Dona Paula Beach

Location of Dona Paula : 
Dona Paula beach lies seven kilometer west from the capital of the Indian State of Goa – Panaji. It is situated on the southern side of the rocky hammer shaped headlands that divide the two estuaries called Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. The beach provides the finest view of the Mormugao harbour. The best time to holiday at the Dona Paula beach lies from October to May. Dona Paula is one of the hottest holiday spot in Goa.

Climate of Dona Paula :
Dona Paula enjoys the balanced climate throughout the year. May is the hottest month of the year, while January and February are the coldest months. Monsoon rests from June to September.

Popular History behind Dona Paula : 
The area around the Dona Paula is named after the Dona Paula de Menzes, who was the daughter of the viceroy then. Shew was very depressed with her life, as she could not marry the man whom she loved. He was the local fisherman of the area named Gaspar Dias. Because of him Dona Paula de Menzes decided to put an end to her life and jumped off the cliff. The local inhabitants say that Dona Paula can be seen walking out of the sea wearing through the moon light waves, wearing just the pearl necklace. The story is quite popular among the visitors.

Water Sports at Dona Paula : 
Dona Paula has the facilities for the safe and adventure water sports such as para sailing, toboggan ski-biscuit, ski bob, kayaking, and yachting. Tourists can enjoy the under water marine life by snorkeling in its water. For those who love to fly through the waves of water, water skiing is the good opportunity for them to grab. Wind surfing is also quite famous among the water sports enthusiast. A unique combination of sailing and surfing, which requires the surfer to balance his body against the changing currents of air and water. Dona Paula also provides you the unique opportunity for fishing and angling. Apart from the water sports you can hire the camps if you wish to enjoy sand, sun and pristine beauty of the beach.

Attractions of Dona Paula :
The main attractions in and around Dona Paula include National Oceanography Institute, which was established in the 1960's. The institute incorporates almost all the major branches of coastal and marine oceanography. Tourists can also visit the Marine Biology Museum on their visit to the institute. Another attraction of the around the beach is Cabo Raj Niwas, which houses the tomb of the of Dona Paula de Menzes.

Fairs and Festivals : 
Dona Paula beach is also quite popular for the fairs and festivals celebrated on it. Feast of St. Lawrence is the most important among them all. It is celebrated at the end of the monsoon. The locals also celebrate Janmashtami here . Major attraction of the beach are the colourful water sports festival held in the month of November. Shopping : Tourists can also shop for the wide variety of goods and eatables from the from the shops selling along the beach sides. Local vendors are seen selling gems, hankerchiefs, straws, and spices. Feni – the most popular drink of Goa is recommendable to all the tourists.

Juhu Beach

Location of Juhu Beach : 
Juhu beach lies 25 km north of the metropolitan city of Mumbai in India. It is also located on the shores of Arabian sea. You can plan out holidays at the Juhu beach at any time of the year. Juhu beach is the most sought after destination for the shooting films. It is one of the largest beach in India.

History : 
The exotic beaches of Juhu have attracted the prominent people of Mumbai for centuries. In the 1930's Juhu's airstrip used to be the Bombay's International Airport. In1890, Jamsetji Tata purchased the land over there and built the magnificent bungalow. The luxurious surrounding of Juhu beach is the is the favourite hangout for the many glamorous celebrities in Mumbai. Even the Britishers had already converted this area into a hub of pleasure seekers of the dreary city life. 

Climate : 
Juhu beach enjoys the uniform climate throughout the year. It is never too cold or never too hot. It is somewhat humid all through the year. In summers the maximum temperature reaches the 35°C and the minimum temperature is 25°C. The weather is pleasant in the winters. Monsoons rests from mid June to September, when it rains quite heavily. 

Food :
There are array eating joints at the Juhu beach to choose from. You can try out the specialty of the Mumbai called Bhel- puri. Dare not miss the mouth watering pani-puri, aaloo tikki and pao bhaji. After trying out some thika ( spicy) food, take the electrifying ice gola. Even Kulfi also tastes very sweet and cold. Apart from the vegetarian khana (cuisine) you can also enjoy the exotic sea food from the nearby restaurants. 

Activities : 
Tourists can enjoy the horse or the donkey ride at the Juhu Beach. Apart from these acrobats, dancing monkeys, cricket matches, toy sellers are the other attractions of the beach. You can also try out boating in its water. Girls could try out making various designs on their hands with henna (mehandi). Tourists can simply enjoy the leisure walk along the beach feeling its cool breeze directly on their faces. It is also the perfect destination for picnic. Kids could try their luck at the shooting galleries, can take fun rides and enjoy themselves at the the snake chambers. At night visitors can party hard at the beech with their friends without any restrictions. 

Fairs and Festivals : 
Tourists can enjoy the biggest festival of Mumbai called Ganesh Chaturthi on the Juhu beach. It falls on the fourth day of the Bhadrapada (between August and September). Ganesh Chaturthi rejoice the birth of lord Ganesh and celebrated continuously for ten days. The grand processions is carried out by the people, carrying the immense idol of the Lord Ganesh, which is immersed in the water. Shopping : Juhu beach is full of small shops selling various items. Tourists can shop for the handicrafts items like the seashells, gems, artificial jewellery items, books, goggles, hanker chiefs, flutes etc. You can buy balloons and other sports items for the children.

Kovalam Beach

Location of Kovalam Beach :
Kovalam Beach lies in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a 16 km distance from the south of Thiruvananthapuram. It is the most famous beach in South India. The beaches of Kovalam can be mainly divided into the three parts – The southern most beach called the Lighthouse beach is the most famous among the tourists. It offers the spectacular sight of the Vizhinjam Mosque. The other two are the Eve's beach or the Hawa beach and the Asoka beach. The best time to visit the Beach lies from the December to March.

History of Kovalam Beach : 
It were Europeans who discovered the Kovalam beach as the tourists destination. The Kovalam beach was the favourite hangout destination of Maharajah of Travancore, who was deeply impressed by its beauty. He used to spend leisure time at the beach. When his friends came to know about this magnificent beach, they also start visiting the place and by the third decade of the twentieth century, it became the popular tourists spot among the Europeans. It was once the casual fishing village of Kerala, which slowly converted into tourists destination. Later in early seventies, there was boost in the popularity of the Kovalam beach with the arrival of Hippies. They used to come there in the groups and spend the quality time there.

Adventure activities at the Kovalam Beach : 
Holidaying at the Kovalam beach is the lifetime experience. If you an avid water sports lover you the plenty of options to enjoy your trip. Swimming at the Kovalam beach is the rejuvenating and a relaxing experience. Although the swimming is quite safe at the beach but, before going into the water it is advisable for the tourists to consults the lifeguards. Water skiing is just like the snow skiing where you the vast space to enjoy and Kovalam beach is the good option to try to water skiing. Skiing smoothly on the waves of the water is a lovely option for the thrilling speed lover. Kayaking and Conoeing can also be enjoyed here, which are slowly becoming the popular sports among the water sports enthusiasts. Canoes can accommodate only two people, kayaks have room more than two people. If the tourists are interested in fishing, they can hire the boats from the local fisherman. It is advisable to carry the fisherman along with yourself for the purpose of safety. You can also enjoy angling, para-sailing and surfing at the beach.

Ayurvedic Massage at the Kovalam Beach : 
The most important thing the tourists can enjoy at the Kovalam beach is the Ayurvedic massage and treatment offered at many resorts here. The ayurvedic massage not only relax you but also rejuvenates your mind, body and soul. There are also Yoga centers available at the Kovalam beach. Other than Yoga and Ayurveda you can also enjoy the famous Kathakali dance at the beach.

Food :
Kovalam beach is full of open air restaurants serving all sort of meals. You can try out the exotic seafood at one of these restaurants. Do not forget to enjoy the coconut pani at the beach.

Shopping :
Tourists on their visit to the Kovalam beach can also explore the array of shops in the lighthouse area. You can shop for the handicraft items made of wood, seashell etc. Apart from the handicrafts items you can also shop for the clothes, books, jewellery, goggles, gem stones and many other items.

Kovalam Beach

Location of Kovalam Beach :
Kovalam Beach lies in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a 16 km distance from the south of Thiruvananthapuram. It is the most famous beach in South India. The beaches of Kovalam can be mainly divided into the three parts – The southern most beach called the Lighthouse beach is the most famous among the tourists. It offers the spectacular sight of the Vizhinjam Mosque. The other two are the Eve's beach or the Hawa beach and the Asoka beach. The best time to visit the Beach lies from the December to March.

History of Kovalam Beach : 
It were Europeans who discovered the Kovalam beach as the tourists destination. The Kovalam beach was the favourite hangout destination of Maharajah of Travancore, who was deeply impressed by its beauty. He used to spend leisure time at the beach. When his friends came to know about this magnificent beach, they also start visiting the place and by the third decade of the twentieth century, it became the popular tourists spot among the Europeans. It was once the casual fishing village of Kerala, which slowly converted into tourists destination. Later in early seventies, there was boost in the popularity of the Kovalam beach with the arrival of Hippies. They used to come there in the groups and spend the quality time there.

Adventure activities at the Kovalam Beach : 
Holidaying at the Kovalam beach is the lifetime experience. If you an avid water sports lover you the plenty of options to enjoy your trip. Swimming at the Kovalam beach is the rejuvenating and a relaxing experience. Although the swimming is quite safe at the beach but, before going into the water it is advisable for the tourists to consults the lifeguards. Water skiing is just like the snow skiing where you the vast space to enjoy and Kovalam beach is the good option to try to water skiing. Skiing smoothly on the waves of the water is a lovely option for the thrilling speed lover. Kayaking and Conoeing can also be enjoyed here, which are slowly becoming the popular sports among the water sports enthusiasts. Canoes can accommodate only two people, kayaks have room more than two people. If the tourists are interested in fishing, they can hire the boats from the local fisherman. It is advisable to carry the fisherman along with yourself for the purpose of safety. You can also enjoy angling, para-sailing and surfing at the beach.

Ayurvedic Massage at the Kovalam Beach : 
The most important thing the tourists can enjoy at the Kovalam beach is the Ayurvedic massage and treatment offered at many resorts here. The ayurvedic massage not only relax you but also rejuvenates your mind, body and soul. There are also Yoga centers available at the Kovalam beach. Other than Yoga and Ayurveda you can also enjoy the famous Kathakali dance at the beach.

Food :
Kovalam beach is full of open air restaurants serving all sort of meals. You can try out the exotic seafood at one of these restaurants. Do not forget to enjoy the coconut pani at the beach.

Shopping :
Tourists on their visit to the Kovalam beach can also explore the array of shops in the lighthouse area. You can shop for the handicraft items made of wood, seashell etc. Apart from the handicrafts items you can also shop for the clothes, books, jewellery, goggles, gem stones and many other items.

Candolim Beach

Location of Candolim beach : 
Candolim Beach is located in the north of Goa in India. It can easily be reached from Mapusa and Calangute. Candolim beach in the Indian state of Goa is quite a frequented visited beach. The beach starts from the Fort Aguada (built by the Portuguese) and end at the Chapora beach. It is very close to the capital of Goa called Panaji. The best time to plan out the vacations at the Candolim beach lies between the month of November to April.

Climate of Candolim Beach :
The region enjoys the equable climate throughout the year. During the summers the maximum temperature reaches at the 34°C and the minimum temperature is 26°C. The monsoon season starts from July and remains till October. In winters the region experiences the maximum temperature of 32°C and the minimum temperature of 21°C.

History :
Candolim Beach is the birth place of the Fr. Abbe Faria, who was the Father of Science of Hypnotism. It is also the same place where the battle against the Portuguese broke out.

Adventure at the Candolim Beach : 
Para sailing is the ideal sports for the tourists to indulge at Candolim beach. Dragging behind the speed boat attached to the parachute can be a mere fun. Along with this amusement ride another thrilling water sport that you can enjoy here is water skiing. It is something which can be enjoyed by people from seven to seventy. On the other hand, it is a new game similar to the snow skiing, and is gaining huge popularity amongst masses. It's even more popular than snow skiing. Than you can for scuba diving, jet skiing and wind surfing. You can even try your hand at fishing/angling in its water. Tourists can also try dolphin and crocodile spotting trips. Nature walk around the beach can be the best time pass for travellers looking out for fascinating beach vacation.

Attractions around Candolim Beach :
One major attraction around the beach is Fort Aguada, which was built by the Portuguese to control the entry of the enemy into the river Mandovi. The fort provides the magnificent view of the exotic beaches running up to the borders of Maharashtra. Than you can visit the Quincy corner, a famous tourists spot where you can tap your feet listening to the melodious music in the wonderful surrounding of palm and coconut trees. The place is also popular for the big parties thrown for the tourists from time to time. Another most interesting destination near the Candolim beach is the Coco beach, which lies at the estuary of the Mandovi river. This hidden jewel is superb for swimming. From there you can make a visit to the Goan fishing village. Than comes the pristine Nerul village surrounded by the Mandovi river on one side and by the greenish hill rocks on the other side. Here you can enjoy the salt water baths during the summer season.

Food :
Goa is best known for the variety of sea foods, which are equally famous at the Candolim beach. You can try out prawns, lobster, crabs, pomfrets, clams, lady fish, mussels, and oysters. Besides that you can also try out the vegetarian food such as the exotic curry, rice, tandoori, and many other. Don't forget to taste Goan feni, an intoxicating drink patent to Goa.

Colva Beach

Location of the Colva Beach : 
Colva beach lies in the south of Goa at the distance of 6 km from the city of Margao. It is the longest beach in Goa. The best time to visit the beach lies between November to February.

Climate of Colva Beach : 
Goa enjoys the pleasant climate throughout the year. The climate basically remains consistent throughout the year. Summers stats from mid March and remains till June. The maximum temperature in summers reaches up to 32.7°C and the minimum temperature is 24°C. Monsoon period in Goa rests from June to September. Winters starts at the end of November and remains till February. The maximum temperature in winters reaches 32.2°C and the minimum temperature is 21°C . There is no drastic rise during the summers and no drastic fall during the winters.

Adventure activities : 
Colva beach provides you the excellent opportunity to try out the numerous water sports in its water. You can easily try out your hand on jet skiing or speed boat rides. Tourist can enjoy the bicycle ride in the surrounding area of the Colva beach. You can take the leisure walk on the golden sand of the beach. Colva beach is popular picnic spot among the tourists.

Nearby attractions : 
On the tour to the Colva Beach the tourists can make a visit to a very simple Church called The Church of Lady of Mercy. The church houses the wonderful statue of Menino Jesuse. It was built in the 17 century and is quite famous for the annual religious festival called 'Fama of Menino Jesuse'. Tourists can go for the leisure walk to the nearby Colva village. There you can converse with the local fisherman and know about their lifestyle and livelihood. Than you can spend time at The Church of St John, located just 2 km from the beach. Tourists can even enjoy the bull's fight from 4 pm onwards between the month of October to May. The fight is held in the rice field on the beats of the Konkani music. Other than these do not forget to make a visit to the pristine Benaulim beach near to the Colva beach. Benaulim provides you the completely friendly environment as well as relaxing gateway.

Dress code :
There are no restrictions in wear anything on the beach. Men can go to the beach on the shorts and womens in Bikini. Party : Tourists can party hard at the beach. Nightlife at the Colva beach is quite exotic, which one should not miss out.

Food : 
While on the beach you can try out the exotic sea food. Do not forget to taste the most famous drink of Goa called Feni. It is also known as Fenny. You can either try out the Cashew feni or the coconut feni. Both the drinks are equally delicious. You can even try out the cuisines from the nearby stalls.

Gopalpur Beach

Location of Gopalpur Beach : 
Gopalpur Beach on Sea is located 170 km from the Bhubaneswar and 16 km from from Berhampur in the Indian state of Orissa. This pristine and small beach resort lies along the Bay of Bengal. The best time to visit the beach lies between the month of October to April.

Climate : 
Gopalpur on Sea enjoys the uniform climate through out the year. Summers are hot with the maximum temperature of 35°C and a low of 23°C . On the other hand winters are relatively cold with the maximum temperature of 27°C and the minimum temperature of 16°C .

History : 
There is an interesting history behind the Gopalpur On Sea. It was originally known as Paloura. It was the small fishing village on the coast of Orissa. Gopalpur beach has got its present name on the name of the 18th century temple of Lord Krishna or Gopala. It had earlier remained the important trading center. The British East India Company had constructed huge ware houses and godowns over their. According to the historical evidences it was once the wealthy town of the Kalinga Dynasty.

Attractions around Gopalpur Beach :
Located at the distance of 45 km Chilka Lake, is the most popular excursion trip from Gopalpur on Sea. It is largest brackish salt water lagoon in Asia. Around is the Chilka Lake is the famous birding spot known as the Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake provides the good opportunity for the adventure enthusiasts to try out fishing and angling at the lake. Another major attraction around the beach is the Taptapani, which is 67 km from the Gopalpur on Sea. It is a hot water sulphur spring, which is said to contain the medicinal properties. You can also visit Dhavaleswar, which is 15 km away, famous for the temple of Lord Shiva.

Adventure Activities : 
Gopalpur beach is the perfect gateway from the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is the excellent place for trying out the surfing, and yatching. You can also go for the boat cruise admiring the natural beauty of the place. You can avail the facility of the trainers to guide you in the aqua sports. Visit the lighthouse located nearby which provides the finest view of the beach. You can spend time exploring the orange orchards of the close by hamlet.

What To Carry :
It is advisable to carry the comfortable cotton clothes on your visit to the beach. Also carry sun hats, sun goggles, and body lotion along with yourself.

Food : 
Gopalpur beach gives you the good opportunity to try out the fresh sea food available in the local market. Shopping : Tourists can also shop for the handicraft items made of seashells sold on the beach side by the local villagers.