India Travel » Goa Beaches

Beach Holiday Tours in India

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:54:22 +0000

The clean, serene beaches of India are an ideal ambience for one to chill out. They provide an ornate combination of sweetness of sun, placid breezes, azure sea, awning coconut and sand beaches. The tropical sun soaked beaches of India have something for every beach holiday lover. Lie under the palm trees and white sand beaches with turquoise water and get waterlogged in the sun while the wind blows sweet love spells. Experience the real fantasyland.

When it comes to beach holidays in India the choice is unending:

Goa Beaches: Popularly known as “the emerald land of pristine beaches “, Beaches of Goa are paradise on earth in real sense. They add a flavor to the Indian beach tour. They provide a wide range of travel options. Their chief characteristics include Portuguese architecture, heritage of churches and museums. The beaches of Goa offer enormous opportunities to enjoy the hot sun take beach walks, collecting shells and enjoy the special Goa delicacies. Goa beach offers water sports facilities like water scooters and water gliding. The famous beaches of Goa are

1. Anjuna Beach- It is 18 kms from Panaji and is considered the most popular beach in Goa. Nearby Anjuna beach there is a magnificent Albuquerque Mansion that is bordered by octagonal towers and eye-catching Mangalore tiled roofs. This is also known as ‘Freak capital of the World’. It is popular for the Trance Parties and the Hippies.

2. Baga Beach- Baga beach in Goa lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The best time to visit this beach is from September to May. Baga beach is a selection for those who want to stay away from the hustle-bustle. The Baga Beach River flows down on one side of it. This beach has the best range of restaurants and liveliest nightlife and is famous for its scenic views and captivating sights.

3. Calangute Beach- Regarded as the queen of beaches is a perfect place to enjoy the sun and the sand. It is 16 kms from the capital of Goa and contains excellent accommodation facilities. The best time of the year to visit this beach is between the months of September and March. This beach derives its name from Koli-gutti which means land of fishermen.

Kerala Beaches: Kerala’s beaches are renowned for the tender waves and blue waters. Keralan beaches are distinguished worldwide for their magnificent splendor. Tour to the beaches of Kerala with the swaying coconut palm trees captivates the mind and soul of each individual. The state consists of palm-fringed beaches, lush green hills and exotic asylum which stand apart from any other wonders in the world. The most famous Kerala beaches are:

1. Kovalam Beach, which is 16 kms far from Thiruvananthapuram city. It is called ‘Paradise of the South’. Best time to visit this beach is from October to March. Kovalam beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Kovalam beach is mostly looked for Ayurveda treatment.

2. Varkala Beach is 41 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The main attraction of this beach is its high cliffs which rise majestically from the coastline. High cliffs border the excellent beach. The beach is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value.

3. Alappuzha Beach is a famous picnic spot. It’s a picturesque view canals and bridges. The notable attraction is its famous boat races, houseboat holidays, marine products and coir industry. It also offers ayurvedic steam bath, herbal and oil treatment. There is also an old lighthouse which is a famous tourist attraction.

Andaman & Nicobar Beaches: Andaman & Nicobar is the most unique Island state of India. Tour to beaches of Andaman & Nicobar, is characteristic of dazzling greens, appealing corals, ravishing reefs, amazing forests and gentle sea waves. Andaman & Nicobar beach tour is thrilling for all the adventure lovers, as beaches of Andaman Nicobar offer an incredible assortment of water sports. To name a few Scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing and camping are the famous water sports activities on these beaches. The popular beaches are:

1. Corbyn Cove and Chirya Tapu -is considered as one of the best of Andaman and Nicobar. It is the ideal for sea bathing. It is the nearest beach to Port Blair. In close proximity there is a Snake Island, which is surrounded by coral reefs, presents a picturesque view.

2. Harminder Bay Beach situated at a distance of 100 km from Port Blair is situated at Hut Bay Island. Looked upon as a quiet gateway, this beach is a perfect land where the waves of the Indian Ocean cuddles the white sandy beach.

3. Karmatang Beach, situated in the Mayabunder northern part of Middle Andaman, is a serene beach with arresting beauty. Karmatang beach provides an unusual experience of a steamer ride through mangrove from Mayabunder. Thus a group of 572 islands, Desert Island, rocks, sultry climate is more than enough to invite tourists from across the globe from May to October being the crest period. The rich nautical life and the multiplicity of flora and fauna, these islands have never botched to enchant the tourists with their aura.

Beaches of India are truly a retreat for the people, a perfect place to relax and lay your back. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty with coconut water and sounds of the gentle waves. One can watch the sun go down in seclusion.

By: Kandpal Chandra Subhash

Explore the Unbelievable Charm of Goa on an India Tour

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:01:43 +0000

Planning for a trip to India to enjoy your vacation in a delightful and memorable way? Come to Goa in India the tiny state well known for its amazing beauty of nature, pristine beaches, wildlife parks and sanctuaries, UNESCO World Heritage Site and many other tourism attractions. The state or Goa is visited by tourists from all the nook and corner of the world to enjoy vacation in a delightful way. Come to Goa once and it is sure you will love to come time and again to explore its amazing beauty.

Goa is predominantly known for its fun filled beaches which form the major attraction of the state. There are around 39 beaches and all of them are well known for their uniqueness, beauty and attractions. Some of the well known beaches of the state are Baga Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Arjuna Beach, Candolim Beach, Palolem Beach, Calangute Beach, Agunda Beach, etc. These beaches are internationally famous and gather the national and international tourist all the year round. These are several other beaches which are exotically beautiful and deserve the admiration of the tourists coming for Goa beach tours.

Beaches of Goa creates heavenly ambiance for tourists to enjoy holiday vacation and beach sports in a delightful and memorable way. One can enjoy parasailing, surfing, swimming in the azure blue water, beach volleyball, scuba diving, wind surfing, angling, deep sea fishing, etc the delightful at the same time adventure sports in pristine beach of Goa. For honeymooners Goa beaches are no less than a heaven. They lovely ambiance and the panoramic view of the surrounding creates heavenly ambiance for the couples to make love and enjoy romantic time along the beaches to make the bond of love stronger. Come and celebrate your honeymoon in this beautiful state of Goa and make the give a great beginning to your new marriage life. Honeymoon vacations in Goa are lifetime experiences; come together and add some magical moments to your life.

Beside these the state is also well known for its exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries. The exotic sanctuaries are the safe home of the varied wildlife animals, birds and creatures. One can enjoy thrilling wildlife safari in these wildlife sanctuaries to spot varied wildlife species in their natural home. Don’t forget to take camera with you to capture the astonishing move of the animals in the jungle. Capture the view of the monkey jumping here and there showing their unusual tricks. Jackals, Foxes, deers, flying foxes, crocodiles, turtles, etc can also be spotted in these wildlife parks and sanctuaries of the state.

Well the state is also famous for its forts, churches and terrific temples which depict the presence of Portuguese in India. The most interesting fact is that Goa got independence much later, though India was independence during 1947. So this beautiful and tiny state has good number of forts which are also the major tourist attraction in Goa. The most famous one is the Basilica of Bom Jesus which attracts great number of tourists is a declared world heritage site. Come once catch the view of the amazing architectural beauty that depicts the love of the Portuguese towards art and culture.

Well if you are planning for tours and travels in Goa you are most welcome in this beauty state. Enjoy the holidays that you have never experience before by booking one from the many Goa tour packages. Enjoying holidays in Goa will truly be the delightful experience which you will love to cherish throughout your lifetime.

By: Rajesh Kumar Sinha

Goa Tour on India Tours and Travels

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:32:45 +0000

Popularly described as the Pearl of Orient, Goa is the abode of scenic beauty and many tourist spots, intricate churches, terrific temples, exotic flora and fauna, evergreen hill and mountains and many more. It is globally famous for its pristine beaches fringed by the swaying palm and other leafy trees that create heavenly ambiance for tourists to enjoy the Goa vacation in a delightful and memorable way. It is visited by tourists all the year round making Goa the tourist destination of all seasons. Come to this state once and it is sure you will love to be back year after year to explore the beauty of the beaches and its amazing tourism options.

Goa is predominantly known for its fun filled beaches that offer tourists to enjoy sometime of their life with immense happiness. The beaches creates amiable ambiance for tourists to enjoy the fulfilled beach activities along the silver coastline. You can sit under the umbrella of the beach and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding. You can enjoy fun filled activities like swimming, angling, motorboat tour, beach volleyball, football and many other delightful beach activities can be enjoyed on the seashore of Goa beaches. Well for honeymooners and newly wedded couples beaches of goa creates heavenly ambiance. It is the most favored destination and offers couples to spend time in a romantic way to make the honeymoon tour Goa an experience of lifetime.

Exotic flora and fauna of the state also helps in the boom of Goa tourism. Most of the forest here is owned by the government making it most protected and safe place for the wildlife species. In the year 1999 the National Geographic Magazine compared the vegetation of Goa with Amazing and Congo basin. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Cotigoa Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandovi- Zaruri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondala Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, etc are the most admired wildlife parks and sanctuaries of the state. Tourists can enjoy safari inside these national parks and sanctuaries to spot the wild in their natural home. You can also spot various colourful species of birds twittering in the jungle, flying here and there and some singing in the melodious tune. Enjoying safari in these exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries of the state will truly be the delightful experience of tour in Goa.

Well if you know Goa only for its pristine beaches and exotic flora and fauna then you are missing the best part of the Goa vacation. This tiny state of India is also famous for its Heritage monuments and churches which till date preserves the essence of the Portuguese presence in Goa. Intricate churches with beautiful glass works and beautiful designed lures the heart of tourists. Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, St Francis of Assisi, St Cajetan, the tower of St. Augustine, etc are some of the finest churches in Goa. These are internationally known heritage sites which depicts the rich cultural heritage of India.

Beside these tours in Goa is made more delightful and memorable by the warm hospitality and world class accommodation facilities offered by the Goa hotels. Most of the hotels in Goa offer the scenic and picturesque view of the beaches making tourists stay in the hotel more memorable and enjoyable. There are many more to explore on Goa tours which can hardly be described with words but it is better experienced. Tour operators provide gamut of tailor made Goa packages for tourists to enjoy vacation in Goa in a delightful and memorable way. Overall we can say that holiday vacation in Goa the beach capital of India is a lifetime experience.

By: Terence Lewis

Goa – The Jewel of India

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:22:54 +0000

Goa has a special place in my memories. It is the place where I met my husband and also because this was my first expedition alone. I had heard that the new year eve is celebrated with much fun and frolic in Goa. As I had been selected as a lecturer in a college and had been saving money for something special, I decided why not take a trip to Goa. I found that people in North India are much intruding and misbehaving towards a lone female traveler. Though I did not face such problem in Goa.

Goan history:

Often known as ‘The Rome of the East’, Goa was ruled by a great number of Indian kingdoms and dynasties from the 4th century onwards. The name ‘Goa’ is derived from the Konkani (The Goan Language) word ‘Goyan’, which means a patch of tall grass. Mythologically, Goa’s origin is ascribed to Parshurama, a God of the Hindu pantheon. Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510 following the urges of trade and demand of spices, cotton and indigo. Portuguese renovated Goa by erecting one of the great churches like the church of St. Cajetan and Bom Jesus basilica in Old Goa, which is a pilgrimage site for the Christians all over the world.

Goan culture

When you travel to Goa, “The jewel of India” you discover that they enjoy life to the fullest without getting tense about the unfavorable repercussions. ‘Siesta’ is an important part of life in Goa. I noticed shuttered down shops in afternoon, my host told me that the time from1pm to4 pm provides an afternoon nap to the Goans. Legendary Lata Mangeshkar is from Goa just like the classical singer Kishori Amonkar and the pop singer Remo Fernandes There is a vast representation of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, which testifies to the catholicity of the people’s beliefs as well as their mutual tolerance. Indeed, Goa is could be loved just for this rare quality which one feels imperceptibly on even a short visit.

Goa beaches:

Calangute is my favourite beach. It is the most famous and most crowded. if u love music, dance, chitter-chatter of countless people around you then Calangute is the place for you. The main road which leads straight to the beach is full of Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls selling Himalayan curios and jewelery. The high quality textiles from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka can be bought from here.

Anjuna Beach: Anjuna is known for its infamous full moon parties and for its flea market.

Baga beach: Baga is actually an extension of Calangute beach but it is secluded enough to gain popularity among the topless sunbathers, though it is not among the famous ‘nude’ beaches. It is difficult to arrange for the transport in the late evenings in the area as there are no buses to the place after the dark and it takes a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach.

Palolem Beach – is also known as “Paradise Beach”. This beach is south Goa is about a mile long and it provides seclusion and idyllic scenery. If you’re looking for a most unhurried and balmy beach experience, complete with the most breathtaking coastal scene, this is the beach for you.

Mandrem or Morjim: This is a place for those seeking peace and solitude. The beach stretches across three hamlets: Mandrem, Ashwem and Morjim. Divided by little creeks, these are spectacular windswept stretches of sand, devoid of crowds of people.

Though Goa is known for its beaches, the over two dozen temples in the town are worth a visit too.

Where to stay:

If you are going for Christmas and new year then you must book well in advance as this is the peak tourist season. Not only all big and small hotels are booked out, you won’t find rooms to stay in family run lodges also. My husband’s uncle and aunt were with us on our second trip and we had decided to go there on a spur of the moment. We reached there with all our baggage and confidently knocked at the door of our erstwhile host( we stayed with him previous year) but he had no room! He tried to accommodate us with his relative’s but again the reply was “no vacancy”. After an exhaustive search a widow gave us her son’s study (she had seen two couples wandering back and forth in the street and worried about the “ladies”). The room was very humid and practically a rat hole (our benefactor charged a whopping amount for 2 nights stay). My advice is that if you are going there only for New Year eve then don’t worry about booking. Just enjoy the sun and sand and the whole festive atmosphere of Goa with a feni in your hand. We saw many people who were comfortably sleeping on beaches the morning after New Year eve. But this suggestion is only for those who are traveling alone or with friends. If you have family with you then booking the hotel must be your top priority. Or you can make a deal in local lodges which are equally good. Hire a bike and go on long drives to explore the Goan beaches and scenery.

The Carnival:

Tour of Goa is incomplete if you miss out being a part of the Christmas Carnival. It does not matter whether one enjoys or see others enjoying. There is enthusiasm and happiness all around. Floats depicting popular lullabies and nursery rhymes make a whimsical and colorful sight on the streets. The three-day festival primarily celebrated by Christians, has absorbed Hindu tradition-bound revelry and western dance forms, and stimulated by the artistry of the Goan genius turned into a pageantry of singular effervescence.

Restaurants:

Tito’s on calangute: TITO’S Restaurant is a favourite with locals and foreigners alike. . Stars like Richard Gere, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Aishwarya Rai (to name a few) have all dined here.

Pagoda (CALANGUTE)

Excellent genuine Chinese restaurant run by a Chinese expat. Situated on the junction of the Baga & C. S. M. Road

J&A’s Little Italy (BAGA)

One in the list of most popular restaurants in Goa, this Italian restaurant comes highly recommended and is situated on the charming Baga river promenade.

Shopping:

Shopping in the famous traditional markets of the Mapusa and Anjuna area is a fascinating experience. These markets are a mirror of Goa’s ethnic culture and provide a glimpse of the typical Goan way of doing business. The Friday Market at Mapusa, where stalls sell everything from curios and old coins to dried fish and spices. The Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach started by and for foreigners is an extremely lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at bargain prices. Be sure to sharpen your bargaining skills before you go, the vendors, who’re surprisingly fluent in English, are quite sharp-witted. There are many tattoo shops also. Al’s tattoo studio in goa is the best on baga road opp ronel hotel.

Souvenirs

Feni: Feni is the native liquor of Goa famous all over the world and almost synonymous with the region. Goans still believe that any ceremony require the joie de vivre sans, the company of alcohol as they are prefect celebratory of goenchi feni. The birth of a child is cheered with feni, a death is mourned with feni apart from fiesta, football and fish as are the ‘famous fours’, which go into making any goan happenings.

By: Sheetal Ahlawat