(Picture courtesy: Kerala Tourism)
This calm and quiet hamlet in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala has a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old temple and a Mutt. Varkala beach also known as Papanasam beach is known for its natural spring. It is considered to have medicinal properties. This is also the only beach in Kerala to have cliffs. A long paved stretch of cliff-bordered by shacks provides a breathtaking view. The beach also has adventure sports and leisure activities such as boat riding, parasailing, jetting and horse riding.
Pondicherry
The Promenade beach is the popular stretch of beachfront here. If you are looking for a lazy weekend by the beach or would like to indulge in some adventure sports, then this is the destination for you. Some of the popular activities include surfing, beach volleyball, catamaran ride and swimming. The rock beach is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The occasional crashing of water with the rocks is breathtaking.
Ganpatipule, Maharashtra
(Picture courtesy: Maharashtra Tourism)
The white sand beach is located in the Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra. The clean blue water is tempting; however, it is not advisable to go for a swim because of the rough sea. It is a gateway that captures beach lovers, adventure enthusiasts and pilgrims. The Ganapathi temple on the shore attracts several pilgrims all around the year. Unlike other beaches, this place is not crowded. It is an ideal place to relax and spend a weekend with your loved ones. Apart from the beach, Ganapatipule is also rich in flora that includes mangroves and coconut palms.
Chandipur, Odisha
(Picture courtesy: Orissa Tourism)
One of the main attractions in Chandipur is the vanishing sea. This natural phenomenon occurs twice a day. The water here recedes up to five kilometres during low tide and gets back to the original shoreline during high tide. The receding water, at low tide, offers an excellent opportunity to walk in the sea or ride a bike. The sand dunes and rocky coastline lined with Casuarinas trees give visitors a spectacular view of the seashore. The place is also famous for its seafood, especially prawns and pomfrets.
Marina, Tamil Nadu
The second largest beach in the world is also the most populated. Frequented by many locals who just love to hang out in the sand, this place is natural urban beauty. The lighthouse here was built in 1976 and is open to the public. It provides a fantastic view of the beach and the city. There are several vendors who offer mouth-watering food. From roasted corn, mango slices, cotton candy, bajjis to sundal, we get all here.
