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Beach Holidays In India: Goa, Gokarna And Varkala Beaches

Monday, January 17th, 2011 / Vulcanmind

By Arun Chitnis

If you think for one second that India offers only its rich cultural heritage, regal monuments, religious pilgrimage and outstanding festivals then you’ve not fully explored the country yet.

According to recent surveys and popularity ratings, the beaches of India are fast becoming a popular beach destination. So an Indian vacation without beaches is quite an incomplete one.

India’s most scenic beaches can be found on the west coast. These beaches offer not only extravagant parties but also a private getaway for people who want a quieter vacation.

For so long, the coastline of Goa was the number one beach destination in the country. Since the 1970s, it has and continue to attract both locals and out of town tourists. The beaches in the area have been quite commercialized since then there are still some places in Goa which offer unique experience.

Further down the west costs, in the states of Karnataka and Kerala are where other less commercialized beaches can be found. On the top of the list are Gokarna and Varkala beaches.

Beaches Of Varkala, Kerala

Varkala is to the north of Trivandrum in Kerala and offers long winding stretches of cliffs, a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea and well known for very dramatic sunsets. Papanasam Beach is the main beach of Varkala. The beaches are dotted with small shacks which allow people to relax while they watch the sun slowly sets on the horizon.

Yoga, Ayurvedic message and therapies abound in the area as well as shops of jewelry, souvenirs and handicrafts. In the southern area of the beach, you’ll find the Janardhana Swamy Temple which the Hindus consider as sacred.

Varkala is a holy town, so don’t go expecting lots of alcohol and parties. This is a perfect place to unwind, relax and enjoy nature to its fullest. If you’re a party animal, perhaps the Goa beaches would be better for you.

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Beaches Of Gokarna, Karnataka

Gokarna is another small and holy town located in northern Karnataka. It is said that Gokarna has India’s most secluded and pristine beaches: Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Halfmoon Beach, and Paradise Beach.

Visitors can access Om beach by car or rickshaw but Kudle and Halfmoon beaches can only be reached through a 20 minute hike through hills and rocks. Paradise beach is a small protected cove.

During the night, the beaches in Gokarna are alive with singing and dancing around bonfires. Since it is a holy town and a number of Hindu temples are in the area, partying and alcohol are strictly monitored.

Paradise Beach, Gokarna

Beaches Of Goa

Another famous beach at the southern tip of Goa is Palolem beach. The beach has a unique semi-circle shape with forests of coconut palms providing shade to the visitors it attracts. Vacationers can treat themselves to expeditions that include fishing, dolphin watching, kayaking and even hiking.

The northern part of Palolem beach is quieter and tends to attract families, while the southern part is the party area of the beach, where dance music, live music can be heard until dawn. There are a couple of 24 hour establishments where one can enjoy coffee or cocktails.

Palolem Beach Huts, Goa

And then there’s Baga Beach, in North Goa, where tourists can enjoy a whole variety of water sports, parasailing, dolphin watching and has a whole stretch of beach shacks, bars, clubs, and fine dining restaurants. It has what most beach goers look for: sand, water and some of Goa’s best night clubs.

As you can see, an Indian vacation with no beach is probably not the best plan to have. Incorporating a trip to one of India’s beaches is certainly an activity that is worth your time and expense. Make sure you include a visit to the beach on your Indian vacation in 2011.

© Arun Chitnis is a professional content and copywriter, proof-reader and editor. He wields his pen on a diverse range of topics, but his primary areas of interest are medical and lifestyle issues, family dynamics, parenting, natural health, home improvement, real estate, humor and fiction.

This article may be reprinted with the complete author bio and a live link back to
http://www.goa-beach.com

Photo source jagels & iromi

Panjim City, Goa: The Quaint Attractions Of The State Capital

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 / Vulcanmind

By Sanjog KR

Panjim (or Panaji, as the locals call it) is a typical Goan city located on the banks of river, Mandovi. This is the third largest city and the capital of Goa state. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions which is visited by number of tourists across the year.

This town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas which are among the major attractions of this place. The centre of attractions of this place revolves around beautiful beaches, magnificent churches, vibrant carnivals and scenic natural beauty. Some of the best known attractions of this place are:

Dona Paula:

It is the place where two most important rivers of Goa meet the Arabian Sea. This secluded bay is a favourite retreat for tourists to relax and watch the sunset. The scenic location of Dona Paula and the myth behind it makes it a favourite destination for shooting Bollywood movies.

This place offers some fun water sports facilities that attract thrill seekers who enjoy the excitement of motor-boat rides, water scooters, para gliding and many more. The nearby Miramar beach, at the mouth of the Mandovi river, is one of the most popular beaches of Goa with its beautiful, scenic location.

Fontainhas:

Known for its old Portuguese charm, this place is located west of the Ourem River, near the hill of Altinho. It is located amidst several fountains which gave it its name.

Fontainhas is known for the mesmerising beauty of tiny overhanging balconies of terra cotta tiled houses, narrow cobbled streets with red, blue, yellow, green buildings with shuttered windows.

This is what gives it the feel of the ingrained Portuguese culture in the life style of the Goan people. The undistinguished beauty of this place attracts numbers of tourists from several parts of the globe.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, Goa, India

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, in the middle of the main market in Panaji, Goa, India

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary:

It is located on the island of Chorao along the Mandovi River which is known for its varieties of local and migratory birds. It is named after the Indian’s known ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.

Thick mangrove vegetation make it the perfect place for a bird habitat. A large number of tourists throng this place to see the diverse beauty of its flora and fauna. This Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds.

Some of the other known attractions of Panjim are the Hanuman temple, Mahalaxmi temple, Jama Maszid, Safa Shahouri Masjid and Jain temple.

Goa is a coastal paradise of India known for its turquoise beaches, silvery sand, fabulous flora and fauna. This is an internationally known tourist destination visited by large numbers of tourist from various parts of the globe.

The sun, sand and sea make a Goa Holiday an unforgettable experience. It is known the world over for its natural panorama, delectable cuisine, exciting carnival and age-old monuments. Tourist can check out the Panjim Travel Tour so they don’t miss out on its enchanting locations and mesmerising beauty.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com & Photo source sachyn

Indian Food: Savor Spicy Cuisine On Your Indian Vacation

Tuesday, January 04th, 2011 / Vulcanmind

By Priya Florence Shah

As you explore different parts of India in your Indian vacation, you’ll realize how rich and diverse Indian cuisine is. Pat Chapman says that “Indian food is as complex as all its other attributes.”

They are classified into different categories: cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits, spices, milk products, animal meats, and alcoholic beverages. Religion and geography play major roles in the food habits of Indians.

Spices are the heart and soul of Indian cooking. The spices used in Indian cooking are dried seeds, berries, bark, rhizomes, flowers, leaves, and chilies. These may be dried or fresh, pods or seeds, roasted, ground or put into hot oil to expel their flavors. A combination of spices is called a masala.

All Indian food is served with either rice or bread, or a combination of two. Food is served on a banana leaf or a stainless steel thali. South Indian early settlers began the use of banana leaves as serving plates. During feasts, only the end section is used with its narrow part facing left.

“Indian food has always been eaten with the right hand. In the south all parts of the fingers can be used, like a scoop. In the north this is considered vulgar and only the tips of the fingers are used, with bread used as the scoop.” (Source: India: Food and Cooking, page 23).

The first mouthfuls of rice are eaten with chutney and spicy additives while the Indian end to a meal is the betel leaf. The leaf is chewed along with a slice of areca nut, a dab of slaked lime and a smear of katha paste. Washing the hands before meals is an important ritual since most Indians use their fingers in eating.

In Kashmir, among the most popular dishes are lamb marinated in yogurt, mutton simmered in milk and scented with nutmeg, and rich meat curries. Kashmiran foods has subtle blend of spices, richness and pungency.

Goa, a tiny state on the Arabian Sea is known for their use of vinegar and kokum fruit and love of chilies. Bengali cuisine is the only region in India where food is served in individual courses – elaborate and refined. This way of serving food is based on the ancient belief of eating that promotes healthy digestive process.

Indian food is served on a banana leaf or a stainless steel thali

In Rajasthan, a popular millet porridge called Bhajra Khichadi are often eaten with pure ghee. The Raj’s food has yielded dishes that pay homage to their ancestors like spiced chutneys and curries.

The first Christian is said to have set his foot of Kerala in 52 AD and his converts are known as Syrian Christians. They eat spicy offal, chicken, fish, shellfish, beef and wild boar. Other dishes known to them are Erachi Olathiathu or beef dry-fried with a paste of coconut and spices, Vevichathu Surnai or Keralan soured fish curry.

There is so much gastronomic discovery you will enjoy in your Indian vacation. No other cuisine uses as many spices in so many ways than Indian. For them, it is in the use of spices that they bring out the dormant flavors of a dish. The greatest numbers of spices are used in North India.

Dishes like rogan josh or aromatic meat curry with a creamy gravy with ginger, garlic, onions, red chillies, coriander leaves, saffron, black pepper, asafoetida, black cumin seeds, cumin powder, cardamom leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, poppy seeds, turmeric powder, chili powder, paprika, nutmeg powder, mace powder, and more.

This article may be reprinted with a live link back to http://www.goa-beach.com

Additional resources:

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101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes – Food tastes better outdoors. Even campers who have never cooked anything more complicated than S’mores can make great meals and snacks over the campfire. You no longer need to sacrifice eating well just because you are not in your home kitchen. 101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes provides you with 101 delicious, and easy-to-prepare recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are sure to make you a hit around the campfire.

Food Treasures of Mumbai – Goan Food in City Kitchen

Photo source varmamukul

Women, Travel And The Dark Side Of Male Attention In India

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 / Vulcanmind

By Faheem Ur Rehman

British Woman Alleges Rape in Rishikesh. According to the recent news, on Saturday March 27, a British social worker filed a police complaint at the Laxman Jhoola police alleging that she has been raped by 2 men – one, a foreigner and the second one being an Indian from Mumbai.

The Uttaranchal police, while denying that there was any interference or pressure from the British high commission for registering the complaint, said that the lady left for Delhi after refusing a medical checkup. Furthermore, she declined to appear before a magistrate for her statement to be recorded.

On Saturday March 27, a British social worker filed a police complaint at the Laxman Jhoola police alleging that she has been raped by 2 men-one, a foreigner and the second one being an Indian from Mumbai.

This incident is not the first occurrence of its type. Last year, a similar allegation of rape by a women foreigner traveller against a fellow foreigner traveller was done, which subsequently was found to be baseless.

Rishikesh is one of the most preferred destinations in India due to its popularity as a destination of spirituality, ashrams, yoga, the river Ganges, meditation, cooler climes and its ease of reach from Delhi-the gateway to India. Rishikesh is highly recommended in all guide books as a must visit place. Hence, a huge number of travellers make a beeline for it.

Lest this worry our visitors to India, we hasten to add that travelling on your own in India is mostly safe. This is well supported by the huge numbers of women and couple travellers to India especially from Europe. However, to safeguard one’s self it is important to know the problems women travellers may face and simple precautions that you can take to avoid harm.

India Travel Tips For Women

One common reason is that compared to most Indians, the single female traveller is financially much better off. So she often can be recipient of unabashed male attention.

Women who have a hectic life style back home, without a companion, can easily let their guard down under the influence of the warmth of such an appreciative admiring attention. These women realise much later, often with a shattered heart, that it was their purse that was of more interest to their beaus, rather than themselves.

Be smart and take precautions as a Western woman travelling in India

In many non-urban areas of India with the encouraging approval of the whole family, it is a way of life for many young men to either first try to romantically ensnare the young unsuspecting ladies or if failing in this, then engage them with their families as the daughter of the house.

Either way, all this for some how try and convert these women into a lifelong ATM. There are many heart rendering sad tales of such tourist widows, daughters or sisters. Be careful of such undiluted attention and its ensuing sob story.

It is not unusual to see such couples in India. Spotting of such couples embolden many financially challenged young Indian men to try their luck. You can possibly be a victim of such a scam.

Nowadays India is also slowly becoming a destination for sex tourism. Though not as rampant as in Kenya, one can occasionally spot older western women travelling around in India with a younger Indian companion.

Such occurrences can mislead and often does mislead young Indian men into believing that this is an easy life – worth pursuing. To implement this plan, the first step obviously is developing friendship, then intimacy; and if this does not go as per plan, it may end up in a bitter experience of molestation.

Of course there are simple cases of robberies which can happen due to carelessness and false bravado on the part of the traveller. To avoid these happenings, consider buying an Indian outfit plus avoid visiting bad neighbourhoods.

Finally, you can, of course, avoid such a nuisance by hiring a tour company to arrange your India travel. We are an offbeat niche tour operator arranging tours of India, like Golden Triangle Tours of India. Visit us for more options in Delhi Agra Jaipur.

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Aamir speaks out against harassment of foreign tourists

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Cheap Holidays In Goa: Backpacker Tips For Your Goa Vacation

Sunday, December 26th, 2010 / Vulcanmind

By Rohan Arora

Backpacking is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to travel across the globe. Previously meant for students and budget travelers traveling on a shoe string budget, backpacking has made significant inroads into the travel industry the world over today.

Goa, the west coast paradise in India, is an ideal destination for the backpackers. The beaches, hills, forests, and cities of Goa offer all the variety that an avid backpacker looks for.

The climate, people, and tourist friendly atmosphere is conducive to the backpackers in Goa. Here are a few tips that you can rely on before venturing on you backpacking Goa vacation.

There are numerous tourist destinations in Goa that conventional tourists visit. These include the beaches, the forts, wildlife parks and the major cities and towns. Backpackers would definitely like to visit the wildlife parks like the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary and the Salim Ali bird sanctuary.

The beaches are the most popular tourist spots in Goa. Backpackers would love the carefree ambience and the numerous options available there. Hiking, cycling, motor bike rides, rave parties, and a host of water sports are on offer at all the major beaches of Goa, like Baga, Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute and Colva.

The villages of Goa are beautiful places with their Portuguese style houses and winding roads suddenly bringing you face to face with a white church. There are numerous uncharted trails that you can find out from the locals, or yourself.

Backpackers do not need lavish accommodation. That is how you can get to know about the local customs and ways of life. Goa offers a wide range of options when it comes to accommodation for the backpackers.

Apart from the numerous budget hotels, Goa has many village cottages and beach side huts that are let out by the locals at very cheap rates. Apart from saving money, you get to stay away from the city, right in the midst of the rustic beauty of Goa.

Goa is a haven for backpackers and budget tourism

Now on to transport; the motor cycle taxis are the most attractive for the backpackers. Then there are the three wheeled auto-rickshaws with doors and curtains, giving you a modest and cozy version of a limousine.

Of course, you must try out travelling with your group by hiring motor cycles. Motor biking along the winding hilly roads would make up for a memorable vacation in Goa.

The usual backpacking gear has to be carried. This includes maps, torch lights, pocket knives, water proof matches, fire lighter, compass, copies of your travel related papers and lots of first aid.

Goa tourism has never been hassled by major safety issues. A few stray incidents may make you think twice; but scores of tourists would assure you that the place is very safe for backpackers. However, a few points should be kept in mind while you are backpacking in Goa.

Although the people are very friendly and helpful, trusting someone too much, especially with your belongings or cash is not wise at all and should be avoided. The best approach would be to go through backpackers’ associations.

Never entertain anyone who approaches you with anything that smells remotely unlawful. Sometimes tourists do not understand local laws and backpackers maybe easily susceptible, being relatively independent while traveling.

To sum up, for a memorable backpacking Goa vacation, stick to the basics. Do not try anything out of the box, follow safety guidelines, and always use your common sense.

© Rohan Arora is a travel writer based in India. I did my masters in travel and toursim from Delhi University For more information on a Goa Vacation, or Goa travel guide contact us. We will give you complete travel related information about goa and other Destinations of India.

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Article Source: EzineArticles.com & Photo source beuford00

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