neilisland,andamans

By Dipti Nair

1.neilisland,andamans

It may not be as celebrated as the neighbouring Havelock Island, but its pristine, sandy beaches can be a real draw for those of you who love diving. Located about 40 km from Port Blair, this island is ideal for eco-tourism. Think lush paddy fields, banana plantations and tropical trees that make a beautiful backdrop to the beaches. Marine life abounds in the clear waters of the sea making it a great spot for diving. The most-visited beaches here are Sitapur, Bharatpur and Lakshmanpur.

2.ttanjungrhu, langkkaawi, malaysia

This is the quieter part of the island cluster of Langkawi as most tourists head to the popular Palau Langkawi, the largest of the 99 islands in this archipelago. The two-mile beach at Tanjung Rhu is surrounded by ancient limestone caves, rippling waterways and dense mangroves. If you are looking to avoid the noisy holiday crowd in Langkawi, then this island is for you. You will never tire of looking out over the bay, but do steal a few hours to take a boat ride around the mangrove forests. Tanjung Rhu is also a good bet for those who want a totally offbeat venue for their wedding.

3. Cherai Beach, Kerala

TThhiissoonneewwiilllliinnttooxxiiccaate you with its golden sand, serene backwaters and coconut lagoon—the works. Located just 25 km from Kochi, the 10-km-long Cherai Beach is called the ‘Princess of the Arabian Sea. Youll see why when yyoouussuunnbbaatthheeoonntthheecclleeaann sands or take a dip in the sea. This is one place wwhheerreeyyoouuggeettttooeexxppeerriieennce both the sea and the backwaters. Hire a country boat and sail on the crystal clear waters soaking in the lush countryside. Visit a fishermens village and if you are lucky you can catch some fish, prawns, crabs and lobsters for your dinner.

4. Bakkhali, West Bengal

For thrill seekers, Bakkhali provides non-stop adrenaline rush, whether you are cycling on the hard beach or taking a ride in the crude bhut-bhuti (motorised boat) to Jambu Dwip, an uninhabited, forested island out in the sea. Bakkhali is located on one of the many deltaic islands spread across southern Bengal and jjuuttssiinnttootthheevvaasstteexxppaannsseeoof the Bay of Bengal. The eight-km long hard beach, ssttrreettcchhiinnggffrroommBBaakkkkhhaalliittooFFrasergunj, is ideal for racing down in your car or better still on a bicycle. Except on an occasional holiday, it is not crowded. Check out Henrys Island, which is around 10 minutes from Bakkhali. While tthheerree,,ddoonnttmmiisssstthheevviieeww of the Sunderbans from a watch tower or a walk on tthheessttrreettcchh of the beach that goes through a mangrove jungle.

5. Muine Beach, Vietnam

TThhiissoonneeiisskknnoowwnnaasstthheekkiittee surfing and wind surfing capital of Vietnam and is one of the friendliest spots in the country—you wont be pestered by touts here. If you like the idea of a desert juxtaposed next to the sea, then check out tthheeWWhhiitteeSSaannddDDuunneessoorrBBaaoo Trang which is the top attraction at Mui Ne after tthheebbeeaacchhiittsseellff..TThheedduunnees range from gold to pure white. Spend an exciting day wind surfing, a reclusive morning at the white sand dunes or shop at the Mui Ne market for local produce and traditional crafts.

6. White Beach, Boracay, Philippines

There is something for everyone here—from powdery beaches to water sports and spas. This is one of Boracays most popular beaches and is famous for its amazing sunsets and the white sands that stay cool in hot weather. Indulge in great massages, henna tattoos, hair braiding and also banana boat rides. It also has an exciting night life with many bars packed each night. If all the merrymaking and chatter gets to you, escape to Diniwid Beach for a quiet picnic. A cliff-side footpath connects this small, serene beach, with its louder and larger cousin, White Beach.

7. Kaup Beach, Karnataka

Better known as Kapu in the local Tulu language, Kaup is famous for its lighthouse, Mariamma temples and a fort built by Tipu Sultan. It is about 12 km from Udupi town. The sea may be a bit rough, but that does not take away the charm of this rocky beach. Watch the power of the Arabian Sea as the waves come crashing on the rocks. It is also a popular hangout for students from Manipal, about 15 km away. Take time out to visit St. Marys Island to see the distinctive basaltic rock formation that is considered an important geo tourism site in the state.

8. Pulau derawan, indonesia

This can easily add to your list of exotic holidays as you spot turtles wading, and splash around with mantra rays and green turtles. Also known as Turtle Island, Pulau Derawan is a dive destination waiting to be discovered! It takes just 30 minutes to walk around this small, charming island, but its main draw is the sea turtles, which can be spotted up close and personal. Watch the female turtles laying eggs by night, help store the eggs in the hatchery, and release new hatchlings into the great wide ocean. From Derawan, hop to nearby islands, especially Sangalaki Island where you can swim with mantra rays and Kakaban Island where you can take a dip in a lake full of stingless jellyfish.

9. ta Pho beach, koh kood island, thailand

If you are looking for a secluded place, try Ta Pho Beach, Koh Kood Island, which is truly away from the madding holiday crowd. Koh Kood is the fourth largest mountainous island of Thailand, approximately 330 km southeast of Bangkok. Hillsides blanketed with thick rain forests slope down to the beaches on this 23-km, undeveloped island. It has a good number of beaches, including Ta Pho, with crystal clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Walk around bare feet and star gaze at the clear night sky identifying constellations or just marveling at the wonderful universe. You can take back tales about the loud night calls of the splendid Tokay geckos.

10. gopalpur on sea, orissa

If in addition to being a beach bum, you also happen to be an Agatha Christie fan, head to this beach. The old lighthouse here provides a perfect setting for mystery and intrigue. Brave the spiral staircase all the way up, and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of gopalpur town, the sea and a glimpse of the nearby Chilka Lake, which is the largest ground on the sub continent for migratory birds in winter. Stroll along the relatively uncrowded beach of this once-upon-a bustling sea port in the British Raj days, or just relax under the cool shade of a palm tree. Either way, its a new land conquered.