Along the long coastline of India are many
beautiful beaches that attract tourists from both India and abroad. From the
tourism point of view, Goa has the most number of beaches that attract
tourists. Southern state of Kerala also has a number of picturesque beaches.
The beaches of Tamil Nadu are also popular. In fact, Chennai's Marina beach
is the second longest beach in the world. The beaches of Orissa are also
visited by tourists in large numbers. Here, we shall briefly discuss the
prominent beaches of Kerala and Goa.
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Kerala Beaches : |
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Varkala Beach - Varkala is located at a distance of 54 kms from Kerala's
capital city of Trivandrum. It is said that Varkala provides one of the best
sunset views anywhere in the world. The Varkala shore is also known as
'Papanashini'. Legend has it that a dip in the Varkala waters cleanses
people of all their sins. Vendors in their small stalls selling a wide
variety of decorative items, mainly conch shells and beads further adds
colour to the place. A picturesque beach with an element of spirituality, a
visit to Varkala is sure to refresh the mind and soul.
» Kovalam Beach - Along the 600 kilometre length of
the Kerala coast, there are numerous big and small beaches, but Kovalam
stands apart from the others for its breathtaking beauty, sunset cruises and
water sports. At a small distance of 16 kms from Kerala's capital
Trivandrum, the beach is well visited by both domestic and foreign tourists.
Visitors also indulge in many fun activities at the beach which include
swimming and sunbathing, kayaking, surfing, skiing, scuba diving, sailing,
yatching and windsurfing. Those interested in angling can go in for deep sea
fishing also. A few daredevils also go for parasailing at the sea.
» Alleppey (Alappuzha) Beach - Alleppey is another
of Kerala's fine beaches. A beach with a serene ambience, Alleppey is most
liked by tourists who want to cherish the natural beauty in quiet environs.
Washed by the waters of Arabian sea, the long Alleppey Beach is dotted with
thick palm groves giving a spectacular view to the visitor.
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Goa Beaches : |
» Baga Beach - Baga in Goa is the first
choice of those who love to spend time amidst serenity. There are many palm
trees standing very close to the edge of the water. The scenery of this
beach is unspoiled and more varied.
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Varca Beach - Varca is another quiet beach with a bountiful beauty of
nature. Soft white sandy Varca lies on the southern coastline of Goa by the
side of the Arabian sea. Comparable to the other beaches of Goa, Varca is a
cleaner and quieter beach. Like Baga, Varca is also preferred by those who
want to spend time in quiet environs away from the crowd.
» Candolim Beach - Charming Candolim is a canvas of
quite a few bright shades. An unknown beach till a few years back, Candolim
now draws tourists in large numbers. A straight beach without the perennial
beach curves, the scrub-covered dunes of this white sandy beach enhances its
beauty further. At the very end of seven kilometre long white sandy Candolim
is The Aguda Fort- Goa's best preserved Portuguese legacy.
» Colva Beach - Spreading over a distance of 20 kms,
Colva is Goa's longest beach. The virgin white powder sands coupled with
tall palm trees makes Colva one of the most picturesque beaches of Goa. Of
all the Goa beaches, the nightlife of Colva is regarded the most livelier.
The most happening night spots of Colva remain open till late at night
Eating, drinking and dancing are regular features of Colva nightlife.
» Calangute Beach - Calangute is Goa's most
commercialized beach. Calangute may be termed as Goa's flagship beach
projected by the tourism department to the world to attract outside
tourists. Calangute today symbolizes Goa's reputation of being a haven for
beach holiday.