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Golden Beaches of India
Goa Tour Packages
Golden Beaches of India
Places to visit - Goa -Lakshwadeep - Cochin - Andaman & Nicobar Island
- Kovalam
Goa
has over the centuries, opened its doors and its heart to the Mauryan, Kadambas,
Yadavs, Chalukyas, Dravidians, Arynas, Delhi Sultants, Vijaynagar rulers, Bahamani
Sultans, Arabs, Persians and Jews. Finally in 1510 an event took place that
was to leave an indelible mark on this "Pearl of the Orient". A Portuguese
explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri
army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in
one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took
place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine
to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to
be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union.
Goa's over 100 kms long coastline is studded with some of the world's loveliest
beaches - Calangute, Colva, Baga, Vagator and Miaramar. Golden Beaches, Blue
Skies and Pale Green Hills, Silvery Sand fringed with palms - this is Goa
- the land of Paradoxes, the land of Fun and Frolic, of calm and tranquility.
An amalgamation of religious architecture, built in the 16th century, it was
a city with awe inspiring Cathedrals. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church
of Our Lady of Rosary, the St. Cathedral with its fourteen splendid altars,
and the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi are the magnificent sites to visit.
Lakshadweep, off the coast of Kerala, scattered in Arabian Sea, it is the
Union Territory of India. Of the 36 islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are inhabited.
Four of the ten islands are permitted to be visited to the Indian Nationals
while only one island - Bangaram is opened for the foreign tourists few years
ago.. The island has a hotel called Bangaram Island Resort run by Casino Group
of hotels, one of the pioneers of tourism industry in South India. The hotel
provides accommodation for 60 persons in spacious huts and offers sea sports
like Deep Sea Fishing, Snorkeling, Sailing/Rowing Boats and Scuba Diving.
Connected
with Cochin on air-route with Agatti airport and on by boat for one and a half
hour brings the tourists to this pretty island resort.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islasnds are a group of 293 islands that lie scattered
over a span of 725 km. The capital of the Union Territory of India, Port Blair,
is lined by air to Calcutta and Madras. For many Indians right until the early
part of this century, the Andamans were dreaded penal settlement known as Kala
Pani or Black Water where the most hardened criminals were sent, never to be
seen again. There are number of interesting islands which are allowed to be
visited by the foreign tourists. To name a few, Corbyn's Cove, Snob, Jolly Boy,
Red Skin, Cinque islands are few important ones.
The accommodation is available at moderate and good standard hotels. The
best hotel in Portblair is Bay Island situated on a cliff belonging to Welcomgroup,
Andamans Beach Resort, Sinclairs Bay View and many other smaller ones. Sea
Sports like Snorkeling, Deep Sea Fishing, Rowing/Sailing Boats and Scuba Diving
is possible and can be arranged through hotels or through tourist office.
Kovalam,
green and serene, sunwashed and golden, tranquil palm-fringed lagoons, a paradise,
an ethereal vision of a poet's inspiration - no wonder Kerala is named after
"Kera", the beautiful coconut palm. Kovalam Beach Resort, 13 km south
of Trivandrum is one of the best beaches of South India. The peaceful health
resort is endowed with a beauty of its own. Small palm fringed bays seperated
by rocky headlands, pale sands, gentle surf and lush green lawns attract a large
number of tourists from all over the world. A health and Yoga centre provides
Kerala's healing Ayurvedic touch to the visitors.
Golden Beaches of India, Goa Travel
