Sun, surf and sand beckon
thousands of sun-deprived tourists to India because it has the most
mind-boggling varieties of beaches anywhere in the world. Placid lagoons
and backwaters, marine estuaries teeming with fish, bays and rough
lava-rocked seas, crashing surf, pure powdery golden sand or palm
fringed shores where the mind is soothed by serene murmurs of the
sea - you have them all.
Both the West and East Coast of India offer verdant vistas of palm
on the Arabian Sea shores or the Bay of Bengal. The coasts of India
have their own seafood cuisine, relaxing spas, diving and water sports
and great places to stay for a balmy holiday. Set amidst the blue
of the Arabian Sea and the lush green vegetation of Kerala, Kovalam
is one of India's best sea resorts. The long coastline lined with
swaying coconut palm trees and dotted with an occasional fishing hamlet
is fast developing into one of the world's best string of beaches.
Wake up to the yoga exercises in the morning and close your eyes
to the tender fingers massaging your body in the finest traditions
of herbal massages. The sea applauds the beach temple in Mahabalipuram,
gloriously silhouetted against the spectrum of the seven colors
in the sky. Puri, on th1e East Coast, is surely the world's most
picturesque beach. And then there is Digha, a three-hour drive out
of Kolkata, a beautiful beach, splendid in its isolation.
The beach holiday to beat them all will is in the Isles of Andaman
and Nicobar and the Lakshwadeep islands, where you can see the myriad
colors of the flashy fish in the coral reefs from above the green
waters. Now fully developed as an international beach resort, Goa
offers the best holiday villages on its beaches especially at Carnival
time during Christmas. Everything about Goa is spellbinding from
the landscape dotted with Portuguese architecture, to the way of
life that exudes an irresistible Old World charm. Enchanting little
beaches that were haunted in the 19060s by the flower-power generation,
have now become reference points for Generation X. Anjuna or Calangute
Beach, and Miramar Bay in Panjim are quieter. Beach vendors sell
all manner of kitsch in Anjuna and Calangute. You can rent beach
mats and mattresses, sunglasses, and the usual tourist bricabrac.
You can even get all sorts of spaghetti, German bread and Italian
food.
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