If you are looking to escape the winter chills and enjoy the warmth of the sun, then you need to head to any of these beach destinations. Get your fill of sun, sand and surf at these pristine locations. From untouched white sand beaches of Andaman Islands to the vibrant parties of Goa, the meditative beaches of Karnataka or the pristine shores of Kovalam, there is a beach destination for all your needs in this great country.
Here are the top five beach destinations that you must consider for your chosen destination to get away from the bitter cold of winter this year.
Goa
Goa is probably the most popular beach destination for tourists from all over India. This is the best place to spend some days basking in the sunshine and get some warmth into the frozen bones this winter. There are plenty of hotel options for all kinds of budgets from ultra-luxurious category to homestays and hostels for those traveling on a limited budget. There are also many old Portuguese villas which have now been converted to heritage homestays and offer a great experience for guests.
Goa is the perfect destination whether you are traveling with your spouse on honeymoon, friends or family. There are plenty of activities that will keep all types of visitors engaged such as banana boat rides, parasailing, water scooters and so much more. For those wanting to experience the vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of parties happening almost every day of the week. Goa is also a paradise for food lovers. Its mixture of Portuguese and Indian cuisines has given rise to one of the most delectable cuisines that you can taste. Try the famous vindaloo, xacuti or the richado curries. But keep in mind that the Goans love their chilies!
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There is also a lot to see in Goa including the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus which holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The Fort Aguada is another top attraction which offers great views of the Arabian Sea. You can also take the dolphin boat ride and try to spot the mischievous creatures diving in and out of the sea. You can also try the delicious seafood dishes in one of the many restaurants that line the beaches of Goa. Some of the popular beaches are Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna and so on. If you want to be away from the crowds, you can try heading far north or down south to the quieter beaches.
Andaman Islands
One of the hidden secrets of India, Andaman Islands has some of the most stunning beaches that you will ever see. Havelock Island located about fifty-four kilometers to the north east of Andaman’s capital Port Blair is dotted with beautiful beaches that can easily rival those of Phuket in Thailand. The crystal-clear waters are extremely good for scuba diving and watching the colorful and exquisite underwater life.
The star attraction of these sparkling beaches are the coral reefs that you can explore thanks to the clear visibility available in these waters. You can also simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings and forget the tensions of city life hidden away in this secret hideaway. Relish the sweet coconut water freshly picked from the hundreds of trees lining the beaches. Try the local dishes prepared with freshly caught seafood and local vegetables. There are also plenty of restaurants offering a variety of different cuisines including vegetarian menu.
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Andaman Islands is also rich in history and heritage and there are plenty of sightseeing spots such as the infamous Cellular Jail where many freedom fighters were imprisoned during the British Raj. This glorious tropical paradise is the perfect antidote to your winter blues as you soak in the sun and reenergize your soul in the sparkling white sand beaches of hidden coves in the Radhanagar Beach. There are also short cruises and glass boat rides available in both Port Blair and Havelock Island for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Bengal from up close.
Kovalam
Located only fifteen kilometers from the city of Thiruvanthapuram lies one of the most tranquil beaches of India that you can imagine. Kovalam with its untouched virgin beaches should definitely be on your list of beaches to visit this winter. This picturesque beach located on the Western coast of India was once the favorite haunt of the Maharaja of Travancore. There are plenty of visitors to the region every year for the pristine white beaches and Ayurvedic treatments.
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If you are looking to spend your winter vacation doing nothing but relaxing under the shade of lush green coconut trees enjoying the cool breeze blowing in from the Arabian Sea, then Kovalam is the perfect place for you. You can heal your body and soul by taking some of the Ayurvedic treatments and massages available here as well. You can also practice yoga in the beaches to the gentle rhythm of the waves. Don’t forget to treat your stomachs as well. Kovalam is rich with seafood and its specialty are the king prawns and lobsters.
For those looking for some adventure and thrill, there are plenty of water sporting activities available at the beaches such as Varkala Beach, Hawa Beach, Light House Beach and so on. You can try swimming or surfing in the sea or even try your hand at other water sports such as water scooters and speed boats. There are plenty of hotels and homestays available in Kovalam and its renowned beaches including many heritage homes turned into boutique homestays. Here you can enjoy the local cuisine as well as many excellently prepared Western dishes prepared with a local twist.
Gokarna
This beach destination in Karnataka is one of the lesser-explored but extremely beautiful places that you must visit this winter vacation. Located about 150 kilometers south of the most popular beach destination in the county Gokarna is a quiet sleepy little beach town which is sure to enchant you from the moment you set foot here. There are three direct trains from Goa to Gokarna which take about one and a half hours to reach Gokarna. The nearest airport is Goa’s Dabolim International Airport which is about 140 kilometers away.
Gokarna named after a legend involving a priest and a cow’s ear is a sleepy little temple town where there is not much to do in terms of activities. There are small temples where you can witness the daily rituals or simply go and laze around in the beaches with a book. Enjoy snacks and beverages from the few shacks set up in the beaches. The most famous beach of Gokarna is the Om Beach named for its Om shaped shore. The other beaches are the Half Moon Beach and the Paradise Beach.
The Beaches are a mix of sandy and rocky and there are many cafes perched on top of small cliffs that offer great views of the sea. You can sit in one of these cafes and enjoy the sun setting on the distant horizon before heading back to your hotel for the night. There are also a number of Ayurvedic treatment and yoga centers where you can sign up for short term or longer courses. The food here is local and simple prepared mostly with local ingredients. You can try the local seafood prepared in traditional ways.
Pondicherry
Located on the Eastern Coast of India, Pondicherry now known as Puducherry is famous for its connection with meditation and wellbeing. The other most important aspect of Pondicherry is its inherent French connection that is still reflecting in its life today. From the food to the culture and art and architecture Pondicherry has embraced its French colonial legacy to the fullest. A visit to this Union Territory of India is like a vacation in France itself!
The rocky beachfront of Pondicherry known as the Promenade Beach has been maintained beautifully and offers a great place to stroll in the mornings and evenings or even sit and contemplate the questions of life. There are also sandy beaches where you can relax and participate in different water sport activities on offer. There are small shacks with thatched roofs set up along these sandy beaches where you can relax.
Pondicherry is a heaven for food connoisseurs as this is the perfect place to sample the delicious Indo-French cuisine that has developed over the years into one of the most delectable fares you can taste. From scrumptious seafood platters to classic French dishes and of course the delicious French breads and pastries Pondicherry is surely going to be a gastronomic delight for you this winter. After all the culinary indulging don’t forget to pay a visit to the Auroville for some meditation and rejuvenation of the soul before you head back to the winter chill.
Tropical Treatment to Beat the Winter Blues
This winter doesn’t let the dropping mercury dampen your mood. Pack your bags and head out to one of the fabulous beaches of India and get your dose of Vitamin Sea to reenergize your body and soul. From the laidback beaches of Gokarna and Kovalam to the hidden groves of Havelock Island from the serenity of Pondicherry to the vibrant parties of Goa there is something to fit the needs of everyone. Whether you are travelling with your spouse, friends or family there is a beach destination in India that is perfect for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning for your beach vacation this winter today!
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