GOA A Carnival of Beaches

GOA - A Carnival of Beaches
By Roozbegh Gazdar

The state of Goa on the West coast of India, is located in the coastal belt known as Konkan. While this tourist magnet has much to offer: old churches, carnival atmosphere, Portuguese flavour, wildlife, nature and tantalizing cuisine, yet, mention Goa and the first, often only, image that flashes in ones mind is of the BEACHES.

For the 105 km long Konkan belt has generously bestowed Goa with some of the best beaches in India: a wide eclectic range guaranteed to suit every taste and fulfill every fantasy. Goa offers both, popular hotspots swarming with tourists where every inch of territory is claimed and contested to virgin stretches practically untouched by development.

For the beach aficionado traveling to Goa, it entails choosing between being in the midst of the action where ultra modern facilities such as luxury hotels, malls, night clubs, restaurants, spas and massage centers abound or courting the solitude of a rustic shack that opens out to wide empty sand and sea.

Goas beaches are roughly divided into two groups based on their location: Those lying in North Goa and others situated in South Goa.

Goas capital Panaji in the North and Margao, a major city in the South, are two central points from where most of Goas beaches can be accessed.

As one goes up north from the beach at Calangute or down south from Colva, the traffic on the beaches starts thinning so that soon there remain just the golden sands and tranquil waters under the beneficent beam of a glorious sky Goas beaches at their purest, most unadulterated! Check out some of these options:

Vagator and Chapora

About 22 kms from Panaji, situated in Bardez Taluka, the crescent shaped beach of Vagator and nearby Chapora are isolated havens in North Goa. Tourists come for the sheer beauty of the white sand and black lava rocks sparkling against a verdant rural landscape. The rural atmosphere untouched by the scepter of commercialization that often plagues good beaches, the nearby 500-year-old Portuguese fort of Chapora is another attraction here.

Anjuna

One of the more spectacular of Goas beaches, this five-mile stretch, nestled between the sea and a hill has some interesting black rock formations jutting into the sea. Former haunt of the hippies, the beach is just right for lazing on the sands all day. Night-long parties spice up the atmosphere on Anjuna, which is also famous for its Wednesday flea market where you can pick up anything from paper backs to pottery. The Mascarhenas Mansion, a classic piece of old Goan architecture with woodwork and floral stained glass etchings makes for an interesting visit.

Calangute

Undeniably one of North Goas most popular beaches, one can expect a crowd here! This Queen of Beaches, with nearby saltpans and coconut groves adding to its charms, was the original mecca for the European hippies who came to Goa in droves in the 60s and 70s. Today, Calangute offers all modern facilities including spas, massage parlours, shopping centers and internet cafs. While the golden sands here still retain their magic, the Church of St. Alex and the Kerkar Art Complex are added attractions.

Baga

Quiet in comparison to Calangute, this small beach is for those seeking the idyllic Goa of the yesteryears. Its scenic beauty is enhanced by the hill with the retreat house and the Baga River flowing alongside - the sea explodes in dramatic sprays where the river flows into it. Offering water sport opportunities, this beach is popular with the western tourists in Goa.

Sinquerim

One of the best beaches in Goa for water sports including water-skiing, para- sailing, diving and surfing, facilities for these activities are of international standard here. The uninterrupted sandy stretch north from here till Baga beach makes this an excellent beach for walking too.

Miramar

Lying adjacent to the Mandovi River as it empties out into the sea, Miramar was earlier known as the Gasper Dias Beach. One can enjoy an excellent view of Fort Aguada from the beach, which is studded with luxury hotels and the homes of Goas rich and famous. Demphe college of Arts and Science and the memorial to Goas first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar also stand here.

Aguada

This beach is well known for the Fort Aguada Hotel built around a 17th century fort that goes by the same name. While the hotel grounds are off-limits for the general public, one can still walk around the beach. The fort, originally built to protect Old Goa from foreign attack, today houses Goas Central Fort. Aguada beach is full of cafes, stalls, massage parlors and facilities for water sports.

Agonda

A three-kilometer long stretch of sand and palm with a hill to the south, this beach is one of those offering a sense of solitude quite rare in Goa. In fact, Agonda is just the place for an overnight beach camping adventure! Nearby is Cabo de Rama, where according to Goan legend, Lord Rama stayed with his wife Sita for 12 years.

MAJORDA

A 5 km stretch of sand, Majorda is where the Jesuits harvested the best toddy palms to leaven their bread. As a result, Majorda was home to the original Goan bakers skilled in the art of European baking, a skill possessed by bakers here even today. Much earlier, so Goan legend states, Lord Rama as a child was kidnapped and brought up here.

Bogmalo

With a huge 5 star hotel right at the edge of the sea, this beach is somewhat separated from both, the North and South Goan beach circuits. And the sea around has some intriguing islands. The beach is lined with eateries, each claiming to be Osibisas chosen favourite!

Colva

Most beloved beach of the Goans, Colva in South Goa is plush with modern tourist amenities. Colva is also famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy with its famous statue of Menini Jesus.

Benaulim

A tranquil beach, legend describes it as the place where the legendary arrow of Parashurams arrow fell, from which Goa was created. This is where you can see the famous handicrafts of Goa, including fine rosewood furniture. A good beach for those seeking solitude. The church of St. John the Baptist, as well as the Feast of St. John are synonymous with this beach.

Dona Paula

Made famous by the legend of Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy of colonial Goa, who threw herself off the cliff rather than relinquish her love for a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias, this is also how this famous Goan beach got its name. Famous for its water sports facilities, this beach is also a popular location for movie shoots. The National Oceanography Institute, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and the Reis Magos Church are the main attractions around here.

VARCA, CAVELOSSIM, MOBOR

Beautiful beaches from South Goa, these also display a cleaner, quieter visage than some of the more famous and therefore over-commercialized. Shacks offering authentic Goan dishes line the beach, as also some exclusive luxury resorts. Tourists here can also avail of boat trips to watch dolphins.

Palolem

One of the southernmost of Goas beaches, this stretch of white sand and blue water is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The beach is lined with shacks selling food, clothes, trinkets and other Goa souvenirs.

Roozbegh GazdarContent Writerhttp://www.traveljini.comseo@traveljini.com

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Discount Beach Vacations

Discount Beach Vacations
By Ross Bainbridge

Due to the hectic schedules that people follow and the tedious tasks that are part and parcel of what they do, vacations have become a part of people's lives. Beach vacations are a way for many to unwind and chill out after working themselves ragged. Beaches remain the most popular vacation spots due to the countless variety they offer and their laidback atmosphere.

Nevertheless, people can also wear themselves out in searching for the best place to go without having to shell out a great wad of cash. Discount beach vacations have proved to answer for people who need to get their money's worth out of a vacation.

Travel agents usually offer huge discounts for group travelers. Searching for travel agencies that offer huge discounts may be a discount traveler's first option. Comparing prices and corresponding deals may well define arriving at the best deal. Carefully weighing the costs of each package will ensure getting even more from what you pay. Even airline companies provide discounts on airfare and may even include airport transfer as part of their money-saving packages.

All-inclusive packages are also very popular among discount seekers since they may be tailored to fit an individual's needs based on his or her budget. All inclusive beach packages are so popular, not only for their sheer convenience, but also because these packages correspond with a person's needs. All inclusive beach packages assure you of quality resort amenities such as pools and spas. Various activities and water sports are also made available at no extra cost. Food is usually covered as well.

Remember that finding the best discount entails a lot of work since you are trying to get more than your money's worth.

Beach Vacations provides detailed information on Beach Vacations, All Inclusive Beach Vacations, Family Beach Vacations, Anniversary Beach Vacations and more. Beach Vacations is affiliated with Virginia Beach Hotels.

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The Bahamas It's More Than Just Beaches

The Bahamas - It's More Than Just Beaches
By Michael Russell

While the beaches of the Bahamas are the premier tourist attraction, there are many more things to do if you travel inland. On Abaco you can visit the Abaco National Park, which is a 20,500-acre national park dedicated to preservation of the native plants and animals of the Bahamas. It is one of the only places in the Bahamas where you can see the endangered Bahama Parrots. These beautiful emerald colored birds call the park home. Also on Abaco you can see the wild horses of Abaco. These horses are probably descendants of the horses Columbus brought on his trips to the New World. They are housed in a preservation area in the pine forests of Abaco. Also on Abaco you can explore the Hope Town Lighthouse. This candy-striped lighthouse was built in the early 1860s. It is still lit by a kerosene lamp.

Andros Island also has a lighthouse on the southern end of the island. The Andros Lighthouse was built in the 1890s. Andros is home to many ruins of the sugar cane plantations of the Bahamas past. You can visit the Old Government Administrate Building and Jail House, Old School Buildings, the Whyms Plantation, the Chamberlain Sisal Plantation, several old wells, the Twin Lakes Farm and more. History lovers will want to spend several days visiting these sites from the 1800s and early 1900s. The Star Gate Blue Hole dive is famous because in the 1990s several Indian skulls were found here. Andros also has several historic churches for visitors to explore.

The next island in a tour of the Bahamas is Bimini. Bimini has its own museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the people of the island. There is a site that has been nicknamed the Lost City of Atlantis. This site is several blocks of limestone just off the coast of the island. Divers can trace the road and have found some interesting relics just 20 feet below the surface.

Grand Bahama Island offers visitors a plethora of non-beach related activities. At Fragrance of the Bahamas you can make and bottle your own perfume. This interesting exhibit is housed in a historical English-style mansion that you can tour. The International Bazaar is a 10-acre series of shops and restaurants that feature products from around the world. This is a great place to pick up some trinkets to commemorate your trip.

Long Island is home to the Columbus Monument, which attributes to the discovery of the archipelago by Christopher Columbus. Hamilton's Cave is an interesting location to explore. Here you can see the cave where Lucayan artifacts were found. St. Mary's Church is an interesting location. It does not have stunning architecture like some of the other churches on the islands, but it is thought to be the oldest church on the island. The church was built in the 1600s by the Spanish.

Paradise Island is home to the Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Center. This miniature zoo houses 300 animals from around the world in beautiful tropical garden displays. For those who enjoy military history, there are several historic forts to visit on Paradise Island, including Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle and Fort Montagu.

As you can see, there is much more to do on the islands of the Bahamas than just the beaches. Of course, if you are traveling to the Bahamas, you are going to want to spend some time ocean-side. Be sure to schedule some time, however, to explore the many inland activities of the Bahamas.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to The Bahamas

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Cloister Yourself A Luxurious Beach Vacation At The Sea Island Resort

Cloister Yourself - A Luxurious Beach Vacation At The Sea Island Resort
By Tuppy Glossop

Sometimes you want to get away for a family vacation to the beach. A bright and busy boardwalk; cotton candy vendors; and lots of loud children screaming with delight as the waves crash down on them.

And sometimes, you want nothing of the sort. That's when your thoughts turn to peaceful sunsets over the water; fine dining in high style; luxurious rooms to pamper and cocoon yourself; and quiet moonlight strolls on the beach. The question of course, is where to find such a resort.

Since the Twenties, America's privileged classes have headed to the Cloister at Sea Island for a beach vacation in the grand tradition. Following an extraordinary three-year renovation the Cloister has reopened as one of the finest resort hotels in the US, preserving the exquisite architectural detail for which it is famed and updating its amenities to the highest level of luxury.

Situated on the Georgia coast's Barrier Islands, the Sea Island Resort is still owned by its founding family, now in the fourth generation of service to their guests. The resort offers a variety of places to stay: Plantation-style homes, know as the Cottages; the Lodge, an English-style manor house nestled amongst championship golf courses; and the Cloister, an architectural masterpiece with 100 suites and guest rooms. The Cloister at Sea Island is the jewel in the crown of the resort. Rooms offer exquisite linens; large-screen LCD HD TVs discreetly housed in antique quality furniture; specially commissioned Turkish rugs, and spacious baths to soak away your workday cares.

There are a variety of recreational activities available, beginning of course with golf. The three golf courses, Plantation, Seaside and Retreat, have consistently been rated amongst America's finest, with two of them being redesigned in the late Nineties. The courses have hosted USGA tournaments, as well as a range of regional events. The resort's instructional school is staffed by top professionals, and offers clinics and coaching to golfers of every level.

Other opportunities for pleasure at the Sea Island Resort include boating and fishing; music recitals and art classes; a spa with a full range of treatments, and five miles of beaches. The resort's stables offer group and private lessons, and guided rides along the beach. Should you wish to bring your own horse, stable arrangements can be made.

The Cloister makes no pretense of being a populist destination; some of the South's most distinguished families have returned there for an annual pilgrimage for generations. Although there are casual corners of the resort where you can enjoy a relaxed meal, the emphasis of the resort is on a studied elegance and formality. In several of the restaurants guests are requested to dress for dinner, with jackets and ties mandatory for gentlemen. While this may not be to every taste, it is part of Sea Island's very conscious effort to retain the traditions it has exemplified for nearly eighty years.

There's a time and place for the bustling boardwalk, and there's a time and place for a little luxury. The Cloister at Sea Island lacks a boardwalk; however, it lacks nothing when it comes to luxury.

For more information on Cloister at Sea Island please visit vacation-on-the-beach.com where you can read about other great destinations for your next beach vacation.

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Rehoboth Beach the Right Way

Rehoboth Beach the Right Way
By Caitlin Moore

Youre pretty excited about your upcoming trip to Rehoboth Beach. Theres something quintessentially summer about a beachside town with a boardwalk, especially one with as much going on (in a very laid-back way) as this little slice of Delaware. Youve asked off work and scheduled a house sitter, but have you chosen the lodging situation that will catapult this vacation into the realm of all-time favorites?

Experience has told you that the place you stay, from the pillow you lay your head upon at night to the windows you gaze from in the morning, has a huge effect on the overall mood and satisfaction level of your vacation. You could be visiting the happiest place on earth, but if you and yours must cram yourselves into a tiny room with inadequate amenities, somehow things take a turn for the worse. If youd prefer not to have memories of squabbles and temper tantrums taint those of laughter and good-natured bonding, then this is the time to take control of the situation.

As you peruse the different vacation rental offerings, keep in mind the details that are important to your family. Proximity to the beach, town, or both is an attainable goal, as is having enough room to avoid stepping on one anothers toes. If you prefer a bowl of cereal in the morning over leaving the house to hunt down a restaurant, then youll love that your vacation rental has a fully equipped kitchen and is located down the street from a grocery store. Stock the pantry with healthy snacks so as to avoid the weight gain and wallet-demanding aspects of your usual out-of-town trips.

Perhaps youre the kind of family who likes to play games. If this is so, then youll be happy to know that Rehoboth Beach is encouraging towards basketball, beach volleyball, mini-golf, and others. Bumper cars and a childrens carnival add to the flurry of activities, and from your town home, all this is a mere three blocks away.

If the night is growing long, however, and everyone feels like staying inside, simply open up the game closet in your humble new abode. Many vacation homes are supplied with board games, video games, movies, and books, small touches that make you forget about every hotel youve ever stayed in. After a day of running around in the sun and shopping for souvenirs, a family game of cards and bowl of popcorn will be the ideal, low-key event that will settle everyone down and lead to a peaceful nights rest.

Sometimes travelers with particular needs worry that a vacation rental wont be the right choice. This doesnt have to be the case, as many are outfitted for small children, the elderly, and pets. Dont bring the new puppy along without checking into your vacation homes policies, but dont be surprised if four-legged family members are invited along with the rest.

Youre eager to check out what will be going on at the newly redone Bandstand while youre here, and youre simply dying to hit a round of golf at one of the professionally-designed courses in the Rehoboth Beach area. And now, it seems likely that you can count on feeling the comforts of above average accommodations by means of the condo, villa, or beach house of your choice. You were kind of dreading booking a room before, but now youre looking forward to investigating all the options that choosing to stay in a vacation rental will open up to you.

Go online to start looking for the Rehoboth Beach Vacation Rental that will have you housed in comfort and situated exactly where you want to be.

HomeAway.com is a good place to book a vacation rental, as they have thousands of listings located all over the world.

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Spains Beaches Youre Spoilt For Choice

Spains Beaches - Youre Spoilt For Choice
By Linda Plummer

Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline wheres/he can enjoy shining sun and sapphire seas in wonderfulsettings.

And what a choice of sands! Golden sands, white sands, grainy sands, powdery sands, and even the black sands ofthe Canary Islands!

Allergic to sand? No problem! Just plump for a resortwith smooth, white pebbles! Youll find a good selection!

Already holidayed several times by the Mediterranean? Thenwhy not try the fairy-tale fishing villages washed by theCantabrian Sea or Atlantic Ocean?

Spanish beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe says the Foundation for Environmental Education, which has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the countrys beaches - more than any other participating contry!

Leading the way within Spain itself is the Costa Blanca, which received 48 Blue Flag awards. Then came the Costa Dorada (37) and Mallorca (33).

The Blue Flag Campaign, which started in 1987, is owned and run by an independent, non-profit-making organization called the Foundation For Environmental Education, or FEE for short.

The Campaign gives an exclusive, eco-label award (ie the Blue Flag) based on compliance with 27 criteria spread over four categories: water quality; environmental education and information; environmental management; and safety services.

The awards are made for one season only and if any of the categories are not fulfilled during the bathing season, or if conditions change over the season, the FEE withdraws the awards.

So, where are all these 1,779 coastal bathing areas to be found?

On Spains mainland, there are 16 different costas, and then you also have the beaches of the Balearic and Canary Islands.

And, what are the names of these 16 sensational costas?Why not come to Spain and enjoy discovering them for yourself!

Linda Plummer is webmistress ofTop Tour of Spainproviding comprehensive information on Spain for travel, food, language and living.

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Fishing Around Boynton Beach

Fishing Around Boynton Beach
By Nicholas Jurkowski

Boynton Beach is another charming relic of old Florida, located a little to the south of West Palm Beach. As in other small beach communities, you wont find the mega-clubs and ultra-trendy restaurants and shops (though there are plenty of decent restaurants and very nice shops), but rather groves and groves of orange trees, small marinas, and bed and breakfasts. The main beach at Boynton is nearly always uncrowded, with beautiful white sands stretching far in either direction. Just to the south of Boynton Beach, youll find Ocean Inlet Park, which is a great place for swimming, fishing, boat rentals, and having a general good time. As with many of these types of communities, you can find fantastic golfing opportunities (Boynton Beach boasts a full 18-hole par 71-championship course).

As you can see, there are opportunities aplenty for recreation options in Boynton Beach. However, if I were going to recommend you do anything in this idyllic beach paradise, it would be to get a guide to take you fishing. There are many guides in this area who can take you out for tuna, tarpon, sailfish, and my personal favorite, swordfish. The knowledgeable guides in this area will be able to tell you exactly how to land these delicious creatures, and you almost never come back empty handed.

I can think of few better team-building activities for your company than to rent a limousine to take down to Boynton Beach for a chartered fishing trip. Imagine your employees reactions when you tell them that instead of going to work, they are going into a luxurious Millenium limo for a trip down to the beach, where they will go for a cruise, catching some of the worlds most exotic fish. It would let everyone blow off some steam, get to know each other a little better, and take home some delicious wild fish that they caught themselves (this plan would also make an ideal gift for that special fisherman in your life). It would be hard to beat this scenario, and unless you have access to more limos and possibly a time-machine, I wouldnt try.

Check out Boynton Beach come for the orange groves, stay for the fishing and remember Millenium Limo when you do.

Nick Jurkowski is a senior editor for MilleniumLimo.com: the essays above can be found on his night life blog, updated daily and available via RSS, at The Urban Adventure Blog.

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