The Beaches
Malpe Beach (392 km from Bangalore): Just 6 km from Udupi is the beatific Malpe beache famous for the exotic St Mary’s Island, a boat-ride away.
Bhatkal Beach

Bhatkal Beach : A 16 km drive from Bhatkal brings you to the sprawling sands of its treasure trove – the beach and the ancient temple roosted on a small hillock by the shore. Its pristine height commands a majestic view of the Arabian sea devouring the vermilion sun.

Maravanthe Beach (525 km from Bangalore): With the West Coast Highway cruising along the Arabian Sea and the exquisite Sauparnika river serpenting against a verdant mountainous backdrop, the place looks just exotic. The beach forms an ideal jaunt for tourists with an ardor for adventure sports or looking for a languid vacation.

Karwar Beach (525 km from Bangalore): Karwar, 100 km from Goa, has all the makings of a perfect holiday destination – gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, a benign sun, glistening sands, peaceful alleys – what more can you ask for?

Murudeshwar Beach (151 km from Karwar): A lore says that the place was sanctified by the “Panchakshetras” (Five Holy Places) of Mahabaleshwara. And the intricate stone carvings and statues about the place seems to have survived the lore. The beach is impeccable fun.

Mangalore Beach (298 km from Bangalore): A fine stoppage between Goa and Kerala, Mangalore with its winding streets fringed with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, temples, churches and of course, some beautiful beaches. It was once a ship-building center in Hyder Ali’s time which has taken on this new role of a huge export base for coffee, spices and cashew.

How to Reach
The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore has its own airport, which is connected to all the major cities in the country like Thiruvananthpuram, Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Mangalore. Bangalore is also directly connected to other countries, cities of the world like Singapore, Dubai, London, Oman, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia by means of Airways.

Snore by the Shore
Mayura Group of Hotels is a chain of 24 budget class hotels, 6 Restaurants and 3 Boat Clubs setup and maintained by KSTDC across the State.

The Beaches
Gopalpur on Sea (180 km from Capital): Perched close to the Bay of Bengal, 18 km south-east of Berhampur, is the town of Gopalpur laced with an exotic beach popular for surfing, swimming, sun-basking. North-west of Gopalpur lies Taptapani, famous for its hot water sulphur spring known to cure skin ailments.
Puri Beach

Puri Beach (60 km from Capital): Famous for its golden sands and the majestic antics of the sun about the sea – sunset and sunrise. Pilgrims visiting the Jagannath temple here, throng the beaches during festivals.

Konark Beach (65 km from Capital): Rated one of the most exotic in the world, the beauty of the beach and that of the colossal Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda (a World Heritage Site), clash and blend to create an ambience of amusement and sanctity. After a day of sun-basking stroll into the temple premises and have a dekko at some of the best expressions captured in stone.

Paradeep Beach (125 km from Capital): Christened ‘Tulasi Kshetra’, the beach draws vacationers to its beatific estuary of the Mahanadi with islands and creeks, and plush green forests that add to the scenic beauty of the locale. October to May is the best time to head for this exciting destination. Some major tourist destinations – Udayagiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri, are all within a 100 km radius.

Balasore (214 km NE of Capital): Balasore is convenient base point for excursions to Chandikpur and Remuna. Also noted for its traditional handicrafts of lacquered toys, brass-works and stone carvings.

Chandipur (230 km from Capital): 16 km east of Balasore, is Chandipur, another pristine beach. Here the sea, recedes 5 km at low tide and then flows rhythmically after a regular interval every day. This play of the tide combined with bracing environs make it a wonderful vacationing jaunt.

How to Reach
Air Sahara and Indian Airlines have 55-minute daily flights from Kolkata to Orissa. There are regular flights from Delhi (2 hr), and Mumbai (3 hr), and also to and from several destinations in South India, including Chennai and Hyderabad. If you want to travel by the train, try Rajdhani Express from Delhi (25 hr), the Howrah-Puri Express from Kolkata and so on. Puri is 1 ½ hr from Bhubaneswar, and there is regular train service between the two cities.

Snore by the Shore
Some of the most exotic beach resorts add that extra dose of spice to the Orissa vacationing expedition. The Palm Beach at Gopalpur on Sea; Hans Coco Palm Beach Resort, Hotel Toshali Sands, Hotel Nilachal Ashok on Puri are names to remember if luxury is your priority. Else budget accommodations can be had everywhere.

North Goa Beaches
Two majestic Forts stand as the guarding sentinels at Goa’s northern beach stretch – Tiracol and Agauda – from where the best sweep-of-vision can be had. The quaint seaside hamlets and their quainter rituals made this stretch more than a sunbathing lounge.
Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach (60 km from Airport): The northernmost beachfront of Goa after Keri, Arambol is both rocky and sandy and for the best views you will have to climb up the Waghcolomb Hill, which again has the tiny Paliem beach at its foothill. Go dolphin-spotting, paragliding and kite-surfing during the day and let your hair down for the wacky jam sessions at night at one of the many ravers out here.

Vagator beach (50 km from Airport): The mammoth Fort and stark red cliffs are the landmarks to look out for. Vagator, with the fresh water springs on the north, small hamlets with pleasant bars and cafes, low budget accommodation, the 18th century Chapora Fort (shooting site for the Bollywood flick ‘Dil Chahta Hai’), is the kind to head for a languid vacation.

Anjuna Beach (57 km from Airport): The Anjuna – Baga – Calangute beach-belt north of Panaji is most populous and developed. Ask any Goan and hew will load you with galores about Anjuna’s Wednesday Flea Market where everything from lovely trinkets and seashells to yak cheese and sarongs can be sampled. This one is rocky and not a good bet for watersports. But for nocturnals there are trance bars and rave parties that rock the beach almost everynight.

Baga Beach (15 km from Panaji): The crescent-shaped Baga with its soft white sands is a popular joint for water-sports activities like para sailing, jet skiing, body boarding and surfing. The dolphin cruises in the sea is a rage with tourists. Nocturnals stay back for the late-night parties here.

Calangute Beach (16 km from Panaji, 48 km from Airport): The massive white dome of the Church of St. Alex announces that you have reached Goa’s busiest of beaches. Right from hippies, roadside trinket sellers, Chapels, seafood eateries, to swanky Malini Ramani boutiques and exotic resorts, this is the hippest place to be. Its nickname, the Queen of Goan beaches, explains it all.

Candolim Beach (45 km from Airport, 13 from Panjim): The sequestered Portuguese Fort Aguada, the Chapel of St. Lawrence, Candolim Church – all conspire to give this beach its reclusive look. The crocodile and dolphin-spotting trips, fishing expeditions, river cruises and some exotic buys make it one of the noted names amongst the tourists.

Dona Paula Beach (32 km from Airport, 37 km from Margao): As pretty as its name is to the ears, Dona Paula is comparatively peaceful. The variegated water sports facilities like water scootering, angling create all the stir. Besides, it is a very picturesque locale commanding a grand view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour, and an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. The legend of the Portuguese Governor’s daughter Dona Paula and the local fisherman’s son Gaspar’s love story lend the place its romantic aura.

South Goa Beaches
It is an uninterrupted coastline, yet the beaches take on a different name each as you trail through, which is because the Goan beaches are named after the village in its vicinity. Tidbit apart, welcome to quieter stretch – a 26 km frill of grainy, white sand, that is best called ‘best’.

Colva Beach
Colva Beach (26 km from Airport, 36 km from Panaji): Though agog with vacationers, this is one place where you can slice your own space amidst parasailing enthusiasts, swimmers, devotees (that swarm the place in October on their way to the church of Infant Jesus), crowded shacks, fishermen and what not. It’s silver-gray, powder-fine sand has served a good bait inspiring a number of folk songs and some branded resorts to set up their abodes here.

Benaulim Beach (28 km from Airport): South of Colva is this legendary place, where according to Hindu mythology, the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João. The crocodile and dolphin-spotting cruises are a favorite at this pristine beach.

Palolem Beach (67 km from Airport, 43 km from Margoa): It is rated amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world, with the backdrop of the Western Ghats, where one visit only whets your appetite for more. The large InterContinental Grand resort, Pandava’s Drum – a cup-shaped rock which produces echoes if pelted on particular spots, a little island across the stream, the dolphin-spotting trips, a strange balming aura, make Palolem a must-go beach down south in Goa.

Agonda Beach (10 km north of Palolem): This one is just perfect for back-packers who are looking for some solitude. The waters are crystal clear and one can actually see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Just watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb the cliffs there. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach.

How to Reach
Goa’s international-cum-domestic airport, Dabolim, is 29 km from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco da Gama. You can fly in from Mumbai or opt for the eight-hour trip to Goa by Konkan railway or a sixteen-hour bus journey from Mumbai.

Snore by the Shore
Wake up with the fishermen’s call and clear your curtains to let in the tranquil rays of a benign sun that has just buoyed itself out from a turquoise sea. This and a plethora of active pursuits on and off the beach awaits you at the luxuriant beach Resorts. Check out our Resort section for details. Budget accommodations and shacks also available around the beaches.

The Beaches
» Beaches at Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam Beach (16 km from city): Three crescent shaped beaches – Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra – has made it an international favorite ever since. The Ayurvedic spas, resorts (Ashok Beach Resort), add to the fun with the sands. Stalls sell colorful fabrics, pseudo-ethnic hippie trinkets, and fresh fruit, fish, and coconut water.
Kovalam Beach

Varkala Beach (40 km from city): An otherwise Hindu pilgrimage center, Varkala is known for the therapeutic mineral springs and the closely guarded age-old massaging techniques. The seaside resort and the spa, needless to say, are traveler-busted here.

Shanghumukham Beach (8 km from city): The neighboring spots include the Veli Tourist Village and the Thiruvanathapuram Airport. The 250 m tiled walkway with granite seats make perfect seats to watch the sunset vista. The recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a 35 m long mermaid sclupture), the star-fish shaped restaurants are what awaits the vision out there, other than a smart beach.

» Beaches at Kollam
Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km from town): Ideal for early morning walks, with the fishermen swarming the shore-line. Bathing and lounging under the sun is pleasant out here.

Thangassery Beach (5 km from town): A sea side village of historic importance with ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and the 144 ft lighthouse are the other beach attractions.

» Beaches at Alappuzha
Alappuzha Beach (66 km from Kochi Airport): This golden piece of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals in south Kerala is often labeled as ‘The Venice of the East’. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. The Ayurvedic steam bath, herbal and oil treatment provided by some centers in the vicinity is something one should not miss.

» Beaches at Malappuram
Tanur Beach: Among the earliest Portuguese settlements in India, comes a small coastal fishing town of Tanur. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in the year 1546 AD. The Keraladeshapuram temple, 3 km south is believed to be the oldest in Kerala.

» Beaches at Kozhikode
Beypore Beach (10 km south): This was an once important ports and fishing harbors of Kerala, still retaining part of its ship building industry in the form of constructing Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.

Kappad Beach (16 km from town): It is the historical gateway to the Malabar coast – the one where Vasco da Gama landed way back in 1498 and a solitary pillar still stands tall with the inscription of the event. It is one of those placid and quiet beaches honeymooners would rate ideal.

Kappad Beach

» Beaches at Kannur
Muzhappilangad Beach (15 km from town): Fringed by huge black rocks, this beach is the longest in Kerala, with shallow waters just perfect for swimming. This beach is also the only drive-in beach in India.

The Dharmadam Island (17 km from town): Coconut palm groves and plenitude of greenery make it a seeming treasure trove from the distance and once there, you realize it is more than true. However, this is a private island and prior permission is required to enter it. Our agents will get the formalities done, at your behest.

» Beaches at Kasaragod
Bekal Beach (14 km from town): The beach embellishment is the ancient Bekal Fort with canons on its ramparts reminiscent of the trading ships approaching the shore under strict guard against pirate ships and rival merchant ships. A nearby mosque built by Tipu Sultan adds to the historic attractions of Bekal Beach.

Snore by the Shore
Beach Resorts with Ayurveda centers, spa joints are the ideal lodging spots. Budget accommodations, though not very popular, also exist in plenty.