With the blistering summer having already made its grand presence felt, people are looking for escape routes to a beach destination to beat the heat. It makes for the perfect time to pack your bags and head off to one of the many seaside destinations in the country to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation that will reinvigorate your senses. To make things easier for you, we are listing our top favourites for beach holidays.
Alleppey
Located in God’s own country, Alleppey is well known for its picturesque lakes, serene day to day life and sandy beaches. Lovingly known as the Venice of the East, the city boasts of a complex network of quaint little canals and lagoons, reminiscent of the famed Italian city of bridges. Alleppey has one of the most mesmerising beaches in the country, housing the 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse, and a beautifully constructed pier which is over 140 years old. Summers being the least crowded season, one can get heavy discounts on transportation and hotel rates in Alleppey. To protect against the sun and toxic chemicals, it is a good idea to keep your beach essentials handy and make the most of your trip.
Kovalam
Next on our list is yet another beautiful beach town from Kerala, Kovalam. It is a quaint little fishing village known for its famous Eve and Lighthouse beaches, lined by coconut trees on one side and the pristine blue ocean on the other. Both beaches offer a wide range of thrilling water sport activities, including paragliding; surfing, parasailing; sunbathing; catamaran rides and more. The panoramic views of the sunsets and sunrises alone make it a perfect destination for a great trip in summer. One can also set out for an exhilarating cruise early in the morning with the fishermen or enjoy the delicious pastries; cheesy quiches; mouth-watering pancakes; aromatic coffee and the like at the German Bakery located close to the beach.
Goa
It would be unfair on my part to leave out the beach capital of India. Goa’s wide range of beautiful beaches offers a spectacular experience catering to everyone’s preferences. Although beaches get super-hot by afternoon, an early morning dip or late afternoon stroll can satiate the beach bum in you. For the explorer in you, Goa’s rich Portuguese colonial history, ancient architecture and authentic Goan food can keep you busy. Calangute, Baga, and Candolim are among the most popular beaches making them heavily-crowded, so head to Benaulim, Morjim, and Palolem if you wish to experience the real magic of this coastal haven. Try making it to Goa before early monsoon to be able to sit back and relax at the shacks by the beach which tend to start closing August onwards.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry has long been the destination to go to for a fill of French colonial architecture, vividly colourful villas and sprawling beaches. A French settlement until 1954, the city has recently started becoming popular for its tranquil beaches, toy-town little cafes and cobbled streets. Facing the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry or Pondy has a number of beaches including Promenade beach, Paradise beach, Serenity beach and Auro beach which are popular amongst tourists for bird-watching, scuba diving and lip smacking seafood delicacies. If you have some time in hand, you can also sign-up for surfing lessons. Home to some of the sandiest shores on the eastern coast, Pondicherry offers a photogenic setting and a breezy atmosphere making it just right for summer travellers in the mood for a relaxed vacation.
The writer is the co-founder, Treebo Hotels