Top 10 Beaches in India - A Perfect Hideaway in Summer Season

Best Beaches in India - : A Perfect Hideaway in Summer Season

Though this time of the year is characterized by humidity, blazing rays of the sun and the scorching daytime, still it is the most happening time as it is summer. Throughout the year people plan for their summer days so that they can beat the heat of the season by spending some pampering days in the most exotic destination on planet earth. With its diverse landscapes, India offers the summer travelers most lucrative summer holiday destinations, among which the beaches in India catch the limelight. The scattering of beaches in the southern, south-western and south-eastern parts of the country are no less than the most fascinating beaches of Hawaii or Mauritius.

The oceans and the seas bordering the coastline, create a riot of colors like electric blue, turquoise, emerald green, menacing gray and even frothy white. The advancing and receding of waves, sometime gentle and in some other time aggressive, create such a mesmerizing charm that nothing more is needed to spend the holidays other than watching this play of water. Upon this merriment play, the warm tickling of the rays of the sun spellbound the vacationers. For the kind perusal of the vacationers, we have formed, in no particular order, the list of top ten beaches in India that are unique with their own characteristics:

1. Calangute Beach, Goa

Image Courtesy WikiMedia - Calingute Beach, Goa 

Just a 15 kilometers drive from the capital city Panjim will take you to the queen of beaches Calangute in northern Goa. The far stretching shoreline of Calangute can accommodate a huge number of tourists. The shacks and stalls near the beach make you relish some of the fine variety of sea foods along with offering you the best handicraft items of the state. With the boom of tourists in Calangute, many luxury resorts have been constructed near to it so that travelers can enjoy a relaxing stay while savoring the views of the azure deep Arabian Ocean.

2. Varkala, Kerala

Sunset at Varkala Beach, Kerala 

To touch your heart, reach your soul and refresh your mind, the Varkala beach in Kerala will offer you an unhurried affair between the sun and the send, and the sea and cliff. In the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is a quiet and secluded ménage out of the reach of buzzing city life. The rainbow of colors created by golden sandy beaches, emerald green ocean water and the aristocratic blue sky is certainly a breathtaking medley of nature. With the sprouting of international standard spa resorts, the vicinity of Varkala is rapidly upgrading to a fascinating holiday destination in India.

3. Gokarna, Karnataka

With its diverse shades of natural world, Gokarna in Karnataka is most famous for its two best attributes- its holy and sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and its pristine beaches with panoramic shoreline. An amalgamation of green forestry, eternal ocean, soul pleasing temples and luxury resorts give the vacationers a chance to enjoy uninterrupted vacation days in the most relaxing manner in Gokarna.

4. Nagoa Beach, Diu

Surrounded by dense coconut grooves, the horseshoe shaped beach of Nagoa is one of the most lucrative destinations for vacationers in Diu. For people who want to experience something adventurous in the summer, Nagoa is the best suit for them as a host of water sports are available here. The minimum rocks and undercurrents make this beach safe for swimming too. A barefooted walk into the shoreline of Nagoa is certainly a moment to captive forever in life.

5. Kovalam, Kerala

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Without any shadow of doubt one can say that Kovalam is certainly the heaven of south Kerala. This tropical Eden garden was discovered just 3 decades ago by the hippies and within a very short period of time it became famous worldwide. Blessed with various natural resources, this little tropical land is best known for its clean beaches, Ayurvedic & Spa resorts and local coconut beer Toddy. Though Kovalam attracts thousands of visitors every year, still this place is not jam packed and offer a restful environment to spent relaxing vacation days.

6. Rishikonda, Andhra Pradesh

The tidy waves of Bay of Bengal in Rishikonda beach in Andhra Pradesh offers a perfect environment to enjoy some of the best water sports in the country. Swimming, water skiing and wind surfing are some of the best adventure activities that every traveler enjoys in Rishikonda. Moreover the colorful and lively sights add on more charm and gaiety in this wavy shoreline of Bay of Bengal.

7. Pondicherry Beaches

With the reminiscences of French colonial era, Pondicherry is dotted with some of the most charming beaches on the face of earth. The beaches in this union territory are characterized by powdery white sand, tickling sunrays and bordering clear blue water of the ocean. The resorts, cafes, bars and cottages in Pondicherry still reflect the French ethos. The great Indian saint and philosopher Rishi Aurobindo established his Ashram in Pondicherry which is serving as a great seat of spiritual and philosophical studies in the country.

8. Andaman Beaches

Port Blair, Andaman

Encircled by the Indian Ocean, Andaman is blessed with some of the best beaches in India, and probably in the world too. The beaches in this island are clear, tranquil and thus house some of the most exciting adventure activities. Radhanagar, Vijaynagar, Carbyn’s Cove, Butler Bay, Red Skin Island and Cinque Island are some of the most promising beaches in the vicinity of Andaman. The vacationers can also enjoy a deep water dive in Andaman to witness various colorful flora and fauna beneath the wave water of the sea. Andaman tour packages offer one of the most exclusive holiday experiences in India.

9. Baga, Goa

When we think of a beach holiday, a bashing night life always strikes our mind. For those who want to enjoy the best of Goan night, Baga beach is a perfect match for them. The throbbing music, dance floor, variety of wines and spirits turn the nights into a festive time in Goa. Moreover, near to this happening beach, you can also find some of the unspoiled natural abode where to enjoy some moments of tenderness.

10. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

The dream world of Tamil art, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is also famous for its tranquil, soothing beach. A gift of nature, Mahabalipuram has stored many natural gemstones in its casket along with its rich ancient heritage and architectural wonders. During the festive season, these beaches turn into colorful wonderlands where people from different regions and religions gather to celebrate the merriment of life.

The ever crumbling water of the sea always creates a fantasy world in human mind and summer vacation days are certainly the best time to live this fantasy of the mind. The beaches in India are not only breathtaking, but offer the best vacation experience with the number of luxury resorts sprouted in and around these land of sand, sun and water.

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Maharajas Express Heritage of India

Maharajas Express Heritage of India Tour Itinerary: Unraveling the rich tapestry of Indian Heritage

Art, culture, science, technology, history, religion and modern lifestyle, every shade of human civilization is well reflected in the country of India. Exploring every shade of Indian lifestyle could prove a real challenging task for even fussy travelers. To provide an in-depth overview of the real heritage of India, the celebrated name in luxury train traveling, Maharajas’ Express has introduced a new itinerary by the name ‘Heritage of India’.

Rajah Club - The Lounge bar cum Observation Car of Maharajas Express Train

In its 8 days and 7 nights of journey, Heritage of India encompasses diverse destinations that include Mumbai, Aurangabad, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra and Delhi. This travel itinerary offered by Maharajas’ Express beautifully presents natural and manmade wonders before the travelers. From the fast paced city life to the tranquility of the wild ménage, from the historical monuments to the colorful lifestyle, every glimpse of modern India can be seen in a journey onboard this Indian luxury train.

Each carriage of this regal class train is delicately decorated that reverberates the imperial epoch of India. The services and facilities are of high standard and present a fine blend of Indian art, architecture and hospitality. Nevertheless, the foods served in the train are no doubt pampering retreats to your taste buds. Presentation and detailing are taken special care of so that every guest can relish their explorative jaunt to its fullest extent.

Rang Mahal Restaurant, Maharajas Express Train

Some of the prime attractions covered by Heritage of India include rock-cut caves of Ajanta, forts and palaces in Rajasthan, World Heritage ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Ranthambore National Park. A red carpet welcome, regal hospitality and the concoction of modern amenities with traditional décor offered by Maharajas’ Express make it stand high in the luxury train traveling in India. Come and share the experience of once in a lifetime journey with Heritage of India, the newly introduced itinerary by Maharajas’ Express.

Where to Book It
Indian Luxury Trains (ILT)
+91 9818336340
www.indianluxurytrains.com
Offering booking for 5 luxury train tour itineraries spanning over 8 days & 7 nights which includes 2 golden triangle train tour spanning over 4 days in Maharajas Express Train, with all-inclusive journeys starting from US $3850 per person per journey.

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Maharaja Express Train: Greatest Rail Journeys
Maharajas' Express - The Indian Splendor Itinerary
How to See India by Rail 
Luxury Train Travel in India

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Top 10 Indian Destinations with their Specialties

India, a country with its glorious past and glaring present, has a bamboozling charisma that fascinates thousands of global nomads every year to plan their tour to India. The country displays an in-your-face diversity in every walk of life and even in landscapes and seasons. From snow dusted mountains to sun bathed beaches, peaceful temples to lively festivals, lantern-lit villages to software-supremo cities, every shade of human civilization can be seen in this diversely unified country of India. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Gujarat to Assam, every part of India has its own specialties which distinguish the one from the other. The following are top 10 Indian destinations famous for their very own specialty:-

Delhi

Red Fort in New Delhi

With its medieval monuments, spiritual shrines, colorful street markets and modern urban developments, you can still hear the saga of medieval India in each corner of Delhi. The culture of the city is so rich that it could blend with any culture without losing its own colors. Apart from the colorful culture and different historical monuments in this capital city, it has two other special features also- its variety of foods and its local markets. The Mughal and north Indian food varieties of Delhi and its buzzing local markets are the best two things that still cloaked the traditional culture of the city.

 Jaipur

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

The city of Jaipur, often referred to as the ‘Pink City’, is an all-time favorite to the travelers for its forts, palaces and royal lifestyle. The Rajputana lifestyle and royalty is still visible in ever detailing of the city which sets it apart from the other cities of the deserted state of Rajasthan. Moreover, Jaipur is also famous for its puppetry culture and handicraft items. So, whenever you plan a tour to Jaipur, Don’t forget to take a trip to the local markets and spend one or two hours of your evening time watching a puppetry show.

Agra

Tajmahal In Agra

Taj Mahal, the monument that immortalizes a king’s love for his beloved queen, is not only a pride of Agra but of entire India. Taj Mahal is the signature monument of Agra and the prime attraction of this city. Taj is also one of the brilliant manifestations of Mughal Dynasty’s design aesthetics. The best time to visit this splendid place is in the early morning. The shimmering fresh rays of sun glamorize the beauty of Taj which never fails to impress the visitors. The marble stone items of Agra are also famous worldwide; you can take a roam to the markets of the city to bag pack some fabulous marble items along with you.

Varanasi

Ganga Aarti in Varanas

One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi or Banaras is the ultimate destination for the spiritual peace seekers around the world. It is a melting pot where life and death meet each-other. Ghats of the river Ganges, the fleet of temples and the shrine of Lord Buddha are the prime attractions of this ancient Indian city. Moreover, the Banarasi pan (a chewing mouth freshener made up of betel leaf, betel nut and other mouth fresheners) and Banarasi saree catches the attraction of every traveler. The Banarasi sarees are also a part and pride of rich Indian tradition.

Kerala

Munnar Hill Stations in Kerala

 The very beauty and specialty of Kerala lies in its natural world only. The backwaters and the palm groves cast a magic spell on every traveler who travels through this land. Moreover, the bewitching sights of Athirapally waterfalls infuse freshness to every tired soul. The classical idea of ‘Picturesque’ finds a true embodiment in the form of this waterfall. Kerala is also one of the best seats for spa and Ayurvedic massage therapy. A host of resorts and hotels are there in Kerala that provide top-notch Spa and Ayurvedic therapies to the guests.

Goa

Goa Beach

There is no doubt that the golden sandy beaches are the prime attractions of Goa, but the night life and casinos will also make you fall in love with this place. The identity of the state is rooted in deep enjoyment of food and drink. Different restaurants serve sumptuous sea food varieties and native Goan beverages. As the Portuguese ruled the land for a long period of time, so their influence in architecture and lifestyle is also reflected in Goa.

Kolkata

Victoria Memorial Kolkata

Music and art characterizes the city culture of Kolkata, or to a broader sense of entire West Bengal. The Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal, founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore is an institute of National importance. To preserve the art and culture of the country and to give a scope to the young minds to explore their own world of creativity, this University offers a number of courses and materials. Popularly known as Shantiniketan, this university presents well the cultural heritage of the country to its visitors. Furthermore, while you are into a tour to Kolkata, you might not want to miss to taste the world famous sweet ‘roshogolla’ which is very own of this city.

Bandhavgarh
 

Bandhavgarh National Park

With its impenetrable forest land and its valorous Bengal tiger, the vicinity of Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh is a heaven for the wild photographers, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Bandhavgarh National Park is home to around 250 species of birds, the Bengal tigers and various other species of flora and fauna. The Bandhavgarh fort is a witness to the thousands of year old culture of the country. This national park is one of the best tiger reserves in the world and thus thousands of travelers come to this place every year to get a glimpse of the jungle king.

Assam

Kaziranga National Park in Assam

The two most appealing attractions of the Indian state of Assam are its far stretching tea plantations and its unique one horned rhinoceros. The blessing of Mother Nature can be seen in every part of the sate with its rich natural resources and a pampering weather throughout the year. The Majuli Island in the river Brahmaputra in Assam also turned out to be a tourist attraction for its rustic lifestyle out of the reach of modern vanity. Apart from nature and wildlife, the Bihu song and dance of Assam made an international appeal for its grandeur and colorfulness. 

 Kashmir

Shikara Ride in Kashmir

People may call it ‘paradise on earth’ or ‘princely state’, the Kashmir region never fails to spell its magic charm on the visitors. Its scenic beauty is the prime attraction of Kashmir. Though this part of the country has witnessed many invasions from time to time, it has still well restored its charisma and charm. The handicraft industry of Kashmir is also very rich and has a uniqueness of its own. Those who come in a tour to Kashmir, take these handicraft items as a memento of the land.

The uniqueness of different regions of India together presents the unity and diversity of the country. Each state and regions with their own characteristics are the gem stones in the casket of India. Come, feel and share the magnificence of this country in a luxury holiday tour to India.

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Top 10 Hidden Destinations in India

Thirst to know the unknown and explore the unexplored often leads to great discoveries and innovations. The world is full of mysteries and travelling is the best way to unlock this mysterious box. 

By area basis India may be the seventh largest country in the world, but it is one of the richest in terms of culture, color, diverse landscapes and natural resources. 

Every year millions of travelers from all around the world plan their tour to India to explore the romanticism hidden in it; still there are various hidden places in the country that are less explored. The following are the top 10 hidden destinations in India that can present this mysterious country quite well:-

1. Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji

Just 56 kilometer away from the state capital Shillong (capital of Meghalaya), Cherrapunji is truly a heaven’s garden away from the reach of collapsing city life.

This natural abode is characterized by heavy rainfall, impenetrable woody hills and the white feathery waterfalls. A walk on the clouds may appear dreamy, but it is possible in Cherrapunji.

The sky scrapping hills offer a view of the lush green area, the floating clouds and the rustic lifestyle of the local residents.

2. Majuli

Majuli

In the seven sister’s region (North-East) only there is another natural wonder. Majuli in Assam is the largest river island on earth nestled amid the river Brahmaputra.

Declared by UNESCO as a world natural heritage, this river island has preserved well the antique weapons, utensils, jewelry and other items of cultural significance of the hundreds of year old Assamese civilization. The natives of Majuli are worshipers of Mother Nature; agriculture and fishing are the prime source of earning for the local people.

3. Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves 

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves

In the Indian state of Odisha the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are the earliest group of Jain rock-cut shelters. A feed for the eyes, these caves are of high importance preserving history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion.

The wall carvings and rock-cut painting in these caves tell us much about the origin and development of Jainism.

4. Tarkarli Beach 

Tarkarli Beach

Take a few hours’ drive from Mumbai and you will reach the land of pristine waters, Tarkarli. Located at the convergence of river Karli and Arabian Sea, Tarkarli gives you a clearer picture of the sea water.

It is a heaven for the adventure lovers who love to do snorkeling and scuba diving. You can still feel the tranquil whispering of the sea waves in this less tourist frequented beach of Maharashtra.

5. Wayanad 

Wayanad

The majestic rugged terrain of Western Ghats is the main attraction of this district town in the Indian state of Kerala. The land of Wayanad is blessed by different spices and crops such as coffee, pepper, ginger, areca nut etc.

The early remains found in Wayanad bear witness to its thousands of year old existence. The nature is well restored in this part of Kerala and thus planning your next tour to this region will surely be a good option for the peace lovers.

6. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters 

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Center, the rock shelters of Bhimbetka talk much of the 30,000 years old existence of human civilization in this part of India.

Comparatively the terrain of Bhimbetka is less explored and thus spending a holiday vacation in this part of the country could be a good idea for knowledge seekers. The magic spell of nature can also be felt in the vicinity of Bhimbetka.

7. Daman & Diu

Daman & Diu

Enclosed by Gujarat, Daman & Diu is the 2nd smallest Union Territory in India. The reflections of both Gujarati and Portuguese lifestyle can be seen in this part of the country.

The far stretching shoreline adds on enchanting charm to this beautiful abode. Dotted by forts and churches, Daman & Diu is a good choice for those who want to explore the unexplored.

8. Pangong Tso

Pangong Tso

One of the best things that the film ‘3 Idiots’ does for the tourist is that it has presented the scenic beauty of Leh & Ladakh. Located in a high altitude in the Himalayan Ranges, the salty water of Kumarakom lake is bluer than blue ever was, clearer than clear ever could be, purer than the purest and is certainly regal.

Presenting a fine fusion of land, water and the cloud kissing mountains, Pangong Tso is one of the best less hundered tourist destinations in the country.

9. Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot Dham

A gift of nature and of the gods, the district of Chitrakoot in Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is a tranquil retreat on the northern spur of the Vindhyas.

Dotted with several temples, shrines and natural wonders, this Almighty’s abode is also a good option for the spiritual peace seekers.

10. Athirapilly Falls 

Athirapilly Falls

Apart from the romantic backwaters and coconut grooves, Kerala is also famous for the Athirapilly waterfalls. Not just calm and sweet, but something really wild and natural, these waterfalls provide you a silent escape from the stressful daily life of metro cities. The word ‘picturesque’ hold true while we talk of these giant natural wonders.

India is such a diverse country that you need to plan frequent visits to this land to unlock its casket of jewels. Thus experience something unexpected and unexplored in your next tour to India.

Contributed by Gaurav Kumar

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Heritage Tours to India : Visit Prominent Historical Sites in India

Heritage of a country symbolizes that how well the ancient and medieval legacies have been  preserved to retain the charm of bygone era. The glorious tales of chivalry and romance that have passed on from one generation to other have actually occurred in the premises of these monuments during the course of history. With heritage tours to India, one can feel the aura of yesteryear's from close quarters while strolling through the history-laden corridors of these monuments. Such tours enable you with the real glimpse of history way better than the imaginative picture one forms while unfolding the pages of history books.

Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri

When it comes to heritage tours to India, the adversary for Rajasthan repertoire is hardly there. The allure of this desert realm lies in its awe-inspiring forts, palaces, exotic fairs &festivals and folk culture. Almost all Rajasthan tours revolve around these aforementioned themes. Fairs and festivals that took place here from time to time are the best way to enrich your knowledge about their cultural heritage. Rajasthani folk dancers & singers such as Kalbeliya and Manganiars and puppeteers speak volumes about the golden age of Rajasthan through their performances.

The cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer are regularly frequented by tourists to get the glimpse of Rajasthan’s royal heritage. Palace on Wheels, India’s first luxury train, is one of the best and luxurious alternatives to explore the aforementioned destinations of this Rajputana state.

Travel to south India and you will find the richness of cultural heritage everywhere in this region. The most common feature that one can find in all states of south India is the presence of Dravidian temples in large numbers. Each of these temples was built by different south Indian dynasties in reverence of their favorite deity.

Hassan and Hampi are two breathtaking temple sites in Karnataka that dates back to the ancient times. Whereas Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising of monumental ruins which still resonates with the old-world charm, the Hoyasala temples built around 11th and 13th century in Hassan showcases the glory of Hoyasala Empire. Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Madurai and Badami are some of the prominent temple cities in southern region which are capable of leaving onlookers enchanted with their artistic beauty.

India plays host to diverse religious faiths that resides here in perfect harmony. One of the prominent religions in India is Buddhism which although got originated from India but has spread its roots in entire Asia. Ajanta & Ellora, Dharamshala, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Sanchi are some of the prominent Buddhist destinations in India.

Among all aforesaid destinations, Bodhgaya is the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage in India due to the presence of Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Dharamshala in Himachal is the center of Tibetan Buddhism and the seat of Tibetan Buddhist leader Dalai Lama. Another important Buddhist heritage site in India is the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Built by assiduous Buddhist monks, these caves showcase Buddhist religious art through its mural paintings and sculptures.

The temples of Khajuraho have an aesthetic appeal that beckon travelers from all around the world. Emblazoned as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho Group of Monuments encompasses groups of erotic medieval temples built during the reign of Chandela dynasty and are included in most of the heritage tour packages.

Besides Khajuraho, there is sun temple of Konark which is considered to be the landmark in Dravidian architecture. Also known as black pagoda, the temple is constructed in a shape of stone chariot depicting twelve pairs of wheels pulled by seven horses. Due to the presence and preservation of all these heritage sites, we can say that India is not just a country of unity in diversity but also respects and value its cultural heritage that is prevailing here since time immemorial. 

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