TripAdvisor today announced the winners of its 2015 Travellers’ Choice™ awards for Beaches. In its third year, the awards recognize the best beaches globally, including top lists for Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, the U.K., and the U.S.
Speaking on the announcement Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India said, “For the lovers of sun, sea and sand this is a perfect time to plan a beach holiday. And TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Beaches offer a perfect recipe to escape to the lazy environs of some of the most scenic beaches not just globally but in India as well.
It is also great to see India moving up the ladder in the World and Asia lists. This no doubt reiterates the fact that Indian beaches match up to the best in the world”
The Power Play in India:
Ø Goa retains the title of the official ‘beach state’ albeit with a lower margin – 11 beaches have won awards this year as compared to 15 last year
Ø Beaches from Kerala bag 4 awards in 2015 vs 3 in 2014
Ø 3 beaches from Andaman and Nicobar win this year vs 2 last year
Ø Orissa impresses by bagging 2 awards this year vs 1 last year
Ø Andhra Pradesh strikes nil with none of the beaches from the state qualifying this year
Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Beaches in India:
Radhanagar Beach
Situated in Havelock Island, this breath taking beach avoided much of the devastation caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and its resultant tsunami.
Agonda Beach
A great spot for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming, with still relatively few tourists, Agonda beach also has a turtle centre in the middle protecting precious Olive Ridley eggs.
Palolem Beach
This beach is largely unspoiled and is inhabited by both local fishermen and by foreign tourists. Interestingly, it is featured as the Goan residence of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in the film The Bourne Supremacy (2004).
Varkala Beach
It is also known as Papanasam beach which means ‘wash away sins’. It is believed that a dip in the waters of Papanasam Beach washes away all the sins in one’s life.
Mandrem Beach
This beautiful deserted beach does not offer restaurants or food means but the beach and sea are worth every bit.
Cavelossim Beach
This town was the original abode of goddess Shri Shantadurga located at Kawlem, which is one of the largest temples in the state. This beach offers miles of golden sands and lovely warm water.
Dhanushkodi Beach
Dhanushkodi, meaning ‘end of the bow’ is a ghost town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of the Tamil Nadu and has high historical and religious significance for followers of Hinduism.
Benaulim Beach
It is a beautiful stretch of beach with countless choices for great food and drinks.
Arambol Beach
The beach attracts many international tourists, due to its distinct bohemian feel which is no longer found in other areas, such as Calangute and this inevitably attracts many alternative travellers.
Varca Beach
With its clean, white sands, Varca is a great beach for morning walks and meditation.
Winning Beaches in India
1. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
2. Agonda Beach, Goa
3. Palolem Beach, Goa
4. Varkala Beach, Kerala
5. Mandrem Beach, Goa
6. Cavelossim Beach, Goa
7. Dhanushkodi Beach, Tamil Nadu
8. Benaulim Beach, Goa
9. Arambol Beach, Goa
10. Varca Beach, Goa
11. Puri Beach, Odisha
12. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
13. Lighthouse Beach, Kerala
14. Elephanta Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
15. Marari Beach, Kerala
16. Cola Beach, Goa
17. Utorda Beach, Goa
18. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Kerala
19. Kaala Pathar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
20. Om Beach, Karnataka
21. Konark Beach, Odisha
22. Kapu Beach, Karnataka
23. Vagator Beach, Goa
24. Majorda Beach, Goa
25. Ganapatipule Beach, Maharashtra
Top 10 Beaches in the World
1. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
2. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
3. Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy
4. Playa Paraiso Beach, Cayo Largo, Cuba
5. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
6. Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles
7. White Beach, Boracay, Philippines
8. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
9. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
10. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Greece