Planning a beach holiday: Five best beaches in India
| Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 12:28 PM
Radhanagar has turquoise sea, sandy beaches and warm sun
Looking for some sun, surf and sand, solitude, perfect wave or just space to build castles with the kids, we have got dozens of beaches. Travel.india.com presents a list of top five beaches across India.
Radhanagar Beach: Silky white sand bordered by emerald green forests and turquoise water, paradise couldn’t be better than this. Situated on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the beautiful beach was rated the best in Asia by Time magazine. Go on a leisurely stroll, go snorkeling to watch the coral reefs or simply watch the sun set on the distant horizon.
Getting there: Ferries are the easiest way to get to Havelock Island. It takes about four hours to reach. Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Kolkata by air. Stay at: Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Beach No 3, Govind Nagar Beach, Havelock.
Devbagh is the quintessential island paradise
Devbagh: Three km off the coast of Karwar in Karnataka, Devbagh is the quintessential island paradise. Just a short drive from Goa’s border, the island has beautiful backwaters and thick jungles. Hop on a boat and witness the dolphins frolic in the azure waters. If you are the adventurous type, try your hand at parasailing, snorkeling, speedboat cruises, banana boat rides, water scooter and kayaking.
Getting there: Karwar, 4 km away, is the nearest railhead on the Konkan line. Dabolim in Goa is the nearest airport. Karwar is well connected by bus to Mangalore, Madagaon and Bengaluru. Stay at: Jungle Lodges Devbagh Beach Resort Opposite Bhadra Hostel Kodibagh, Devbagh 581303. Stay at: Jungle Lodges Devbagh Beach Resort Opposite Bhadra Hostel Kodibagh, Devbagh 581303
Bheemunipatnam in Andhra Pradesh is among the finest beaches in India
Bheemunipatnam: Bheemunipatnam or Bheemili as it is popularly called; is just 25 km from Visakhapatnam. Sun-kissed beach, clear water and wide sandy beach promises to enhance the beach holiday vacation. It is one of the safest beaches for swimming.
Bored with the beach, head to the Bhimili Bhimeswara Swamy temple constructed in 1226. If history interests you, wander through the ruins of the Dutch settlement and the fort.
Getting there: Visakhapatnam is well connected to most major Indian cities by air and rail network. Stay at: Hotel Supreme Vizag Beach Road, Collector Office Down, Visakhapatnam, Tamil Nadu, India, Visakhapatnam 530002
Vagator is less commercialized and bereft of the hordes often found on Goa beaches
Vagator: Accepted, Vagator comes low on the list of scenic beaches and very low in ranking for happening beaches; however, it stands out for two reasons. It is less commercialized and bereft of the hordes that descend on Goa during tourist season.
Vagator is clean and quiet. Between the two beaches that straddle the coastline, you can find a quiet corner and spend some time in peace. A part of Vagator, known as Disco Valley, is the best place for trance parties in Goa.
Getting there: Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport 43 km away. Thivim is the nearest railway station about 19 km away. Stay at: Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada Sinquerim, Condolim, Bardez, Uttorda Beach, Goa 403 515. Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort Khobra Vaddo Calangute Bardez, Uttorda Beach, Goa 403516
Muzhappilangad is the only drive-in beach in Asia
Muzhappilangad Beach: One of the longest beaches in Kerala, Muzhappilangad is the only drive-in beach in Asia. A drive on the beach is a wonderful experience. During low-tide you can walk to Dharmadam Island. Every year in April, Muzhappilangad is venue for the beach festival.
Getting there: Karipur international airport is the nearest airport about 104 km away. Thalassery and Kannur are the nearest cities. Edakkad is the nearest railhead on the Mangalore-Kochi route. Stay at: Malabar Residency, Thavakkara Road, Kannur 670 001
First Published: January 19, 2013 at 4:21 PM
