Beach: for every season, for every reason

“The steeper the climb, the better the views”, I said, trying to sound wise in a conversation with the little sister. To which she retorted, “Oh, but the views from the beach are just fine!”. The misguided metaphor did make her laugh, though.

From wild and raucous to calm and serene, white and blue to golden and red – there’s no dearth of reasons (excuses, did you say?) to justify some “beach time”.

Head to the beach because…

…it’s right there!

A city beach – whether it’s the Juhu beach in Mumbai, Marina in Chennai or Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, are integral to the daily life of the locals. Morning walks, yoga, gyms – they all happen here.

…it’s cricket time!

Or football, or frisbee or foot-volley. Clear space, free breeze, open air – what more does a friendly game need?

…that’s what friends do

“Let’s just go somewhere”, someone says as you are lounging after a heavy meal. Most coastal cities have a beach, just outside, for a perfect impromptu outing of friends.

Take the closest exit out of your city and do the entire circuit of beaches in the area, if you please.

Head to Madh-Aksa-Marve beaches if you are on the northern end of Mumbai. More time on hand? Go to the Kelwa-Palghar-Dahanu stretch. Or take a ferry from the Gateway of India and head to the Alibag-Akshi-Nagaon-Kashid-Murud stretch. (After you disembark the ferry at Mandwa, a bus takes you to Alibaug. From Alibaug, regular state transport buses can drop you at any beach that entices you!).

…you’re planning a family holiday

Play in the water. Build sand castles. Run amok. Take a horse ride. Or a leisure walk. Sprawl on the sand, relax in the beach chairs. Children to grandparents, everyone can have fun together at the beach.

No one feels left out, no one has “issues” with the others (Come on, aren’t these integral to family holidays!)

…you need some “couple time”

The smooth sand slipping by your toes, the breeze caressing your hair, the gentle rhythms of the waves, the endless water and sky all becoming one at the far horizon – what could be a more romantic setting for a couple to get away from it all and spend some quiet blissful time together?

You could be camping in the Abel Tasman national park in New Zealand, holidaying in Brazil or catching up after a day’s work in Mumbai, the beach is sure to cast its spell.

…you want some “action”

Swim, dive, snorkel. Surf, kite, sail. Decide what’s the action for you. Find a beach that offers it (chances are it’ll offer several!). Happy times!

…it’s time for “me” time with the big red ball

Sunsets! The pink, orange, golden, red skies. Their perfect reflections. All forming one wicked blend. The red ball dancing on the smashing waves.

Sunset on the beach is exhilarating. If you seek calmness, it’ll soothe the frayed nerves. If you seek inspiration, it’ll inspire.

It has the rare quality of just letting you “be”.

With a coastline of over 7500 km, we haven’t even scratched the surface of “beach outings” in India. Walk along the entire Konkan coast, spend months in Goa (maybe live there!), dive at the best spots on the Indian coast, learn to surf. Live with the fishing communities, understand all their fishing techniques.

Our wishlist for the coast of India is as massive as the actual coastline. Armed with a beach map tool in hand, trusted shoes in the feet, cap over the head, water on the back – and a thirst for exploration in our heart, we will someday call the beaches of India “home”!

Have a favourite beach moment? Do share!

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