Inexpensive Hotel in God's own country
by PeterVancouver about Kadaloram Beach Resort
This hotel offers you intimacy of 21 air conditioned, well-appointed rooms to choose from, with spectacular views of sun, sand, sky, surf ... and a sea of coconut palms. It is situated a few minutes walk from the beach and the Arabian Sea, which can be seen from most rooms, although it is worth confirming this facility at the time of booking. An ideal time to visit to ensure constant sun is between Jan - March. If you desire peace and quiet, this is the hotel for you.
If all the laying around in the sun becomes too hectic, then you can avail yourself of the in-house Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Centre at the hotel, which is fairly genuine and not the typical tourist rip-off which can be found in numerous places in Kerala Although the sea is nearby, the hotel has sun loungers situated under the shade of palm trees which many of the guests use when not out sightseeing, and where the ever attentive staff ensure you are not without a drink for too long.The Full or Continental Breakfast is included in the price of the room. Some of the best Indian food we experienced in our rail journey from Northern India to the South, is served at dinner time, poolside, at this hotel in an nice intimate candle lit atmosphere. If you contact Mr Santhosh the Asst Manager, you may even get a free pick up from Trivandrum railway station if they are not too busy !
BEACHES IN INDIA
by YATIN
Vagator
Vagator is one of the most beautiful of the soft white sand beaches Goa is famous for. The inhabited area around this beach is lush green, dotted with coconut palms, friendly farmhouses and pictorial Portuguese bungalows. On the north-west corner of the city are the remains of the Chapora fort. The fort is well preserved and offers some splendid views from its ramparts. A ten minute walk south of the Big Vagator is Ozran.
Vagator'. This end of the beach is relatively secluded and has a row of cafes catering to the tourists who are here during the day. Vagator is a good vacation option for sea enthusiasts. It is an ideal place for people with small budgets but lots of time with them.
When to visit
The best time of the year to visit this area is between September and March.
How to reach there
Buses leave Panaji (a 55- minute ride) and Mapusa (a 30-minute ride) for Vagator every 15 minutes. From the bus stop it is a one kilometre walk over a hill to the beach. Most of the accommodation, restaurants and cafes are located in this area. Panaji, Goa is accessible by air from all the major cities of the country. There are adequate train and bus connections also from other cities.
Where to stay
Accommodation is easily available. Rooms and cottages are available at Vagator Beach Resort. Another good place to stay is Abu John Bungalows
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Puri Beach
Though one of India's holiest pilgrimage centres, Puri is also clebrated for its attractive coastline, that has gifted it with some very fine beaches. The beach front is wide, and ideal for beach sports. The sea at Puri can, however, be rough. Swimming, here, is recommended only in the company of life guards, who can be distinguished by their characteristic yellow conical caps. There are several resorts, that line the beaches, and range from the modest in comfort, to the more luxurious. Due to the rough sea, water sports are not common.
Gopalpur-on-Sea
Another popular beach resort is Gopalpur-on-Sea, 170 km from Bhubaneshwar, and 15 km from Berhampur. This is a perfect beach, fairly isolated, and undisturbed by day-trippers. This place is good for both sailing and surfing.
Chandipur
Another divine beach resort of Orissa, Chandipur is situated 16 kms away from Balasore. It is a unique beach in that that the sea water recedes about 5 kms during low tide and advances to the shore line again during high tide, each day
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Kovalam
Along the 600 kilometre length of the Kerala coast, there are many sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The fishing village of Kovalam lies 10 kilometres south of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Kovalam is the only beach resort of Kerala, and is very popular with the Indian as well as international tourists. Industry is relatively small scale in this area and the prices low. The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village.
Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs - ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque. Photography is prohibited here.
The middle beach, overlooked from a rocky headland by the five star Ashok Radisson resort, functions each morning as a base for local fishers. North of Ashok, is the third beach which is very little affected by the changing times. It is dotted with a few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.
Swimming on the beaches is not always safe, as the undertow can be very strong, therefore it is essential to follow the warnings of the safety flags. However, days can be spent here just lolling around on the sands or retreating under the awnings of the beach cafes.
There are numerous craft and carpet shops (usually of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Rajasthani origin), clothing stores and general stores, yoga schools, travel agents and massage parlours lining the beach.
When to visit
November to February is the best time to visit.
How to reach there
There is direct and regular daily bus service from Thiruvananthapuram. There are direct bus links to Ernakulam and Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), which is two hours away. There is also a bus to Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in Thekaddy.
Thiruvananthapuram, is linked by air from Colombo, Male and the Indian cities of Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi and Madras. There are bus links from all the major cities of Kerala, and also from Madras, Bangalore, Kochi, Madurai, Pondicherry, Nagercoil and Erode to Thiruvananthapuram. It is also well connected to all the major cities of the country by train.
Where to stay
There is no dearth of accommodation in this area. The prices of hotels vary, depending on their proximity to the beach and the season. At the top end is the five star hotel Ashok Radisson Beach Resort (Tel: 4723-480101, Fax: 481522) superbly located north of the second cove. Budget hotels include the state - run Hotel Samudra (Tel: 4723-480242/481412), Kadaloram Beach Resort (Tel: 481115, Fax: 62762), and Hotel Sea Rock.
Contact
Tourist offices are located at the airport (Tel: 4723-71085) and the railway station (Tel: 67224).
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Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple
World famous for its shore temples, Mahabalipuram, was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. 58 kilometres from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a boulder strewn landscape. Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture of this place, is particularly interesting, because it shows scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast to the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where carvings generally depict gods and goddesses.
Mahabalipuram art is divided into four categories : open air bas reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas ('chariots' carved from single boulders, to resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions). The famous Arjuna's Penance and the Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective breakwater. Sixteen manmade caves in different stages of completion, are also seen scattered through the area
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Marve - Manori - Gorai
Lying to the north of Mumbai, are three beautiful and serene getaways, virtual havens, for those sick of the dreary monotony of the big city. Marve, a quaint little fishing village, is the nearest and the quietest of the three. Low - lying hills make for a breathtaking canvas, for the glorious scenes of sunrise and sunset. Gorai and Manori, a little further away, though a trifle crowded with revellers, are popular for their wonderful all night beach parties. A 15 minute ferry ride from Marve or Borivili takes you to Gorai and Manori.
How To Get There : Malad, a station on the suburban segment of Western Railways, is the nearest railhead. By road, Marve is 40 kms from Mumbai via Malad.
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Bassein
In the early 17th century, Bassein served as an important ship - building centre. In 1739, this was the site of the Portugeuse defeat at the hands of the Marathas. The ruins of the Portugeuse Fort still stand solemnly, amidst dense brushwood and palm groves. To the northwest, about 10 kms away, lies the Nalasopara village, the erstwhile Konkan capital from about 1500 BC to 1300 AD. Nalasopara is believed to have been the birthplace of the Buddha in a previous incarnation. Many Buddhist relics have also been found here. The Vajreshwari temple, the Akloli hot springs, the Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir at Ganeshpuri, the Bhimeshwar temple and other ashrams are at a short distance away from Bassein. There are quite a few interesting churches, too, in Bassein, poignant reminders of the Portugeuse past.
How To Get There : The nearest railhead is Bassein Road, on the Western Railway line. By road, Bassein is 77 kms, along the Mumbai - Ahmedabad highway.
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Murud - Janjira
The former capital of the Sidis of Janjira, Murud is famous today, for its enchanting beach, huge stretches of coconut and palmgroves, and a fascinating fort.The three centuries - old fort of Janjira, once considered impregnable, is a marvellous piece of architecture. On a hill to the north, is the Lord Dattatraya shrine, the three - headed image, representing the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. A few kilometres away are two alluring, little - known beaches, Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon is renown for its magnificent Ganpati temple, and the annual fair held in the god's honour, every February. Other sites of interest in this area, are the palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves.
How To Get There : Panvel is the nearest railhead. Mumbai is 165 kms away by road.
Accomodation : The M T D C Holiday Resort on the beach is the popular means of accomodation.
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Mandwa - Kihim
Twelve miles north of Alibag, on the north coast, easily accessible from Mumbai, is the untouched, divine beach of Mandwa. The little Mandwa village leaves the visitor enchanted, with its neverending coconut palm groves, and overwhelming tranquillity. For a slightly unusual yet exciting holiday, the Kihim beach near Mandwa, is the ideal site. Remote and unspoilt, Kihim is a virtual treasure - trove for the avid nature - lover : deep woods, wild, and rare flowers, equally uncommon species of butterflies and a variety of birds, not surprisingly, Kihim was one of the popular haunts of Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist. The other places of interest are the Kolaba Fort, near the shore, and Chaul ( 15 kms from Alibagh) which is a site of historical importance, boasting an assortment of Portugeuse ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a synagogue and a temple.
How To Get There : The nearest railhead is Panvel ( 85 kms ). By road, Kihim is 120 kms from Mumbai. Small passenger service boats ply frequently between Mumbai and Mandwa ( Rewas ).
Accomodation : M T D C has 20 tents at the Kihim beach, with modern facilities for a pleasant stay.
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Dahanu - Bordi
Thane District is home to the serene seaside town of Dahanu, that is notable for its vast stretch of unspoilt beach. The coastline, stretching from Dahanu to Bordi, is 17 kms long. Once the stronghold of Irani settlers, Dahanu is famous for its 'chickoos', and is teeming with fruit orchards. Udwada, 'the Mecca of the Zoroastrians' is accessible from Dahanu. The magnificent temple, which houses the sacred fire of the Zoroastrians, is the prime attraction of the region. This fire has been kept alive for almost a thousand years, an incredible, nevertheless, true fact.
How To Get There : The nearest railhead is Dahanu Road, which is around three hours away from Mumbai. By road, Mumbai is 145 kms away.
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Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar
The Shriwardhan Bay is the popular haunt, for those craving for some real sun, sand and sea. For the more adventurous in spirit, small boats are available to be taken out to the north side of the bay, and indulge in some exploration, going deep into the land, where the Peshwas, the prime ministers of the Maratha kingdom, originally dwelt. The 'Peshwa Smarak' is a local landmark, of much tourist interest. The town of Harihareshwar, is primarily known for its beautiful beach, and the grand Harihareshwar temple.
How To Get There : By road, Mumbai is 230 kms away. The nearest Mumbai - Goa highway point is about 60 kms, at Goregaon, which is around 170 kms from Mumbai (via Vashi Creek Bridge).
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Velneshwar
To the north of the Shastri river, lies the little village of Velneshwar. Its tranquil, coconut - fringed beach is perfect for swimming, or just lolling around. It also boasts of an ancient Shiva temple, which is an important pilgrimage site. The great Maha Shivratri fair, held in honour of Lord Shiva, that comes once a year in March, makes Velneshwar the cynosure of attention, throughout the country.
How To Get There : Karad is the nearest railhead. By road, Mumbai via Chiplun and Guhagar, is 370 kms away.
Coastal Maharashtra
The 720 km long coastline of Maharashtra, sprawls from Dahani and Bordi in the north, to Goa proceeding southwards. Exciting water sports, sunbathing on golden sands, exploring grand fortresses, temples, and churches, discovering tiny, remote villages, savouring the exotic Konkan cuisine, or just feeling one with the immense sea - Maharashtra has all this to offer and more.
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Beaches in Kerala
By the virtue of having most of India’s finest beaches, Kerala offers surf and sand like no other place. The beaches have a character unique to them due to the wide acres of sumptuous palm groves bordering them. Facilities at the beach include boating, sunbath, swimming, water sports and Yoga.
Kovalam
Papanasam Beach (Varkala)
This is a holy beach, known as ‘Papanashini’ meaning, that which destroys sins. A narrow winding road leads away from Varkala town, flanked by thousands of palm trees and fertile paddy fields. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Mineral water springs gushing out from these cliffs are well known for their medicinal property.There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Ancient Janardhana Swamy (Vishnu) temple is near. Visitors can pay homage to Kerala’s saint and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru.
Alleppey Beach
This is a long sandy spectacular beach with dense palm groves, that are so characteristic of Kerala’s landscape, at one end. One can cut across the sea waves lashing the shore in passionate fury, or indulge in the luxury of sitting on a sand dune and paddling your feet in the waters. A towering lighthouse overlooks the beach as a symbol of the past.
Kappad Beach
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on 27 May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels - a site which witnessed an event that changed the course of Indian history.16 km away from Kozhikode (Calicut), the pleasant, calm beach, locally known as Kappakadavu, is studded with rocks and caressed by friendly waves.
Bekal Beach
Bekal The old-fashioned little town of Kasargode, 153km north of Kozhikode, near the Karnataka border, is principally a fishing community. Flanked on two sides by long, ravishingly beautiful palm fringed beaches, the Bekal Fort stands proud on a promontory. This is one of the largest forts in Kerala and has been under the control of various powers including Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British. The fort’s commanding position, with views across the bays to the north and the south are breath-taking.
Shanghumugham Beach
This is a popular city beach lying near to the airport. An indoor recreation club, children's traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant are some of the facilities at the beach
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Poolside at Kadaloram Beach Resort
