There’s no other place than Goa to let your hair down and sway to some good music under the palm groves; eat finger- licking food under the starlit sky; drink beer with a bunch of friends and walk on the white sand beaches. Isn’t it? But, then somewhere the forever thirsty traveller in us wants to try out a new beach spot to beat the mundane. So, how about giving the alternatives, we’re listing out, a chance and head out to make new memories?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Via: Flickr @Mathias_rodriguez

Away from the madding crowd, the sparkling blue waters, white sandy beaches and a hard-to-believe boat ride through a dense canopy en route to the limestone cave certainly make Andaman and Nicobar islands a perfect getaway for anyone wanting to spend a few days in solitude. But, if you don’t want the tan and want to city-hop, you can visit the cellular jail, Kaala Paani, which was meant for solitary confinement for prisoners back in the day.

2. Bangaram Island

Lakshadweep

Via: Flickr @binku_k_s

A ring-shaped coral reef, Bangaram is 8.1 km in length with a maximum width of 4.2 km, and Bangaram Island is the largest island on this atoll. The reef glitters and is home to a myriad of life forms. You can scuba-dive to experience the bubbling underwater life. Go lagoon snorkeling to see fishes, turtles and sea horses! For bird watchers especially, the island is a haven with over 150 species flitting around. Since there are no residencies and only cottage resorts, during the off-season you are likely to feel that this is a virgin planet waiting to be inhabited!

3. Surathkal Beach

Mangalore

Via: Antony Pratap

Twenty kilometers off Mangalore, this beach is absolutely breathtaking and is a treat for all those who want to take a break from the nauseating city life. Walk along the coastline, let the waves kiss your feet, sit on the sand and get drenched in the waves, and most of all wait for the sun to set for that is one moment that will last your lifetime! For the devout in you, visit a local temple of Lord Sadashiva. If you want a panoramic view, climb the lighthouse; watch the fishermen earn their livelihood and ships sailing at a distance. Romanticized it enough, have we not?!

4. Kovalam

Kerala

Backpack for Kovalam, a beach town by the mighty Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram, considered to be a hotspot during the hippy era. Within its 17 km coastline are three beaches that form a crescent: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach (the first topless beach in India!) and Samudra Beach. Climb the lighthouse atop the Kurumkal hillock to get a 360 degree view. Watch the sun drown in the sea each evening and miraculously rise from it the day after! If not walking on the black sands, you can opt for the popular Ayurveda massage and rejuvenate your body inside out. In the evenings you can hire a bike and drive down the highway with coconut palms on both sides of the road! Mesmerized, already?

5. Puducherry

Pondy is not just about embarking on a spiritual healing. It has much to boast besides the Aurbindo Ashram and Auroville that attract tourists from within and outside the country. For the beach bum in you Promenade Beach, Mahe Beach, Plage Paradiso Beach and Karaikal Beach will leave you gasping for more. Since it had remained a colony of the French, you can taste the remnants of the times by walking through the French Quarters that have cobbled streets and white and mustard buildings flanked up on the way.

6. Bassein Beach

Maharashtra

Via: Flickr @Philip_Tellis

The beach that once served as a ship-building centre for the Britishers in the 17th century is worth a visit. It is 77 km away from the Mumbai and looks exactly like any of the Goan beaches. Since it is away from the main city, it pulls crowd on the weekends and you’ll find people soaking the sun, walking on the white sands, and exploring the brushwood forests and palm groves. The highlight of this beach is that it boasts of some restaurants that serve lip-smacking Portuguese cuisines that will keep your taste-buds happy!

7. Chakratirth Beach

Diu

On the Diu island is a beach called Chakratirth that offers one of the most scenic views and experiences that will last your lifetime. Besides the spellbinding coastline the beach has an open-air auditorium and landscape gardens. Laze around, surf your way through the waves, sunbathe and forget all your worries by drenching in the waters of the Arabian Sea. And, while you’re still in Diu, you must see the Naida cave, that has a network of tunnels yet to be completely explored.

Like we always say – travel in style by choosing the most offbeat destinations. After all, who wants to live in loop mode!

Sharanya Manola

Sharanya is a mountain soul and tries to perch herself amidst the familiar flora and fauna at any and every opportunity she gets to travel home. To escape the monotony of the cityscape and corporate life, she plays 'Words with Friends'. Besides, rumour has it that she is hunting for a typewriter her sister once owned!

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