India is blessed with a long coastline that offers some of the most diverse and beautiful beaches in the world. From the coral islands of Lakshadweep to the basalt rocks of St. Mary's Island, from the temple town of Gokarna to the former French colony of Puducherry, from the holy city of Puri to the fortress district of Sindhudurg, there is a beach for every taste and preference in India.
However, many Indians still prefer to travel abroad for their beach vacations, lured by the exotic appeal and luxury amenities of foreign destinations. They flock to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bali, Thailand, Mauritius, Seychelles, Dubai, and other popular beach spots, often overlooking the gems in their own backyard.
This trend may change soon, as some celebrities have recently tweeted in unison, calling on their fellow Indians to explore and celebrate the Indian beaches. They have suggested some alternatives to the foreign beach destinations, such as Lakshadweep over Maldives, Gokarna over Galle, Andamans over Bali, Puri/Puducherry over Phuket, Malpe over Mauritius, Sindhudurg over Seychelles, and Diu over Dubai.
But are these Indian beaches really comparable to their foreign counterparts? Can they offer the same level of beauty, comfort, and enjoyment to the travellers? The answer is a resounding yes. Here are some reasons why you should choose Indian beaches over foreign ones for your next beach vacation.
- Indian beaches are more affordable and accessible. You can save a lot of money and time by travelling within India, as you don't have to worry about visas, flights, currency exchange, and other hassles. You can also find a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, to suit your needs and preferences. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, culture, and hospitality, which are often more authentic and diverse than the standardized and westernized offerings in foreign resorts.
- Indian beaches are more diverse and unique. India has a variety of coastal landscapes, from sandy to rocky, from flat to hilly, from tropical to temperate. You can find beaches that are suitable for different activities, such as swimming, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin watching, and more. You can also find beaches that are rich in history, culture, and spirituality, such as the ones that have ancient temples, churches, forts, and monuments. You can also find beaches that are secluded and serene, as well as beaches that are lively and festive, depending on your mood and preference.
- Indian beaches are more eco-friendly and sustainable. India has taken several steps to protect and preserve its coastal environment and biodiversity, such as banning single-use plastics, promoting coral reef conservation, and creating marine protected areas. You can also contribute to the local economy and community by supporting the local businesses, artisans, and NGOs that work for the welfare of the coastal people and wildlife. You can also learn from the local wisdom and practices that have been passed down for generations, such as the use of natural and organic materials, the respect for nature and animals, and the celebration of festivals and rituals.
So, the next time you are planning a beach vacation, think twice before booking a foreign destination. Instead, consider exploring and enjoying the Indian beaches that are waiting for you to discover and appreciate. You will not only have a memorable and satisfying experience, but also a responsible and patriotic one. And don't forget to send us your holiday pics, or better yet, write a travel story for our magazine. 😊