To hell with Goa, here are 5 beach destinations to visit this holiday season

If you are thinking of a beach destination to visit this holiday season and all you can think is Goa, we can draw two conclusions: Either you just refuse to think out of the box or you have been reading too many wannabe travel bloggers who think of Goa and only Goa when it comes to beaches in India. Here are five super cool beaches to visit this holiday season. Enjoy.   [caption id=“attachment_2491662” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Tarkarli Beach: Located in the Malvan takula of Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra is a perfect getaway for those looking for a bit of water sports. After all Tarkarli is home  to the state’s famous scuba driving training school, called The Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports. The best time to visit this beach bum’s delight is between November to May. And don’t forget to try Malvini food, it’s like a party in your mouth. For more information click www.maharashtratourism.gov.in   Photo Courtesy: Ashish Pandey, flickr[/caption]   [caption id=“attachment_2491664” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  Radhanagar Beach: If there’s an island paradise in India it has to be the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It’s a delight for beach holiday lovers and there are a number of beaches you could explore. Radhanagar beach is one such beach, which is Grade A beach, which in English means it’s no less than paradise for beach lovers. Rated as one of Asia’s best beach by Time magazine, it has 2 kilometers of white sand and mass of crystal clear blue waters. The best time to visit isle is October to May, so this Diwali holidays if you plan an elaborate beach vacation some place far, do give Radhanagar a thought. For more details click this link www.andamans.gov.in/    Photo Courtesy, Sanyam Bahga, flickr[/caption]   [caption id=“attachment_2491666” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  Puri Beach: If you are in mood for a beach festival, Puri in Orrisa is good place to visit. Every November Puri has its annual beach festival, and is popular among beach lovers from abroad and back home. The festival lets you experience the spirit of Orrisa, right from its culture, cuisine and the charms of Orrisa’s artisan works. That’s not all this beach gives you the unique opportunity to witness both a sun rise as well as a sun set at the same beach. And, for those who are of a religious bend; you can experience a purification dip at Puri. It’s a divine experience. In short, this beach has much to offer.  For more information read at www.orissatourism.org/ [/caption] Photo Courtesy- draskd, flickr   [caption id=“attachment_2491668” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  Pondicherry Beaches: When it comes to beaches you are spoilt for choices in Pondicherry. Right from Promenade Beach which is located in the historic city, to Auro beach which is a popular destination from travelers from all over the world. A perfect beach holiday destination if you want to lazy around in the sea or sand, while experience the rich Dutch, French and British heritage from colonial rule time. For more information visit http://tourism.pondicherry.gov.in/  [/caption] Photo Courtesy - Sukanta Maikap, flickr   [caption id=“attachment_2491670” align=“alignleft” width=“825”]  Kovalam Beach: Imagine spending a beach holiday in God’s own country. Here comes Kovalam beech, situated 16 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. In fact, a visit to Kovalam beach is triple joy, after all, it has three adjacent crescent beaches. Be a lazy day in the sand or a local boat cruise you get it all here. And, Kerala being Kerala, you are spoilt for choices when it comes to herbal massages, and other Ayurvedic traditional style spas near the beach. The lighthouse on one of the beaches is a favorite tourist post. Get more information at www.keralatourism.org Photo Courtesy- Attila Hargitay, flickr[/caption]