Goa the fun City

Goa has one of the most exquisite beaches in India, popularly know as the "Pearl of the Orient" It is a visitors paradise. Panaji is the capital of the state which is situated on the banks of river Mandovi. Earlier Goa was a Portuguese Colony and was liberated in 1961. It is a small union territory on the western coast of India with a coast line of Bay of Bengal.

Goa has something or the other to offer to all, it has beaches which stay geared by dance and music all night and have beaches which are calm and quite. During day these beaches offer many exciting water sports which are very adventurous. Sports like parasailing, jet skiing, wind surfing and speed boating are very popular. When it comes to food Goa offers a Huge range of mouth watering Sea food the roasted or the grilled.

The famous beaches of Goa are Arambol, Anjna,Bogmalo, Baga, Candolim. Calangute, Varca, Sinquerim and Arossim. Each place has its own importance and History. The places are well commercialized and offer every possible facility. Goa has some of the world famous resorts and hotels and is a popular destination for foreigners. One can reach Goa by Air, Road or Train.

Digha Beach

Digha is West Bengal's most popular beach haunts and weekend tourists spot. Its proximity to Kolkata is around 187 kms which attracts tourist through out the year. It is a very well known sea beach which is situated close to the borders of Orissa on the Bay of Bengal and West Bengal.

Digha is originally known as Beerkul and popularly known as the “ Birghton of the East”, for its hard flat beaches that allows pleasant walks during the low tides.



The main attraction of Digha is merging of river Hoogly into Bay of Bengal. The place offers every possible attraction for sea lovers.It has a low bank with a shallow sand beach with a wave that extends to 7kms in length.

Digha has two beaches, the old beach is not wide as it was earlier due to soil erosion. Big stones and concrete steps are use to hold together the beach.The place is overcrowded during the cooler winter breaks. New Digha beach is developed about 2 kms away from the old beach. This beach is bigger and better than the older one, as it is clean and well maintained and is not surrounded by a congested locality. There are hotel within walking distance from the beach.The entire stretch of the sea is filled with casuarians plantaion along the coast enhancing the beauty of the sea.

The scenic beauty of this place is picture perfect which has charming and luring effect. One can view both the sunrise and sunset from the beach which reflects the salty water of the bay of Bengal. The Sea beach is serene and shallow for about a mile making it safe for the tourists.



Places of attraction at Digha

1. The Marine Aquarium and Research Centre: It was established in 1989 with the objective to display the marine bio diversity of the region and imparts its values to the common people.
2. Lord Shiva Temple at Chandaneswar: It is a century old Lord Shiva Temple , 8 kms away from Digha, People visit this place in Gajan, a festival of Lord Shiva.
3. Junput: It is 40 Km drive from Digha , famous for fishing.
4. Shankarpura: Another beach, which is 14 kms away from Digha and is also an important fishing harbour.
5. Talsari: A small delta on Bay of Bengal, 6 kms from Digha.

Once you are tired of fun and frolic in the sea, you can indulge yourself to fill your palate with delicious Bengali food, and also go for shopping of ornaments, hand woven mats , cashew nuts.

The Beach Famous For its Cleanliness - Shankumugham Beach

Shankumugham Beach is situated in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in South India. The beach lies on the western side of Thiruvananthapuram.This beach is very beautiful and clean.From the distance you can see a vast stretch of white sand.This beach is a wonderful place for an eveing stroll and it has got all the necessary ingredients to make you calm,cool and relaxed. The military airpot is also situated at this place. This beach is popular for its cleanliness.



The Star Fish Restaurant situated at the beach is a great place with eating kiosks and delicious food. An open air theatre is also there in this restaurant. The theatre is equipped with car parking facilities. The Indian Coffee House is another place where you can enjoy a variety of food along with a lovely cup of coffee. This place is also good for enjoying the sunset. The glowing orange light of the sun in front of your eyes and a cup of coffee beside you make a great combination to relax yourself.

A children's park called "Jawaharlal Nehru Park" is also situated near the Shankumugham Beach.This park has been made to teach about the traffic signs and traffic rules to the children.A skating school is situated nearby and children can take their skating classes here.The beauty of this beach lies in its cleanliness and serenity.



Another added attraction near Shankumugham Beach is the sculpture of Jalakanyaka. It is a mermaid which has been given shape by Kanayi Kunhiraman. He is a famour Malayalam sculptor. This structure is more than 35m long. The sculpture is a unique point of attraction here.

Recently the Shankumugham Beach has gone through a beautification and cleaning project. Under this project, the walkways have been made by the pedestrians. This project has really added more beauty and cleanliness to the beach.

Juhu Beach-The most visited beach in Mumbai

Juhu Beach may not be the most beautiful beach of India but it can rightly be categorised under the most famous and most visited beaches of India. Of course, it is one of the favourite hangouts, especially, for the young Mumbaites. Whereas other beaches are famous for their unique activites of swimming and sunbathing,Juhu beach is famous for the great fun and food one can have there.



Juhu Beach lies in Juhu suburb and can be located at the shores of Arabian Sea. If one is heading for this beach,he can use any of the three entrances towards the beach i.e from the Andheri side,from the Santacruz side or from the Vile Parle side.This beach is the frequently visited beach for all domestic as well as foreign tourists.Tourists can also visit this place easily beacause there are several five-star hotels,luxurious apartments and restaurants situated nearby.

One basic advantage of being at Juhu Beach is that you can visit several interesting spots situated nearby. A place called Gandhi Gram is situated at the north end of Juhu Beach. This place is famous because Mahatma Gandhi had lived there when he used to practice in the Bombay High Court. Another beautiful attraction is the Marine Drive which is also known as the "Queen's Necklace" as it is lit by the street lamposts,in a row, at night.This row of lights gives a beautiful image as if some diamond necklace is lying there.Marine Drive is also home to many Bollywood personalities.



The unique point about the Juhu Beach is that you can enjoy a number of food stalls there. Some delicious,spicy food-items are sold here. Especially the "Bhel Puri" (mixture of puffed rice,potatoes, chutneys, tomatoes, and onions),"Chaat","Paani Puri" and "Paav Bhaaji" are the most famous snacks available here.One more famous food item of this place is the special yummy Kulfi (a kind of local ice-cream).

In the evenings and specially during the weekends, the Juhu Beach becomes a real crowdy place. You can see a lot of kids playing here and there,many young couples and elderly people who visit the beach just for a walk and fresh air.

Many Indian movies have also been shot at the Juhu Beach like the famous movie "Sagar" etc. Many Bollywood celebrities have bought bunglows in the residential area situated near Juhu Beach.

For some people Juhu Beach cannot be the kind of peaceful place they want but of course for people who love being a part of the fun-loving crowd,Juhu Beach is the right place as you can have a lot of fun and food here.

Konark Beach-A Serene, Uncomparable Beauty

Do you crave for a peaceful beach which is free from the hustle and bustle of the crowd? Do you want to see a beautiful sunrise and sunset as well? Do you want to step your feet on a clean, soft and golden carpet of sand?



If you say yes for all the above questions then supposedly the Konark beach of India is the right choice for you.This beach can be located in Orissa. It is considered as one of the finest beaches of not only India but of the whole world. The beach is famous for its serene beauty and nature.

Konark itself is one of the most prominent cities of Orissa(India) and it has been rightly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is also well located for visiting the surrounding interesting sites. As long as the Konark beach is considered ,well the best time to visit it is between the months of October and March.




The golden yellow sand and the clear bluish water along the beach presents a mesmerizing scene. One can bathe in the neat and frothy water or else can opt for a sunbath. We try to collect shells and conches on every beach but doing this activity on Konark beach is a real fun because you feel an extra pleasure with smooth sand below your feet.

When somebody watches the sunrise at this beach, it becomes an unforgettable scene for him for the whole life.



The famous Sun Temple of Orissa is just 3 kms away from this beach. The temple holds a special religious importance for the Hindus. The unique feature of this temple is that it has been designed in the form of a large chariot. The temple when scene in the sunlight gives a superb scintillating image.

The blue water of the Konark beach keeps on rolling into waves and beyond the waves you can see a number of Pine trees lined up in a row. Walking along the beach side can always provide you with a pleasant experience.



Though there are a lot of beaches in India and around the world but those who have been to Konark beach are often observed saying that the peace and comfort this beach provides is uncomparable.

The Calangute Beach- One of the best Goan Beach

If you really want to quench your thirst of travel and adventure then once in a while you must visit Goa.The biggest truth about Goa is that it looks like some place coming straight out of your dreams. A small peaceful town with lots of small restaurants and bars situated along roadside just as lot of mushrooms head up during the rains. This place is full of beaches, nature, greenry, restaurants, fun and happiness.



The Calangute beach is one of the loveliest beaches in Goa. The word Calangute is derived from KOLI-GUTT which originally meant land inhabited by fishermen. The name Koli can be related with the goddess kali, worshipped by the fisher folk.

To get to Calangute beach, you have to walk for a short time, walk through shops on either side, and then you are at a place where you climb down steps to reach the beach. The lovely Calangute beach is also known as the "Queen of Beaches".Many local and International tourists visit this beach. The beach is crowded in almost every season.



Various water sports are also available at the Calangute beach. These interesting sports include Para sailing, bumper ride, banana ride etc.

In the various shops situated near this beach you can get a variety of trendy as well traditional jewelry. The shops also have hordes of stylish bracelets, caps and hats.



One more name that cannot be ignored while describing the Calangute beach is Souza-Lobo. Its a food outlet that serves wonderful food in a wonderful way. The Souza-Lobo people place the tables outside on the sand during evening time. Then beautiful candles are placed on these tables. Their decor is very much Portuguese having a blend of goan style. Souza-Lobo serves spicy goan dishes along with other tasty items on their menu.

If you stay at the Goa Residency Hotel then going reaching the Calangute beach would be very easy for you. You can also enjoy the alluring seafood and vegetarian food that is served in the nearby hotels of Calangute beach.

In a far off view from this beach you see a necklace of palm trees. When the water of this beach sparkles in the bright sunlight and you see a lot of tree here and there around the beach then you really feel the beauty of this place.That's why the Calangute beach is rightly said the"Queen of beaches" for its exquisite beauty.

Beaches at Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu established as a union territory of Goa was formed in 1961. The place is located on the southern boarder of Gujrat on the coast of Saurashtra. Daman and Diu is a small island lying in the Indian territory with a coast line of 21kms. In the past this place was an important sea port and trading center but with the development of Other beaches the occupancy of the beach decreased immensely.



Daman and Diu are very popular for their beautiful serenity and scenery, with golden beaches surrounding the entire place. Historical monument and palm groves are another attraction of the place. The city remains less commercialized which makes it remain closer to the nature and away from degradation.

Other places to visit in the region are the fort of St. Jerome, Jain temple, Cathedral church, Light houses, amusement park and Gandhi park. Daman and Diu have a plethora of exquisite beaches among which Devka is the most famous. Devka beach is popular among those who like swimming in the sea. The place provide with fair amount of lodging facilities and a culture which is remains closer to the ancient times.

Beaches in Maharastra

Maharastra is a state located in the southern west of India and has a coast line of 720 kms along the Arabian Sea. Its coast line extends from Dahanu and Bordi in north to Goa in the South. Mumbai the Capital of Maharastra is the financial capital of India and thus the coast of the city is a major port for trading. The state has opulence amount of beaches which are equipped with world class water sports facilities.



Another attraction of the maharastrian beaches are that they also have Palaces and forts on the beach side which provide and advantage of knowing the history of the place as well. The beaches here have safe water which makes is comfortable spot for families and children.

The beaches have very placid resorts on the sea shore which offer comfortable and enjoyable staying facility. The state is also popular for its beautiful temples and churches. The coastline weather remains pleasant throughout the year and the coasts have fair amount of connectivity which makes travelling easier.

Goa the fun City

Goa has one of the most exquisite beaches in India, popularly know as the "Pearl of the Orient" It is a visitors paradise. Panaji is the capital of the state which is situated on the banks of river Mandovi. Earlier Goa was a Portuguese Colony and was liberated in 1961. It is a small union territory on the western coast of India with a coast line of Bay of Bengal.



Goa has something or the other to offer to all, it has beaches which stay geared by dance and music all night and have beaches which are calm and quite. During day these beaches offer many exciting water sports which are very adventurous. Sports like parasailing, jet skiing, wind surfing and speed boating are very popular. When it comes to food Goa offers a Huge range of mouth watering Sea food the roasted or the grilled.

The famous beaches of Goa are Arambol, Anjna,Bogmalo, Baga, Candolim. Calangute, Varca, Sinquerim and Arossim. Each place has its own importance and History. The places are well commercialized and offer every possible facility. Goa has some of the world famous resorts and hotels and is a popular destination for foreigners. One can reach Goa by Air, Road or Train.

Beaches in Southern India

The southern region of India is near the equator and is surrounded by water bodies from one side. Indian coast line is covered by Arabian Sea on the western coast and by Bay of Bengal on the eastern coast line. The states lying in the region are Maharasthra, goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerela, karnataka and Orissa.



The beaches on the coast line are mesmerizing and provide for a spectacular place for holidaying, surfing, sand bathing and various water sports. You have many choices in India when it comes to visiting a beach. The beaches here are palm fringed, with placid lagoons and backwaters, deep marine life and lava rocked sea.

India also has world class water resorts which provide a spectacular view of sea. The visitors are provided with mouthwatering cuisine and hospitality which induces them to visit again.

The Oceanfront in Karnataka

A Beach is something that could intrigue the most tormented souls. A place which is a shore of water covered by palm fringed trees with rocky hills, well if this picture excites you to be at such a place than Karnataka Beaches would be your harbor.



Karnataka has a coast line running through about 320kms with a number of beaches on the shore. The serenity of the place is very overwhelming coupled with the hospitality of the regional folk makes this place very appealing.

Karnataka is a Southern eastern state with a coast line of Arabian Sea. The main attraction of the region is the seafood available in the area, the cuisine offered here is mouth watering. There are many beaches in Karnataka like Karwar Beach which is also the most popular and visited beach in the state, this is because the beach is surrounded by places like sadshivgad Hill fort, Octagonal church, Durga temple, Venkatrama temple which was built 300 yrs ago, ochre painting and Naganatha temple.

Another beach is Malpe Beach which is situated malpe river and is close to St. Mary's Island. It is one of the most important fishing center of the state.Some other beaches in the region are Marwanthe and batkal Beach both of them have their on enchanting beauty and are very popular among tourist.

The Hub of Beaches in India Kerala

If water is something that makes your blood run faster in your veins and you want to be at a place which is surrounded by water and beaches than Kerala would be your destination. Kerala has of about 900 kms of coast line covered with rocky mountains, sandy beaches, coconut trees and the backwater granaries.



Kerala happens to be one of the most exotic place to visit not just because of the natures blessings but also due to the hospitality that you receive from the inhabitants of kerala.Kerala is one place in India which has more than 10 beaches on its coast line and every place has its own USP. No place would appear to be similar.

Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular visitor's spot. It looks spectacular with green lagoons, vast lakes, fresh water rivers and along with this, it has water parks, picnic spots and boating facility.



Beypore beach is located in the south of Kozhikode right besides chliyar river. Beypore is a fishing harbour and a prominent port. This place is popular for boat building. Cherai Beach is situated near Ernakulam city, Cherai has a supply of fresh water which makes it an ideal place for swimming. Dolphins are also an attraction of this place. Dharmadam is an Island which comes under the territory of Kerala which is not accessible without permission.


There are many other places that you could see during your visit to kerala. This is one place where nature's beauty would be found in abundance and the weather remains pleasant most of the time. The hotels and resorts are built to the level of customer satisfaction.

The Sea food is mouth watering and the south Indian Delicacies is a huge attraction. Winters would be the most appropriate time to visit this place. One of the biggest attraction of this place are the spas and therapies which are provided by experts with natural Oils and Milks, this gives a one time experience which rejuvenates your body and soul.

Arambol Beach Goa

One of the most beautiful beaches of Goa, Arambol Beach. This beach is located few kilometers from Panji situated in the calm and quit place. This is a beautiful place for nature lovers with expensive coastal stretch. The beach attract foreigners mainly in the month of December and February during winter season. If you want to enjoy the place sit on sand near the beach and loose yourself in its captivating environment.



Th hot spring near the main beach which feeds into a freshwater lake, producing silt of lake shore is beneficial for skin. On its northern side there are several attractive ,quite bays and fresh water pool for swimming. The cool sea breeze here and the swaying palm trees create a perfect holiday atmosphere.

Major Attraction- Located around an area on high ground on the main coastal road. Goa beaches have plenty of character but Aramol Beach is one of beautiful and attractive beach, person who is like to spend his holidays with calm and peace, enjoy with own self than Aramol beach is the best place for him to spend holidays.

Accommodation- You will not get accommodation in Aramol beach because there are no resorts and hotels in Arambol.Few km far lavish Leela Hotel is there to stay you check in some other place near Arambol .

Diu Blend of Sea,Sun and Sand

Location of the important battle,The batle of Diu in the year 1509 that was fought between Portugal and united force of Egypt,Venice,Turkey,The Republic of Ragusa and the then Sultan of Gujarat,it is the distrit in Daman and Diu,a Union territory.

An exotic brew of Sun,sand and sea,Diu is an ideal place for those in search of exile from the rat race of the world.Ruled by many kingdoms, Portugal has left a deep impression on the island,since it was a Portugese colony till the year 1961. Presently,a Union territory,Diu was seperated from Goa in 1987. It served as a naval base and a trading post for the rulers then.




Topography:

Diu, lies a bit off the south coast of Kathiwar(Saurashtra) Peninsula in Gujrat an dis seperated from the area by a tidal creek.The island covers an area of 40 km sq and holds a population of 44,110 according to the latest census.A fishing town,Diu is famous for its old Portugese feel which is imperative from the presence of fortess and a Cathedral.




History:

The history of the island dates back to the year 1535 when the then Sultan of Gujarat,Bahadur Shah joined hands with portugese in military communion to defeat Humayun,the Mughal Emperor.The sultan allowed the Portugese to build a fort(known as the Diu Fort) and keep a stronghold on the land.The communion between the two soon ended and the latter refused to move from the mainland so guarded.A number of attempts to throw the Portugese out of the state went in vain.

Beaches in Diu:

1. Nagoa beach:


Located near the village of Bucharwada,the beach is remarkbly quiet and beautiful.Shaped up like a horse shoe,Nagoa beach is ideal for swimming. Abundant water sports facilities are available here for those you,not only admire the sea from a distance but in it,too.The soft sand invites everyone to nap under the palm trees filled with calming breeze.

2. Ghoghla Beach:

A sandy beach,it provides all the basic amenities to tourist which canbe made available to them from the tourist complex.Goghla Beach serves as the largest and the balmiest beaches in Diu.

Tourist Attractions:

1. Jallandhar Shrine:

Located on a small hill near the beach at a distance of 1 km,the dome of the shrine encompasses a carved stone faced like Jallandhar,a mythical demon killed by Lord Krishna.

2.Gangeshwar Temple:

Situated 3 km away from Diu,Gangeshwar temple boasts of five shivlings sitting amidst the rocks of the seashore.The shivlings are washed by the tidal waves.It is gathered that the 5 pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile.

Other places to visit:

* St Paul's Church
* St. Frances of Assisi
* St. Thomas Church
* Sea Shell Museum

Alibag

Alibag or Alibaug,a coastal town is is also the municipal headquarters of the Raigad District and lies in the konkan regions of Maharashtra. The town and its surrounding villages in Alibag are the memorable borderland of Bene Israeli Jews,the presence of which is seen from the synagogue present there.The history of Alibag dates back to the 17th century by Kanhoji Angre who was the naval chief of Chhatrapati Shivaji.Located 35 kms from south of Mumbai,Alibag is also sometimes referred to as the mini Goa of Maharashtra.




Alibag is the local getaway for the people of Mumbai and Pune. If untouched beaches and majestic forts is what you desire,then Alibag is the perfect spot for you.

How to get there:

* One can reach Alibag via road,through Pen(a town in Raigard District) which is 30 kilometres away.From Mumbai,one can reach Alibag by travelling on the Mumbai-Goa highway till Wadkhal and then taking a right turn. The distance frm Mumbai is approximately 108 km
* the nearest railway station from Alibag is Pen,India which is connected to Khopoli (an industrial city in Raigad)
* Ferry: The fastest way of travelling to Alibag is the ferry from Gateway of India,Mumbai.


Some Beaches in and around Alibag:

* Varsoli Beach:It is located about a mile from the main Alibag Beach.It is home to a very large naval base.
* Saswane: situated about 18 kilometres from Alibag
* Chaul Revdanda : situated 17 kilometres from Alibag
* Kihim Beach: situated at a distance of 12 km from the main beach,Kihim is famous for its dense cover of coconut trees and woods that are home to rare butterflies,birds and flora
* Nagaon Beach: famous for its coconuts and betel nuts,it is situated 10 km away from Alibag
* Chaul Revdanda: situated 20 km north of Alibag,it is a home to many bollywood celebrities who own holiday homes there.
* Kashid Beach: 30 km away from Alibag,it is the cleanest beach in Alibag with almost white sand.


Other Attractions:

* Kolaba Fort: It is usually confused with Colaba in Mumbai but it is a fort that can be visited on foot during low tide.It is situated at about 1-2 km from the Alibag shores.
* Chaul: Famous for its Portugese remains,old church,a synagogue,Buddhist caves,the hamam Khana,It is a historic town situated about 15 km away from Alibag
* Datta Mandir: 2 km away from chaul,it is situated at bhowale.
* Hingulja Mandir: Situated near datta mandir,it has a historic temple built by pandwas.
* Magnetic Observatory: Established in 1904 by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism.