Location: Pondicherry
Famous Ones: Serenity Beach, Plage Paradiso, Karaikal Beach & Mahe Beach

The beach comber and the sun-worshipper have miles of "nirvana" in Pondicherry. The waters are cool and soothing. The sand's clear and sparkling, in splendid seclusion.
Quite often, one's only company is a lone seagull, or a sandpiper. Many resorts, cottages, cafes and bars command an excellent view of the sea.

SERENITY BEACH
A ten-minute drive to the north of the town brings one to these virgin sands. The ambience is well captured in its name. One can touch the calm. This place is ideal for a quick dip, a touch of the sun and a cool reprieve in the shade.

PLAGE PARADISO (PARADISE BEACH)
At Chunnambar, 8-km from the town, along Cuddalore Main Road, lies this stretch of tropical paradise. Flanked by a quiet-flowing creek on one side. In fact, one can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent for oneself. Overnight stay within the tree houses on the backwater banks provides a relishing experience of the great outdoors.

A short, pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward one with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around.

KARAIKAL BEACH
Sunrise-watchers can catch a magnificent view over the bay, with the pretty Arasalar River reaching out to the sea. Alternatively, one can canoe or kayak in picture-book surroundings. Have a round of beach volleyball or, armed with the angling gear, one can reel in a surprise.

MAHE BEACH
22-km south of Kannur, on the northern strip of coastal Kerala lies this bewitching beach strip. From Calicut (Kozikode), one will find this 75-km north of the town, bordered by a luxuriant crop of tall palm and dotted with numerous fishing hamlets.

YANAM RIVER CRUISE
Yanam, in coastal Andhra Pradesh, provides a different route to exhilaration. As one enjoys a sunset cruise down the spectacular Goringa Godavari River, which winds through rich mangrove forests.