Best Beaches in IndiaAugust 09, 2012
Along the extensive 7,600 kms coastline of India there are beaches and beaches. Some well known and many undiscovered yet. Here we attempt to go away from the well known beaches like Calangute and Baga in Goa and Marina in Chennai. Not to say they are not good beaches – they are. In this list are some beaches that are yet unknown and unspoilt, so visit while the going is good!
Gokarna
Soak up the sun at one of the four beaches in Gokarna: Om beach, Halfmoon, Kudle or Paradise beach. These beaches are lined by coconut groves and are the perfect place to hitch up a hammock and while away the time reading, dozing and just chilling out. Gokarna is located in northern Karnataka and is already on the radar of developers, so get there quick before it becomes just another beach!
Gopalpur on Sea
Gopalpur on Sea is a lovely laidback seaport village in Orissa. Sunbathe on the sands, read a book, sip a drink and get a sun tan as you watch the gentle waves lick the shores. Feast on sumptuous seafood, make a trip to the ancient lighthouse or simply doze under a beach umbrella. Gopalpur is the place to just chill and have a relaxed fun time.
Varkala
Not as well known as its sister Kovalam, Varkala is just 54 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Quiet and still not inundated by tourists Varkala beach is that lovely oasis where the sun shines bright and the pristine waters gently lap the shoreline. Swim in the warm waters, relax on the beach and have a snooze in the afternoon. That’s what beach holidays are – relaxed and rejuvenating!
Devbagh
Want to get away from it all? Try Devbagh. Located just 2 hours south of Goa and 3 kms off Karwar, Karnataka , Devbagh is the perfect beach spot for unwinding. Laze on the fine sands or indulge in water sports, gorge on fish curry rice and then doze in the afternoon sun. In the evening sit around a bonfire in your resort and have the relaxed holiday by the beach you were looking for.
Ganpatipule
Serene beaches, swaying palm trees, the gentle wind in your hair – this is Ganpatipule in Maharashtra. The beach stretches over 12 miles and is not overrun by tourists yet. In Ganpatipule, the pristine waters still shine blue, the sands are still clean and sparkling and the magnificent sunrises and sunsets are a treat to watch. So come discover Ganpatipule before it is too late, before it becomes just another beach!
Radha Nagar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
On Havelock Island in the Andamans is one of the best beaches in the world going by the rather ordinary name: Radha Nagar beach or simply Beach no 7! But this is no ordinary beach. This beach is an unspoilt piece of heaven on earth – secluded, serene, pretty and all the other adjectives under the sun. They will still not do justice to this stretch of beach in the Andaman Islands!
Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam
Sky as blue as it can be, sand as clean and golden as you can imagine and gentle waves frothing on the shores. This is Rushikonda beach just 8 kms from Vizag. A haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, Rushikonda beach is still unspoilt and perfect for swimming and water sports. Lie under the shady casurina groves that line the beach, read a book, sip a beer or simply watch the waves caress the shores. Rushikonda is the perfect beach getaway.
Agatti Island, Lakshadweep
Aquamarine waters, pristine golden beaches, green palms gently swaying in the background. This is Agatti Island located off the Kerala coast, in the Indian Ocean, the proverbial jewel in the crown! Surrounded by beautiful lagoons, Agatti has the most tranquil beaches that force you to take one step back and slow down – the waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling and the beaches perfect for warming your toes in the sand. Come to Agatti beach for your next holiday. You will never regret it!
Palolem Beach, Goa
Move over Baga and Calangute: Palolem is here. One of the prettiest beaches in South Goa, Palolem beach is bay nestled between two rocky crags like a cradle. Pristine waters and silver sands make it a perfect beach which is relatively secluded. Lie on the beach, watch the waves break on the shoreline and down some beer and gorge on Prawn Xacuti at the shack close by. Beach holidays do not come much better that this!
Digha,West Bengal
Located just 185 kms away from Kolkata, is Digha also known as ‘Brighton of the East’. The shallow sea and gentle waves are perfect for swimming and just lolling on the fine golden sand. The sunsets are something to write home about with the skies turning into all shades of burnished orange and the reflection on the sea looks straight off a painting. Digha is wonderful sea side getaway from Kolkata.
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