India enjoys a long coastline of 6000 km dotted with some of the most exquisite beaches of South Asia. These inviting beaches beckon thousands of tourists from all over the world. Thanks to these beaches and their paradisaical ambience, India is emerging as one of the top destination for theme holidays. In fact, Beach Holidays in India in combination with its culture, traditions and heritage present heady cocktail which is seen nowhere in the world. Choosing your beach destination could be a perplexing task as India is replete with hundreds of good beaches which are unique in their own right.
Goa – the beach capital of India – is dotted with numerous beaches with a host of tourist facilities and hotels around them. No wonder then, Goa is thronged by tourists all the year round. Thanks to the beautiful beaches in Goa, the state is popularly called the pearl of the east.
Based on geography, Goan beaches can be divided in two parts – Northern Goa beaches and Southern Goa beaches. While north Goa beaches like Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Miramar and Mobor are highly commercial and thronged by large number of vacationers, the south Goa beaches like Colva, Utorda, Varca, Betalbatim and Palolem offer more calm and quiet corners to hang around on the Beach Vacations in India.
Goan beaches are perfect for hiking, swimming, sun-bathing and water sports. Anjuna beach is famous for its rave parties and shopping facilities while Calangute and Baga are known for their water sports facilities like wind surfing, snorkeling, speed boating, water skiing, parasailing and deep sea fishing. The silvery beaches of Colva and Palolem are top draw amongst the tourists for their pristine beauty. They are more or less untouched by commercial activity.
If you are looking for more quieter beaches for your beach vacations, then some beaches in Gujarat such as Diu and Karnataka such as Gokarna (situated near Goa) will offer exactly what you are in search of. Tamil Nadu’s Mamallapuram beach and Orissa’s Gopalpur are also some of the finest beaches with tiny hamlets and colonial ruins in quiet ambience.
Kerala is famous for its lush greenery and natural beauty. There are numerous beach destinations in this God’s own country: Kovalam, Varakala, Fort Kochi, Kappad, Cherai, Alleppey, Bekal, Beypore, Marai and many more. All these beaches have their own individuality and charm. No matter where you go in Kerala, you will surely experience a memorable beach holidays in India.
Kerala Beaches also offer a range of water sports and adventure sports. If adrenaline rush is your thing then catamaran sailing, speed boating and scuba diving are for you. Those who don’t want to indulge in these sports can relax and unwind on the beach having sun bath, angling or just hiking around.
Beach holidays in India will surely offer an experience of a lifetime during your visit to the country. Just make sure you make the most of your time and have fun on offer at your destination of your choice.
Jessica Shankar
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/beach-holidays-in-india-574084.html
March 6th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Holiday to Goa/India/Baga Beach…?
I off to goa on 23 December until 9th January. We are staying near Baga beach. Can someone please tell what the weather will be like? Hot/Cold? Will I get a Tan? Will the sea be cold? Will I need a wooly hat? Also will i need alot of spending money? I really have no idea what to expect so any help will be great!! Many Thanks LOL
March 6th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Oh wow! It will be hot hot hot, and party season as well! No need at all for woolly hats and the sea will be just yummy! This is the best time of year for Goa. Goa is very cheap if you don’t want to spend any money, cheap beer, cheap food, cheap travel, although this is peak season so might cost a little bit more in some places (get your haggling hat on…). You still won’t need much though, you can live like an egyptian queen on 20quid a day, no problem. And there are cash machines there as well (in Baga and in Calengute from what I remember), so worry not….. Have the best time ever!!
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March 6th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
It will be hot, around 30 degrees but not stuffy in the evenings – take light long trousers/tops for the night times – will help with the mosquitos too. The sea will cool you off but it’s definitely not cold. I don’t really sunbathe but find that I get the nicest long lasting tan from the Goan sunshine. Be careful in not to overdo it in just 2 weeks though. And yes – it’s cheap, a beer is around 30p, soft drinks 20p, a snack or breakfast less than a pound and a slap up seafood dinner with king prawns etc less than a fiver in most places. You won’t need a woolly hat – well maybe on the way to and from the airport in the UK. Have a great time – would be very very surprised if you don’t!
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March 6th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Goa is in south western part of India and during December to Mid February, the climate will be pleasent. It will be around 20 degrees Centigrade in the mornings and 30 in the afternoons. It will not be hot.
Climate, therefore will be pleasent and not hot. To get a "Tan" depends on the amount of Melanine pigment a persons skin has. If your skin has a high number of cells producing melanine and are active, then you may get a better tan.
You will not require any woolens.
You will spend money as per your capacity. Goa is a paradise for poor as well as millionaires. You can find a hotel for INR ( Rupees ) 350.00 per day to INR 10000.00 per day in Goa.
Goa has man y beaches. Few famous beaches are:
Vagator, Baga, Colva, Fort Aguada, Miramar etc. North Goa is full of all kinds of tourists whereas south goa is more frequented by foreign tourists. Vagator and Colva beaches are very good. There are a lot of traditional ( portugese ) hotels in the proximity of Colva beach. These will give a real taste of Goa. So when in Goa, try to stay near Colva beach.
Also the original Goan food will be served by the "B" grade restaurants than the five star / expensive hotels. You will find the original Goan food near Colva beach or in South Goa.
You are going to Goa on the peak tourist season so do not expect lonely beaches. Goa will be too much crowded during this period with an average floating population of 100,000 tourists.
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I have been to Goa "n number of times".
March 6th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
goa is a great place to be. But , please please right from the time u arrive at indian airport , be very very careful with your cash. Preferably carry an international credit card, and cash it in indian rupees as and when required but not more than Rs.10,000 ; so that your loss at any stage is minimum. Also, be careful abt physical safety since indian men generally are sex starved.travel in a group or with known people.
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March 6th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Can someone please tell what the weather will be like?
HOT
Will I get a Tan?
YES
Will the sea be cold?
NO
Will I need a wooly hat?
NO
Also will i need alot of spending money?
NO- a 1 litre beer will cost about 55pence, you will of course pay double or trebble in the more trendy bars/clubs. You can eat a meal for 50p or £5 depending on where you go. On the subject of money the current tourist rate is about £1 = 83 Rupees, The rate they give in the airport will be about 75Rupees. I would suggest just change £10 so you have some cash and get the rest in Baga (2 places at the begining of titos lane) or in Calangutes main road.
Have fun, and wish i was there
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March 6th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Suggest you use taxis / taxi bikes instead of renting dodgy bikes. Have seen many nasty injuries and you don’t want a Goa tattoo
And take a trip to Palolem – although very busy now it’s a lovely bay with calm water and a party every week, Saturday I think. Benaulim for a quiet time with great restaurants on the beach. Also don’t miss the huge night market – ask anyone. And don’t buy all your souvenirs in Anjuna flea market – just enjoy the atmosphere and have some nice food. The market in Mapusa is prob the best place to buy clothes / jewellery.
Be very careful if you use drugs – the police would love the opportunity to get a bribe! And I’ve seen a friend in the Panjim prison – not a pretty sight!
Sorry if I worry you – but it’s best to be warned.
Lastly, don’t think Goa is the real India – Goa is something totally different.
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Been several times, love the beaches, people, food !!