Everybody loves beaches. For one reason or the other. India with its long coastline of close to 8000 kilometres is blessed with numerous beaches and lagoons. To select where to go is itself an overwhelming task owing to the large number and diversity. However, modern travel booking services are really smart to help you with the right suggestions about travel destinations, routes, accommodation and reservations.
Here we have collated information about the top four beaches on India’s west coast, in no particular order of preference:
1. ARAMBOL BEACH
Situated in the northern coast of Goa (North Goa District) about 50 kilometres from Panjim, Arambol is a 16-kilometre beach characterized by cliffs on the sides and a freshwater lake amidst. The beach lies on the fisherman village and has a bohemian feel to it. The beach also has several bays, the most famous of which is the Sweet Water Lake which is fed by hot springs. The beach is known for hosting parties and music celebrations and is often referred to as the ‘’Hippie Culture Capital of Goa’’.
Food and Stay: Arambol has enough places for the budget traveller in you while also providing for costlier options. Food ranges from basic Goan to Continental, so whether you are an Indian or an overseas traveller, there is enough on the plate for you!
Reach Arambol: You can reach Arambol by road from Panjim and Mapusa, a town situated about 30 kilometres away. You can also reach Arambol from the Margoa railway station via a pre-paid taxi.
2. AGONDA BEACH
Situated about 37 kilometres from the city of Margoa, Agonda is a rather quite for a beach place and is among the popular beaches located in the south of Goa. A relatively shorter beach that stretches for 3 kilometres it is situated not very far from the very popular Palolem beach. Agonda over the years, has built a reputation of a quiet, serene place without the party atmosphere and is most suitable for Swimming, Silent long walks, Yoga and just about Lazing for want of a calm atmosphere. So if you are looking for those romantic times or even a time for yourself, this is the place to be!
Food and Stay: Though the beach is located at a small village, you will have enough variety in food to satisfy the palate both in terms of authentic Indian and Continental food. The stay ranges from beach huts to guesthouse to luxury villas.
Reach Agonda: The village is about an hour drive from Margoa and can also be reached by rent bikes from Palolem.
3. GOKARNA BEACH
A temple town in the north of Karnataka, Gokarna is also popular for four of its pristine beaches. Visiting Gokarna will satisfy your Spiritual appetite as you move through the temples located in the small town, the most popular of which is the Mahabaleshawara Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The fun part of the tour is at the four beaches, the most popular of which – The Om beach, hosts Bonfires, Singing, and some parties during peak season. Alcohol is prohibited due the Spiritual significance of the place. The view of the beaches gives a very serene feeling and is worth the time spent.
Food and Stay: Small joints to big restaurants provide the options of Local food and various South Indian varieties. The accommodation ranges from Homestays, to Cottages to Beach resorts.
Reach Gokarna: The place can be reached by road from Bangalore which is about 450 kilometres away, from Mangalore about 238 kilometres away and from Karwar about 60 kilometres away. The nearest airports are the Mangalore International Airport and the Goa International Airport.
4. KOVALAM
Going further down south into ‘’God’s Own Country’’ – Kerala, you will find the tiny town of Kovalam not very from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The beach of Kovalam is renowned since decades and is a favourite destination for many overseas travellers. The beach is basically a combination of three crescent beaches sitting side by side and provides for a great aerial view. It has rather calm waters making it ideal for bathing. The beach also provides for various leisure options from Swimming to Cultural programs to Sunbathing. Also popular are the many Ayurvedic Health resorts that provide herbal body massages. For people who love spending time in the waters, the Catamaran cruises in Kovalam are a blessing.
Food and Stay: Accommodation ranges from budget stays to cottages to five-star hotels, and food ranges from Malayali cuisine to South Indian to Continental.
Reach Kovalam: You can reach Kovalam by road from Thiruvananthapuram which is about 16 kilometres away. You can reach Thiruvananthapuram by rail, road and air.
The stunning combination of booking engines, tour operator software, airline packaging software, and big data analytics has enabled them to help you plan your trip with a few clicks. However, computer intelligence has not grown enough to match human intelligence, and no machine can give you the right recommendations like a human can do.