Journalism of Courage
Every year, travel website TripAdvisor gives out its Travelers' Choice awards to the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, beaches, etc., as voted by their users, contributors and experts. The list is based on votes from millions of travellers worldwide. Here's a list of the Top 10 beaches in India that made it to the list for 2016.
1. Agonda beach, Goa: Agonda is the Goan beach to head to if you are looking for the pristine beauty of a beach devoid of the hustle bustle and maddening crowds. It is famous as a nesting site for the endangered Ridley turtles. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
2. Palolem beach, Goa: Palolem beach is another peaceful tourist attraction in Goa. A hit with foreigners, Palolem also provides affordable food options and is a delight in the evenings with plenty of live music and entertainment options. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
3. Radhanagar beach, Andaman and Nicobad Islands: This beach — reputed for its cleanliness and white sand — is famed for its beautiful sunsets. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
4. Mandrem beach, Goa: Mandrem beach has less choppy waters as compared to other Goan beaches, making it excellent for swimming and diving. It is perfect for classic beach activities like playing Volleyball. (Source: Simon Alexander Jacob via Flickr)
5. Cavelossim beach, Goa: Cavelossim is dotted with black lava rocks posing in contrast with the white sand. It was the original abode of the goddess Shri Shantadurga, whose idol was later taken to Kawlem during the Portuguese invasion. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
6. Morjim beach, Goa: Morjim beach is one of the most secluded beaches in Northern Goa. It is also called the 'little Russia' due to the high influx of Russian expats. Most tourists prefer shacks on the beachside. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
7. Arambol beach, Goa: Arambol is a vibrant location with plenty of food and shopping options, festive activities like drum circles, carnivals etc. apart from water sports. (Source: Ruben Alexander via Flickr)
8. Benaulim beach, Goa: Earlier known as Banavalli, this beach is located in the town of Benaulim along the scenic South Goan coastline. Ruins of an ancient Shiva-Parvati temple can still be found here. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
9. Varkala beach, Kerala: Varkala is the only beach in Kerala where cliffs can be found adjacent to the coastline. Apart from tourists, it also receives a huge influx of pilgrims headed to the famous Sree Janardana Temple situated nearby. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
10. Dhanushkodi beach, Tamil Nadu: Dhanushkodi is considered a sacred confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. Due to its mythological significance — Lord Rama is said to have broken his bow here — it receives a lot of pilgrims who stop by for a ritualistic bath before heading onwards to Rameswaram. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
