GoanTimes April, 13th 2018 issue

10 It's Goa!
Friday, April 13, 2018 | www.goantimes.titosgoa.com | 12 Pages
Beat the summer heat:
Try adventure sports at India's best beaches!
When looking for exotic beach destinations, you don't need to look further away from your city as India 7,500 km coastline
offers many options. While beaches of Goa, Kerala and the virgin beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands remain popular
choices, many off beat options ruling the roost. Besides beaches in the Indian sub continent offer variety; you’ll find black,
golden and white sand beaches across the southern stretch of our nation. You can also book a stay at one of many resorts
along the East or West coast for a rejuvenating outing. Those residing in the northern states can take a quick flight to the
beaches of their choice and rejoice at the waves touching their feet in an attempt to beat the heat wave.
ENJOY A LIVE-ABOARD
ADVENTURE
Region: Andaman & Nicobar
The untouched environment and
sunny skies, golden beaches, turquoise
waters… Andaman and Nicobar
Islands offer a pristine piece of nature.
Comprising an archipelago of 572
islands, it is an ideal getaway that
promises great adventure amidst
nature. If haven’t tried your hand at
snorkelling yet, this is your big ticket.
Get your scuba gear on to view the
exquisite marine life and the rarest
corals at North Bay Island or Elephant
Beach at Havelock Island. When
it comes to scuba and snorkelling,
Havelock is a hit as the water here is
much clearer as compared to the North
Bay. Further, if you are looking to add
a touch of romance to your holiday, opt
for a stay onboard a yacht and go scuba
diving. Try a live-aboard adventure
in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Much of the underwater ecosystem
near land is often destroyed by fishing
and tourism. In order to experience
a pristine sea bed, a Live-aboard dive
trips not only allows you a hard-core
diving experience but also a taste of
luxury.
DOLPHIN WATCHING AND WATER
SPORTS
Region: Maharashtra
India’s spectacular Konkan Coast
starts south of Mumbai and extends
for more than 700 kilometers to Goa’s
border. While Alibaug and Kashid are
popular, there are many delightful
options, which are completely off the
tourist trail. Devoid of commercial
development, some of these beaches
are practically deserted making for a
relaxing outing.
IT’S TIME FOR ACTION: Enjoy the
numerous action-packed offerings at
the beaches of Murud-Harnai
Murud-Harnai: Murud, nestled at
a separation of 10 km from Dapoli, is
often mistaken for the Murud-Janjira
beach. It is hence distinguished as
Murud-Harnai. Harnai along with
Karde forms the longest stretch of
beach on the Konkan Coast. At the
beach, a number of water sports
such as jet skis, banana boat rides,
parasailing, etc lure visitors. The star
attraction is the dolphin watching
trips hosted early in the morning. The
numerous beach front hotels and home
stays are perfect if you are looking to
just relax by the sea front.
Tarkarli: Tarkarli, a village in Malvan
taluka, has garnered interest due to
its white sand coast and the popular
sea fort Singhudurg. Besides, it has
a faint vibe of an ancient Goa before
development changed its landscape.
The feeling of silky sand, clean water
and air works as a perfect recipe to
revive the senses. This feature is not
just popular with humans; the beach
is also the trusted zone by the female
turtles who visit during the nesting
season. Hence, Turtles lazing or
hatching and protecting its eggs are a
common sight. Tarkali’s famed coral
bed needs no mention. A scuba diving
exploration allows you an opportunity
to experience the myriad colourful
fishes. A boat ride from Tarkarli, a
tiny and quaint island, called Tsunami
Island, sits on the deltaic region of the
Tarkarli River, an island proves to be
a wonderful place for beach lovers.
The picturesque island showcases a
playful sandy stretch with an expanse
of turquoise water.
TAKE UP A LESSON IN YOUR
FAVOURITE WATERSPORT
Region: Tamil Nadu
Manapad has a unique coastline that
is formed by multiple layers of lava
accumulated over hundreds of years.
This allows Manapad to witness the
best wave formation throughout the
year. These favourable conditions
make the coastal hamlet of Manapad
one of the best natural surfing sites in
India. Manapad plays host to an annual
National-level Sail & Surf Festival,
titled -Manapad Classic. The threeday
event sees the participation of
hundreds of water sports enthusiasts
from across the country. The festival
doesn't just stop at sailing and surfing;
it rolls in kite boarding, kayaking and
stand-up saddle too. This event has
made Manapad a favourite year-round
destination for surfing, attracting
both inbound and outbound tourism
alike. Apart from this competition,
workshops and training sessions on
surfing, kayaking, slack lining and
skate boarding have attract many.
Apart from Manapad, Covelong Point,
Mamallapuram and Thoothukudi
along the coast of Tamil Nadu offer an
ideal recipe for adventure sports.
TREAD THE OFF-BEATEN PATH
Region: Goa
Goa is synonymous to beach hopping,
lazing at the shacks and partying. In
addition to all this, if you are looking to
feel the beating pulse of Goa, then you
have to dig further. Opt for a dolphin
watching cruise that usually starts
from Fort Aguada, Sinquerim or Panaji
Jetty. Organisers even arrange for a
swim with these adorable creatures.
Apart from this, you can up the
romance quotient by booking yourself
a sunset or moonlight cruise on the
Mandovi River.
The Goa Tourism Development
Corporation offers various options
that you can choose from. If you wish
to take a day cruise, you can head to
the Panaji Jetty down the Mandovi
into the Zuari bay or to the Mandovi
to Aldona. You can also visit the Cabo
De Rama Fort which was conquered by
the Mughals and the Portuguese in the
past. The fort, which now wears a
Casa Tito- by Ricardo is the story of an
intrepid business traveller and designer.
The brand deals with luxury goods with an
international feel that have been carefully
curated, and in most cases manufactured
under Ricardos personal supervision.
Ricardo- who is also Director of Titos
Resorts and Hospitalities Pvt Ltd. now
brings to you a beautiful Portuguese era
Goan heritage house with contemporary
world street cuisine and a cosy romantic
Bar replete with Titos own Sparkling
Wines and Spirits as well as some of
the world s finest Alcohol. Also indulge
in some sensual head and foot massage
whilst sunbathing on our very private pool
side Cabanas.
Book our venue for Wedding/ Birthday/
Anniversary/ Corporate or private party
Xim Vaddo Arpora, Near Hilton Double
Tree. Mobile: 99235 86659
Email : casatito@titosgoa.com
distressed look, had a chapel and
barracks added later by the
Portuguese. The fort can be enjoyed
from afar too; the splendid view of the
fort along a backdrop of the sea makes
for a picturesque location. If you are
still falling short on adventure, go
kayaking in the backwaters. Rowing
across the labyrinth of charming
creeks, with the villages of northern
Goa in the backdrop, make for a fun
expedition.
A COMPLETE MEAL: When in Goa
make sure to try a typical Goan
Saraswat thali.
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