Goa Beaches

Goa is an indifferent part of India and firmly represents Indian culture, civilization, traditions, faiths, beliefs and superstitions. Goa is one of the most beautiful states of Indian land a sizzling blend of enchanting coconut and palm trees, mild sunlight, colorful sand, buzzing breeze, crystal and pristine water and revitalizing environmental conditions. Goa is a 110 KM long coastline land covered with worlds most decent beaches. Goa is an outstanding example of Indian faiths, according to Indian legends and mythology it was a piece of land submerged by sea and came out by the divine effect of arrow of Lord Prashuram, so it is called Goa but according to imperial statistics Goa was named by ditches as it was a part of their imperial activity. Goa is a melting pot of natural beauty and perfect destination for all age groups. This beautiful land is enormously famous for its pristine beaches and decent climate. It will be no exaggeration to say that Goa is having all those features that are tremendously required for a decent travel destination. Goa beaches stands a paragon against the world and plays a very pivotal role for honeymoon couples as there is no such other land on earth for them that will stun their life with luster and will make the moments of their married life memorable forever and forever.Some of the finest beaches of Goa are as follow:-


Colva Beach is the most renowned beach of India and world as well. Till date there is no other beach that could compete with Colva in terms of natural beauty and traveler’s preference. Every year travelers and tourists in handsome amount come to see and admire the finest beach beauty of India. Climate at Colva beach has magical effects that binds every one and is dissolved in the cyclone of enormous beauty of beaches. If someone desires for some romantic and exciting events Colva beach is the perfect destination for him.


Bogmalo Beach is clean place far from crowd of today's life.It is 10 km away from Vasco-Da –Gama town. It is reachable from any part of India and is counted as an exotic beach of India having tremendous beauty, shopping facilities and exciting tourism features. Bogmalo beach is a great venue for fishing, swimming in pristine water.


Anjuna Beach was discovered in the decades of 60's and is considered one of the finest beaches in Goa. The rays of sun fall over the white crystals of sand and tides of sea water when covers them makes these scenes more beautiful and out of bonding of words. Anjuna beach is a perfect destination for honey moon couples to live a life without hurdles and forget all the bonds of life.


Cavelossim Beach is a delighting combination of white sand and black soil. This beach is completely surrounded with palm trees and having the best resorts providing best services. Cavelossim beach is another unique and beautiful beach of Goa having the specialties of modern beaches likes availability of delicious vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes and other services at very reasonable rates. Boat sailing throughout the year and dolphin deeds and play with them are the main attractions of this beach.

Agonda Beach is 38 km away from Margao, far from hustle and bustle of world. Agonda beach is a solitary place specially created for beauty lovers. It has all those magics that it attracts everyone to its side, those who visit ones comes to see it again and again. Every year thousands of tourists come to see it. There are proper arrangements of guest houses and resorts for visitors near Agonda beach.


Candolim Beach is an another beautiful beach of Goa very crucial from natural beauty's perspective, offers several types of sports and activities like diving, parasailing, swimming, fish catching. Boat excursion is the main attraction at this beach which is enjoyed by everyone.


Chapora Beach is nominated as "Queen of beaches" made of white sand and lava soil. Besides enjoying natural beauty here you can also enjoy art crafts and antiques. Food at Chapora beach stands a paragon to the rest world.



Aguada Beach is situated in the deep north of Goa. Aguada beach is the point of attraction for tourists throughout the globe as this beach is holding some of the unique features suitable for tourism. Apart from sea shores, trees, there are several churches and other monuments of historical importance. Besides tourists can also enjoy swimming and other water sports which are great fun.


Benaulim Beach is also known as Banavali beach situated at a distance of 41 km away from the state capital of Panaji. It is a town of immense natural beauty, that even poets don’t have words to express its beauty. It is also one of the most beautiful fishing beaches in Goa.


Baga Beach is situated at the outskirt of Goa and in heart of Panji. It is a very unique place far away from the hustle and bustle of modern and fast running life. IT is the choice of tourists throughout the globe having the facilities of swimming, shopping and fishing to all extents. If you want to get rid of the tensions and puzzles of modern life, Baga beach is a great place for relaxation.

Beaches of Goa are a buzzing word in terms of travel, leisure and tourism. Temples, Churches, Mosques, Forts and other historical places of public importance increases its beauty manifolds. Goa is such a pristine land blessed with mind-blowing beauties and locations that are sacred and very rare to find out in entire universe. A trip to such an extraordinary magical place of earth will make your life colourful and gracious. Explore the hidden aspects and intoxicating land known as Orchid of beaches with a Travel Corporation of India.

Top 10 Most Romantic Tropical Beaches

1.Hawaii - Truly paradise

Hawaii is one of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world. Whether you are in Kauai, Maui or Big island, Hawaii offers excellent options for couples. Here you will find blue lagoons, lush rainforests, hidden gardens, cascading waterfalls, wild rivers running through rugged canyons, and soaring volcanoes. And oh, those beaches, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.The possibilities for adventure -- and relaxation -- are endless.. The last, but definitely not least, thing that should be on your list of things to do is a luau. You cannot visit any Hawaiian island and not enjoy a luau. Hawaii is truly paradise.

2.Bora Bora - Unforgettably stunning

Bora Bora is known as the most famous island in the world and remains the island of all dreams. Don't think you can't get here. The view of Bora Bora from the airport is truly breathtaking, and as you travel across the spectacular lagoon you will soon understand why it is the main area of attraction for most visitors. Of course, the lagoon is the centerpiece. The colors are simply breathtaking. Some say there are more than five shades of blue/turquoise as you are coming over the lagoons and reefs. You can wade in it, swim, snorkel, scuba, jetski, windsurf, or just take it in as the most wonderful piece of nature it is. It's really up to you. And believe us when we tell you, your vacation to Bora Bora will never be forgotten.

3.Aruba – Bonbini

Bonbini, in the native language of Papiamento, means "Welcome". Welcome to Aruba. When you land in Aruba, you just have to admit there's a part of paradise located here. This tiny island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela, is huge with contrasts. And if its true that opposites attract, then this could well be the most attractive island of them all. One shore of Aruba is shallow with pristine white sand beaches, while the other side is rocky, deep and rough seas that open to the sea. As you explore and get to know Aruba, you'll soon begin to notice the smiling faces everywhere and as any traveler here will tell you, must surely be among the most welcoming places on Earth. So, sit back, relax or explore, there are many things to do, places to go and see.

4.Barbados

You have dreamt of relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach under the warm afternoon sun without a care in the world..... You have decided you need a break from the burdens of everyday life and that it is time for a trip to a tropical paradise.... OK, now all you need to know is where is Barbados. If you look at Barbados on the world map you will see that this Caribbean island is shaped like a pear with the stem end pointing towards the north, standing slightly outside the arc of the Lesser Antilles. Barbados is one of the most visited of the Caribbean islands. Along the west and south coasts resorts abound sheltered from the turbulent Atlatic Ocean and the easterly trade winds taking full advantage of the white sands and crystalline waters. What many people are unaware of is the spectacular beauty that lies beneath the surface of the sea where coral reef snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles are just some of the myriad recreational pursuits available. Warm clear Caribbean sea, rolling hills and valleys, and those beautiful white sanded beaches. A touch of British charm, great food, lots of activities, and everything else that you would need for a romantic vacation in the sun.

5.Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Virgin Islands along with St. John and St. Croix. St. Thomas is famous for its beaches and shopping, bed and breakfasts, an island that caters to couples and families. There is a limited party scene so you will get peace and quiet as you stare into your lover's eyes. What could be more romantic than a Caribbean sunset, a secluded Caribbean beach, a candlelight dinner or dancing under the Caribbean stars ?

6.The Bahamas

If gorgeous beaches, bright sun, sheer white curtains blowing in the breeze, beautifully designed contemporary rooms, elegant meals are your cup of pina colada, check out Bahamas. Whether you want resorts that are in the midst of the action or removed from it, they have your choice in the Bahamas -- after all, there are some 700 islands in the archipelago. Ample places to kick back, order a pina colada, and let the sun and the sunsets work their magic. The Bahamas has the perfect conditions for romance and love. With breathtaking panoramic views, the softest sandy white or pink beaches, the sunsets that slow dance with the sea and the musical waves lapping on the shore around your ankles, so happy to greet you. You feel like you are the only two on the beach. No footprints but yours. No crowds, no reservations for dinner.

7.Jamaica

Find the perfect romance In Jamaica for your next vacation. A country whose motto is "One Love", Jamaica is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Jamaica has hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline. The beaches of Jamaica are some of the finest in the Caribbean. Some beaches are lively, fun-filled places, packed with young sunbathers listening to loud reggae music, other beaches in Jamaica are serene, secluded stretches of white sand perfect for relaxing and unwinding. So a couple could be forgiven for spending their entire heavenly vacation basking in the seductive warmth of the ever-present sunshine, while sipping exotic tropical drinks and gazing out at the endless expanse of aquamarine sea. Jamaica is so much more than just a beach, it's the perfect couples getaway.

8.The Seychelles - Tropical heaven

Conveniently located at the intersection of heaven and earth, these Indian Ocean islands are a place with picture-perfect stretches of powder-white beaches, lagoons that sparkle like diamonds and sunsets to die for. It's exotic; out of the way location makes it a great place to get to know your loved one. There are golf courses, spas, fishing trips, and tropical drinks. Honeymoon here and you'll never want to leave.

9.The Maldives

Locate on the equator, southwest of Sri Lanka, these islands are one of the most awesome destinations. A thousand breathtaking islands with sun, sand and sea, huge lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise. It is a perfect natural combination for the a tropical island wedding, honeymoon or holiday destination. The most inviting part of Maldives is the Maldives Islands and beaches, which offer relaxed atmosphere to calm your mind and soul. The soft white Maldives beaches, the clear blue waters, the lush green plantations, the glittering sands and the stimulating palm lined walkways offer a different ecstasy to all tourists. Winter is the best time to enjoy vacation in Maldives. Visit Maldives during December to March to enjoy a dream vacation.

10.The Belize

The islands out in the reef give couples a chance to get away from everyone on private beaches and explore the fish filled waters. The rain forests, reefs and ruins of Belize abound with natural and cultural diversity create an exotic backdrop for romance, adventure and relaxation. Explore the inland rain forests and ancient Maya ruins, take the plunge into the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere are only few of the attractions. A tropical romantic vacation adventure set in distinctive luxury ecolodge and a collection of private, thatched-roofed bungalows provides sultry comfort. A breathtaking destination for couples wanting a different kind of romance.

Beautifully Bizarre Beaches In All kinds Of Colors

1. Red sand, Kaihalulu, Maui, Hawaii

When a a breach in the Earth’s crust lets loose a geyser of magma, the volcanic ash and material has to go somewhere, and, quite often, forms a massive conical structure called a cinder cone. At Kaihalulu Beach, an ancient cinder cone crumbles into a bay as the tide erodes it further, ensuring its inevitable total destruction. In the meantime, the sediment from the cinder cone forms this beach of red sand.

2. Green sand, Papakolea, Hawaii

Likewise, at the nearby Papakolea Beach, another cinder cone rich in olivine minerals — a common component of Hawaiian lava — spills forth a surreal pasture of dark green sand. The beach is found at the end of a long hike on the south of the Big Island.

3. Purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California

This beach looks like it’s been taken straight out of some Lisa Frank stationery. When the moonlight bounces off the slowly ebbing tide, the manganese particles that have colored the sand purple become a glowing, rippling aurora in the water. Start at the south of the beach and head north, where the sand gradually becomes even more violet.

4. Black sand, Santorini, Greece

When a landslide of scorching magma hits the sea, it immediately explodes, cooling on impact, and the remaining basalt and pumice particles end up getting smashed and eroded into jet-black sand, as on the beaches of Santorini. Kamari, Perissa, and Monolithos beaches are the best known for their black beaches, but you’re likely to find them all over the volcanically active archipelago.

5. Pink sand, Harbour Island, Bahamas

The sand at Harbour Island is made of bits of coral, broken shells, and calcium carbonate from minuscule marine invertebrates. The secret ingredient to its pinkish hue is the inclusion of tiny, microscopic amoeba — Foraminifera — which use bright pink or red shells as protection.

6. Glass sand, Fort Bragg, California

What was once the town dump has now become one of the most awe-inspiring man-made beaches you’re likely to see anywhere. Shards of broken glass have been smoothed by decades of tidal impact. Visitors are at first wary of stepping on a stray, jagged shard but soon realize it’s just as comforting to sink their feet into pebbles of glass as it is with grains of sand.

7. Bowling Ball Beach, Mendocino, California

At Schooner Gulch in Mendocino, something strange has happened. Thousands of rocks have convened to face the tides like a Terracotta Army of small boulders. They’re all of equal size, all uniform in their spacing. It isn’t the best beach to build a sandcastle, but by far unlike any other coastline you’ve ever experienced.

World's Most Bizarre Landscapes

1.Salar de Uyuni: Bolivia

A blinding sheet of white awaits you at the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt lake, where you are in a simple world of blueness and whiteness, or even more bizarrely where seasonal waters can reflect the sky and dissolve the horizon.

The landscape here is simply awe-inspiring - miles and miles of dazzling salt flats interspersed by cacti covered islands - it all makes for an unearthly adventure.

2.Mount Bromo: Indonesia

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is found in east Java, Indonesia, and is home to Mount Bromo, one of the country's most iconic sights. This active volcano stands an impressive 2,392 metres above sea level in the middle of the protected Sand Sea plain and is best viewed at sunrise when the morning light casts an orange glow across the landscape.

A mix of barren, volcanic peaks and gravel plains makes the surrounding area of Mount Bromo particularly unusual and an absolutely unmissable part of any trip to Indonesia.

3.The Skeleton Coast: Namibia

The Skeleton Coast is an aptly named barren area along the coast of Namibia, and although stark, is absolutely stunning. Rock formations, clay castles, reverberating dunes and gravel plains covered with ancient welwitschia plants can all be seen in abundance, making for a truly spectacular landscape.

Strong currents, treacherous fog and shifting underwater sandbanks ensured that many early explorers’ ships were wrecked here and they can still be seen now, many metres from the shore.

4.Rotorua: New Zealand

Rotorua is situated on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island. Throughout and around the town steamy mineral lakes, bursting geysers and bubbling mud pools release a pungent smell as hydrogen gas pours out of countless bores and ground fissures.

People have been bathing in the hot springs for centuries, believing the mineral-rich waters have health-giving properties and a soak in one of the many spa complexes is highly recommended.

5.Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve: Madagascar

Described as a forest of rocks, the tsingy of Madagascar are sharp, needle-like limestone pinnacles that have been carved into the landscape by nature's elements.

The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is located in the remote west of Madagascar and is home to birds as well as Madagascar's most famous resident: the lemur. Exploring the tsingy can be a challenging but very rewarding activity as you negotiate your way through this geological wonderland.

7.Bourke's Luck Potholes: South Africa

Named after one Thomas Bourke who accurately predicted gold in the area (although he never found any himself), Bourke's Luck Potholes are located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

A natural feature created by swirling water erosion, these deep, cylindrical potholes mark the beginning of the Blythe River Canyon and are on of the most impressive geological sights in South Africa. Easily visited from White River or Hazyview, Bourke's Luck Potholes are not to be missed.

8.The White Desert: Egypt

The white desert, or Sahara el Beyda, is situated approximately 30 miles north of the Bedouin village, Farafra in Egypt. Not suprisingly, the name comes from the cream coloured sand and chalk rock formations of the area, formed by the occasional sandstorm.

Visit this vast landscape by moonlight to truly appreciate the beauty of the area.

9.Longji: China

Only two hours north of the popular tourist destination Guilin, the magnificent and ancient rice terraces of Longji, the ‘Dragon’s Backbone’, offer an awe-inspiring location to experience Zhuang minority culture first-hand.

Dating back over 800 years, the terraces are built into the hillside and change seasonally, the best time to visit being late spring (May) and autumn (September).

10.Kamchatka: Russia

Kamchatka - The Land of Fire and Ice - an apt title for one of the world’s most remote, forbidding yet spectacular destinations.

This volcano-spined peninsula, jutting into the icy Bering Sea in Russia’s Far East, is home to native reindeer-herding peoples, huge grizzly bears and Steller’s sea eagle, all set to a seething backdrop of boiling hot springs and spouting geysers.

Potala Palace

The Potala Palace (Tibetan: Wylie: Po ta la; simplified Chinese: traditional Chinese: is located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region. It was named after Mount Potala, the abode of Chenresig or Avalokitesvara. The Potala Palace was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, after an invasion and failed uprising in 1959. Today the Potala Palace has been converted into a museum by the Chinese.
The building measures 400 metres east-west and 350 metres north-south, with sloping stone walls averaging 3 m. thick, and 5 m. (more than 16 ft) thick at the base, and with copper poured into the foundations to help proof it against earthquakes. Thirteen stories of buildings – containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues – soar 117 metres (384 ft) on top of Marpo Ri, the "Red Hill", rising more than 300 m (about 1,000 ft) in total above the valley floor. Tradition has it that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." Chokpori, just to the south of the Potala, is the soul-mountain (bla-ri) of Vajrapani, Pongwari that of Manjushri, and Marpori, the hill on which the Potala stands, represents Chenresig or Avalokiteshvara.

History

The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songtsen Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China.
Lozang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, started the construction of the Potala Palace in 1645 after one of his spiritual advisers, Konchog Chophel (d. 1646), pointed out that the site was ideal as a seat of government, situated as it is between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa. The Dalai Lama and his government moved into the Potrang Karpo ('White Palace') in 1649. Construction lasted until 1694, some twelve years after his death. The Potala was used as a winter palace by the Dalai Lama from that time. The Potrang Marpo ('Red Palace') was added between 1690 and 1694.
The new palace got its name from a hill on Cape Comorin at the southern tip of India—a rocky point sacred to the bodhisattva of compassion, whom is known as Avalokitesvara, or Chenrezi. The Tibetans themselves rarely speak of the sacred place as the "Potala," but rather as "Peak Potala" (Tse Potala), or usually as "the Peak.
The palace was slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese in 1959, when Chinese shells were launched into the palace's windows. It also escaped damage during the Cultural Revolution in 1966 through the personal intervention of Zhou Enlai, who was then the Premier of the People's Republic of China but who personally opposed the revolution. Still, almost all of the over 100,000 volumes of scriptures, historical documents and other works of art were either removed, damaged or destroyed.
The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. In 2000 and 2001, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka were added to the list as extensions to the sites. Rapid modernisation has been a concern for UNESCO, however, which expressed concern over the building of modern structures immediately around the palace which threaten the palace's unique atmosphere. The Chinese government responded by enacting a rule barring the building of any structure taller than 21 metres in the area. UNESCO was also concerned over the materials used during the restoration of the palace, which commenced in 2002 at a cost of RMB180 million (US$22.5 million), although the palace's director, Qiangba Gesang, has clarified that only traditional materials and craftsmanship were used. The palace has also received restoration works between 1989 to 1994, costing RMB55 million (US$6.875 million).
Daily visitorship to the palace was restricted to 1,600 a day, with opening hours reduced to six hours daily to avoid over-crowding from 1 May 2003. The palace was receiving an average of 1,500 a day prior to the introduction of the quota, sometimes peaking to over 5,000 in one day. Visits to the structure's roof was banned after restoration works were completed in 2006 to avoid further structural damage. Visitorship quotas were raised to 2,300 daily to accommodate a 30% increase in visitorship since the opening of the Qingzang railway into Lhasa on 1 July 2006, but the quota is often reached by mid-morning. Opening hours were extended during the peak period in the months of July to September, where over 6,000 visitors would descend on the site.

Architecture

Built at an altitude of 3,700 m (12,100 ft), on the side of Marpo Ri ('Red Mountain') in the center of Lhasa Valley, the Potala Palace, with its vast inward-sloping walls broken only in the upper parts by straight rows of many windows, and its flat roofs at various levels, is not unlike a fortress in appearance. At the south base of the rock is a large space enclosed by walls and gates, with great porticos on the inner side. A series of tolerably easy staircases, broken by intervals of gentle ascent, leads to the summit of the rock. The whole width of this is occupied by the palace.
The central part of this group of buildings rises in a vast quadrangular mass above its satellites to a great height, terminating in gilt canopies similar to those on the Jokhang. This central member of Potala is called the "red palace" from its crimson colour, which distinguishes it from the rest. It contains the principal halls and chapels and shrines of past Dalai Lamas. There is in these much rich decorative painting, with jewelled work, carving and other ornament.
The Chinese Putuo Zongcheng Temple, built between 1767 and 1771, was modeled after the Potala Palace. The palace was named by the American television show Good Morning America and newspaper USA Today as one of the "New Seven Wonders".