Category: Beaches

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Adventure Beaches South India Western India

Best places to enjoy Marine Life in India

Swimming side by side innumerable schools of dazzling fishes, peeking under the corals hoping to spot an unusual marine creature, adoring the heavy silence as you blade through azure waters with only the noise of your inhalation to accompany you – yes, that is what snorkeling is all about. The Ghoomophiro team checks out the best snorkeling destinations in India as follows.

The Andamans

Snorkeling in the magnificent and turquoise waters of the Andaman Islands is equivalent to doing it in Seychelles or Maldives. Havelock Island, known for its flawless, white sand beaches, is the ultimate hub for lovers of the sport. Unadulterated coral reefs remain of sunken sea vessels, gorgeous underwater rock formations, and lively marine life- all make for an amazing and unforgettable experience. Cinque Islands and Passage Island, which are known for shark sightings, are other famous spots in the Andamans.

Lakshwadeep

The best thing about Lakshwadeep is that it is less frequented as a tourist destination. The reefs around the islands are pure and unspoiled by human intervention plus the beautiful blue waters bustle with a variety of sea life. Kadmat Islands and Bangaram are the most visited and the former even has a diving school. Tourism policies for Lakshwadeep keep on changing, so make sure you acquire the required permits before planning a vacation.

Goa

Goa, India’s party capital is also a paradise for water sports aficionados. More than the sea life, which is present in plenty in the tepid waters of the Arabian Sea, it is the shipwrecks along the coastline that pull divers from all over the globe to this place. Some of the most well- known sites are Wreck of Suzy, Grande Island, Bay of Bounty and Cove of Shelter. Expect to sight angelfish, parrotfish, barracudas, snappers and Moorish idols. You should avoid going here during monsoons as the water gets dull and the ebbs are not very welcoming.

Maharashtra

Tarkarli is a hidden treasure on the Konkan coast. The Sindhudurg Fort has a grand coral growth on the submerged walls which houses plenty of aquatic creatures. The pristine, unpolluted waters allow excellent visibility and since tourism is still in its initial stage, snorkeling and diving here are much cheaper comparatively. Tarkarli is easily accessible by road from Goa, Pune, and Mumbai.

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Pondicherry may not have acquired a name as a scuba diving destination in India but you’ll be happily surprised with what its warm waters have to provide. Arvind’s Wall, 4 Corners, Cool Shark Reef, The Hole and Danny’s Eel Sanctuary are pervasive with aquatic life and you can spot sea snakes, parrot fish, lion fish, crustaceans, groupers, moray eels, and triggerfish. If you are lucky enough, you may even have a tete-a-tete with a turtle or a reef shark. Chennai is the closest airport to Pondicherry.

Netrani Island, Karnataka

This tiny island off the coast of Karnataka is growing quickly in fame as a snorkeling destination. Also called as the Pigeon Island, Netrani is a coral island that is accessible from Bengaluru, Goa, and Mumbai. Barracudas, manta rays, stingrays, reef sharks, turtles, and stonefish are commonly sighted around this place. Because sharp rocks surround the island, it is not really possible to step onto it, Therefore, snorkeling expeditions are often launched from a vessel. The monsoon season should be avoided.So, a shout out to all the snorkeling enthusiasts to visit these amazing sites in India!

So, a big shout out to all the snorkeling enthusiasts to visit these amazing sites in India!

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Adventure Beaches Corporate Outings Spiritual Hubs

Gokarna – The little picturesque town

Located right in the heart of Karnataka, Gokarna is one little temple town renowned for its picturesque rocky beaches, hills, and natural beauty soaked in religious traditions. The town is also an essential pilgrimage centre for the devotees of Hindu religion who pay a visit to this place from all over India and other countries through the year. The name of the place literally translates to ‘Cow’s Ear’, the holiest animal for Hindus.

How to reach

The nearest airport to Gokarna is the Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is about 140 km away. The nearest railway station is at Ankola, approximately 20 km.

The place is also well connected by a network of roads. The KSRTC buses ply frequently from Bengaluru, Mangalore, Hubli, and many other cities of Karnataka.

Places To See

Om Beach

The beach derived its name from its shape, which at the bird’s eye view forms a majestic ‘OM’. One of the most popular destinations in Gokarna, you should not miss this Beach for all the cool fun it packs. There are tonnes of water sports and other activities such as jet-skiing to enjoy. The beach is surrounded by a variety of Cafes and Shacks where you can enjoy some delicious foods.

Half-Moon Beach

Half-moon beach is approximately a kilometre hike from Om Beach. The beach is a potpourri of exotic locales and sparkling water world. It is normally less crowded than Om Beach and thus gives you ample opportunity to explore the place in detail.

Mahabaleshvara Temple- Dedicated to lord Mahabaleshwar, it is one of the oldest temple here and the main pilgrim site. It is said to be next in sanctity to the one and only Vishwanath Siva Temple in Varanasi. Thus, it is often regarded as ‘The Kashi of the South’.

Maha Ganpati Temple- According to the local Brahmins, the statue of Ganapati at Maha Ganpati Temple was made in the beginning of Dwapara Yuga i.e. much before the birth of Lord Krishna. The locals here believe that the Shiva temple should be visited only after first visiting the Ganesha temple.

Koti Tirtha- The name Koti Tirtha literally means – a thousand springs.  Located in Gokarna, at walking distance from the Mahabaleshwara Temple, Koti Tirtha happens to be one of the most sacred water resources where pilgrims take a bath. The importance of the lake stems from the fact that this sacred water source is a freshwater lake, fed by springs, though in such close proximity to the sea.

Mirjan Fort- Mirjan fort is a grand monument in Gokarna which serves mostly the history enthusiasts among the tourists. However, even if you aren’t a history buff, the place still remains a wonderful place to not miss.

There is the bouquet of activities that you won’t mind trying while being here.

Beach Trekking

There are five popular beaches in Gokarna. One of the best ways to explore the beauty of the place and know it from inside out is trekking along the beaches that are separated by rocky hills. Unfold the beauty of the surroundings and add the fun and excitement of trekking along the beach.

Offer Prayers in the Temples

Gorkana is originally a temple town. It is full of temples rich in history and religious values. One of the most popular temples is Mahabaleshwar Temple. The Deity of these temples is more than 1500 years old. Some other temples to visit are Ganapati Temple, Aadi Gokarneshwara Temple,  Koti Teertha among others.

Indulge in Water Sports

Your trip to any beach is incomplete if you don’t indulge water sports fun. Gokarna is a heaven for those who love waters sports and fun. Indulge in sports such as Jet-Skiing among, parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkelling or kayaking.

Places to Eat

One of the best ways to know a destination is to its food. There are some of the most exotic Cafes, Shacks, and Restaurants on the beaches. Indulge in local delicacies and be a foodie for a good reason.

The restaurants such as Shree Shakti, Pai hotel and Pritish love cafe along with the snack stalls on the beaches are appealing to everyone. However, being a pilgrim place, do not expect it to offer the nonvegetarian food.

Best time to visit

The place is full of tourists almost every time a year, so there is no specific time in a year which you must wait in order to book your tickets. But summers are the time when everybody starts getting ready for the beaches and hence, the time around it may make you struggle to book the places to stay.

Stay

Among the many, there are a few good places such as Namaste Sanjivani, Hotel Shivaprasad and the Namaste Yoga farm where you could have a great comfortable stay.

It’s going to be good fun while being at Gokarna!! An idyllic getaway for Banglorians.

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Beaches Travel Tips Travel Trends

Packing Checklist for a Perfect Beach Vacation

Is coconut water, sand in your shoes, and beach hair on your mind? This means you are waiting for idyllic beach vacation. Before actually getting on beach vacation, ensure you have packed the following items to make it memorable and perfect one, so that you don’t end up wasting time in stores while on beach;)

Clothing

Ensure cotton and linen clothes. Sarongs, kaftans, one-piece dresses along with matching accessories also make you look more beautiful. Try to keep clothes that can be matched and be worn with multiple combinations. Prefer packing light shades like peach, sky blues, yellows, thereby keeping color scheme really simple. Few scarves can be added to the bucket. Keep loose clothes as well to dress for breakfast and some great party dresses for evenings. Ensure all your swim-wears, bikinis are such that it can make you look more graceful and sensuous, and most importantly you are comfortable carrying them. Don’t forget to keep a skinny metal belt.

Sunscreen

As you plan to be tanned on the beach, and soak yourself in sun and sand, sunscreen is a big must. Try to get one with SPF 50+. Lip Balm, wet wipes, nail cutter and shimmery Lipper are also few of the additions to your vanity kit. Keep it light. In fact, you can keep these items at multiple places, rather than keeping everything in one bag.

Loafers

Say no to your heels, while you are on beach vacation. Keep loafers, cool flipflops as they are comfortable as you walk on sand or indulge in beach sports and also easy to wash off the sand. If heels are must, then go for a wedge of black color for evening.

Beach Towels

Though most of the hotels will provide you with towels, but in case you are not on private beaches, it is advisable to keep a light weight towel, not only to dry yourself but also it can be used to sit on it or to lay over on shacks.

Hats

A hat makes you faishonista, acts as anti-ager, and above all protects your bad hair from sun. Prolonged exposure to sun can damage your hair. Prefer a baseball hat, beach sun hats of light shades. Beaded straw hats also adds value to your beach wardrobe.

Shades

Get a good pair of sunglasses to cover your eyes from UV rays. Try to have shades with large lenses, so that they can cover the major part of area below eyes.

Camera and Phone Accessories

Keep your camera handy and phone battery charged, so that you don’t miss any chance to click and get clicked. Beaches offer abundant opportunities to click the nature. If possible try to carry GoPro or water proof camera, in case you plan to go under water.

First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit with preliminary medicines, Dettol, bandages, cotton swabs, pain- killer is a mandate

Wondering, your vacation dates are approaching and packing is still incomplete? Go for online shopping and have everything at home without any hassle. To pack them all, do carry a smart beach bag of light color along with a zip-lock bag, where-in you can keep your valuables, wallet and phone as you plan to jump in water for sports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation

Hyatt Place, Goa – Review

Hyatt place is located in the serene beach of Candolim. Within 5 kms of range places of attraction includes St. Anthony’s Chapel, Candolim Beach, Calangute Beach. Sinquerim Beach and Fort Aguada. Transport facility for tourists is well available here and hotel is well connected to railway station and around 1 hr drive from Dabolim airport. Drive is smooth with greenery around and is picturesque.

Food, Amenities and Services – There are around 145 rooms, divided in various categories. One thing that will attract you is the small creative iron man kind of structures throughout the building. Lobby is okayish, and breakfast is served there itself. Lot of open space near pool to laze around. The Gallery Café offers a delicious selection of Indian and international cuisine for lunch and dinner, while the convenient 24/7 Gallery Market provides takeaway snacks, salads, sandwiches and beverages. In room dining is available. Rooms are ok with LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, complimentary bottled water, locker safe, and slippers. Bathrooms are decently designed and fitted with latest fixtures.

Stayfit gym is there, in case you don’t want to miss out your work-out session.  Other unique facilities includes free access to wifi and computer systems kept in lobby. Overall a place for vacation with family where you can relax, meet, dine and explore.

 

 

 

 

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejuvenate Staycation

Luxury Vacation at Taj Exotica at Goa

Taj Exotica is located at Benaulim in South Goa. Popular sightseeing places close to the hotel are Varca beach(6 km) and Colva beach(5 km).  It is like 45 min drive from Dabolim airport. For me, it is one of the best properties in Goa, which is truly luxurious due to its exotic location, grand architecture and a sun drenched atrium. Once inside, you wouldn’t like to move out due to the ample number of activities place can keep you indulged in

Food, Amenities and Services – Taj Exotica has around 140 air-conditioned guestrooms with personal balconies or patios. The room category can be sea-view/garden –view or pool view. We took sea-view room. Bathrooms are spacious with separate bathtubs, showers, designer toiletries, bathrobes and makeup/shaving mirrors. Basic amenities like tea/coffee makers, color television and complimentary bottled water in addition to complimentary newspapers and desks. Interiors of rooms are neutral and exotic. Housekeeping is available round the clock. You can spend the sunny afternoon by lazing around the beach or by playing golf or rejuvenating yourself at Jiva spa or playing indoor games or reading a book on the hammock.

Taj Exotica has event space as well consisting of ballroom, banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle which is available on request. Additional hotel amenities comprise a library, a coffee shop, and a concierge desk. Special arrangements can be done for birthdays and anniversaries on payment. The experience at the Taj becomes all the more special with the variety of cuisines place has to offer. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront Lobster Shack while Mediterranean cuisine is served at Miguel Arcanjo. Traditional Goan dishes are offered at Allegria. For a nightcap, Adega Cameons Bar serves a variety of drinks. In case, you would want to go ahead with traditional Indian food in Goa, Eugenia should be a good choice.At Eugenia, guests can explore multiple cuisines from Indian to south-east Asian. Buffet breakfast is served at Eugenia and the spread is quite large. An overall property gives an amazing and luxurious ambience to unwind and relax.

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Adventure Beaches Rejuvenate Relax Travel Trends Tribal

Rendezvous with Andamans

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an idyllic destination for nature lovers. Thanks to Toroots to give me an opportunity to explore this pristine beaches more closely including the interaction with local Sentinelese people. Blog post brings out the best that I experienced during my stay.

As you land at Portblair airport, you can take a day out roaming around the place, wherein Anthropological Museum & Visit to Cellular Jail are must. This will surely let you speechless and gratitude towards our freedom fighters. The place is a conglomerate of beautiful islands that can be relaxing and adventurous at the same time.

Water sports like snorkelling lets you get the depth of marine life and Andaman beaches offer one of the best views in the world.

Day spent at Havelock also stays memorable for its pristine beaches and beautiful sunsets.

Not sure if words can do any justice with the place, but I hope pictures should be able to motivate you to pack your bags for the luxury vacation to Andaman.

Tip: Get your air-tickets booked timely to avoid extra expense.

 

 

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejoice Staycation

Ramee Guestline Hotel Juhu – Review

Ramee Guestline is located in the prime location of dream city Mumbai, i.e Juhu. Situated just 8 KMs from Airport, the hotel provides easy accessibility to several tourist places like Juhu Beach,Iskon Temple etc.

Food, Amenities, and Services – There are total 88 rooms, divided into various categories. Rooms are ok with LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, complimentary bottled water, locker safe, and slippers. Bathrooms are decently designed and fitted with latest fixtures. Writing desk is available. The hotel also has a spa where one can have holistic experience in Moroccan Hammam and different other treatments can relax you.  Other facilities like salon, gym, 24*7 travel desk, laundry, free wi-fi is available. The swimming pool is nice, in case you want to spend some quality time relaxing.  Free pick up & Drop available from the airport. Hotel staff is humble and courteous. Travel desk and laundry is available .The ambience revitalizes your stay and makes it calm and relaxing. Overall quality of neatness and cleanliness is maintained across the hotel.

The in-house dining options include Its Mirchi, a traditional Indian restaurant that is famous for its Kebabs and Biryanis; Buffet Breakfast is served here. Rock Bottom, the hip and happening discotheque that serves drinks too. Overall, budget property for a pleasantly perfect stay in Juhu. The place is well suited for corporate, or leisure requirements.

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Adventure Beaches Rejoice Travel Tips wildlife

Discovering the Picturesque Pichavaram – Second largest mangrove forest in world .

We all are aware of the largest mangrove jungle is Sunderbans delta, but very few are aware that second largest also lies in India, which is based out in lesser known areas of Tamil Nadu and is known as Pichavaram. It is spread over 3000 acres and has around 4500 big small canals, which are sun-flecked tunnels of roots and branches and some are dense to the extent that they hardly leave any space for even sunlight to pass through.

These plants together have made the place so exquisite with their viviparous roots and aerial roots. These roots are so very strong and they are in fact used to steer the boat at times instead of using the paddles.

How to reach there:  Pichavaram is just 30 minutes’ drive from Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu and around 250Kms from Chennai via East Coast Road.  The drive through ECR is beautiful, as it gives you a glimpse of the coastal culture wherein you can find paddy fields, females selling fishes, traditional houses.

You can take both paddle boats and motor boats, which are operated by the Tamil Nadu tourism department. They run on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM. watching the sunset is always scenic in these forests. What makes more fascinating is the stories, legends that boatmen will continue while they are rowing the boats. These stories range from movie shoots to religious legends attached to the place.

Quick Tips

  • Take sufficient cash, as there are no ATMs in the place.
  • Plastic is banned
  • Use paddle boats rather than motor boats, as they can reach to more interiors
  • If you would want to check the breadth and height of these beautiful forests, tipping the boatmen is not a bad idea. Afterall, they are the masters of the place.

 

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Beaches Foodie Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation Tribal Western Ghats wildlife

A Foodie evening at Ocean Deck Resort

During my recent trips to Karwar, I got to experience the amazing home stay at Ocean Deck Resort. It is a beautiful island that truly depicts home away from home. Though due to lack of time, I thought to drop the idea of going there, but after hearing so much about the place, I went, and must say, my food journey would have been incomplete, if I wouldn’t have come there. What makes this place more unique and offers comfortable stay is bcoz to its owner Mr.Vinay, who is always energized and ensures the best stay for his customers. Review here is based on my stay, food and definitely quick conversations with the people staying. The place is easily accessible with Dabolim airport at a distance of 100Kms. Pick & Drop can be arranged on request. Here are highlights of the place as experienced by me.
1) If you want to experience a homestay in Karwar, this is the place you would want to be. Listed in lonely planet, for its amazing location and hospitality, this place is always the top choice for repeat guests at Karwar.
2) Since the homestay is just 5 Kms away from Karwar Museum , Devbagh beach and 60 Km away from Gokarna Beach, there are ample places to roam around, if you have a weekend in hand and you are eager to explore the in and around the place.

3) If you are foodie, nothing can beat them in Karwar. I happen to eat vegetarian variants, which I have never heard of. Be it Karela chakri or fried bhindis, everything has its own charm. Lime water was super with perfect blend of lemon and sugar to quench your thirst. I wish I could pack some. Sea-food is good and place is heaven for sea-food lovers. During your stay, you can do fishing and can get the same for dinner. Apparently, all you need is to order for the fish you would like to eat and you can have the same in your scrumptious meal.

  

4) The place is run by the Mr.Vinay who acts as host, chef, and waiter. He stays there itself and ensures that all his guests are being taken care of properly. This is what makes the place all the more experiential and your stay more memorable.

5) The place provides plethora of activities wherein you can indulge yourself. They include Machine boat ride, beach trekking, Kayaking, wooden boat ride, river crossing, fishing.

6) Free access to Wi-fi. You can remain connected to your folks all the time and can share live updates while making them jealous

7) The place is completely in the lap of nature, with a beautiful setting. Backwaters and Devbagh beach make the place more serene and photogenic.


8) Accommodation ranges from suites to fishermen’s room. They are well-furnished with all basic amenities in them.

9) Campfires are arranged every evening upon nightfall and are a great way to relax and soak yourself in the lap of nature.


10) It is indeed value for money, that gives you the opportunity to get lost in nature.
Being a nature lover and foodie together, this place is surely my personal recommendation to those who are looking for an escape from the city buzz.
What are you waiting for? Plan your upcoming weekend to Karwar and get your bookings from Ocean Deck or call Mr. Vinay at +91-9342994358 or write to them at bookings@oceandeck.org

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Beaches Foodie Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation Treks Western Ghats wildlife

All about Devbagh Beach Resort, Karwar

Devbagh Beach Resort

Devbagh is a stop for an ardent beach lover. Sun, sand, surf, sea and endless open space, Devbagh is famous for its private beaches, where you can build your dream castles, collect seashells, chase crabs, locating fishermen in boats or just soak yourself in sun and let waves wash away your worries. 3 Kms away i.e just 29 minutes ferry ride from Karwar is situated one of the finest property of  Karnataka Tourism. Devbagh Beach Resort is located in the converging landscape located in Karwar, which is 100 Kms away from Dabolim airport and located at Karnataka–Goa border. Devbagh is at its beautiful best from October to May.

Accommodation: Resort opens a world of pristine natural beauty.  It has got lovely log-hut cottages with a balcony. Rooms are spacious with all modern facilities. The Gol Ghar, is the group dining hall, serves a delectable buffet spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. The seafood is highly recommended. Fishes served here are usually fresh. Dinner is served on the beaches wherein every evening bon-fire is set up with snacks. Spa here is amazing. Oils and other ingredients used are purely herbal.

Activities: Devbagh has something or the other for everyone. 24 hrs are less for you to explore the place completely. If you are an adventurous person, try parasailing, snorkeling (which is being done under the supervision of trained professionals, who ensures complete safety of its guests), banana boat ride, scooter-ride and other water sports. One can also go for speed boat cruises in Arabian sea to spot Dolphins. If you are a nature lover, get up in morning and take a stroll in backwaters and can spot rare birds in mangrove thatches. It is a paradise for bird watchers as conditions are conducive for migratory birds. If you like studying human nature, then a stroll in an adjacent fishing village is a good experience; wherein you can witness how their day starts, to how it ends. It gives a complete picture of a day in fishermen’s life. If a relaxing vacation is on your mind, then soaking in the sun or lazing on a hammock is a good option. One can also cruise up to the confluence of Arabian sea and river Kali. A trek in the jungles is highly recommended and capturing sunrise and sunset is photographer’s delight at the resort. The Place is indeed photogenic.  A day tour to the city is also organized by the resort on request, wherein you can roam around the Karwar. All activities are conducted under strict supervision and interaction with the staff adds lots of value.  The staff here is very courteous. Manager of the lodge makes it a point to spend time with each family staying and take care of their day to day needs. Personal attention is given to all guests. If you are looking for a getaway beyond Goa with all similar amenities, Devbagh beach resort tops the priority chart. You can reach out to www.dandeli.com for your bookings. They made it really simple for me when it comes to the arrangement.


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