Beaches in India
After spending eleven years amongst fresh green tea gardens, streams and foggy mountains i had always wanted to visit the great Indian beaches. I am a little insane right now after a few breezer and too much of Discovery & Nat Geo.
As a child i had visited Digha in West Bengal but that was long long ago and in an attempt to relive it, will share my experience and would post lots of picture so that you get an idea what to expect along the way.
1. Kasaragod (Kerala): May be the time we visited wasn't right, with cloud cast it drizzled frequently and the sea was violent and fishermen living along the coast did not venture out. The water was muddy and the waves were rough. Nature had its own ways of trying to keep the sea clean for you would definitely find washed up plastic bottles. There is also a light house just opposite which is open to visitors but we preferred getting our feet wet.
Rating: 3/10
2. Puri (Odisha): If you are planning for a budged family vacation, Puri is the place to be. I had never seen a beach this crowded yet so so very clean that it took me a while to believe i was still in India. There are plenty of hotels facing the beach and i am sure you would love the view from up there. I The waves are a little rough, you can feel the sand slip away from beneath you feet and stare at the open sea for hours. The beach has a lot of entertainment for kids right from horse and camel riding to airplanes attached to strings that fly tirelessly and i am sure it is something every boy would love. There are Small Stalls Selling Sea Shell and products from shells from clips and bangles. Umbrella and chairs can be rented at the beach at a reasonable rate and older folks sit chit chat over a cup of tea. The kids can be engaged to pick shells along the shore but do not let them go off your site. If you intend to go in the water, make sure you wear something firm, the waves would definitely tease you a little. There are place has easy access to the main road along with ATM and restaurants. One can even check out the sea food platter in the evening along the street for fresh fries.
Not a great destination for honeymoon as the beach is crowded and lacks privacy but a must visit place. Puri is religious place for the Hindu and it is one of Char Dham and easily accessible by train from Kolkata (Howrah)
Rating: 9/10
3. Bekal (Kerala): Instead of wasting time in Kasaragod, you should hop to Bekal. A great place for a day's visit. The place has a fort along the sea and this is where a lot of movies have been shot including the all time hit Tuhi Re song from Mani Ratnam's Bombay.
Rating: 7/10
4. Alappuzha (Kerala): Step out of the railway station and a little walk, oh there you are at the Alappuzha beach. I had heard a lot about the back waters of Alappuzha but after traveled a little into the city, it all seemed like a big drain to me. It no what it used to be and so i spend at entire afternoon in the beach. It was hot, make sure you carry drinking water along. A busy but great dining place is the Thaff Family Restaurant famous for beef and fish platter.
Rating: 6/10
5. Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu): 60 kms south of Chennai is small ancient historical town. November - February should be a good time to visit. The town is well connected to Chennai by bus. Begin by visiting the monuments and when you feel the heat and exhaustion, just let yourself float along with the wave. Mahabalipuram can be a great place for historian and students with plenty of activity to keep you busy all day. A light house is open for visitors with breath taking view of the sea and the city. Small stalls serving fish and crab fry is common but not very hygienic.
Rating: 8/10
5. Gokarna (Karnataka): This is one destination that attracts a lot of foreign tourists. Shacks are along the coast with Not many hotels here are at walking distance to the beach but if you really really love the sand and waves Gokarna can surprise you with the three magnificent beach she nurtures. 2 wheelers are available for hire for tour along the hillocks, please be gentle on her curves for a safe memorable trip.
Town Beach: Easily accessible, clean and with shacks along the way, you don't have to worry about a little snack when hunger knocks. The beach is a no smoking zone.
Rating: 6/10
Kudle Beach: The beach is cocooned amongst hillocks protecting natures fine creations. You will have to hire a transport to get there and you will not regret the beauty and elegance she carries. I have never experienced a sea this calm and safe. Boats are available that could tour you to around.
. Rating: 8/10
Om Beach: The aerial view represents the Om symbol. The sand is slightly sticky and gets better after a few feet, always be careful along the slippery rocks. Boating and shacks are available.
Rating: 7/10
