5 Beaches Worth Visiting This Summer Holiday

Summers are here. Holidays are just around the corner. I’m thinking vacation and I know you’re thinking vacation too. There are hill stations and foreign locales where you can head to but as you know there ain’t no holiday like a beach holiday!

In this multihued country of ours, there is no dearth of stunning beaches; some well-known and some waiting to be explored. So this summer vacation, pack your beach essentials and leave behind the worries of the world to travel to some of the best beaches in India. We present five of our favourite beaches around the country, each of them every bit marvelous.

This summer vacation, hit one of the many beautiful beaches in the country

Agonda Beach, Goa

One of the lesser-known gems of Goa, Agonda Beach is beautiful, secluded and serene. Tucked away in the southern end of Goa, Agonda is the best place to get away from maddening crowds and or if you wish to steal some moments away in seclusion. The beach is lined with palm trees and shores covered with white sand. Listen to the sea waves crashing, read, meditate, lie down or do absolutely nothing. (That’s what I would be doing there!). There are few beach huts and villas in the Agonda area that offer basic and decent accommodation. Good restaurants and shacks are also plenty.

Food for Thought: It is said that mobile connectivity is not very strong in the area. Now, that’s not such a bad thing after all, is it?

Get away from all the chaos and relax at the beautiful Agonda Beach

Cola Beach, Goa

Another unspoilt paradise in South Goa, Cola Beach is almost remote and epitomizes tranquility and the exotic beauty of Goa. While it is lined with the usual palm trees and soft sand there’s something spectacularly unique that sets it apart from other beaches; a fresh water lagoon that merges with the sea. So you see, you have the luxury of swimming in the vast sea and the shallow water of the lagoon!

There are several huts and tents in the area; both basic and luxury and few restaurants and shacks with decent food and drinks.

Food for Thought: Cola Beach might not be very easy to find. But then, what’s the fun if everything is served on a platter? Why not go and unearth this beauty and find it to be worth all the effort.

Experience the peace and tranquility that you longed for at Goa's Cola Beach

Varkala Beach, Kerala

And as if the scenic beauty and backwaters were not enough, here’s another jewel in the crown of God’s Own Country. Varkala Beach in Varkala, also known as Papanasam Beach, is situated in a striking setting, around a high cliff covered with palm trees. Walk along the endless stretch of sparkling water and soft white sand, lie down, read a book, meditate, swim or simply take in the beauty that is Varkala Beach.

The view from the cliff during sunset is breathtaking so be sure not to miss that. For those looking to explore other attractions in the area, Sree Janardhana Swami Temple is located close to the beach and worth a visit. There are a number of good cafes and restaurants on the cliff apart from few shacks at the beach. Accommodation options are plenty and there’s something to suit every budget.

Food for Thought: Papanasam means washing away sins. It is believed that taking a dip in the water of Papanasam Beach will wash away all the sins in life. Who knew a beach holiday could do so much good!

The view during sunset at Varkala Beach is nothing short of spectacular

Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Fine white sand, sparkling blue waters, peace and quiet and clean, picturesque surroundings; Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is almost dreamlike and paradisiacal. Perfect for nature lovers, couples and families alike, at the Radhanagar Beach you can take a dip in the crystal clear water to calm your senses, laze around, stroll or do anything you fancy! Also called beach number 7, Radhanagar Beach is considered as one of the best beaches in Asia. There are few accommodation options in Havelock Island; some of them located around the Radhanagar Beach.

Food for Thought: It is believed that the sun rays that bounce off the pure white sand at Radhanagar Beach have rejuvenating qualities. So here’s another beach holiday that would do you a whole lot of good!

Radhanagar Beach is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia | Photo Credit: Viscious81 / Wikimedia

Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra

This pristine gem in coastal Maharashtra approximately 546 kilometres away from Mumbai is a heaven for those seeking serenity. The fine, white sand and crystal clear waters are perfect to swim and soothe the senses. For the adventurous, there is the option of snorkelling, scuba diving and parasailing. There are few choices for accommodation by the beach and in the surrounding areas. If you wish to explore the area around the beach, do visit the Sindhudurg Fort.

Food for Thought: Dolphins swimming about is quite a common sight at Tarkarli. You can even take a boat ride to see the dolphins up and close. Now, that’ll be quite an experience!

Enjoy a dip in the crystal clear waters of Tarkarli Beach | Photo Credit: Sballal / Wikimedia

Plan your trip to one or all of these splendid beaches and book flights and hotels only on MakeMyTrip.com!

By Tania Seth

Are you going to the Kerala Shopping Festival this year?

Ayurvedic treatments and spa solutions are passé. If you have a problem you would rather forget, head to Kerala for some retail therapy, guaranteed to shoo those blues away! That’s the idea behind the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF), India’s own homegrown shopping fiesta to beat the big boys Dubai and Singapore at their own game. Envisioned to make Kerala the newest Asian shopping destination, it is planned for over a month around December and January, which is also the peak tourist season. What is so wonderful about the festival is the fact that you do not need to plan a trip especially around the shopping destination; the entire state is metamorphosed into one huge shopping mall, drawing tourists and shoppers eager to unload their wallets. Held from December 15 to January 30 each year, this is one shopping vacation you must plan in advance.

A popular holiday destination, Kerala now has much more to offer to its visitors

Lots of Shopping and Retail Therapy

The GKSF is a one of its kind event in India which intends to cash in on the tourism boost to the state in recent years and vice versa. Aimed specifically at national and international tourists to Kerala, God’s Own Country, the event is organised by the state tourism department. It brings together a host of goods and services and hundreds of brands for shoppers to choose from. On offer are electronics, garments, textiles, jewellery, cars and handicrafts from the state and beyond on sale through nearly 3000 outlets across the state. Several towns and cities also plan their own shopping fests and other commercial activity around this time. Shoppers are wooed with various offers, schemes, bumper prizes, discounts and even VAT refunds to encourage them to shop here.

Visitors can shop for hundreds of goods at the shopping festival including exquisite gold jewellery

GKSF Trade Fair

This is one of the largest trade fairs in the country organised during the shopping festival at the GKSF Global Village’s Lulu Convention Centre in Kochi. The sixth edition of the fair ended in January 2013 and offered a virtual shopping paradise. Set up in a systematic order, it had different pavilions for different products. The International Pavilion showcased handicrafts, products and arts from various countries; the National Pavilion had products from various states in the country; the Kerala Pavilion showcased handlooms, Ayurvedic products, handicrafts and other local products from Kerala. A special attraction was the massive food court and amusement park spread over an area of nearly 22,000 square feet.

A Bonanza for Tourists

The GKSF promises to be a multiple bonanza this time with hotels, restaurants, home stays, houseboat services, etc., all signing up to be a part of the Festival. The entire state works itself up in a state of frenzy in a bid to woo tourists and there are special offers everywhere you look, clearly one of the best times to visit this beautiful state, blessed with natural beauty, a fascinating culture and an exotic cuisine.

Hop on to the shopping bandwagon to make the most of the shopping season this year in Kerala. For the best deals on flight tickets and hotel bookings, log on to MakeMyTrip.com!

Thrissur’s Festival of Elephants

Religion and festivities go hand in hand in India and there are many festivals celebrated across the country throughout the year. One of the most colourful temple festivals in India is celebrated in Thrissur, Kerala, in the Malyalam month of Medom (usually around April-May). The Thrissur Pooram is a spectacle like none other. The celebration is held at the Vadakkumnatha Temple and in 2013, Pooram was on April 21. Along with the festival, there is also the Thrissur Pooram exhibition that is worth visiting. In fact, 2013 is its golden jubilee year and the exhibition is on from April 1 to May 22 at the Thekkinkad Maidan, in the temple premises.      

Beautifully caparisoned elephants during Pooram celebrationsColourful Festivities

Vadakkumnatha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and is located on a hillock right in the middle of Thrissur. During Thrissur Pooram, temples in and around Thrissur are invited to bring their deities to the temple. The entire procession and festivities last for 36 hours, without a break. The gods and goddesses arrive at the temple on beautifully caparisoned elephants. The men riding the elephants hold giant colourful parasols or umbrellas, which are specially prepared for the festival. The elephants face off and on the beats of the temple orchestra and the parasols are exchanged among the men riding the elephants. The processions and drums go on all day and the festival comes to a close with a spectacular display of fireworks. Though the temple is a Hindu one, Pooram is celebrated by people of all religions and is a truly secular festival.

The procession and festivities last for 36 hoursWhere to Stay

Thrissur has a few hotels close to the temple that can be your base during the festival. The Lulu International Convention Centre & Garden Hotels is a nice luxury stay about 4.5 kilometres from the festival venue. Joy’s Palace on T B Road, about 3 kilometres away, is a mid-range hotel. The business class Hotel Grand Park Regency on Kuruppam Road is just 2 kilometres from the temple and is a good budget option. MakeMyTrip offers several last minute deals on hotels so check them out before you finalise your stay. Since you’ll be travelling to Kerala, it would be a crime to not explore the rest of God’s Own Country! MakeMyTrip has exciting Kerala packages to suit all budgets so make the most of your visit to the state.

Getting There

The nearest airport to Thrissur is the Kochi airport, about 85 kilometres away. From the airport you can book a prepaid taxi to bring you to Thrissur. If you’re arriving in Thrissur by train, the railway station is just 3.4 kilometres from the temple. The KSRTC bus stand is also 2.5 kilometres away and the bus can also be a good option to get to Thrissur from other cities in Kerala. 

Witness the unique Elephant Festival in Thrissur. Book your flight to Kochi or catch a direct train to Thrissur on MakeMyTrip.

Onam, Kerala’s Grandest Spectacle

One of the primary festivals of Kerala, Onam is a 10-day celebration of the end of monsoon, a rich and healthy harvest, as well as the return of King Mahabali to his ancient kingdom. A time for family get-togethers, prayers, feasts, songs and traditional dances, Onam or Thiruvonam shows off Kerala at its cultural best. Due to be celebrated on September 16 this year, it can be a great time to visit the state whose beauty has earned it the epithet of being God’s Own Country.

The scenic beauty of Kerala enchants all tourists

The Onam Legend

While in many ways Onam is a harvest festival, it is also a celebration of the greatness of King Mahabali and his return to his earthly abode.  Legend has it that Mahabali was a demon king during whose reign the kingdom of Kerala flourished. However, his power and success forced the gods to bring about his downfall although he was granted one boon – the ability to return once each year to see for himself the flourishing cities of his realm. Onam is said to be the time when Mahabali’s spirit visits his kingdom and each house during this time is cleaned and decorated to welcome their legendary monarch.

A Time for Celebration

Typically, Onam celebrations last for 10 days of which the first (Atham) and the last (Thiruvonam) are the most important. During these days, people living away return home to be with their families, work is kept to a strict minimum and most of the time is spent in prayers, feasting, dances and celebratory processions. A beautiful aspect of Onam is the lovely pookalams or rangolis made with fresh flowers. These are designed and created by young girls and women in each household, who start making the pookalams in their courtyards from the first day of the festival and keep adding to it with each passing day till their design culminates in to a magnificent carpet of flowers, strewn in the courtyard to welcome their king. Women also make traditional rangolis out of colourful rice paste. It is also customary for women and girls to dance around brass diyas performing beautiful native dances such as the Kumattikali, Pullikali, Thumbi Thullal and Kaikotikali. A traditional breakfast menu of steamed bananas and fried poppadums is enjoyed each day. The Thiruvonam feast is of great importance and a must-have for all Keralites; it consists of a variety of curries and delicacies besides the well-known avial, sambar and rasam and of course, the sweet rice pudding called payasam.

 Beautiful dance forms like Kathakali are also part of Onam celebrations

Other Onam Festivities

There are several special occasions and events which are also a part of the grand Onam celebrations. Among the most popular and rigorous of these being the Snake Boat races also known as the Vallamkali. They are particularly popular on the Pampa River, presenting a marvelous spectacle with long, elegantly carved boats being vigorously rowed by as many as 100 oarsmen in a bid to win the races. Elsewhere, there are a variety of fun competitions such as pookalam and rangoli making competitions, dance competitions, and food-eating competitions, besides spectacular displays of fireworks and merry processions.

The Snake Boat race in Kerala is a sheer delight for spectators

Another delightful aspect of the celebrations are the beautiful dances such as Kathakali and Pullikali. The latter is a masked dance particularly popular in towns such as Thissur where dancers dressed as magnificent tigers take to the streets to perform their elegant dance.  The Pullikali also marks the end of the Onam celebrations.

Want to be a part of this rich cultural heritage? Book flights and hotels only on MakeMyTrip.com!

A Celebration of Indian Dance and Music in Kerala

For ten days every year, the capital of Kerala comes alive with the festivities of the Soorya Classical Music and Dance Festival. Hosted in Thiruvananthapuram in October, this festival is organised by Soorya Stage and Film Society, which is one of the largest cultural societies in the world. With chapters in 36 countries as far flung as Singapore, New Zealand, Germany and Botswana, the organisation aims to promote and achieve the integration of Indian culture throughout the world. With a strong focus on promoting arts of all kinds, the Society also organises film festivals, theatre, painting and lectures that are focused on the promotion of Indian arts and culture.

Of Classical Dance and Music

This celebration of Indian dance presents many forms of the art from around the country including Kathakali, Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyatta. Classical music is also another popular feature of the festival and will include renowned musicians from various genres including instrumental and jugal bandhis. 

Kathakali, the enchanting classical Indian dance-drama

Being a celebration of traditional Indian art forms, this festival seeks to expose the audience to a wide variety of beautiful sounds and a brilliant spectacle of joyous dance. Some famous performers who have previously participated in the Soorya Classical Music and Dance Festival include Padma Subramaniam, Lakshmi Gopalaswami, Amjad Ali Khan and Bhimsen Joshi.

One of the most beautiful Indian dance forms, Bharatanatyam

The festival is held in Thiruvananthapuram, at the Tagore Theatre in Vazhuthacaud. For a luxurious place to stay not too far from the venue, you can try the new Vivanta by Taj.  For a more modest budget, the SP Grand Days Hotel is also located nearby and has comfortable rooms available.

Visit the Sacred Serpent

If it is your first visit to Thiruvananthapuram, there are many great things to see, but the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not to be missed. This temple is over 260 years old and is the spiritual heart of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple has a reclining sacred serpent with Lord Padmanabha resting on it.  The serpent is made from over 10,000 sacred stones that are believed to have been transported to Kerala all the way from Nepal on elephants. The temple is open only to Hindus and you may be required to wear a dhoti or sari to enter, but it is certainly worth a visit.

A view of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple | Photo Credit: Psudeep01 / Wikimedia

Getting There

Thiruvananthapuram is serviced by an international airport located close to the city centre, with connections across India, and to Sri Lanka, the Maldives and countries in the Middle East and. If you are coming by train, there are connections to Thiruvananthapuram from all over India.  Most will stop at the central station at Thampanoor which is a short taxi ride to the theatre. The major bus station is also located in Thampanoor and operates across Kerala.

Want to dance? MakeMyTrip offers convenient flights, trains and buses to Thiruvananthapuram.