Beaches of India

By: Md Mudassir Alam
Submitted: 2008-05-01 12:21:53
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Watching the sunset on the sea coast is once in a lifetime experience. However, for getting such unparalleled view one needs to visit the coast areas. Alongwith excellent sunset, if you get an opportunity to enjoy a vacation at the sea coast, it is just like bonus. A vast land, India is bestowed with a number of natural wonders including the sandy beaches as well.

Geographically India is flanked by the sea namely Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Most of the coastal areas are home to several picturesque beaches. With their special attractions like soothing climate, clean sands and plethora of adventure options beaches of India draw tourists from across the globe. Most of the popular beaches of India are equipped with modern facilities, ayurveda and spa resorts, hence offer relaxed as well as thrilling holidaying experience to visitors. India has dozens of beautiful beaches, some of the famous beaches of the country are as follows.

Anjuna Beach – Goa : One of the popular Goan beaches, Anjuna lies 18 kms from Panaji, close to Chapora Fort. Anjuna has world’s weirdest and wonderful collections of overlanders, monks, defiant, artists, craftsmen. The beach at Anjuna is divided into three parts namely – South, Middle and North, however most of the activities are centred around Northern part. Anjuna Beach has a number of beachside shacks and food outlets, where one can taste a wide variety of international cuisines. Adventure seekers can enjoy the water sports like snorkelling on the Southern Part. Wednesday Flea Market is another highlight of the Anjuna Beach where you can buy a variety of items, brought from various parts of the country.

Baga Beach – Goa : Situated 10 km west of Mapusa and 18 kms from Goa's capital, Panaji, Baga Beach is originally an extension of Calangute beach. Baga Beach is a part of 30 km stretch of beach coastline that starts at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach. Set amidst the high hills, flanked by the Arabian sea from oneside, Baga Beach offers a picture-perfect view. Baga Beach is famous sun bathing and sea bathing, which attracts large number of tourists. One can go for watersports like parasailing, water skiing and windsurfing on the Baga Beach. The beach is also famous its nightlife and is home to some of the biggest hot-spots by night in Goa, including Tito's and Cafe Mambo.

Colva Beach – Goa : Colva Beach lies in the Salcete Taluka, just 6 kms due east of Margao and 40 kms away from Goan capital, Panaji. With its endless stretch of clean white sand, gentle warm sea and swaying palms, Colva draws tourists from far and near. In fact, Colva is the main beach of South Goa and attracts large number of visitors round the year. In Colva one can enjoy the thrilling watersports, invigorating Goan nightlife or go some trinket shopping.

Calangute Beach – Goa : Located at a distance of 16 km from Panaji, Calangute Beach is one of most famous holiday resort of the small state. Also referred as the ‘Queen of Beaches’, Calangute offers excellent opportunity to enjoy the beachside activities. At Calangute one can indulge in water sports or pass some good time on clean sands. In the evening one can participate in the rave parties and drink the locally made drink – feni.

Dona Paula Beach – Goa : Just 7 km from Goan capital Panaji, Dona Paula is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Set close to a rocky point between the Zuari and Mandove, Dona Paul Beach provides an excellent view of the Goa’s famous Zuari river. You can relax on the beach, enjoy the bright sun and savour the delectable sea food. For adventure seekers, Dona Paula offers the excellent option of water scootering. Dona Paula is also home to Cabo Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Goa which is situated on the westernmost tip of the beach.

Kovalam Beach – Kerala : One of the most sought-after destination in Kerala, Kovalam Beach lies on the Malabar coast, just 13 kms from state capital Trivandrum. Kovalam beach is thronged by thousands of domestic as well foreign tourists round the year. Kovalam Beach consists of three crescent shaped beaches, and they provide the spectacular views of the sea and sunsets. Along the beach there a number of eating joints and ayurveda centres. Popular beachside activities are sun bathing, water sports like surf riding, swimming or the enticing beach walk. The lighthouse at the southern most beach add more charm to the beach., the flashing of the lights at regular intervals at night is a wonderful scene.

Alappuzha Beach – Kerala : Alappuzha Beach is situated in Alleppey district of Kerala, 147 kms from capital city, Trivandrum. The beach lies sandwiched between the Arabian Sea in the west and the Punnamada backwaters in the east. A popular hangout zone at Alappuzha, the beach is bestowed with long stretches of white sand, few old monuments and several freshwater lakes in its vicinity. The sea water at Alappuzha is clear and ideal for a number of beachside activities like surfing, swimming, beach volley ball, etc. Other attraction at Alappuzha Beach include the 140 years old pier, the lighthouse and the children park.

Marina Beach, Chennai : Considered the longest beach of India, Marina beach is 12 km long. One of the major attraction of Chennai, Marina Beach comprises of clean golden sand, good surf and shimmering Bay of Bengal. Marina Beach offer a variety of adventure and leisure options. Watching the sun set and sunrise from the beach is a thrilling experience. Every evening, the beach turns into a virtual fair ground with various kinds of entertainment options and food stalls. One can shop for wares ranging from shell and glass baubles to kites and fruit juices. Marina Beach also offers facilities of pony rides at the beach site, which attract the children and adult alike. Along the beach some important buildings are located that include the University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House.

Juhu Beach - Mumbai : Though the Juhu Beach do not offers tranquil environs like Kerala beaches, but it is very popular among the tourists and locals in Mumbai. In fact, Juhu Beach in Mumbai is one of the biggest and frequently visited beaches of the country. Situated 18 km north of city centra, Juhu Beach is famous for houses of famous Bollywood personalities and other big apartments. Juhu Beach offers excellent leisure and entertainment options like funny donkey rides. One can also savour the local food of Mumbai such as Bhelpuri, Bada Pao or a Kulfi on the beach.

Puri Beach - Orissa : Situated 60 km from Orissa's capital city, Bhubaneswar, Puri is more famous for Jagannath temple. The abode of Lord Jagannath, Puri is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destination. Apart from a pilgrimage centre, Puri is famous for its fine beaches. Puri Beach is wide and ideal for beachside sports and other leisure activities.

Article source: Expert Articles