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Welcome the Yuletide spirit in the mellow winter sun at these seaside spots
Christmas is around the corner and so are the winter holidays. The month of December is the happiest month of the year, with educational institutions closing for winter holidays, offices handling a lighter workload, and festive air all around. There is no better way to end the year than to head to a vacation spot to spend quality time with your friends and family. But have you decided upon a destination yet?
While it is fairly commonplace to head to the hills to celebrate Christmas by a crackling fireplace over pitchers of warming sangria, have you considered spending the holiday at a beach destination? Beaches in India mostly have favourable weather during winter, with pleasant mornings and slightly chilly nights.
Check out this curated list of beach destinations in India to soak in the festive spirit and wrap up 2022 with delightful memories.
Renowned for some of the most impressive beaches in India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise two groups of islands on the southeastern section of the Bay of Bengal. The Andamans are made up of over 300 islands, notable among which is Ritchie's Archipelago. Also known as Swaraj Dweep, Havelock Island is part of this archipelago.
Tucked away from the touristy areas, this island on the Andaman Ocean boasts palm-fringed white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island offers plenty of water sports opportunities, including kayaking, game fishing, and scuba diving. It is well connected to the mainland. The weather remains balmy during winters, with the temperature mostly ranging between 15° to 34°C.
Beaches to Explore
Radhanagar Beach: This 2-km-long crescent-shaped beach welcomes visitors with soft white sand, rows of coconut trees, and emerald waters. The beach experiences medium waves, which make it perfect for swimming.
Elephant Beach: Surrounded by tropical jungles, this beach is a hub for watersports, such as jet-skiing, banana boating, speedboating, and kayaking.
Chidiya Tapu Beach: Situated around 87 km southwest of Havelock Island, this island is a paradise for birdwatchers. Come here for picnics, gorgeous sunset views, and trekking trails.
How to Celebrate
How to Get There
By Air: The nearst airport is Port Blair International Airport, which is located 65 km southwest of Havelock Island.
By Cruise: You can take a government ferry or catamaran from Port Blair to Havelock Island.
No list of vacation ideas is complete without Goa, which is indeed among the best beach destinations for Christmas. Come December, Goa swings into holiday mode with festive cheer all around. Streets are decorated with colourful lights, beaches get ready to party, and churches start carolling. The aroma of freshly baked cakes pervades the air in markets across the cities — and you instantly know that Christmas is going to be amazing here.
Christmas celebrations begin around mid-December in Goa when there are music concerts, village Nativity scenes, and special Christmas markets. Head to Baga and Calangute in North Goa and Bogmalo in South Goa to see the brilliant fireworks lighting up the midnight sky on Christmas night. Don’t miss the traditional Christmas dinner served at restaurants across the state.
Beaches to Explore
North Goa
Vagator: Surrounded by red cliBaga: Regarded as one of the best beaches in Goa, this 30-km-long stretch of sand is popular for watersports, such as parasailing, fishing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, and power scooter riding.
Candolim: Located close to Panaji, this beach is famous for its beach parties, beach shacks, and watersports. Nearby stands Fort Aguada, which offers stunning sunset views.
South Goa
Palolem: Clear azure waters and palm-fringed sands characterise this picturesque beach. You can indulge in some retail therapy at the market stalls near the beach.
Agonda: With a vibrant nightlife as well as plenty of water sports, cafes, and shopping options, this beach is the place for experiencing the authentic Goan vibe.
Majorda: Dolphin-spotting, water-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat riding are some of the popular activities at this golden sand beach.
How to Celebrate
How to Get There
By Air: Dabolim Airport is located 26 km south of Panaji.
By Train: The main railway stations are Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama, situated 36 km and 29 km from Panaji, respectively.
By Road: State and private buses run along the scenic route of the Konkan coastline from Mumbai to Goa.
By Cruise: Angriya and Cordelia cruise liners run services from Mumbai to Panaji.
If you are looking for a quieter Christmas vacation, Kovalam is a perfect choice for an offbeat beach destination. Located along the southern edge of Kerala, Kovalam is a pristine coastal town that is famous for its idyllic beaches lined with coconut trees.
Besides the superb surf, the beaches of Kovalam offer opportunities for practising yoga and indulging in therapeutic Ayurveda treatments. The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam make it an ideal beach destination for spending Christmas in God's Own Country. The quaint town comes alive during Christmas, with carnivals being organised on the beaches.
Beaches to Explore
Lighthouse Beach: This picture-postcard beach has a striped lighthouse with a viewing platform that affords lovely views of the beach.
Samudra Beach: This quiet secluded beach is separated from the mainland by a rocky outcrop. Come here in the morning or evening to see shoreline fishing.
Hawa Beach: Spend a day at this serene stretch of sand, taking in the beautiful sunset views, and sipping a beer.
How to Celebrate
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is the Trivandrum Airport, which is located 15 km northwest of Kovalam.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Trivandrum Central railway station which is situated 13 km from Kovalam.
By Road: Kovalam is well connected by road to Trivandrum, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mangalore, and Madurai.
Locally known as Pondy, Pondicherry makes for a charming low-key getaway during Christmas. The former French settlement boasts a rich Indo-French cultural heritage, which can be seen in its Colonial-era architecture and lip-smacking cuisine.
The rocky promenades, spectacular beaches and elegant churches make Pondicherry a favourite beach destination for Christmas. It is also a hotspot for scuba diving, drawing diving enthusiasts from across India. The weather remains warm and pleasant during winters in Pondicherry, making it a great destination for Christmas celebrations.
Beaches to Explore
Rock Beach: This beach has a 1.5-km-long shoreline, lined with Colonial-era buildings and cafés. Visit in the evening for beautiful sunset views.
Serenity Beach: A popular surfing spot, the beach offers superb sunrise views over the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Pick up clothes, bags, handicrafts, and ceramics at the Serenity Beach Bazaar.
Paradise Beach: Fringed with coconut trees, this beach is known for its blue waters and golden sand. Go kayaking or jet-skiing, or team up with friends for a game of football or volleyball here.
How to Celebrate
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is located 143 km north of Pondicherry.
By Train: Pondicherry Railway Station is situated 4 km southeast of the city centre.
By Road: The coastal route from Chennai to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram is a great route for a thrilling road trip experience.
Just off the coast of Gujarat, the beautiful island of Diu was an important Portuguese colony during the Colonial era. The town retains much of its old-world charm in its Portuguese-era architecture, notably the old Portuguese Cathedral and Diu Fort.
The coastal town draws holidaymakers with its museums, churches, golden sand beaches, watersports, and fresh seafood. The laid-back town comes alive during Christmas, with the streets brightly lit up and adorned with colourful decorations.
Beaches to Explore
Jalandhar Beach: This small rocky beach is relatively less crowded and ideal for swimming.
Nagoa Beach: Lined with Hoka trees, this horseshoe-shaped beach is famous for its soft white sand and water sports, such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and water-skiing.
Ghoghla Beach: One of the less explored beaches in Diu, Ghogla is a haven for those seeking solitude.
How to Celebrate
How to Get There
By Air: Diu Airport connects the island with major cities in India
By Train: Veraval Railway Station is the nearest railhead, around 81 km away from Diu.
By Road: Diu is well connected to the main cities of Gujarat by road.
So if you want to get rid of that bulky Christmas jumper this December and yet experience the warm Christmas vibe, head to one of these spectacular beach destinations for your winter holiday. From candlelight dinners on the beach to indulging in watersports, a beach destination offers all the ingredients for a sweet, sunny Christmas vacation.
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