Beach Resorts

Overview
Hotels

India has some wonderful beaches; here we tell you more about these hidden gems. The hotels we have featured in this section are not all in the main and very well known areas of Kerala and Goa. We have included some hidden gems that you may not know about.

Some of our personal favourites are Neeleshwar Hermitage in north Kerala, located right besides a beautiful quite beach stretching as far as the eye can see. Then there is Dunes Beach Resort in the old French enclave town of Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu. Further up the coast we have Vivanta by Taj Covelong, near enough to have a wonderful two centre beach holiday with some great temples and sights to see within easy reach of each location.

Kerala's Southern Beaches

Waving Palms, wide sandy beaches, a tropical paradise. The state slopes down from the mountain Ghats to the sea. We feature here a selection of beach resorts in Mararikulam located near south of Cochin and near the backwaters. In the south of the state Kovalam and Varkala where on a day trip you can visit Trivandrum and also Kanyakumari the most southern tip of India and where some of Gandhi's ashes have been buried. Featuring a selection of resorts that can be added onto any of our tours, or just a beach side holiday.

Mararikulam
One of the oldest fishing villages in Kerala, Mararikulam will put you in a location that seems to have been left untouched by the ravages of modern progress and is as least like a typical tourist resort as you could find anywhere in Kerala and will give you a truly authentic experience of life in a traditional Keralan community where a deep sense of history mingles with an atmosphere of rural peace. There is a fascinating cultural and natural heritage to be explored on foot or by cycle, even more awaits discovery on a backwater tour of Alleppey just a few miles away where a network of lakes, lagoons and rivers provide one of the richest examples of the spectacular natural beauty that exists across this region of southern India.

Kovalam
Kovalam is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure lovers, it is also known as the "Paradise of South" It was discovered by Maharaja Travencore. Kovalam is world famous for its exotic beaches, water sports, relaxing resorts and the lovely people. Tourist just love to land there. It is located just 16 kms from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. The word Kovalam means a groove of coconut trees. The main Highlights are three beautiful beaches, various options of water sports, delicious sea food, boat cruises, the city tour and above all the rejuvenating auyervedic massage.

Varkala
Located near Trivandrum, a relatively quite beach area compared to Kovalam. Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Here we have high cliffs with mineral springs, a location that offers excellent views of the Arabian sea, suitable for those looking for a quieter beach holiday.

Goa's Northern Beaches

Ajuna Beach
Anjuna is a small village in north Goa. This is a popular beach, adjacent to Chapora fort. This was the area that was the famous haunt of the flower generation in the sixties, and is still popular with the younger generation. In Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled-roof. The Anjuna band plays for the beach party at night. The weekly Wednesday flea market that takes one back to the hippie days has gained international fame.

Calangute Beach
Located 16 Kms from Panaji is the most popular holiday resort in Goa popularly known as The Queen of Beaches. A popular holiday resort, the small houses amidst the coconut groves behind the beach are always in constant demand. Calangute beach was the beach all self-respecting hippies headed for, especially around Christmas when psychedelic hell broke loose. Bars and restaurants are mainly grouped around the entrance to the beach and along the Baga road. As with most Goan resorts, the accent is firmly on seafood.

Sinquerim Beach
Sinquerim Beach is one of the most beautiful Goa beaches. It is one of a series of tranquil and spectacular stretch of sand and an ideal place for swimming. The beach is quickly becoming a must-visit Goan destination. The tourists descend upon the beach for its pristine and peaceful setting. Located at a distance of 13 kms from Panaji, the Sinquerim beach lies adjacent to the Aguada beach.

Vagator & Chapora Beaches
Vagator and Chapora are quaint fishing villages where the sea turns from aquamarine to emerald green, and a 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leave each visitor amazed. 22 kms from Panaji. It is a popular beach dominated by Chapora Fort to the north, on its imposing head land and popularly known as 'The Sun Kissing Beach'. To the south of vagator is Calangute beach. Vagator beach is what Goa is very well known for, beautiful soft golden sand beaches. Whenever you see a picture of a beach typically dotted with palm trees and sea green water with people in swimming suit and having fun in.

Goa's Southern Beaches

Arossim Beach
The beach is a heaven for the adventure seekers who look forward to some water adventure and sport activities along the beaches of Goa. Arossim beach offers various water sports activities, water surfing, scooting and sailing.

Cavelossim Beach
The Sal River breaks the Goan landmass and pours itself into the ocean, creating the Mobor peninsula. Cavelossim beach. is a beautiful white sand beach, with intermittent black lava rocks spread across. The main attraction of the Cavelossim beach like adjoining Varca beach are the Dolphin watching activity and authentic Goan food served by the small hutments dotting the beach.

Colva and Benaulim Beaches
Colva and Benaulim are two famous beautiful beaches that are still somewhat untouched by the fast paced life. Colva stretches sun-drenched, palm fringed and virtually deserted for kilometers. Colva is at heart of the longest unbroken stretch of beach (25 kms) in Goa from Mormagao peninsular in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south. Colva is the oldest and largest - of south Goa's resorts.

Majorda Beach
Majorda beach is one of the most attractive beaches of Goa. It offers a multitude of water sports as well as beach sports available, great food and drinks facilities. The beach also boasts of its own share of history and mythology wherein Lord Rama is supposed to have visited the beach as a small kid as well as when he started the search for his missing wife Devi Sita. At night Majorda plays hosts to a numerous parties which are an integral part of the evenings of many beaches of Goa.

Varca Beach
A silvery beach with lava rocks breaking intermittently is a sight to behold with the waves crashing while the sand absorbs the thrust. Renowned as one of the longest beach stretches in the Salcete province of Goa, the beach is clean and tidy and offers a great view of the ocean along with with special guest "the Dolphins" which break water surface repeatedly to display their acrobatic skills in full glory. Various shacks offer typical Goan food and drinks.

Other beaches to visit whilst in Goa

Agnoda Beach - South Goa
This is a virgin stretch of beach 12 kms from Palolem and, until recently, was undiscovered by tourists. It is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and it’s easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb any of the rocks there. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach. The fort of Cabo de Rama is not too far from Agonda beach, and is named after Lord Rama, who is the central figure of the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to local legend, Rama stayed here with his wife Sita during the period of his 12-year exile. The atmosphere of the fort creates a sense of history and drama that takes you back in time.

Arambol Beach - North Goa
A unique beach in the North Goa, is both rocky and sandy beach and much sought after. It has a sweet water pond right on the shore. Arambol is along the Goa border with its fresh water lagoon. Beyond is an idyllic, rocky-bottomed cove, the trail emerges to a board strip of soft white sand hemmed in on both sides by steep cliffs. A small fresh-water lake extends along the bottom of the valley into a thick jungle,just behind it. Fed by boiling hot springs, the lake is lined with sulphurous mud, which, smeared over the body, dries to form a surreal, butter-coloured shell.

Dona Paula Beach – south Goa
7 kms from Panaji. A picturesque spot which commands a fine view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. Water sports are also available over here. The Dona Paula bay is at the place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea. Named after Dona Paula de Menezes, this place is called the Lovers Paradise due to a myth which has been attached to this place.

Miramar Beach – south Goa
3 kms from Panaji. A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji. Miramar is almost part of Panaji. It is one of the most popular beaches of Goa India. If you wish to watch the sunset from Panaji then the best location would be this beach, which is fifteen minutes' walk along the riverfront avenue called Dayanand Bandodker Marg. Miramar is an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea. It is not a safe beach to swim. There is a strong undercurrent.

Rajbagh Beach – south Goa
Located at a distance of 12 km from Palolem beach the Rajbagh beach is an absolute stunner. Green palms and coconut trees create a natural roof over the area merging the land with the sea and the sea beach is the wafer thin stretch that separates the green canopy and the blue sea.

Palolem Beach - South Goa
37 kms from Margao. Just west of Chaudi one of the most enchanting beaches in Goa relatively deserted, with backdrop of Western ghats, situated in Southern Taluka of Canacona. Palolem is Goa's one of the most beautiful and idyllic beach and it has 1.5 km crescent shaped beach. The beach lies on the southern coastline of Goa amidst outstanding natural beauty. The sweeping crescent of white sand is fringed by a shady rim of coconut palms and the whole beach is hemmed in at either end by rocky crags.

Raheem Residency , Alleppey MI Evaluation - Gold

This is a tasteful colonial house on a quiet beach on the outskirts of Alleppey. It’s been painstakingly converted into a very intimate experience by Bibi, a twinkly-eyed Irish former TV journalist who fell in love with the building while on holiday and had to buy it.

Bangaram Island Resort - (Closed), Bangaram Island MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Bangaram Island Resort is currently closed...we will update our website as soon as we hear that the resort is open again.

Lalit Bekal, Bekal MI Evaluation - Gold

The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal, located in Kasargod, the northern district of Kerala - ‘Gods Own Country’ is a top of the line luxury beach resort set up on 26 acres of virgin stretch of northern Kerala in the lap of Arabian sea.

Vivanta by Taj Fisherman's Cove , Covelong MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Vivanta by Taj - Fisherman's Cove, Chennai, built on the ramparts of an old Dutch fort, is now riding on a fresh new wave. Yet it remains the charming beach resort that's almost one with the Bay of Bengal.

Radhika Resort, Dui MI Evaluation - Bronze

Welcome to Radhika Beach Resort - a getaway to sun, sand and surf. An oasis of verdant greenery, cool waters and stylish living.

Aashyana Lakhanpal, Goa MI Evaluation - Platinum

Candolim is a must destination for visitors to Goa, and it has an intriguing secret. Tucked away at the end of a quiet lane, off the bustling main road to Calangute, is Aashyana Lakhapal

Amarya Shamiyana, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold

In December 2009, the Amarya Group unveiled Amarya Shamiyana, a beachside hideaway located on Goa’s Northern shores of trendy Ashvem Beach.

Capella Homestay, Goa MI Evaluation - Silver

Found 45 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the beach, Capella is a modern interpretation of traditional architecture, surrounded by lush greenery.

Casa Baga, Goa MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Baga is world famous for its long sandy beaches, lively shacks and its party atmosphere. Casa Baga is the only boutique resort on this stretch of coastline and is perfectly located right next to the beach and within walking distance of all the shops, bars and restaurants in the area.

Leela Goa, Goa MI Evaluation - Platinum

What do you get when you blend South India’s temple traditions with Portuguese heritage? A 5 star beach resort called The Leela Kempinski Goa, for one

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is a world-class facility, set on 45 acres of lush beachfront gardens. The resort hotel is located in the most idyllic area of South Goa in India and is a 15-minute drive from Goa's Dabolim Airport.

Siolim House, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold

Welcome to the home of Casa Palacio Siolim House, once a palace and the residence of the aristocratic Goan-Portuguese Governor of Macau, now a private seven room boutique hotel in Goa; and of our annexe 'Little Siolim', a three room restored villa for even more privacy or as a villa rental.

Stain Glass Cottage Homestay, Goa MI Evaluation - Silver

One of the nearest homestays to the beach and five km from the cultural capital of Goa, Margao, this is a unique example of a beautiful home with the most affable hosts.

Taj Exotica, Goa MI Evaluation - Platinum

Located on the southwest coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian sea, this Mediterranean-style 5 star resort is one of the best five star hotels in Goa and has a way of slowing down time to a tranquil tempo.

Taj Holiday Village, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold

Taj Holiday Village, Goa has more than 25 glorious years of delighting guests with the legendary Taj hospitality, adorning a fresh new look.

The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Located along the western coast of India, The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa is a luxurious five star resort built on 85 acres of land and offers a breathtaking view lapped by the Arabian Sea

Vivanta Taj Fort Aguada, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada, Goa is at its best. Romantic. Charming. Vibrant. It has history woven in its walls. It's where royalty, heads of government and the biggest celebrities are known to frequent. For the luxury Goa experience, which no other place has been able to recreate.

Swa Swara Yoga Retreat, Gokarna MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Swa Swara is the inner voice of the Self that echoes on a fabled beach, shaped like the very first sound of creation... Om. Swa Swara give their guests a holiday experience that is surreal without being removed from reality.

Barefoot Resort, Havelock Island MI Evaluation - Silver

Discover India’ best kept secret. The Andamans Islands. At Barefoot Group’s first boutique eco retrat called ‘Barefoot at Havelock’. Located excusively on what has been rated the best beach in Asia, th small resort is set in rainforest and tropical fruit trees behind a pristine 2 km white sand strtch of beach, quirkily named Beach No 7 at Havelock Island.

Leela Kovalam, Kovalam MI Evaluation - Platinum

A short drive from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport unfolds one of the most inspiring of Kovalam hotels, The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala.

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort, Kovalam MI Evaluation - Gold

Somatheeram welcomes you to the world of authentic Ayurveda. A serene aryurvedic resort located by the sea in South India. Here you can benefit from traditional Ayurvedic therapy as well as Yoga in a blissfully peaceful environment.

Uday Samudra, Kovalam MI Evaluation - Gold

Uday Samudra Beach Resort located right besides the famed beaches of Kovalam, just 15 meters from the sea, is an exclusive 4 Star leisure beach hotel - a destination by itself.

Vivanta Kovalam, Kovalam MI Evaluation - Platinum

Vivanta by Taj - Kovalam, is delightful in many ways. While to some it is one of the finest seaside resorts in Kerala, to others it is an amazing backwater retreat.

Radisson Blu Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram MI Evaluation - Gold

Radisson Blu Temple Bay Mahabalipuram, the largest Resort on the Coromandel coast, offers you an experience that is exotic, spread over 44 acres of plush green carpet on the shores of Bay of Bengal.

Mandvi Beach Camp, Mandvi MI Evaluation - Silver

The Beach at Mandavi Palace is a deluxe camp, comprising, ten hand crafted tents. Each tent has its own verandah, spacious air-conditioned bedroom and state of the art attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water. Each of the tents is interior decorated to resemble the colonial-period camps of erstwhile royalty with carved furniture.

Beach Symphony , Mararikulam MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

A beach boutique stay with timeless typical Keralean cottages with large verandas and your own private relax garden.

Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam MI Evaluation - Gold

Modeled on the fishermen’s' dwellings of Mararikulam, your accommodations are a fine balance between traditional form and modern function.

Marari Villas, Mararikulam MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Marari Villas are perfectly located as a holiday base in Kerala. It is only 1 ½ hours drive from Cochin International Airport and within a few hours drive of all major tourist destinations in central Kerala

Neeleshwar Hermitage , Neeleshwar MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Neeleshwar Hermitage is a place where you can gain deep rest, release the burden of the past and rejuvenate.

Dune eco village resort & spa, Pondicherry MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

The Dune eco village resort & spa, Pondicherry is a thematic hotel designed to cater to the growing demand for long stay destinations with soul and comfort where cultures, ideas and people merge with one another.

Le Pondy, Pondicherry MI Evaluation - Gold

Le Pondy is its newest venture and celebrates Pondicherry in all its true sense - the spirit, the architecture and the revelry.

Estuary Island Resort, Poovar MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Estuary Island Resort, a beachside heaven where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet to form an exotic land of scenic beauty offers 71 rooms, with a range of accommodation facilities perfect for all kind of visitors.

Hans Coco Palm, Puri MI Evaluation - Silver

Set in idyllic surroundings, in what is one of India’s best kept secrets – the sea shore of Orissa – The Hans Coco Palms at Puri is a haven of peace, serenity and cultural delights.

Mayfair Hotel Puri, Puri MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Puri located in the east coast of the Indian sub-continent in the state of Orissa, is one of the four Dhams (Sacred place) of the Hindus.

Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort , Thrissur MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Looking for a laid back holiday? Come to the luxuriant greens and disarming beaches by the Arabian Sea in Kerala. Come home to The Nattika Beach Resort.

Bungalow on the beach, Tranquebar MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Two restored buildings will stand as reminders of a Danish Admiral, Ove Gedde, sent by the king of Denmark with two ships. They were well received by the Nayak ruler of Tanjore, and given this territory.

Gatway Hotel Janardhanpuram, Varkala MI Evaluation - Gold

Perched atop a majestic red cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, this charming retreat offers warm hospitable service as well as fantastic views.

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