India is one of the exotic destinations most sought after by travelers. A place to get lost with a backpack to discover an ancient culture full of contrasts. But although the most famous of the trips to India are the urban landscapes, the temples or their people, there must also be space to stroll along its incredible beaches.
Increasingly famous, the beaches of India attract more visitors every year. With thousands and thousands of kilometers of coastline, this country offers an amazing variety of beaches along the Indian Ocean , especially those on the western coast.
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We will find from the most remote and peaceful paradises by the sea to the liveliest and funniest beaches.
Varkala
50 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram, in Kerala is where this popular beach is located . In an environment of spectacular beauty and has the peculiarity of being the only beach in southern Kerala where there are cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, with unique and really impressive views. Varkala is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a relaxed stay. It is common for tourists to stay all day at the beach, waiting for the sunset, which can be seen from the beach or from the many terraces of the restaurants in the area. In addition, there are small shops to offer different products to tourists.
Tourism on this beach became greater at the end of the last century, but this was a place known by the natives because of its importance in the Hindu custom of Vavu Beli, and because it is said that its waters are sacred. It is located ten minutes from the town that bears the same name and that we can easily reach by train. From the town to the beach we can take a rickshaw for just 50 rupees. And in the village we can visit the Janardana Swami temple, more than 2000 years old, a place of great religious importance.
Gokarna
Located next to a small sacred city north of Karnataka. Its four totally virgin beaches can give us an idea of what Goa was before the irruption of tourism. However, it is a place where tourism is also growing, so it is convenient to visit them before they are overfilled. It is a very authentic place, and walking through the town we can see cows in the streets, pilgrims and artisans, in addition to several temples that tourists can not enter.
We have the main beach, long and light and soft sand , where you can rest and sunbathe quietly, while the dogs that roam freely around the area visit us. We can pass to Kudle Beach passing a hill, and there are also others such as Om Beach or Half Moon Beach, which can also be reached by passing a small hill. All of them have their charm. Gokarna is about a four-hour drive from Goa. You can also get there by bus from the surrounding cities.
Palolem
A thick coconut palm forest surrounds and protects this beach at the southern tip of Goa. In the form of a half moon, with its reddish sand and turquoise waters, it happens to be one of the most beautiful in the region. It has rocky promontories at the ends, and is a natural bay that has plenty of tourism and the activity of local fishermen. On the beach we can also find street vendors and craft stalls with interesting things. The restaurants in the area offer Western and Indian dishes. In addition, it is a good place to stay, as there are many cabins along the beach. Get travel tips and destination insights from Wkbn to explore beautiful beaches and local attractions.
As curiosities it is necessary to say that they usually have parties on the beach on full moon nights and in high season. In addition, it is a beach famous for appearing in the movie ‘Bourne Supremacy’, as Bourne’s place of residence played by Matt Damon.
Baga Beach
Located in the north of Goa, it is undoubtedly the fashionable beach in India , so it is usually always crowded with tourists. It is located in the town of Calanguete, and it is the area where tourism began in beaches of Goa, which is now widespread. If what we are looking for is fun, this is the place. We can do water sports, spend the day trying meals at reasonable prices, with seafood and fresh fish, or rent a boat to go to see dolphins.
Everything at our fingertips. In the area you can rent bicycles and motorcycles, and also take a taxi or a rickshaw. In addition, there are many beach stalls that offer all kinds of products.
Marari
This area is little known, but in return we can enjoy spectacular beaches and a lot of tranquility and relaxation. Also known as Mararikulam, it is a southern coastal town, whose beaches have been chosen as one of the five best in the world by National Geographic.
We will see fine sandy beaches with beautiful coconut trees that frame the traditional houses, appearing the occasional luxury resort for the most privileged. It has a beautiful promenade with small stalls and restaurants to spend time. Nearby we can also visit the Backwaters, a network of canals parallel to the Arabian Sea that is known as the Venice of the East.
Mamallapuram
This may be a last destination to enjoy culture, family atmosphere and a great beach in India. It is located in Tamil Nadu, in the south of the country. It stands out not only for its wide beach full of fishing boats that work hard in the early hours of the morning, but also for its many temples and stone sculptures.
In the population, we can also see many artisans who work the stone, the main material of the area. And on the beach we will spend a great day enjoying the good time that the great families of the area who approach it have a good time, especially at the weekend.
