Sun, surf and sand beckon thousands of sun-deprived tourists to India because it has the most mind-boggling beaches seen anywhere in the world. Placid lagoons and backwaters, marine estuaries teeming with fish, bays and rough lava-rocked seas, crashing surf, pure powdery golden sands or palm-fringed shores where the mind is soothed by the serene murmurs of the sea - you have them all.

For six months of the year between October to March, India's coastline, provides a perfect excuse for a beach holiday. These range from secluded, seldom visited beaches ideal for a quite interlude, to internationally renowned resorts, complete with several luxury options to choose from, and yet others where the accent is on water sports.

Goa is the most favoured destination for a comprehensive beach holiday experience. Goa has an enviable stretch of beaches complete with tourist friendly facilities and accommodation. Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute and Candolim are the darling beach resorts that provide spectacular scenic beauty with palm trees giving the final aesthetic touch. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available. The surreal landscape and the unique culture of Goa inherited from 451 years of Portuguese rule have made this smallest state of India the inescapable holiday spots for tourists from home and abroad.

Mumbai is blessed with many beaches in its vicinity. Juhu Beach, Arangal Beach, Marve Beach, Madh Island Beach, Manori Beach, Gorai Beach Nirmal Beach, Kelwa Beach, Arnala Beach, Bordi Beach, Alibag Beach, Mandwa Beach, Kihim Beach and Murud-Janjira Beach are some of the popular ones.

South India has some of the finest beach resorts. Kerala, also known as the land of beaches is proud of the famous Kovalam Beach, with its golden sands, palm trees, and the aquatic sports center.