In addition to all-famous Goa, there are many beaches in India where tourists have not reached yet. Only here can one be almost completely alone and enjoy the wonderful beaches with white sand and coconut palms inclined over the ocean.
KALPENI
The island belongs to the group of the Lakshadweep islands scattered in the Arabian Sea at a distance of 400 km from the south western part of India. The beach itself is in a lagoon surrounded by tiny islands, which have the names Thilakkam, Pitti and Cheriyam, and is surrounded by coral reefs.
This beach is not so popular, as Kavaratti and Bangaram, and all because there are no luxury hotels here, only small bungalows. Most local residents are not interested in tourists, but are still engaged in their traditional crafts – the cultivation of coconut palms and fishing.
Those who come here, mostly entertain themselves with water sports. Here you can go kayaking, rent a catamaran or sail on boat. If you use a boat with a transparent bottom, you can enjoy the sea turtles, of which there is a great multitude in the surrounding waters, and simply enjoy the spectacle of the rich underwater world of coral reefs.
Of the attractions on the island there is only a lighthouse and a banyan grove. Travellers usually buy cowry shells and various articles made of them as souvenirs. If you want to travel, it is worth to travel to the southernmost island of the archipelago – Minicoy. Here is one of the oldest lighthouses in India, built in 1885.
A separate visa is required to visit the islands, which is acquired during the day. The only airport of the archipelago is located on the island of Agatti, from which to get to Kalpeni is possible in one day. The climate on the islands is tropical, the temperature ranges from 28-35 degrees Celsius. The best time to for visit is from January to May.
KARWAR
The beauty of local beaches inspired poets, it motivated the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore to write his first work. The total length of the sand shoreline, which is mostly shaded by palms growing almost near the water, is more than 300 kilometres. Privacy here is not to be looked for, as since the beginning of 2002, the Karnataka State Government allocated considerable resources for the development of tourism in the region.
From the beach of Karvar a boat can be taken to nearby islands. If you get tired of admiring the turquoise water surface, you can visit the fort on the hill of Sadashivgad, a temple dedicated to goddess Durga, the Octagonal church, temples Venkataraman and Naganatha or the amusement park Dandeli.
It is also worth visiting the island of Devbagh, the beach of which is so well protected from the wind that the water here is always calm. In here and there scattered restaurants, hidden in houses, standing on piles directly in the water, be sure to taste the traditional local seafood, which is however quite spicy.
Finally, be sure to get to Om beach. The contrast of black rocks and the dazzling white sand of the three bays similar in shape to a symbol of “Om” will leave a lasting impression.
The closest airport is in Goa. Best time to visit the state is from July to February. The most hot weather prevails here in April and May, when the temperature reaches up to the mark of 40 degrees.
MANDVI
The 6 kilometre beach of Ahmedpur Mandvi in Gujarat will please with the bright sun, dense white sand, suitable for long walks by rote, and the azure water, which is so pleasing to enjoy sitting in the lounge.
The beach is a paradise for lovers of water sports. You can rent scooters, go water-skiing and surfing or sit behind the wheel of speed motor boats and float away into the turquoise sea. In addition, the surrounding waters are good for catching fish, and the fishing and cooking on the coals on the beach can easily give meaning to the day. Or you can just walk to the nearby fishing village, and get acquainted with the friendly locals and share their meal.
Not far from the shore stands the majestic Vijay Vilas palace, whose forms combine Indian, European and Islamic cultures. From a viewing platform an impressive view is opening on the palace itself and the ocean.
The closest airport is 150 kilometres away, in Keshod, to where the planes fly out of Bombay. The best time to travel is from November to February.
MARARIKULAM
There are no souvenir shops, beach bars and crowds of holidaymakers here. And this is the best place to spend lazy weekends on the beaches of state of Kerala. Life here moves slowly at the same rate as a decade ago, and every morning the fishermen go to the sea to return in the afternoon to the beach with the usual bountiful catches. The blue water and yellow sand inspire poetic mood and it seems as if you can exist forever
in this slow rhythm. And yet, on the bank a hut can be rented equipped with all necessary amenities, made in the image of the fishing lodges. At dawn you can go fishing, like local residents, and during the day engage in windsurfing or parasailing.
Do not miss your chance to go at least once for Ayurvedic massage in Marari Beach Resort. Pleasant sensations during the procedure with a mixture of aromatic oils and a sense of renewal after it is guaranteed.
Perhaps the solitary life of the beach will not last long; selected tourist industry is already here. So it is virtually the last chance to enjoy the local tranquillity.
The beach is located 90 kilometres from Kochi, which in turn is well connected with many regions. You can come here at any time of the year, but summers can be too hot.
PALOLEM
This picturesque crescent-shaped bay, almost on the edge of the South Goa is a perfect place where you can escape from the bustle of traditional tourist-filled resorts. It is better to stop in one of the huts on the shore, where there is everything for the full comfort of the Europeans.
Perhaps the single special tourist entertainment provided here is a trip by boat in order to watch the dolphins play. Also, it can be arranged with the local fishermen to visit one of the islands visible in the sea. The main occupation of the local audience is lying on the beach with a book.
By leaving on time for a walk to the left edge of the beach and by going down to the rocks, you can get to the picturesque island of butterflies, surrounded from all sides by toothed peaks.
In the evening you can sit in one of the small coastal restaurants: enjoy the freshest fish with beer and live music. And, of course, do not refuse to taste the local alcoholic drink Feni, made of coconut or cashew. However, when using it, caution should be observed. Intoxication is rapid and quite strong.
The only airport in Goa is situated 65 km from the beach. Go to Goa at any time, but so that not to suffer from crowds of tourists, it is better to avoid the period from December to February.
