KOVALAM BEACH IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CITY KERALA INDIA

Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram city Kerala India

Kovalam beach

Kovalam  is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in ThiruvananthapuramKerala, India, located around 16 km from the city center. city,

Etymology

Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is also known as the paradise of the south.

History

Kovalam first received attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore.^[2] The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail. This exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.

Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach

• Lighthouse Beach

The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky promontory here. Its intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm. See some images of Kovalam here.

• Hawah Beach

Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

• Samudra Beach

A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.

Detour past Kovalam junction to land on Samudra Beach which is to the north of Ashoka Beach. One has the option to walk along the sea-wall too.The sight of the waves lashing on the rocks below is awesome. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.

The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach for its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock. The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India.^{[citation needed]} However topless bathing is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and Monazite. The normal tourist season is from September to May. Ashoka beach is also the part of Kovalam beach.

Tourist facilities

There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.

Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel.^{[citation needed]} Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.

 

Politics

Kovalam assembly constituency is part of Trivandrum (Lok Sabha constituency). The assembly constituency of Kovalam is represented by George Mercier of Congress. He defeated the independent A. Neelalohitadasan Nadar (who represented the constituency four times earlier), in the 2006 Kerala legislative assembly elections. The Left Democratic Front candidate, Rufus Daniel of the Janata Dal (Secular), came third.

GANPATIPULE IN RATNAGIRI REGION | www.maharashtratourism.gov.in

GANPATIPULE IN RATNAGIRI REGION

GANPATIPULE

Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast - an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike.

The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year.  The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this great deity. Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms.  Here, you can leave the hectic world behind as you laze around on golden sands or explore the many trails that lead from the beach.

Malgund is a small village about 1 km. away from Ganapatipule, and the native place of the famous Marathi poet, Kavi Keshavsoot.  You can visit the poet's house, which has been renovated and converted into a students' hostel.  The memorial to the poet, built by the Marathi Sahitya Parishad, is also worth a visit.

Velneshwar: The beautiful village of Veineshwar, situated north of the Shastri River, has its own peaceful, coconut-fringed beach, where one can relax in tranquility.  The village comes alive each year during the Maha Shivaratri fari, when pilgrims in large numbers visit the Old Shiva Temple.

Ratnagiri: About 25 km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarter town, Ratnagiri.   The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology as the place where the Pandavas settled after their 13-year pilgrimage.  There are three main attractions here:  The Thibaw Palace, the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and the Patit Pawan Mandir.  The Thibaw Palace is where Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was incarcerated by the British in 1885.  Ratnagiri was also the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, one of India's greatest freedom fighters.  His house, now a memorial called The Lokmanya Tilak is diligently maintained by the local community.  The Patit Pawan Mandir is a much revered temple, as it is the first place of worship built for non-Brahmins by the revolutionary leader, Veer Savarkar.  Today, Ratnagiri is a bustling agricultural town and also one of India's important ports in the western region. Jaigad Fort  Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river just 35 km away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort.  This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life. Pawas Besides its scenic natural beauty and serenity.  Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians).  A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.  Pandavas settled after their 13-year pilgrimage.  There are three main attractions here:  The Thibaw Palace, the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and the Patit Pawan Mandir.  The Thibaw Palace is where Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was incarcerated by the British in 1885.  Ratnagiri was also the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, one of India's greatest freedom fighters.  His house, now a memorial called The Lokmanya Tilak is diligently maintained by the local community.  The Patit Pawan Mandir is a much revered temple, as it is the first place of worship built for non-Brahmins by the revolutionary leader, Veer Savarkar.  Today, Ratnagiri is a bustling agricultural town and also one of India's important ports in the western region.

Jaigad Fort  Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river just 35 km away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort.  This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life. Pawas Besides its scenic natural beauty and serenity.  Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians).  A visit to this place is truly a journey through time. 

Location: Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the Konkan Coast.

Languages spoken: Marathi is the most widely spoken language.  Hind and English are understood and spoken by many.

Climate and clothing: The climate is moist and humid but the air is invigorating and free of pollution.  From March, the temperature starts rising but rarely crosses 380 C.  May is the hottest month.  The monsoon lasts from June to October.  Rains are usually plentiful and regular.  The winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping at nights.  Loose cottons and light woolens during winter nights are recommended.  Don't forget to carry your swim wear.

Local Festivals: Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast.  Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapti and Magh Chaturthi (the fourth day of the lunar month of Magh, believed to be the birth date of Lord Ganapati).

Other festivals like Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celebrated with equal fervor, and to be here during this time is an experience in itself.

Shopping and food: Ganapatipule offers a variety of local preparations, like ambapoli (thin pancakes of crushed and dried mango) and phanspoli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit).  Fish curries and the kokam kadi (a pink - coloured digestive drink) are also worth trying.  Vegetarians can feast on simple, yet tasty, fare: dal, vegetables prepared with a coconut base and modak - a sweet (and a favourite dish of Lord Ganesh).  If you're here in summer you can also relish Devgad Hapus, the most famous variety of mangoes in the world. 

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BAGA BEACH GOA

BAGA BEACH GOA

BAGA BEACH

Baga an extension of Calangute Village in the state of Goa, India. It comes under the jurisdiction of Calangute, which is 2 km (1 mi) south.

 Baga is known for its popular beach, Baga Beach with is brown sands, and creek, the Baga Creek. It is visited by thousands of tourists annually.

Baga Beach is a popular beach and tourist destination in North Goa, India, located a few kilometers north from the famous and crowded Calangute beach.

Dolphins can be located at around 1-2 km from the Baga Beach.

The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats, and at high tide the beach is narrow. 

The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach.

Baga Beach is also famous for its water sports and Dolphin cruises.

Jabalpur's major attraction waterfall known as Dhuandhar

Jabalpur's major attraction waterfall known as Dhuandhar

Dhuandhar

Bhedaghat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Jabalpur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated by the side of river Narmada and is approximately 20 km from Jabalpur city. Its most famous sights are the Dhuandhar Falls, Marble Rocks, and the Chausath Yogini temple

The temple is one of the four major extant temples containing carvings of sixty four yogini, female yoga mystics. It was built in the 10th century under the Kalachuri empire. It commands a view of the whole area around and of the river flowing through the marble rocks.

Its major attraction is a waterfall known as Dhuandhar, which looks like smoke coming out of the river and therefore it got its name as "Dhuan(smoke)-dhar(flow of water)". Another major attraction which needs mention is 'Bandar Kodini', when one travels in between the marble rocks in a boat, the mountains at both the sides at one point come so close that the monkeys are able to jump across them, hence the name "Bandar Kodini". In a moonlit night, the travel between the marble rock mountains in a boat on the river Narmada is a heavenly site which should not be missed for anything.

Bhedaghat is a small village on the banks of river Narmada…  The crystal clear water of the Narmada river and the marble rock borders are a fascinating sight.  River Narmada flows for 1 ½ kilometers in between the marble hills. River Pavanganga meets River Narmada at the Panchavatighat.  Many temples are situated on the right side of the hill.

A certain point in the river is famously called bhool bhulaiya.  Siva lingam, Kalabhairava in black rock, elephant head shaped rock, cave of sage Dattatreya and the cave of Ganesha are other attractions.

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[1] Bhedaghat had a population of 1840. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Bhedaghat has an average literacy rate of 63%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 71% and female literacy of 53%. 16% of the population is under 7 years of age.

Transport

The nearest railway station is in Jabalpur. It is possible to take a tempo (auto-rickshaw) from Jabalpur to Bhedaghat. Its distance from main City is about 28 kms.

Trivia

The song "Raat Ka Nasha Abhi" from the Hindi film Asoka was shot in Bhedaghat among the marble rocks by the Narmada River.

Politics

Bheraghat is one of the known Nagar Panchayt of Jabalpur district,which dominates the politics of the Jabalpur as it is the nagar panchayat of tourist place so it is having its own importance currently the election held in 2011 results into the historical win for the congress party,Mr. Dilip Rai having eminent personlity in congress is the current president of Bheraghat for (2011-2015).

In 1961, a very hit song of the film Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai was also shot at Bhedaghat. This song featured Raj Kapoor and Padmini.

Another movie, Pran Jaye Vachan Na Jaye, also used Bhedaghat as its location.