Treading the quaint Indian coast (05-Weekend Getaways from Bangalore)

The Indian landscape is extremely diverse and awe inspiring to say the least. From snow capped glacial mountains to the hostile desert, dense tropical forests to pristine coastline, we’ve been blessed with nature’s bounty. Talk about coastlines, and India’s long shoreline (4600 miles) constitutes a culture of its own. Over the centuries, the coastal way of life has endowed this region with a distinct identity in terms of culture, economy and ethnicity. Talk about coastlines, and Goa invariably hits our minds. Whilst Goa’s beaches are undoubtedly incredible, there is no dearth of blissful sandy retreats and waterfronts all along the coast that provide a respite from the hullabaloo of the Indian way of life.

Though some are fairly popular and others sorely underrated, we went looking for waterfronts that offer seclusion amid the sun, sand and sea. We visited the towns of Kovalam, Kanyakumari and Dhanushkodi (in that order) looking for the quaint side of the majestic coast.

And we clicked pictures all along :) Hope you like them!

#1 Light House beach, Kovalam

#2 Masks hanging on wall in Kovalam, Kerala

The mysterious masks form an integral part of the performing tradition of Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra and Orissa. Folk songs, dance rituals and other cultural practices include masks in their dress, making them colourful and unique

#3 Delightful views savoured standing at the top of Vizhinjam lighthouse

#4 Vizhinjam lighthouse

Climb to the top for a lovely view of the Arabian Sea. Also, it’s a well maintained structure with elevators taking you all the way to the top. Certainly a thing of beauty!

#5 The grandiose statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar

#6 Our Lady of Ransom Church

Nestled in a peaceful surrounding, this Catholic church built in Gothic style is a magnificent piece of architecture. The colourful houses in front of the Cathedral are a treat to the eyes!

#7 The waterfront at Kanyakumari

The waves caressing a rather tranquil shore

#8 Pamban Bridge

Breeze in my hair and ocean under my feet. What else would I still need!

#9 Enroute Dhanushkodi – the City of dead

The bustling town of Dhanushkodi was marooned overnight when it was struck by a cyclone in 1964. The storm was so powerful that the town submerged and the Pambam-Dhanushkodi passenger train overturned, killing all the passengers onboard. In Dhanushkodi alone, around 800 people were killed. The town has not been rebuilt. The last leg of the route from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi has no proper road and one has to drive on the beach.

#10 Beach shack in Dhanushkodi

After the catastrophe of 1964, Dhanushkodi was declared “unfit” for living by the government and has ever since remained desolate. Except for a handful of fishermen and shack owners live here to make their ends meet.

#11 On the way to Ram Setu

Dhanushkodi, to my wonder is believed to appear in the revered Indian epic, Ramayana. Standing here, Lord Rama ordered Hanuman to build a bridge all the way to Sri Lanka so that they could carry an army to Sri Lanka and release Sita, his wife from the captivity of demon king Ravana.

After a victorious return to Pamban, Lord Rama destroyed the bridge with the end of his bow, and that’s how this place came to be known as Dhanushkodi.

We don’t know for certain, but the satellite images do confirm a stretch of land formation between Dhanushkodi and Sri Lankan mainland (famously known as Rama Setu), making this place mysterious and beautiful alike.

We loved every bit of our little foray into the history and mystery that unfolds along the Indian coast. Have you ever experienced the quaint side of the Indian coast? We would love to listen to your stories!