Beaches in India
Tourists flock from all over the world to visit India’s amazing beaches, from the Arabian sea in the West to the Bay of Bengal in the East.
Goa is probably the best known of all the beach resorts, in the West at least. Its landscape is dotted with Portuguese architecture, and the way of life has enchanted and retained many visitors from the West who have refused to go home and decided instead to settle in Goa.
Anjuna or Calangute Beach, and Miramar Bay in Panjim are popular, while the beach at Calangute is rocky. At Anjuna however the waters are fairly placid and there are opportunities for boat rides, sea scooter rides, trips to see the dolphins etc.. Colva and Benaulim are quieter and not so crowded as Anjuna. Sinquerim and Candolim are beaches that offer a degree of seclusion.
Away from Goa, Kovalam in Kerala is one of India's most popular sea resorts. There has been an influx of tourists in recent years, with all the associated ills, but this will hardly come as a surprise as you yourself may be one of these prospective tourists. It is hard for a tourist to find a secluded spot as it the tourists themselves who put an end tot he seclusion they are looking for ! Such is life.
There are four sandy bays in Kovalam separated by rocky outcrops. To the north there is Samudra Beach, which at high tide became just a narrow strip of sand, this is separated from Kovalam Beach, popular with local tourists, by a cluster of rocks.
Hawah Beach, is where the fishermen ply their trade and Lighthouse Beach is where the package tourists soak up the sun.
There are plenty of guest houses and hotels but don’t expect prices to be particularly cheap. Also as there is a lot of stagnant water in the area mosquitos abound and no doubt are very appreciative of the influx of delicate foreign flesh. So be prepared.
For further information take a look at the official Indian Tourism Site – Beaches of India - Beaches of India or for a more personal view have a look at Marianne’s description of Kovalam - Kovalam Beaches
For information on getting visas for India see Do I need a Visa to Visit India?
Indian Beaches Goa Beaches Kovalam Beaches
