in the sand.

How to Get There:

Mangalore is well connected with major cities like Bangalore and Mumbai, so getting to Ullal is quite easy. Three highways, namely NH 17, NH 48 and NH 13 pass through Mangalore city. The nearest bus stand is just 1 km away at Ullal, and the Thokkottu bus stand lies 4 kilometers away. The Mangalore Airport-IXE lies 30 kilometers from Ullal Beach and this is the nearest airport. Mangalore is also linked to all the major cities through rail, so you can take a train to the Mangalore Central Railway Station, which is 13 kilometers away from Ullal. Taxis or cars can be arranged from Mangalore to Ullal and these will help you reach faster. Whether it is the tempting sea food, water sport facilities, miles of golden sand or simply the solitude that you love, this exotic beach has it all. The unmatched tranquility and the beautiful combo of sand and the sea enthrall and beckon tourists to this beach.

Nagoa Beach in Diu

The palm fringed beaches in Diu transport you to a magical land of pleasure bestowed with exquisiteness and exotic ambience. There are many beaches around Diu Island. Nagoa Beach, Diu is quite famous for its serene beauty. Eye catching Diu beaches attract tourists from all over the world. Swimming and picnic are perfect plans for enjoying an ideal holiday. Nagoa is a tiny seaside village and this area is a well-liked beach area for those on beach holidays and beach tours to West India. Nagoa Beach, Diu boasts of a pastoral charm of an old fishing village. Nagoa beach in Diu is the best, a gorgeous, white sanded, crescent shaped beach, enclosing a cove of quiet blue water, ideal for a swim, wading in the shallows, sun bathing by the sea, water sports and exciting camel or pony riding. One of the major beaches in Diu, the Nagoa Beach, Diu is about 7 kms west of town. Naturally, sunbathing is tempting on these sun-kissed sands. Buses from Diu to Nagoa beach leave occasionally from the old bus stand at the end of the bridge. If you spend the day at Nagoa, attention should be given to the bus timing otherwise missing the last bus leaves you with little choice but to walk.

Tarkarli Beach in Maharashtra

Tarkarli is a small village located in the Malvan taluka in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. It is located on the banks of the confluence of the River Karli and the Arabian Sea. Situated in the southern part of Maharashtra, it is 6 km south of the Malvan and around 546 km from Mumbai. Tarkarli is a beautiful seaside village with lots of small islands and Shuru trees around it.  Tarkarli is known for its long and narrow stretch of white sandy beaches and clear blue waters of the sea. The water is so clear that tourists can view sea life up a depth of 20 feet. Tarkarli is known for the various water sports like scuba diving, zorbing, snorkelling, etc. There are expert teachers and guides, and special certified courses are also conducted for these sports, making it a perfect destination for the water sports lovers. Apart from this, Tarkarli is a wonderful place to experience and witness varied marine life like dolphins and other sea animals. It is also a protected region for female turtles. Tarkarli Beach has a special mention in history because of its connection to the legendary Maratha warrior, Shivaji. He wanted to build an invincible fort on an island, with a considerable distance from the Janjira Fort. Thus, he chose the island of Kurte for it and made a fort with extensive area of 48 acres, strategically made to keep enemies away. The fort was built in the 17th century and was named as Sindhudurg Fort, also known as the Malvan Fort.Sindhudurg Fort is an important tourist destination. The entrance to the fort is called Dilli Darwaja. Moreover, it is also known for the temple dedicated to the Shivaji. The great warrior also built three other forts – Padmagad, Rajkot and Sarejkot – in Tarkarli.

Accommodation & Facilities:
  • Accommodation in 20 Konkani Huts right on the beach.
  • Restaurant facility.
Distances:
  • Mumbai – Tarkarli – 470 kms.
  • Kolhapur – Tarkarli – 160 kms.
  • Malvan – Tarkarli – 6 kms.
  • Panjim – Malvan – 175 kms,
  • Belgaum – Malvan – 175 kms.
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Place For Holidays

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Sudhir Kumar

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