TROPICAL VACATIONS IN INDIA

Tropical vacations

"The tropics are the geographic regions of the earth centered on the equator and limited in latitude by two tropics- the tropic of cancer in the north and the tropic of Capricon in the southern himisphere. These are parts of the earth where sun reaches a point directly overhead atleast once during solar year." ( sourced - Wikipedia.org).

The tropic of cancer passes through the middle of India as such India faces both tropical and sub tropical climate.The characteristic features of a tropical climate is continually high temperature and with considerable precipitation with sufficient rainfall. In India some of the cities lying in the tropical climate zone include Goa, Kerala, Lakswadeep,Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Mumbai.

Goa
Located on the western coast of Indian Peninsula, Goa is one of the most exciting place for any tourist. Covering a total area of 3660 sq km, Goa has Panaji as its state capital. Once ruled by the Portuguese, Goa reflects a culture which is a unique blend of the Portuguese and Indian culture. The best time to visit Goa is during monsoons, from mid July to late September and during winters, from November end to February.
Goa is known internationally for its beaches. Tourists from world over flock to the beautiful Goan beaches like the Anjuna beach, Baga beach, Benaulim beach and Varca beach to enjoy a full moon party, sun-bathing, swimming and fishing. Even a walk on these beaches are extremely relaxing. For more adventurous tourists, water sports like water gliding offers exciting opportunity

Though Goa is known for its long beaches, there is much more for a tourist than simply a holiday on beaches. Goa is replete with churches and temples that reflects the religious diversity of the people. The churches of Goa were built primarily during the Portuguese rule. One of the most important churches in Goa is the Church of St. Francis Of Assisi. Located in Panjim, Old Goa, this church was originally constructed by eight Fransciscan friars in the early sixteenth century. Later the church was rebuilt in 1661. The church is an example architectural excellence and houses two exqusitely beautiful statues of St Francis of Assisi and Jesus on cross. Numerous paintings depicting the life of St Francis enhance the beauty of the church. Another significant church in Goa, not far away from the St Francis church is the Se Cathedral which is dedicated to St Catherine. The church which was built in eighty years by the Portuguese is larger than any church in Portugal itself.
Goa has many beautiful temples also that are worth visiting, prominent among these are Shri Mahalaxmi temple and the Shri Datta Mandir. Goa is also famous for the fun filled festivals like the Goa Carnival and the Bonderam festival.

Kerala
Also known as God's own country, Kerala is forever charming visitors with its natural beauty and elegance. Located on the southwestern part of the country, Kerala is a must visit for any tourist. The best season to visit Kerala is between October to March. Kerala offers its visitors a wide variety of options- from a trip to beach to wildlife safari. The Alappuzha beach is a major attraction with the tourists because of its long sandy beach and dense palm groves. A naturally beautiful and relatively lot more cleaner than the beaches of the rest of India, the Alappuzha beach and other beaches of Kerala (Bekal beach, Kovalam beach, Marari beach) is a definite picnic spot for the visitors. Extremely popular is a cruise in a luxurious houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala that allows the tourists to explore the remote and beautiful areas and discover some interesting details about the villagers.

Kerala has numerous temples, museums, palaces and churches that impress visitors with their architectural grandeur and beautiful carvings. Prominent among these are Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika palace, Napier museum and Koyikkal Palace.

Kerala is a delight for a wildlife enthusiast. The Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is just one of them that offers an opportunity of viewing wildlife from close quarters. Peppara wildlife sanctuary is another very popular destination for tousists and is a home to numerous animals like elephants, Gaurs, Barking deers, Wild Boars among others.

Lakshwdeep
Formerly known as the Laccadives, the islands of Lakshdweep( a group of 36 islands) is the only coral island of India. To retain its natural beauty, tourism in Lakshdweep has been restricted to few islands. The amazingly beautiful Bangaram island, Kadmat island and Agatti island are the only islands that are open for foreign tourists. For Indian tourists, however, there are three more islands that are open for visit- Kavatri, Kalpeni, Minicoy. The islands are bounded by shallow calm lagoon.

All the islands have a captivating beauty and offer an opportunity for water sports like angling. The Bangaram and the Kadmat island also provide an opportunity for scuba diving. Lakshdweep is a perfect place for a tourist looking for cool and relaxing holiday coupled with breathtaking beauty of natural surrounding never seen before.


Andaman & Nicobar islands
An archipelago of 572 islands, the Andaman and Nicobar islands have an appealing beauty. Though only 36 islands are inhabited and not all the islands are open for tourism (Outsiders are not encouraged to visit the Nicobar group), yet there is much for a visitor to enjoy. The beaches are covered with tall coconut trees that provide an opportunity for sun bathing. The islands attract tourists because of its excellent water sports facilities like scuba diving . Scope for adventure tourism is also available with facilities for trekking and island camping.

Apart from water sports and adventure tourism, there exists a possibility of sightseeing also. The Cellular Jail, The Ross island ( the place from where the Britishers controlled the entire group of islands), the Anthropological Museum, the Fisheries Museum and Samudrika are few places visited by tourists in large number.
Off late the Andaman and Nicobar islands have attained the status of world class eco friendly tourist destination. Tourists with varied interest can enjoy themselves in the beautiful islands of Andaman and Nicobar.

Mumbai
The commercial capital of the country, Mumbai offers its visitors a dream visit to a place that is deeply tradional despite being modern. The best period for tourism in this metropolitan city is from October to March. Tourists can enjoy a walk at the famous Juhu beach or enjoy a ferry ride from Gate way of India to Mandwa or the Elephanta caves. For those interested in religious spots a visit to the Mahalaxmi temple and Shree Siddhivinayak temple is a must. Haji Ali, set 500 yards into the sea is a famous and immensely visited Dargah of the famous Muslim saint Haji Ali.
The popular amusement park Essel World is the largest water kingdom in Asia. Away from the mad rush of the outside world, the water park offers a visiitors an opportunity to indulge oneself in complete enjoyment and relaxation.
Among the worth visiting places around Mumbai are the Ajanta and the Ellora caves. Mumbai is an absolute delight for shoppers as it has both tradional and modern items for tourists. Antiques and Curios, Handicrafts, designer outfits, carpets and paintings - items are available for tourists with diverse interests.