38 Results found for Search: beaches
1. Alleppey Beach, Alleppey.
The Alleppey Beach, also known as Alappuzha Beach, is a pristine stretch of sand lacing a choppy Arabian Sea. An old character-filled pier, about 140 years old, extending into the sea adds to the idyllic charm of this beach.
2. Anjuna Beach, Goa.
An 18 kilometer (11.25 miles) drive from Goa’s capital city, Panaji brings you to the quaint Anjuna village punctuated by a white sandy beach surrounded by immense coconut groves. A secluded haven discovered by the Hippies in the sixties, Anjuna is a five square mile cloister nestling between the blue Arabian Sea and a promontory overlooking the beach complete with soft sands and swaying palms. After stepping on Anjuna’s sand, you’ll find yourself no longer wondering why hippies patronized this part of Goa. Not only Hippies, this beach has been a favorite haunt of backpackers, honeymooners and holidaymakers alike.
3. Arambol Beach (North Goa), Goa.
Arambol is a 16-kilometer-long (10 miles) stretch of beach along the Goan border complete with a freshwater lagoon and picturesque cove. The beach is an isolated one, and is a 50-kilometer (31.25 miles) drive from Panaji, North Goa. Arambol is a unique combination of shingle and soft-sandy beach flanked with a sweet water pond on the shore. The area has two beaches, Harmal Beach – the northernmost beach of Goa, and smaller beach that nestles beyond the rocky headland. This part of Arambol can only be reached on foot. Beyond the cove, you will come across a broad strip of soft white sand hemmed in by steep cliffs on both sides.
4. Auroville Beach, Pondicherry.
Named after the ‘universal town’ of Auroville owing to its proximity, Auroville Beach is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Pondicherry town off the East Coast Road. It is a sprawling one kilometer stretch of silvery sand that remains mostly secluded. The shallow waters of Auroville Beach make it ideal for a refreshing swim; add to it the gentle slope of the beach. Early morning and sundown are the best time to appreciate the understated beauty of this beach. A trip to Auroville Beach opens up innumerable photo opportunities. Behold the scenery of a sun-dappled beach thick with swaying palms, an azure sea stretching into distance and merging with a clear blue sky.
5. Baga (North Goa), Goa.
Few miles south of Anjuna, Baga Beach is basically an extension of the Calangute Beach, and is about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from the city of Mapusa. This one is more scenic, unspoilt and less commercial than Calangute. Take in the scenery of the Baga River flowing down from one side of the brown sand, with black lava rocks clustered at a place where the river meets the blue Arabian Sea. A quintessential land-meets-sea getaway, the fishing beach of Baga in North Goa is nestled between a rocky and wooded headland offering brilliant views of the sea.
6. Benaulim (South Goa), Goa.
About 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from Colva is the unspoilt beach of Benaulim in South Goa. Benaulim Beach opens up a vista of uncluttered silvery sand lacing the Arabian Sea. More peaceful and serene than Colva, Benaulim still remains undiscovered by domestic travelers despite being a fishing beach. But, the place gets fairly crowded in the evenings and weekdays when locals get off buses a kilometer away and head to the beach to enjoy the breeze and stroll at leisure. Interestingly, Benaulim has a string of mythology and folklore attached to it, something you wouldn’t generally expect a beach to have!
7. Bogmalo (South Goa), Goa.
The pristine Bogmalo Beach is located at the top of South Goa in Bogmalo Bay, about 18 kilometers (11.25 miles) from Dabolim Airport and 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Vasco da Gama. The beach is actually nestled right in the middle of the north and south Goan beaches. It has come to be among the most sought after beaches in Goa due to the presence of the luxurious Oberoi hotel. After arriving at Bogmalo, you will realize that it is a fine blend of natural beauty and modernization. Like a quintessential holiday destination, this one also has a scenic background of rolling hills and palm trees, a spotless south facing beach opening up to the azure Arabian Sea.
8. Calangute (North Goa), Goa.
Home of the flower-children who discovered this beautiful beach in the late 60s, Calangute in North Goa is marked by brown sand, swaying palms, rustic huts and a colorful motley of sun bathing folks. Calangute is especially popular with European travelers. A day on the beach sees children making sand castles, crowds surging towards the sea, hippies relaxing on the sand smoking or strumming a guitar, and holidaymakers reclining on deckchairs and soaking up the sun or reading a book. You can try out some fried prawns among an array of succulent seafood delights at the shacks lining the shore under shady palms. They sell everything from traditional Goan cuisine, beer to trinkets made of seashells.
9. Candolim (North Goa), Goa.
Compared to other beaches in North Goa, Candolim is quieter owing to the fact that they aren’t many resorts around the beach. About 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Goa’s capital city, Panaji, the beach receives an assortment of people taking a break after visiting Rajneesh Ashram in Pune, backpackers and nature lovers. In fact, Candolim Beach is the longest and quietest part of the northern stretch. Enjoy a stroll on the beach, lounge on its golden sand and soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip. After relaxing on the beach, head to a shack set back on the dunes, and savor some deep sea delights complemented by a tipple of Feni.
10. Colva (South Goa), Goa.
About 6 kilometers (3.75 miles) from Margao, Colva in South Goa is a glorious stretch of white sandy. Supposed to be the largest Goan beach, Colva opens up a scenery of sandy beach dotted with coconut palms lacing the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, with souvenir stalls and concrete hotels jostling for space on the beachfront. The idyllic beach atmosphere is enhanced by a motley mix of colonial style villas and ramshackle fishing huts across the beach. There are ample snack bars strewn around a central roundabout.
11. Elliot's Beach, Chennai.
Elliot’s Beach is lesser-known, thus less touristy than the Marina Beach. Located near Anne Besant Nagar to the south of Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach mostly remains secluded, and is ideal to soak up the sun and watch the sea in solitude. Here you can enjoy a long walk on the coastline, lounge on the silvery sand, and watch the sun set over the sea.
12. Karaikal Beach, 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. A quintessential sun-and-sand getaway in Pondicherry, the beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts who come here to enjoy kayaking, canoeing and boat riding.
13. Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom.
The Kumarakom portion of coastline is truly picturesque, and tranquil enough to spend a few idle days of sun-soaking and swimming. Fortunately, the beach is far from overdeveloped and retains a pleasant natural ambience, free from restaurants, bars or shacks that might detract from its beauty. There are ample beach resorts at a brief distance from the main beach; so you might take a stroll after a hearty breakfast at your resort, and spend a whole day under the Kerala sun, lounging around, reading a book and working on your tan.
14. Mahe Beach, Pondicherry.
The quaint Mahe Beach bordered by a luxuriant crop of swaying palms, is about 22 kilometers (13.75 miles) to the south of Kannur, on the northern strip of coastal Kerala. Speckled with pretty fishing hamlets, the Mahe Beach opens up a stunning vista of silvery white sands crowded by lush palms, and the aqua blue sea merging with the distant horizon. The beach, since time immemorial, has been a favorite haunt of sun-worshippers and honeymooners who have found a paradise in its miles of silvery expanse. If you are arriving from Calicut, then you will find this beach approx. 75 kilometers (47 miles) to the north of the town.
15. Marina Beach, Chennai.
The longest city beach in India, second only to the Oceanside Beach in San Francisco, California, Marina Beach is the favorite haunt of families, couples, children and seniors in Chennai. Swing yourself onto a horse and trot it along the shore or simply stroll on the beach and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. This 12-kilometer stretch (7.5 miles) of soft sand also has several gaming stalls, souvenir shops and food stalls.
16. Miramar (North Goa), Goa.
Miramar Beach is the nearest beach from Goa’s capital city, Panaji, about 3 kilometers (2 miles) away from Panaji city centre in the north and a kilometer from Dona Paula beach. It is a lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees, and lies adjoining the estuary of Mandovi River as it opens into the Arabian Sea. Take in stunning views of Fort Aguada just across the river. Miramar Beach is ideal for a quiet stroll and soaking up the sun in solitude. At Miramar, you will be witness to a spectacular sunset. Owing to its proximity to Panaji, the beach is very commercial with a great number of hotels and exclusive homes of the city’s who is who dotting the area. The beach is, however, not very safe for swimming due to strong undercurrents.
17. Palolem (South Goa), Goa.
About 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from Chaudi and 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Margao in South Goa, Palolem, popularly known as ‘Paradise Beach’, is a mile long and offers seclusion and idyllic scenery. This part of South Goa opens up a spectacular scenery of sweeping, crescent white sandy beach fringed by towering coconut groves, hemmed in by a pair of rocky promontories. Close to it is a lovely fishing village flecked with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops selling interesting local knickknacks. Unlike most beaches in South Goa that are too busy and packed with visitors, this one looks virgin.
18. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry.
Paradise Beach is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Pondicherry town, along Cuddalore Main Road in Chunnambar. A sprawling stretch of tropical paradise, Paradise Beach (also known as Plage Paradiso) is flanked by a lazy creek on one side. So much so, you can even sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent from where you can observe the sea. Along the backwater shores, there are several tree-houses which offer you a completely authentic experience. These tree-houses are a great idea for an overnight stay; you can soak up a spectacular sunset and hear the waves lap the shore all night.
19. Serenity Beach, Pondicherry.
Serenity Beach is a sprawling stretch of virgin sand, about a 10-minute drive to the north of Pondicherry town, on the East Coast Expressway on the way to Chennai. As you drive from Pondicherry, the beach falls on your right hand side. It would be apt to say that the ambience of the beach is well-captured in its name, as if you can touch the calm. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters and stretch back on the silvery sand to soak up the sun. The highpoint of the Pondicherry beaches is they are pristine with clean waters and clean sands. To top it all the beaches mostly remain desolate.
20. Vagator (North Goa), Goa.
About 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Panjim in North Goa, the Vagator Beach is popular with sunbathers who come here for its white sands and pristine beauty. In proximity to the beach is the popular Chapora Fort on the southern headland of the Chapora River. This 17th century Portuguese fort has a commanding view of the Vagator Beach and the nearby Anjuna Beach. Vagator is a quaint little bay between rocky promontories and a string of small beaches, especially attractive in the early morning. An ideal place for those who wishes to spend a day under the Goan sun in solitude.
21. Varca (South Goa), Goa.
Varca Beach is located in Varca village to the south of Benaulim Beach in South Goa, at a distance of 2 kilometers (1.25 miles). Most visitors to Benaulim come to Varca to stroll on its white sand and take in endless views of the blue sea in solitude. The beach is a part of one of the longest stretches of sandy beaches in South Goa extending from Mobor to Colva, making it ideal to laze around and soak up the sun. One might get a rare view of the dolphins from this beach. Varca is characterized by rows of beached wooden fishing boats that belong to its community of Christian fisher folk, whose palm-thatched cottages line the foot of the grassy dunes.
22. Kovalam Beach, Kovalam.
An erstwhile fishing village known for its fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer), Kovalam in Kerala is often referred to as the ‘Paradise of the South’. Idyllic and flamboyant, the crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam have a character of their own. Kovalam opens up a vista of soft sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters and a rocky promontory crowded by coconut groves. The beach gets gentle waves making swimming refreshing and exhilarating. You can even wade into the sea for about 100 meters without losing ground! Look-out for some brilliant patches of coral reefs. Kayaking, surfing and skiing are other popular water activities in Kovalam.
23. Papanasam Beach, Varkala.
Papanasam (meaning redemption from sin) is a secluded 500-meter stretch of white sand between the steep red cliffs covered with coconut palms and the azure Arabian Sea. This is one of the main beaches of Varkala, and a deeply revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Locals believe that a dip in the holy waters of this beach washes away all sins and thereby purifies the body and spirit - hence the name. The sunsets here are truly glorious. Spend the evening lounging on the beach and watch the massive red orb slip into the sea leaving behind a tinge of orange in the sky.
24. Pozhikkara Beach, Kovalam.
A world away from the high profile holiday culture of Kovalam are the white sands of Pozhikkara tucked away in a little fishing hamlet, Pachalloor, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Samudra beach. On a drive from Kovalam, you will pass through a string of quaint fishing villages before arriving at Pozhikkara where the backwater merges with the Arabian Sea to form a salt-water lagoon. A thick canopy of palm lines this pristine stretch of sand which the locals use mostly for landing fish and fixing nets. The clear aqua blue water entices you to take a dip.
25. Shankhumugham Beach, Trivandrum.
About 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the main city and adjacent to the Trivandrum Airport, Shankhumugham Beach is a favorite haunt of sunset lovers. ‘Aarattmandapam’ (aaratt meaning holy bath of the deity) - an iconic stone pavilion on the beach for use by the Padmanabha Swamy Temple – is synonymous with Shankhumugham. The beach starts to get crowded near evening when it is cast in a soft orange glow. The sea at Shankhumugham is a splendid blue and flat, making sunset watching an incredibly dramatic experience. Stroll down its brown sandy expanse and enjoy the wind in your face.
26. Varkala Beach, Varkala.
A serene coastal town fringing the Arabian Sea, Varkala is a municipality in Trivandrum about 51 kilometers (32 miles) to its north-west. The soaring cliffs lining the azure sea and jutting into it in places make the Varkala landscape exceptional and striking. Behold this breathtaking scenery of cliffs thick with swaying palms standing sentinel over the sea, and down below a pristine stretch of sand laid-out like a ribbon washed by small white waves. Geologists have coined the term ‘Varkala formation’ for these red sedimentary cliffs that are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast.
27. Vettekkada Beach, Varkala.
This one is a short distance from Varkala town near Kappil backwaters. Vettekkada is an isolated stretch of fine sand affording stunning sunset views. Lounge on the beach and spend indolent hours gazing at the azure slopes while soaking up the tropical sun. Capture from different perspectives the blue sea merging with a clear blue sky.
28. Chothavilai Beach, Kanyakumari.
This is about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from Kanyakumari, close to Sanguthurai beach. Chothavilai is a 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) stretch of fine sand and among the longest beaches in Tamil Nadu. After the havoc wrecked by the 2004 Tsunami, the beach was reconstructed and refurbished to attract visitors again. So when you arrive at the beach, you will pass through a recently erected entrance frame with motifs of seahorse and starfish among other fish and a white conch on the top of the frame. Ahead of which is a flight of stairs leading you down to the white sandy beach.
29. Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai.
Along with Marine Drive, Chowpatty beach (the popular name of Girgaum Chowpatty) is one of the first places in town that visitors descend on to. Such is the draw of the sea along this stretch! Mumbai's premier beach draws visitors and locals alike to its fair-like atmosphere in the evenings. Children swirling around the merry-go-rounds and Ferris wheels, youngsters playing in the water, others taking pony rides, families enjoying conversation and people at large enjoying bhelpuri, panipuri, and pav bhaji vendors on the beach are scenes that’ll greet you. Activities here reach a crescendo on weekends, when the adjoining neighborhoods descend onto the beach.
30. Colachel Beach, Kanyakumari.
About 30 kilometers (18.75 miles) from Kanyakumari is a pristine stretch of golden sand, Colachel Beach, tucked away in a breathtaking natural setting of plunging ravines of red soil and lush green scrubs. Drive through red rock cliffs and verdant gorges that succumb to a fine sandy beach. A lone lighthouse stands sentinel over the bay, adding to its scenic beauty. Your camera stays busy from the time you start the drive from Kanyakumari till you arrive at the beach. Colachel opens up stunning views of a tumultuous grey sea stretching into distance, thick palm groves fringing the beach and a misty blue sky.
31. Kanyakumari Beach, Kanyakumari.
Life in Kanyakumari revolves around this beach. It would be apt to say that Kanyakumari beach connotes the very essence of India’s southernmost city. On a holiday in Kanyakumari, you will end up spending most of your time on this beach as it is a brilliant burst of activity - a potpourri of traditions, legends, local culture and scenic beauty. Largely an asymmetrical coastline, one part of Kanyakumari beach serves as a bathing ghat, another remains moored with fishing boats, and the rest of it is a paved wall running along the rocks to keep the rough sea out.
32. Muttom Beach, Kanyakumari.
About 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Kanyakumari, Muttom Beach is quite popular with sunset watchers. On arriving into this area you will be faced with a 100-year-old lighthouse from the British era standing sentinel (105-foot/31.5 meters) over a rough sea. Trek further down through the rock tops and take in views of an endless sea with giant white waves crashing against dark rocks speckled on the beachfront (some dipping into the sea). Until a few years ago, the beach though a great sunset view point was not safe enough owing to the slippery rocks, strong undercurrents and thundering waves.
33. Ruins and the beach of Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram.
About 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) from mainland Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi was a prospering port town, home of around 25,000 inhabitants. It was a peaceful, predominantly fishing community with a college, school, hospital, markets, an ancient Lord Rama temple, a church, a post office, and so much as a railway station. But only until the fateful night of 22 December 1964. Close to midnight the sea suddenly swelled and lashed this little coastal village with gigantic tidal waves followed by a great cyclone. Wiping out in its wake the railway track, and with it the train that was arriving into the Dhanushkodi railway station from Rameshwaram with 115 passengers aboard.
34. Sanguthurai Beach, Kanyakumari.
This is a very pretty beach resort about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Kanyakumari, characterized by a massive white column with a tiny black conch on top from the Chola dynasty. From this beach you can see as far as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial sharing space with the stone sculpture of Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar. Away from the clamor of main Kanyakumari town, Sanguthurai is a quieter place to spend an evening strolling on the yellow sand and simply gazing at the sea. The beach looks particularly serene at sundown cast in a warm orange glow.
35. Kanyakumari Day Excursion, Trivandrum.
The southernmost tip of the Indian mainland, Kanyakumari is truly unique destination. Sprawled out on the shore of this great ‘Triveni sangam’, the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, Kanyakumari is known for its beautiful temples, chief among them is the Kumari Amman temple, a colorful beach bazaar and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial standing sentinel over the sea. Just as famous is the Padmanabhapuram Palace, an 16th century monument made entirely of wood. Less than 100 kilometers Trivandrum, Kanyakumari is just a few hours drive away, through smooth metalled roads that offer gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.
36. Cherai Beach, Kochi.
Cherai is Kochi’s finest beach. Located on the northern end of Vypeen Island, its picturesque setting makes it a runaway hit with locals and tourists alike. The narrow stretch of land has the sea on one side, and the backwaters on the other. Coconut palms and paddy fields add to the picture postcard effect. Often referred to as ‘The Princess of the Arabian Sea’, the beach has seen quite a few resorts come up in recent times. About 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the mainland Ernakulam, one can take a bus to Paravur and then an auto rickshaw to Cherai beach. For the more adventurous, we’d recommend a boat ride from either Fort Kochi or Ernakulam to Vypeen Island, and then a road transport option to Cherai on the northern tip.
37. Fort Kochi, Kochi.
The defining images of Kochi are primarily from this historic island. The Chinese fishing nets, the medieval churches, the colonial bungalows, Jew town, Mattancherry Palace…et al. are all in this island. Most history and heritage lovers make a beeline for Fort Kochi. Its quiet, tree lined roads are tailor made for walking and cycling. And most of the attractions are within short distance of each other.
This was the site of the first European settlement in India. The Portuguese settled here in the early part of the 16th century. Soon after Kochi’s standing as a rich trade centre, a vibrant cultural hub and a great shipyard took root. This attracted other naval powers of the time like the Dutch and the British. The Dutch dethroned the Portuguese in 1663 and later handed over reigns to the British in 1795 as part of a deal. Today, centuries later, strolling through town brings a traveler face to face with many colonial monuments and communities with a distinct western lifestyle. The social and architectural variety here is simply delightful.
38. Mahabalipuram Beach, Mahabalipuram.
Scattered with sculptural vestiges and an ancient shore temple in the center, the Mahabalipuram Beach is perhaps South India’s most atmospheric beach. A trip here is like waking up in another era where time stands still, the waves rush fast to break on the weathered periphery of a shore temple, and the sun casts an orange glow on sculptural panels, rock-cut caves and monolithic chariots that dot its brown sand. A lot of people come here to capture the dramatic beauty of these architectural pieces in the changing light of the sun.