India's Hidden Beach Gems: Top 3 Destinations Beyond Goa for a Serene Coastal Getaway

Have you ever wondered the most deceitful and hope crushing pair of words are not “I don’t love you anymore” or “You are bankrupt” but they are “Bro, this time we have to cancel our GOA PLANS”. You immediately start regretting the amount of time invested in planning & dreaming of the heavenly beachside & attractive shack parties.

There are also other kinds, who think of spending quality leisure time at the Goan beach and meditating to the peaceful sound of waves. This innocent thought is immediately crushed by the mammoth crowd which fills up the nook and corner of the scenic seaside.

It’s time, we all should think of better alternatives to Goa and we have stumbled upon something beautiful.

GOKARNA (KARNATAKA)

It is a famous coastal town of Karnataka along with a great weekend spot for Bangaloreans as well as other Urban crowds. Known for its crystal clear and unconventional beaches.

Thrill seekers are charmed by Gokarna’s Hilly Beach Trek and families enjoy the sightseeing, temples as well as culture. It is also gaining significance for Beach Yoga Retreats & wellness tourism.

Famous Places to Visit – Gokarna Main beach, Om beach, Kudle beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Paradise beach, and Half Moon beach.

Activities: Dolphin watching, Watersports – Banana boat ride, Jet Skiing, Scuba Diving, and Parasailing.

Excursions from Gokarna:

1. Vibhooti Waterfalls (70ft height)

2. Yana Caves

3. Murdeshwar (Famous for Shiva Statue – 123ft)

4. Belekan beach

It's famous for Seafood as well as various cuisines like local Karwari, even Continental, Russian and Thai. There is a thriving café culture and the most famous one is Namaste Café. Also, there is Sunset Café (near Gokarna Main Beach), Chez Christrophe (with Hippie vibe and its situated near Gokarna Main Beach), Nirvana Cafe (Situated near Om Beach – famous for Nutella Pancake) and a lot more to explore for foodies. The meal cost can vary from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000 per person per meal.

For those who want to relish the local food they can opt for Gokarneshwar Mess and other such lunch homes situated in the city centre. These eateries provide affordable Thalis @ Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 per person per meal.

Where to Stay:

For 3 star hotels – Kudle beach View Resort & Om beach resort

For Luxury – Stone Wood Nature Resort & Kahani Paradise House

Also, one can opt for Camping (Paradise beach) or Hostels.

Best Time to Visit – From November to February.

This destination is perfect for all types of travellers – Families, Party Lovers, Adventure seekers, Backpackers, Couples, and even Corporate Incentive tours etc. People with all kinds of budget can create wonderful memories by just spending 2-3 days.

Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island in Andaman)

Picture Courtesy - kavita_maisnam

One of the Jewels of India’s Crown are the islands of Andaman & Nicobar. Most of us are already sold over the idea of a honeymoon or ultimate relaxation trip in Maldives or Mauritius forgetting that we have the similar scenic beauty in our own backyard (it's far away still it’s an Indian territory!).

Radhanagar is the largest as well as the most popular beach on Swaraj Dweep Island (earlier known as Havelock Island).

This island paradise boasts of tropical beauty (it is thickly forested), sparkling white sand, turquoise blue water along with mesmerizing sunset views. Total Paisa Vasool moment! (worth your money & time spent).

We can also rent scooty to explore the beauty of Havelock island. (There are few petrol pumps, the petrol price is high compared to other Indian cities. After 7pm they close so fill the tank accordingly.)

For Avid Foodies – Emerald Gecko for fresh & delicious sea food. Also, there is a Full moon café for healthy salads, tasty veg & vegan meals. For sumptuous meal experience, one can visit the best rated Sea Dragon restaurant near the Havelock Jetty. Known for seafood yet they have amazing varieties for Vegetarians.

Famous Places to Visit – Elephant Beach, Kala Phattar Beach (lot of black coloured rocks gracing the coastline), and Vijay Nagar Beach

Activities: Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Trek to Elephant beach (from Radhanagar Beach), Elephant ride

Excursions from Radhanagar Beach / Havelock Island:

1. Neil Island (Bharatpur & Laxmanpur beach)

2. Long Island (Lalaji Bay beach, Cosy caves, Merk bay beach and Guitar Island)

Where to Stay:

3 star / Economical hotels – Dreamland Resort (2 star) and TSG Blue Resort (3 Star). These are near Radhanagar beach. There are many hotels near Jetty or other beaches. The famous ones are Shagrilas beach 3-star resort and The Wild Orchid Resort (both are near Vijay Nagar beach).

Luxury Properties – Taj Exotica Resort and Barefoot at Havelock (Unique Villa/Cottage with Spa experience)

Best Time to Visit – From December to February (climate is pleasant, and temperature varies between 18 to 25-degree Celsius)

This destination is perfect for Honeymooners, those seeking exclusivity (generally such requirements comes with an expensive price), and families who want to spend quality time with loved ones.

Varkala Beach (Kerala)

Picture Courtesy - juibasak

This place is considered to be the most famous hangout place for the Backpackers in Kerala. This calm and peaceful seaside town lies 50 km north of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram).

Varkala beach is a better alternative to the crowded and commercialized Kovalam beach. Thus, foreigners prefer it for the breathtaking views as well as cleaner seashore. “It's like a medicine for our soul in God’s Own Country”.

Best Features: -

• Settled along the edge of 15 metre Cliff which is adjacent to Arabian Sea

• Natural Spring with medicinal properties

• 2000 yr old Lord Vishnu shrine (Janardhanaswamy)

• Renowned Sivagiri Mutt

• Special Kerala Ayurveda centers & Yoga Institute for wellness.

• Natural Rock formations, Rivulets, Lakes, Vibrant Flora & Fauna, Beautiful Lighthouses etc.

• For Adrenaline rush - Water Sports, Paragliding and Trekking.

Like Gokarna, Varkala also has a thriving cafe culture due to International visitors and urban crowd flocking over weekends. Some of the known ones are Darjelling Cafe (North Indian, Tibetan, Continental etc - around Rs. 500 per person per meal), Cafe Italiano (enjoy good Italian food with amazing views of the coastline sipping delicious coffee), Trattorias (continental, pan asian, local seafood platter etc) and Coffee Temple (other than freshly brewed coffee, they serve juices, salads, and fusion Indian snacks).

Since it's a famous religious place, vegetarians will get umpteen options for pure veg restaurants (Oottupura Vegetarian Restaurant) serving Kerala local cuisine and speciality is tangy rasam over soothing rice served on a banana leaf. Local fish fry cannot be missed by Non-Veg eaters. For authentic Kerala food - True Thomas as well as Chimney Family Restaurant (must try Fish Moily) are famous eateries.

Famous Places to Visit – Varkala Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala Cliff, Sri Janardanaswamy temple, Kappil beach, Anchuthengu Fort and Odayam beach.

Excursions from Varkala:

1. Thiruvanathapuram (can be covered in half day)

2. Kovalam Beach

3. Kollam (Famous for Astamudi Lake - Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters)

(Kollam is only 40 kms from Varkala)

Where to Stay:

3-star hotels – Prashanthi Cliff (Best rated resort, beachfront) and Hill View Beach Resort.

Luxury Properties – Grand Rodina Resort & Spa (4 star), Gateway Varkala (Beachfront 4 star) and B'Canti Boutique Beach Resort Varkala (5 star).

Experience luxurious backwater stay - Fragrant Nature Backwater 4-star Resort & Ayurveda Spa in Kollam (16 kms drive from varkala beach)

For Backpackers - Cliff Stories, Zostel, Short Giraffe and many such affordable Hostels with cool vibes.

Best Time to Visit – From November to February (It has tropical climate wherein summer months of April to June are unbearable and hence winter is suggested)

This destination is perfect for those seeking peaceful wellness therapies, believers who want to visit religious places, backpackers, couples,and even adventure junkies.

Let's break the trend which Bollywood has imprinted in our minds about Beach = Goa. It’s time we create our new version of “Dil Chahta Hai” in the above-mentioned places.