WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Yes! You Can Take-off on a Beach Getaway from Delhi

Ankita Sharma Sukhwani

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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See

India Gate - One of the most popular monuments in the country
Lotus Temple - A great example of modern architecture

Do

Explore Delhi on a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride around Old Delhi

Eat

Visit Gali Paranthe Wali for the widest range of vegetarian paranthas
Sample Biryani, kebabs and niharis at Karim's at Jama Masjid

Shop

Visit Dilli Haat for arts, crafts and cuisine from all around the country
Head over to Sarojini Nagar Market for everything from home decor items to clothes

Click

From Rang de Basanti to Delhi 6, Delhi has become a hotspot for shooting Bollywood movies

Want To Go ? 
   

Your Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways is Here. Check it Out!

I am quite sure you haven’t come across an article which talks about beach getaways from Delhi, because frankly there is nothing close enough that can be reached by road. However, there are a number of long weekends coming up in August and are a perfect excuse to escape the water clogged, traffic-ridden city of Delhi and head to an actual beach. (I know there is probably a small pool of clogged rain water around the corner of your house, but that does not qualify as a water body!)

So, are you a little intrigued? Good! Check out our list of the top five beach getaways from Delhi and quickly make your plans, coz tickets will not always be available.

Candolim Beach, Goa

At Candolim, it is not just the white sandy beach calling your name, it is a wide variety of adventure activities too! Head to Candolim beach for an adventure filled weekend with jet skiing, banana rides, parasailing, bump rides, catamaran sailing, and wind surfing. And when all this leaves you exhausted, head to restaurants like La Brise or Inferno for some lip smacking Goan cuisine.

A great place for friends and family alike, Candolim is just 14 kms north of Panjim. If you are looking for some local shopping and souvenirs, the road on the other side of the beach is filled with shops and restaurants. There are also a number of resorts around Candolim like Country Inn and Suites, Resort De Alturas, Whispering Palms Beach Resort and others for a comfortable stay.

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

If your dreams are bigger than your budget, then Pondicherry is your best shot of having a holiday which feels far away from India. A former French colony, this city has retained its old world charm. Every little avenue will feel like something out of a postcard, as you walk past French nameplates on colonial buildings, walls laden with blooming bougainvillea, expansive gardens and gothic churches.

Not only do you enjoy the serene backwaters and the beautiful beaches, you also get to sample scrumptious authentic French cuisine on your trip to this ‘French Riviera of the East’. Do keep a day to visit Auroville, which is 10 km north of the city. You can spend some time at the beach and enjoy the shallow water here, or catch a sea cruise at Chunnambar backwater and with luck you might spot some playful dolphins!

So what are you waiting for? Catch a flight to Chennai and then drive down to the beautiful little city of Pondicherry.

Nagoa Beach, Diu, Daman & Diu

A beautiful beach with calm crystal blue water, Nagoa beach is the gem of Diu with its white sand. This is one of the few beaches where you can spend hours swimming in the sea and admiring the natural beauty of the place. A perfect semi-circle in shape, the beach is comparatively less crowded and cleaner than most beaches in India.

Looking for an exciting time? Go for a nice swim, catch a game of beach volleyball, or take part in some water sports at the beach. When you have had your fill of the beach, head in for a dose of history as you visit Fort Jerome, Bom Jesus Church and the Zampa Gateway.  Check out Hotel Palms and Kostamar Beach Resort for a pleasant stay at Diu.

Puri beach, Puri

I know that the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Puri is a quintessential place of pilgrimage and the annual Rath Yatra. However, Puri has some of the most relaxing beaches you will find in East India. With clean, sparkling golden sand and the serene city atmosphere, the Puri beach is the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

If you are looking to visit a little later in the year, then November will be a great time to catch the Puri Beach Festival. Held annually, the festival includes fashion shows and lively road shows as well. Puri sounds quite happening now, doesn’t it?

Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar

If you are looking to get away from the mainland, then it’s time to head to Havelock Island for the best beach of India, Radhanagar. Ranked as the ‘best beach of Asia’ and the ‘7th best beach in the world’ by Time Magazine, Radhanagar lives up to its name. This is one beach that has everything you can imagine at your very own fantasy beach. From white sparkling sand, crystal blue water, lush forests, green palm trees, and the unforgettable curve of the landscape.

Thinking that you will have to battle a crowd for some space on this marvellous beach? Nope! There is some crowd right at the entrance, but once you walk a few hundred meters away from the centre you will be at peace again in your own company. Radhanagar lies on the south coast of Havelock Island and is 12 kms from the island’s ferry pier. Looking to live on the Island? You can stay at Tsg Blue Resort or the Holiday Inn Beach Resort.

So, you have our list and our recommendations. But have you made up your mind? NO? Just imagine the last traffic jam you were stuck in and your fingers will be itching to open the MakeMyTrip app!