Mahindra Homestays » Beaches

Finding the best beach in India

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 20:00:36 +0000

With its vast coastline India has a wide array of spectacular palm lined beaches which attract travellers from all over the world. Finding the best beach in India is no easy task; there are so many to choose from! The best beach in India for you will depend on what you want, from quiet solitude to a party type atmosphere. We’ve been hunting down the best beaches whatever your preference.

We’ve done a round up of our favourite beaches which we have covered in our Indian beach series.

Alleppey Beach, Kerala

Alleppey beach is a popular spot with old colonial buildings lining the shore. Also known as Alappuzha beach there are good facilities and interesting sights.

Baga beach, Goa

Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. It’s almost always crowded but it is clean, safe and family friendly with a lively night life when the sun goes down.

Colva Beach, Goa

The long white sandy stretch of Colva Beach in Goa is very popular. The sand at Colva as compared to other parts of Goa is exceptionally soft. Colva stretches over a large expanse and hence accommodates two distinct parts – one which is isolated where you can find a lone spot quite easily, and the other which is bustling with locals and tourists enjoying water sports.

East Coast Beaches

While the west coast beaches might be amongst the most popular there are plenty of fantastic beach spots on the east coast too. Pondicherry, Gopalpur and the Chennai beaches Marina and Besant Nagar beach are worth a visit.

Fort Kochi Beach

Kerala is known for its extraordinary coastal delights and the Jewish influenced town of Fort Kochi provides a pleasant mix of beach fun and history. Not the best beach for swimming or sunbathing, but instead soak in the atmosphere, watch the fishermen at the famous Chinese fishing nets and enjoy some top quality local seafood.

Gokarna beaches, Karnataka

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in Karnataka. There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine.

Kashid beach, Maharashtra

Kashid beach tops the list of beaches in India for people looking for silence and calm environment. Kashid beach is popular with a rock less shore and kilometres of soft sand. The entire spread is white and clear of any stones, rough patches or rocky areas. Some beach areas are almost deserted offering you the opportunity to have your own private paradise.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam beach, located in the southern state of Kerala, is popular for it’s diverse attractions. The 4-km beach is just six kilometers from state’s capital, Trivandrum and it’s three curved beaches are lined by towering coconut trees. The beach can be quite busy and there is a good selection of restaurants and shops.

Marari Beach in Kerala

Marari beach is a relatively low profile but wonderful sandy stretch between Fort Kochi and Alleppey. This stretch of the Kerala coast is great for just relaxing and doing nothing.

Palolem beach, Goa

Palolem beach is one of those Goan beaches, which the average traveller has probably never heard about. But that is the best part about it. It has all of Goa’s beauty but none of its commercialisation. The area is mainly occupied local fishermen and a handful of solitude loving tourists. It is a swimmer-friendly beach, which stretches out for over 1.5 kms. The depth of the sea increases gradually and the currents are not fast.

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala beach is known not just for its scenic beauty but also religious value. Also called Papanasam beach it is believed a dip in these waters can wash away your sins. Varkala beach is a calm, clean and quiet place to swim, unwind and get a golden tan. But activities like paragliding can also be enjoyed here for the more adventurous.

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original article which contains the full image linked back to the source by way of credit.

Beaches of India: Mahe Beach

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 20:00:06 +0000

Locked between the state of Kerala and the Arabian sea, the 9sq km stretch of Mahe is one of the most unassuming beach destinations of India. In fact, hardly featuring on the travel map for the majority of visitors, it’s quite a find.

Previously a French colony, Mahe has a unique status of being part of the east coast established Pondicherry. While the administration is largely from Pondicherry, Mahe is a popular destination to stock up alcohol due to low taxation base. That apart, it is one of the most serene and truly untouched destinations on the west coast!

Being right at the edge of the Arabian Sea, Mahe is not as popular as better known places such in Goa and Kerala, but the experience of the beach is very different.

Mahe beach is a fishing hub and early mornings you can see fishermen bringing in their catches the backdrop of the commercial activity created around this. There is a small jetty that runs into the sea which makes for a great vantage spot to see the boats coming in offering an enthralling view.

Mahe beach has a small patch where one can relax under the palms. There are no shops or shacks like parts of Goa so bring supplies and a large towel to rest upon. You can enjoy a magnificent view of the Mahe coastline from the Tagore Park and the Government House.

If you drive up towards Thalassery, one can see the more popular Muzhapilangad Beach. One will often hear the term, ‘Drive-In’ beach as the road leads up straight to it. Its flat surface allows even auto rickshaws to get here. There is a small sports school which remains closed during the monsoons. Basic water sports are offered here but the best experience is to enjoy a walk across the beautiful sands.

The next best thing that to do is take a trip to the Dharmadham Island, off the coast from Thalasserry. With no motor boats available, you will need to negotiate and venture out with fishermen. Their fee for taking you can be a priceyamount such as Rs 1500/- per trip from the Muzhapilangad Beach.

Related links and articles
Beaches of India
Mahe destination guide
Mahe homestay collection

Beaches of India: Marari Beach in Kerala

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:44:07 +0000

Marari beach is a relatively low profile but wonderful sandy stretch between Fort Kochi and Alleppey. The ‘Mararikulam’ fishing village on the western coast was discovered a decade ago and now houses some wonderful places to stay in. Alternatively you can easily spend a day at this beach while based in Fort Kochi or Alleppey.

Getting to Marari Beach – Marari is well connected by train, bus and flights. The closest rail head is Alleppey which is well connected through the country. The closest airport is Cochin and regular taxis and buses ply on this route for you to make a stop-over.

Weather – Like any coastal town in India, winters are perfect to visit this beach. Peak season runs from October to March. Advance bookings are recommended during this period.

Stay – A number of resorts have opened near Marari beach but it’s most economical and easy to stay in a homestay or privately owned beach houses. You may chose to visit for a day while staying in Fort Kochi or Alleppey.

Activities in Marari Beach – This stretch of the Kerala coast is great for just relaxing and doing nothing. Grab a good book, take a walk in the fishing village and get an Ayurvedic treatment. Perfect for unwinding after a couple of days exploring the small town of Fort Kochi or spending some time on the backwaters in Alleppey. If you are visiting during august, don’t miss the Snake Boat Race!

Swimming – Marari beach was and still is an active fishing village so swim with caution.

Find out more about Kerala or browse our Kerala homestay collection.

If you would like to visit Kerala contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Beaches of India: Colva Beach in Goa

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:22:46 +0000

Goa has an impressive list of beaches to choose from along it’s generous coastline, and one longest and most popular is the white sandy stretch of Colva Beach.

Colva Beach
Lying relatively in the centre of the coastline Covla Beach is in a convenient spot over extreme northern or southern beaches. Given its proximity to the railway station, bus stop and airport, Colva Beach is buzzing with visitors offering plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers and locals.

The sand at Colva as compared to other parts of Goa is exceptionally soft. Colva stretches over a large expanse and hence accommodates two distinct parts – one which is isolated where you can find a lone spot quite easily, and the other which is bustling with locals and tourists enjoying water sports.

After a long day of relaxation, you can watch the energetic activities on the beach front as the sun goes down.

When to go
Goa is best during the cooler period of October to March. Ensure that you book ahead as this is a busy season. Tourists have also started visiting during the monsoon months of July and August attracted by plenty of discounts and the opportunity to see Goa without the crowds.

Packing Musts
Though everything is easily available at the Colva market, flip-flops and sunscreen are a must when visiting Goa.

Things to Do in Colva

1. Indulge in Sea Food – Colva is one of the better destinations to get a sumptuous fill of good sea food as the beach caters to a large amount of western tourists and the shacks there have mastered the skill of making good sea treats.
2. Karaoke at the Local Bar -The small bars in Colva are packed in the evenings with music enthusiasts who want to give it a shot at singing. A brilliant place to make new friends and get adventurous with the microphone.
3. Water Sports – Apart from few other beaches in North Goa, Colva offers a number of water sport options. Banana boats and sea scooters are available to hire. You can also see a host of people paragliding in the evening sun.
4. Cycling – Colva has a long stretch towards the north which is relatively unvisited. The road is paved and runs along smoothly at a close distance from the beach. It’s a great place to cycle along watching the fields on one side and the sea on the other.
5. Sunbathe and Relax – Find yourself an isolated spot, dig in the umbrella and grab your favourite book – with the perfect companions of sunbathing, you are bound to get a successful Indian tan.

Find out more about Goa or browse our Goa homestay collection.

If you would like to visit Goa contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Beaches of India: Fort Kochi Beach

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:25:03 +0000

The southern state of Kerala is known for its extraordinary coastal delights and the Jewish influenced town of Fort Kochi provides a pleasant mix of beach fun and a quaint history to take a plunge into.

A short drive from the capital city of Cochin, Fort Kochi is accessible by road and ferry. The ferry of course is the more charming method to make your way to this little town. Venture into the market to pick up souvenirs or saunter by the fishing market before making your way to the beach.

Spend the day sipping fresh juices and catch up on a favourite book. The crisp silhouettes of Chinese fishing nets in a distance against the setting sun are a memory you will definitely want to capture.

There are many small stalls and restaurants which make use of freshly caught fish to create tasty traditional cuisine.

When to go
The best period to visit is in the months of October to March after the monsoon season. The town has some unique festivals like the Kochi Carnival, which is held in early January and involves costumed processions and masked dances. In February, temple festivals hold processions of up to 100 elephants.

How to get there
The nearest airport is 26km to the north of Ernakulam. There are two main railway stations, Ernakulam Junction near the centre, and Ernakulam Town, 2km further north. A ferry service connects Ernakulam, Vypeen Island, Willingdon Island and Fort Cochin.

Other sights of interest
Fort Cochin is the hub Cochin’s colonial past. With old Portuguese churches and mansions to visit. Famous churches here include the St Francis’ Church where Vasco de Gama was buried. Browse the market stalls in town for a wide variety souvenirs.

Once in Kerala, you are bond to get sucked into the array of activities! Fort Kochi Beach will help you get a break from stimulating the senses – just relax and submerge yourself in the warm sea breeze.

If you would like to visit Cochin then check out our Cochin homestay collection or contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Beaches of India: East Coast Beaches

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:47:04 +0000

India as one of the largest peninsular countries enjoys the advantage of having vast stretches of some pristine beaches. Coastal states of Goa and Kerala have already established themselves as ‘must go to’ beach destinations across the world but the beaches in east India are also well worth exploring.

The French colony of Pondicherry is the perfect place to get a slice of history and beach time on relatively remote locations. Apart from traversing the cobble stone streets of this quaint town, head north for some quiet and beautiful beaches. A pleasant departure from shop lined beaches on the western coast, all you might get here is a lone shack, serving simple but tasty food and a few beverages. The Serenity beach is one of the most popular but with this increase in popularity it is also getting increasingly busier.

If you travel towards Chennai to the north from Pondicherry, there are small lanes on your right that lead up right to the sands. Finding a lone spot for yourself is easy! If you are looking for some comfort, the resorts on the coast have private beaches with all the luxury or for a more authentic experience of the place, stay at a homestay and hire a bike or cycle for the day and explore on your own. October to March is a great season to visit Pondicherry and soak in all the sun!

Another coastal destination which has not yet arrived on the radar for travellers is the state of Orissa. Close to the Bay of Bengal on the North Eastern side of India, Gopalpur is one of the popular beaches to visit. Clean white sand, palm lined stretches, water sport activities and street food are available on this beach.

Most people visit Orissa for the famous Jagannath Puri Temple. Once finished with the spiritual part of the journey, explore the beaches for some relaxation. Sailing and surfing under expert guidance can also be thrilling experiences.

Though they are rapidly losing lustre, the Chennai beaches Marina and Besant Nagar beach are also frequented by many visitors. Infact Marina beach has an admirable record of being the longest in Asia with a sandy stretch running for 13 kms although after the Tsunami hit the coast in 2004, part of the beach has unfortunately shrunk. Marina beach is considered a great social establishment by the local community. Visit early in the morning or evening to see it bustling with locals busy with various activities – a game of football, local snacks being served, people strolling, vendors selling handicrafts – all great photo opportunities! Take an early morning visit to the fishing village side and see how the catch comes in the wee hours of the morning!

For the more adventurous in nature try skirting the east coast of India, right from the bottom most point at Kanyakumari and heading north. The trip allow you to experience a part of India which is relatively unexplored by tourists. The local flavours will be strong, situations memorable and the beaches in east India beautiful.

If you would like to include plan a trip to include the beaches of east India contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Beaches of India: Varkala Beach, Kerala

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:46:38 +0000

In our series covering the best beaches of India, we turn the spotlight on Kerala’s Varkala beach.

Varkala beach is known not just for its scenic beauty but also religious value. Also called Papanasam beach it is believed a dip in these waters can wash away your sins.

Location
Varkala is a coastal town in Kerala. It is 50 kilometres from Trivandrum and 37km from Kollam. Kochi airport is roughly 180 kms away.

Attractions
Varkala beach is a calm, clean and quiet place to swim, unwind and get a golden tan. But activities like paragliding can also be enjoyed here for the more adventurous. In addition to the beach there are plenty of other activities around Varkala.

The 2 millenia old Janardana Swami Temple is a revered temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. An ancient bell recovered from a Dutch shipwreck hangs at the temple. This is a popular spot for pilgrims attracted to the sacred waters.

The Varkala Tunnel is Varkala’s other most photographed site. A canal ride takes people through the tunnel. Building of this 924 ft long tunnel began in 1867 and was completed in 1881.

The Varkala Lighthouse is another popular site for visitors as it affords luxurious vistas of the region.

Eat
Small and quaint restaurants are found easily around the beach. Seafood is a particular speciality.

Stay
Scenically locked between backwaters on three sides Valliyavilla Family Estate is an ancient property belonging to the Royal family of Kollam and offers a comfortable place to stay.

Nalukettil is another homestay located in Kollam with rooms featuring tall wide windows to allow ample cool breeze from the backwaters, perfect after a day in the sun at the beach!

If you would like to include Varkala beach on your India itinerary contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Beaches of India: Kovalam Beach

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:00:09 +0000

Kovalam beach is located in the southern state of Kerala and is popular for the diverse attractions it offers. The 4-km beach is just six kilometers from state’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram. Here are some reasons why it is aptly called the ‘Paradise of South India’.

Abundance of Natural Beauty
Kovalam’s three curved beaches are lined by towering coconut trees, which are especially dense in the southernmost beach which is also called Lighthouse. Its three main parts are the lighthouse (southernmost area), Hawah (the middle region) and the northernmost area called Samudra beach. Lighthouse is named after its lighthouse and is the most popular of the three. The lighthouse, which was made by the British, offers panoramic views of region.

Sunset Views
The sunsets of Kovalam can surprise you every single time. Photography fans can be there for hours if not days capturing the infinite combinations of colours created at dusk every day. The calming beauty of the sight is a big attraction for lovers. If the sight itself was not enough, the beach comes alive at the time with music and dance, impromptu joy which overcomes visitors. This is also the time when photographers can capture fishermen using ancient methods of fishing.

Fire Rings and Bonfires
Sitting by a bonfire is one of the most popular activities amongst people who visit Kovalam. The fire rings and bonfire pits are available for free but are snapped up quickly as they are occupied on first come first serve basis.

Unique Amalgam of Cultures
A curious mix of shops can be found here. Artistic Kashmiri and Tibetan vendors share Kovalam with ayurveda-based salons, bikini sellers, bars, restaurants and more. It’s great for people who want to laze around, sunbathe, swim and just unwind.

Where to stay
Just off the highway Kollam to Trivandrum just a short ride away from Kovalam beach, is The Lakewoods Retreat, in a captivating setting on the banks of the placid waters of Karamana River.

If you would like to include Palolem beach on your India itinerary contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Beaches of India: Gokarna beaches

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 06 May 2011 04:38:47 +0000

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in the middle of Goa and Karnataka. In many ways it has the best of Goa’s beauty without its gnarly drunkenness. Here is all you need to know about this lovely, laidback town.

BEACHES
There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach (pictured above), Om Beach (pictured below), Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine. Walking is the most common way of getting around. However, auto-rickshaws between the popular beaches are also available. Currents change on a day to day basis, sometimes making the waters too dangerous for a swim.

FESTIVAL
Gokarna is most crowded during Shivaratri (February/March) when up to 20,000 pilgrims invade the small beach town. The 4-day festival involves large scale celebrations wherein two mammoth chariots are pulled across the main town.

THINGS TO DO
Most visitors will be there to spend time on the beautiful beaches to the south. Enjoy the sea and the views from the beach cafes or play volleyball on the sand. The beaches are clean, but ask locally about swimming, as currents can be strong.

GETTING THERE
The nearest airport is in Goa. From Margao, which is 125 kms away one can take a train or a pre-booked taxi. With advance booking taxis or trains can also be taken from Mangalore or Bangalore, which are 225 km and 475 km away respectively.

EAT AND DRINK
Sea food is freely available. Thalis are fabulously inexpensive. The Namaste Cafe on Om Beach serves good Mexican, Israeli and Indian food. Restaurants are not allowed to serve hard liquor. Hence, beer is usually the only option.

STAY
There are many hotels and shacks in Gokarna however the nearest homestays are in
Margao where you can choose from Arco Iris and Stainglass Cottage or alternatively stay in Bangalore at the Carmel Homestay.

If you would like to include Palolem beach on your India itinerary contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Beaches of India: Palolem beach

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:00:21 +0000

Palolem beach is one of those Goan beaches, which the average traveller has probably never heard about. But that is the best part about it. Here is everything you need to know about this South Goan beauty.

The beach
Palolem Beach has all of Goa’s beauty but none of its commercialisation. The area is mainly occupied local fishermen and a handful of solitude loving tourists. It is a swimmer-friendly beach, which stretches out for over 1.5 kms. The depth of the sea increases gradually and the currents are not fast.

Activities you can try include scuba diving or renting a self-paddle sea kayak boat but the main attraction is just enjoying the unspoilt surroundings.

Food
The region’s speciality is obviously sea food and there are plenty of places around Palolem beach where you can enjoy great food.

Brown Bread is good for coffee and snacks with a wide range of fresh breads and cakes. Blue Planet, a family run organic vegetarian cafe is good if you are looking for health food. Casa Fiesta, The Nest, Magic Italy and Alessandra’s are other great places serving a plethora of good dishes. As day turns to night check out Cafe Del Mar, a great 24-hour bar or head to Live Star for great cocktails.

Getting there
Palolem beach is merely three kms from Canacona Rail Junction and about half an hour away from Margao. By road, Panaji is 70 kms away and the most economical way to travel is by train.

Where to Stay
Arco Iris and Stainglass Cottage are two beautiful homestays in Margao, both within easy reach of Palolem beach

If you would like to include Palolem beach on your India itinerary contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.