Golden Beaches

Given the length of the Indian coastline, it is not difficult for the visitor to find his particular spot in the sun. There are marvellous unspoilt stretches of golden sand along the east coast, spectacular beaches in Goa, and fine beaches in Kerala and Karnataka.

GOA

Goa’s hundred odd kilometres of coastline has some of the best beaches in the country and the finest beach resorts. In the picturesque villages along the coast with white washed churches and red tiled houses, is a variety of accommodation that ranges from charming old family homes at budget prices and fine local cuisine, to luxurious five star resorts.

Places Of Interest

Calangute, Candolim, Baga, Vagator, Anjuna and Charpora Beaches in North Goa, Bagmola, Colva, Benaulim, Betul and Palolem Beaches in South Goa.

Panaji

The capital of Goa, Panaji is endowed with some fine buildings. Also worth visiting is the church of the Immaculate Conception and the Miramar Beach.

Old Goa

The old Portuguese capital of Goa, further up the river , has fine baroque churches with lavishly ornamented and gilded altars. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the body of St. Francis Xavier rests in the silver and glass casket, the magnificent Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi are the most important.

Ponda

Near the town of Ponda are temples built in a style that is exclusive to Goa. The best known are the Maguesh, Nagesh and Shanta Durga Temples.

Access :

Vasco da Gama is connected by rail to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other parts of the country. Dabolim, the airport near Vasco da Gama, linked to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai and other major towns. Charter flights link Goa directly to Europe. A sea ferry service links Panaji to Mumbai. Well linked by road.

DIU

The little island of Diu, once a Portuguese outpost lies off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat. With fine beaches, a couple of interesting forts and a relaxed ambiance, Diu is an unspoilt destination.

Places Of Interest

Nagoa Beach, Diu Fort, St. Paul’s Church, St. Thomas Church.

Access

The nearest railhead is Veraval (80Kms). Diu is accessible by air via Mumbai. Diu is linked by road to the major cities.

KOVALAM

Just 16Kms out of Thiruvananthapuram, is an idyllic spot with sheltered coves and a brilliantly blue sea. A multi-tiered hotel melts into the surrounding cliffs and pretty cottages are scattered around the palm groves. Visitors can indulge in a spot of Yoga on the beach or have a traditional Kerala oil massage with Ayurvedic herbal oils at the health centres. Kathakali performances in the evenings round off perfect days at Kovalam.

Access

Nearest railhead and airport is Thiruvananthapuram. Linked by road to all the major towns in the area.

MAMALLAPURAM

An ancient sea side town near Chennai, Mamallapuram is one of India’s well known beach resorts. Fine hotels and the ancient Pallava rock monuments, make it an interesting beach destination.

Access

Connected by rail to Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Arkonam. Linked by road to Chennai, Pondicherry and Bangalore. Nearest airport is Chennai (49Kms).

GOPALPUR ON SEA

A beach resort on the east coast of Orissa, Gopalpur has fine hotels and facilities for boating and yachting. The hot springs of Taptapani are not far away.

Access

The nearest railhead is Brahmapur (18Kms), to which it is linked by road.