TripAdvisor has revealed its winners for 2015 Travellers’ Choice awards for Beaches. In its third year, the awards recognise the best beaches globally, including top lists for Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, the U.K., and the U.S. Two beaches from India- Radhanagar Beach and Agonda Beach- also features in the top ten best beaches of Asia.
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. 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.”
Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar
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, Goa
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, Goa
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, Kerala
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, Goa
This beautiful deserted beach does not offer restaurants or food means but the beach and sea are worth every bit.
Cavelossim Beach, Goa
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, Tamil Nadu
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. Also, a part of Sri lanka (Jaffna) is visible from the tip of Dhanushkodi beach.
Benaulim Beach, Goa
It is a beautiful stretch of beach in Goa with countless choices for great food and drinks.
Arambol Beach, Goa
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, Goa
With its clean, white sands, Varca is a great beach for morning walks and meditation.