How To Enjoy Your First Trip To Cozumel

It's usually a good idea to take a break every now and again. There’s no better way to unwind than to go on vacation. There are several places or destinations from which to pick. However, if you’re considering a trip to the Caribbean, Cozumel should be your first choice. It’s one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean Sea, located along the Mexican peninsula coast.

There’s a myriad of things to do in Cozumel. But, if you want the finest Cozumel experience, you must plan ahead of time. Planning ahead of time will guarantee that you don't miss out on the best that the island has to offer. That said, here’s how you can make your first trip to Cozumel a success.

1) Create A Travel Plan

Making a plan is essential since it simplifies everything. It gives your life structure and makes it easier to make informed decisions. Your plan should detail all the activities you want to do and the sites you want to visit. It should also include information on lodging, travel expenditures, and additional funds for items such as food and souvenirs.

Having a strategy in place helps you to create an accurate budget. This allows you to save enough money before the day comes. Before going there, give yourself time to research and become acquainted with the location. And may be book your fast ferry to Cozumel to ensure that you get the best deal. You may even hire a tour guide familiar with Cozumel to assist you. Also, don’t forget to create a comprehensive travel checklist to prepare for the trip.

2) Visit At The Right Time

Because Cozumel lies in the Caribbean, the weather is often pleasant all year. Cozumel's tropical weather makes it an ideal holiday location. However, due to seasonal variations, there are certain periods of the year when it is best to visit. Consider planning a trip to Cozumel between December and June, outside hurricane season.

3) Try Scuba Diving

Scuba diving probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re visiting Cozumel, you should probably include this on your bucket list. Stunning reefs surround the island. Most of these reefs are protected by the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. As a result, you can be confident that these reefs are properly conserved and in excellent shape.

Diving is a fun activity that you can do all year. The diving experience will introduce you to various sea species, such as green turtles, seahorses, reef sharks, and nurse sharks. If it's your first-time diving, fret not. There's a good chance that you’ll be satisfied with your first diving experience.

4) Arrange Accommodation

In Cozumel, there are several accommodation options. There are also several Airbnb options available. If you book ahead of time, you may get some good discounts. Booking in advance will also provide you with peace of mind. Nonetheless, finding a location near the city center and close to the waterfront is recommended. This is perfect since you'll be close to most tourist hotspots.

5) Go To The Beach



Your visit to Cozumel will be incomplete unless you visit at least one of the beaches. The island has both public and private beaches. One standout location is Paradise Beach which is found on the west coast. This is a terrific spot to visit because it’s part of the Paradise beach club, which includes a variety of additional facilities. You may swim in the pool, visit the water park, or dine at their restaurant.

6) Walk The City Centre

When you arrive in Cozumel, take a stroll around the city center. It’s very easy to navigate because it’s quite small. Because of its proximity to the ferry dock, Benito Suarez Park is a popular tourist hotspot. Tourists come here to take photographs and enjoy the scenery. Also, don't forget to walk down 5Ta Avenida Norte. It's dotted with stores, cafés, and restaurants.

7) Visit Mayan Ruins

Consider visiting the Mayan ruins on the island if you love sightseeing. Despite their small size, they can demonstrate the island's historical significance. The ruins of the San Gervasio complex in Cozumel are nowhere near the size of sites like Chichen Itza. However, it does provide a fascinating perspective on Mayan culture, daily life, and religion.

8) Visit Food Spots

If you consider yourself a "foodie," Cozumel is the place to be. Food, in some ways, represents a people's culture. Sampling the food in Cozumel will be a cultural experience through their cuisines, recipes, spices, cooking methods, and so forth. You may ask your local guide about the best restaurants on the island.

Conclusion

If you're considering visiting Cozumel, start planning your vacation as soon as possible. This will help you to generate an accurate budget. It gives you time to book accommodations, buy tickets, and make other arrangements that may result in big savings. Also, undertake as much research as possible to minimize unanticipated surprises. That way, you'll have a good idea of what you want to do when you arrive.

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Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters

It is kind of similar to the iconic Maravanthe beach of Karnataka where the NH 66 highway runs parallel to the Arabian sea and the Sowparnika river. This beach located in Southern Kerala is tucked in between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters of the Edava Narayana lake. And a beautiful road runs right through the heart of it. This road is not any national highway, but it is a cosy stretch with coconut palms on its sandy banks and to one side is the green water of the lake while on the other is the blue sea. I am talking about the offbeat Kappil beach that is located right between Kollam and Varkala.

Just 7 kms to the north of the more popular Varkala beach, Kappil beach is more a hit with the locals. They prefer its remote location, quiet atmosphere, scenic backwaters and ample water sports options. It is the kind of place where you and your family can have a peaceful beach holiday with your own picnic lunch. And when you feel like some adventure, you can indulge in some water sports on the backwaters, trek up to the top of the nearby Kodi hills or let your hair down on its marine drive.

For those who are in the mood for some serious adventure can actually try the cliff walk between Varkala beach and Kappil beach. The route is not well laid out, but if you ask your way, you should be able to find it.

Kappil beach is the kind of place where you go to listen to the sound of the waves, feel the strong sea breeze brush against your hair and enjoy a relaxed time with family and friends on its sandy beaches and under the swaying coconut palms. It is a beach holiday destination at its simplest best. Do give it a visit the next time you are in this part of Southern Kerala.

How to get there:

The nearest airport would be the Thiruvananthapuram international airport, about 50 kms away.

The nearest railway station would be Varkala railway station, about 7 kms away.

The nearest bus station would be that of Varkala and Kollam.

Where to stay:

The nearest place to stay and one that caters to a wide range of budgets would be Varkala village and Varkala beach. You could stay at Varkala and visit Kappil beach by bike, autorickshaw, bus or cab.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Varkala beach: That stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash way all your sins

2) Punalur suspension bridge: Historical gem of Kerala

3) Lesser known mountain railways of Kerala: A treat for nature lovers

4) Thenmala forest and Palaruvi falls: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway

5) Courtrallam falls: A great place to enjoy herbal baths under a waterfall

6) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree panorama

7) Tenkasi town: Famous for its 13th century Kasi Viswanathar temple with its big gopurams

8) Kollam: A coastal town known for its beaches, light houses, backwaters and riverine islands

9) Papanasanathar temple: 1000 year old temple by the river Thamarabharani where you can wash away all your sins

Note: The 2nd photograph in this article has been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons license. It has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.

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10 Mesmerizing Beaches of India

When you are traveling to India for a summer holiday, the first beach destination that comes to mind is Goa. Goa is unarguably beautiful but not many of us know that India is full of captivating beaches scattered along its long coastline and offshore islands. They offer different experiences from family-oriented atmosphere to party filled coves. Here are some of the most mesmerizing beach destinations in India to help you plan your summer getaway.

1) Kadmat Beach, Lakshadweep Islands



If you are looking forward to a relaxing summer holiday in India with your family, Kadmat will take your family bonding to the next level. A spot in the Indian Ocean when you look it up in the map, a beach holiday at Kadmat is on par with Mauritius and Maldives. Its silver sands, pristine emerald waters and rich underwater life are some of the best in India and is something that needs to be experienced by all beach lovers.

Things to do in Kadmat:

a) Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The waters near Kadmat island are teeming with rich marine life and hence are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

b) Kayaking: The lagoon on one side of Kadmat island is perfect for those kayaking sessions with friends.

c) Sunbathing with a book in your hand: Kadmat beach is ideal for sunbathing and since there are hardly any people here, the only sounds that disturb you are the sound of the waves.

2) Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands



Considered as Asia’s No. 1 beach, Radhanagar beach or beach number 7 is famous for its iconic sunsets. Located on Havelock island in the Andaman and Nicobar islands of India, Radhanagar beach is extremely popular with couples and honeymooners.

Things to do in Radhanagar beach:

a) Lazy walks: Radhanagar beach is perfect for those long lazy walks especially during its magical sunsets.

b) Mangrove treks: Just beyond the beach are gorgeous mangroves, tidal flats and tropical forests that make for great hikes.

3) Cola Beach, Goa



One of the hidden gems of Goa, Cola beach is located right under a tall cliff and is an absolutely beautiful place where a small river joins the sea. The beach is not super big here, but the river joining the sea here ensures that you can get the best of both fresh water and sea water.

Things to do in Cola:

a) Kayaking on the cola river under the shade of swaying coconut palms.

b) Beach volleyball at the place where the river joins the sea.

c) Stay in a riverside hut with a sea view.

4) Varkala Beach, Kerala



This cliff beach is undoubtedly one of Kerala’s most popular beaches. And it is also one of those divine beaches where a dip in the sea is supposed to wash away all your sins.

Things to do in Varkala:

a) Temple visit: Offer your prayers at the nearby 2000 year old Janardhan Swamy temple.

b) Cliff walk – dine, shop and enjoy the views while walking along the cliff edge.


5) Tarkarli, Maharashtra



Maharashtra’s Tarkarli beach boasts of a long stretch of white sand perfect for morning or afternoon walks. The beach is safe for the kids to play with waves. The community is known for being courteous and respectful. Tarkarli is a perfect place for fresh seafood by the shore and hammocks over the sand.

Things to do in Takarli:

a) Snorkeling – dive deep into the blue waters of Tarkarli and discover the beauty of underwater scenes like one-of-a-kind coral reefs and rare species of fishes.

b) Stay in a House Boat – experience the serenity and calmness of Tarkarli by staying in a Houseboat. Also, this is a good way to bond with family and kids because the cruise is exclusive to one guest or family.

c) Dolphin Watching – Dolphins are truly enjoyable to watch; they are one of the most charismatic sea creatures. Dolphin experience is one of the most captivating and exciting activities in Tarkarli.

6) Kaup, Karnataka



If you are looking for a quiet and clean sanctuary, Kaup is the place to be. The beach is very peaceful and calm. You can sit and relax in the shades of one of the large rocks while watching the waves. There are also a lot of restaurants with good food in the area. Kaup is famous for its lighthouse and pristine blue and green waters.

Things to Do in Kaup:

a) Visit Tourist Places – there are a lot of popular attractions and tourist spots in Kaup. Tourists can book day trips, excursions, and tours to maximize Kaup’s beauty.

7) Kovalam, Kerala



Another beach perfect for families is Kovalam, Kerala. The beach is one of the best for surfing and other water sports. Kovalam consists of two coves-Hawa and Lighthouse. Lighthouse is full of open-air restaurants with a fantastic view.

Things to do in Kovalam, Kerala:

a) Sight-Seeing Tour- there are a lot of tourist attractions in Kovalam. Enjoy the majestic view of these attractions while cruising along the water.

b) Overnight sightseeing in a houseboat – enjoy the tranquillity of backwaters while floating in a houseboat.

c) Water sports – you can try a water sport you’ve been dying to try. You can choose from surfing, paragliding, parasailing, jet skiing, or snorkelling.

8) Galgibaga, Goa



One of Goa’s cleanest beaches, Galgibaga beach is an important turtle nesting site. As it is a turtle nesting site, you will not find any tourist infrastructure here, but you can certainly walk on it and enjoy its pristine white sands and warm waters.

Things to do in Galgibaga:

a) Turtle nesting: If you happen to visit during turtle nesting season, you can either see the turtles come to the beach to lay the eggs or you can see the little ones make their way to the Arabian sea after they hatch from the eggs. Both of these are surreal experiences.

b) Long Barefoot walks: Galgibaga is one of those places where you will not find any trash, garbage or pollutant. It is as clean as how mother nature created it.

9) Muzhappilangad, Kerala



Muzhappilangad, Kerala is known as the longest drive-in beach in Asia. It is also one of the best beaches for driving. Muzhappilangad, Kerala offers a one-of-a-kind experience by driving a 4KM stretch of sand while you enjoy the view of the Malabar Coast. Enjoy swimming safely with the kids because the water current is not high. You can also get to taste their delicacies along the way with multiple shacks that offer authentic cuisine.

Things to Do in Muzhappilangad:

a) Walk to the Dharmadam Islands - you walk to Dharmadam Island a few minutes away from Muzhappilangad. Dharmadam Island is a private beach with scenic views.

b) Enjoy Water Activites – your stay at Muzhappilangad Beach will not be complete without trying their water activities like parasailing and paragliding.

10) Patnem, Goa



Patnem beach is located in Goa. It’s the perfect sanctuary for complete relaxation. Yogis visiting Goa love this serene place. If you want some me time, this place is not too crowded and can be your perfect haven in India. You can peacefully hang out in a humble bamboo hut by the beach and relax as you swim in the clear waters.

Things to do in Patnem:

a) Enjoy a yoga retreat- If you’re in for a yoga holiday, this is the place to be. There are yoga classes for beginners and professionals alike.

b) Visit Jaali Boutique and Café- For the fashionista, you can find exquisite designer clothes in this boutique plus modern Rajasthani textiles, jewellery, and other handicrafts.

Takeaway

I hope you have realized by now that India is full of beautiful beaches that offer everything from gorgeous setting, pristine nature, warm waters, adventure, partying and so much more. So, where have you decided to go on your beach holiday in India?

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Varkala Beach: That stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins

The west coast of India is home to some sensational beach holiday destinations that are full of beautiful blue waters, gorgeous sands, coconut palms and relaxed settings. Some of them are special because of their backwaters, some are known for their estuaries and some are famous for their turtle nesting. Kerala’s iconic Varkala beach is known for its cliffs and for its 2000 year old temple.



Varkala beach or Papanasam beach is one of those gorgeous locations where you can not only enjoy a relaxed beach holiday, but also wash away all your sins by taking a dip in its waters. Located about 50 kms away from Thiruvanthapuram, the capital of Kerala, this beach of Southern Kerala has multiple facets to its story. First and foremost are its cliffs that tower right by the beach. Varkala is the only location in Southern Kerala where you can find such cliff formations. Second, this beach is located super close to the 2000 year old Janardana Swami temple. May be, it is due to this proximity that you see brahmin pandits sitting under an umbrella on the beach offering to appease your ancestors and to help you absolve of all your sins. And a bath in the Arabian Sea here after such offerings are set to wash away all your sins. This is kind of similar to Papanasam temple in Tamil Nadu, but there it is the Thamarabharani river and here it is the Arabian Sea. And third, this beach owing to its cliff edge allows two kind of perspectives – one from the beach floor and the other from the top of the cliff for a bird’s eye view of the beach.



The highlight of Varkala beach is its cliff edge walkway that is lined with Ayurveda centers, spas, tattoo studios, restaurants, cafes, hotels, guest houses, villas, resorts, souvenir shops, clothing shops and many more. While one can enjoy the beach and the water during the cooler times during the morning and evening, this cliff walkway is the perfect place to hang out during the mid day heat and during the night when this walkway comes alive with live music and lights.



If you are looking at your next beach holiday destination in India, I would recommend taking a look at Varkala beach. Apart from its amazing cliff beach and views, one can also experience the off beat locations of Southern Kerala and while at that can wash all your sins away. A win-win-win in my opinion!



How to reach here:

Varkala is located somewhere between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest airport (domestic and international) would be Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 kms away. The nearest railway is Varkala, which is located about 3 kms away. Excellent roads connect it with most other popular places in Kerala.



Where to stay:

If you want close proximity to the beach while enjoying the best views, stay at one of the properties near the cliff walkway. If you wish to be a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the beach, then stay in any of the village homestays close by. For uber luxury accommodation, either opt for the 5 star hotels in Thiruvanthapuram or any of the luxury villas near Varkala.



Nearby tourist attractions:

1) Kappil beach, where the beach is sandwiched between backwaters and the Arabian Sea (about 10 kms to the north)

2) Ponmudi hill station for fantastic panoramas of the Western Ghats (about 85 kms towards South East) and one of the most beautiful locations in India’s Deep South

3) Mountain railways of Kerala for one of South India’s oldest railways that pass right through dense forests (about 60 kms towards the North East)

4) Thenmala forest for waterfalls, wildlife and birding and for a truly offbeat location in Kerala (about 70 kms away)

5) Kerala’s oldest motorable suspension bridge at Punalur (about 50 kms away)

6) Ashtamudi Lake, that massive mountain of water near Kollam (about 50 kms to the north)

7) Kovalam beach (about 60 kms to the South)

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Thailand’s Gorgeous Koh Tao Island in Pictures

Thailand is blessed with amazing beach destinations. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi are possibly on all tour itineraries, but tucked in the gulf of Thailand is a small island called Koh Tao that offers tons of gorgeousness, both on land and inside the water. A popular scuba diving and snorkelling destination, Koh Tao is a fabulous beach holiday in Thailand where you relax, enjoy the spectacular sunsets and the panoramic view points, indulge in some adventure, relish the fresh catch and soak in the other charms of this tropical island. In simple words, it is a full beach package rolled into a small, yet insanely beautiful island. Here are some pictures to show you different shades and glimpses of Thailand’s Koh Tao island.

Above Photo: Overlooking Koh Tao and just a 2 minute boat ride away is Koh Nang Yuan, a set of three islands that are interconnected by tiny, white sandy beaches. Extremely popular with scuba divers for its underwater beauty, Koh Nang Yuan is an absolute treat to the eye. It is a perfect place to read a book, soak in some sunshine and unwind.



Above Photo: The island of Koh Tao is blessed with some absolutely stunning sunsets. As most of the properties are located on the West side of the island, these sunsets are not easy to miss, but do ensure you pick a good spot to enjoy it to the fullest.




Above Photo: One of the things that I really enjoy about Koh Tao are its many beautifully positioned view points that allow you to get an aerial view of the land and the waterscape without actually needing to be airborne. A simple walk to hike takes to such view points. A case in point is the John Suwan view point that is located in the south of the island and that provides a panoramic view of the Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Thian Og Bay and the dense tropical landscape.



Above Photo: The waters around Koh Tao are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you like the water, the coral reefs off Koh Tao and its rich marine life is bound to amaze you. This is the famous Japanese Garden snorkelling spot.




Above Photo: Another one of those special Koh Tao sunsets where the entire sky and the ocean decorates itself in many shades of red, orange and yellow. The location is King Rama Rock, a spot near Sairee beach.



Above Photo: A steep trek that offers some amazing views of the Koh Tao landscape. The West Coast Mountain view point is a great way to indulge in some trekking and then enjoying the lovely views of Koh Tao’s west coast.



Above Photo: Another view point and another sunset. The Mango view point offers a panting trek towards the northern side of the island. This trek takes you through some of the the island’s forests, mango farms and rocks to a scintillating viewpoint of the Koh Tao land and ocean scape.



Above Photo: It is not just scuba diving and snorkelling that are popular adventure activities at Koh Tao. The calm waters on the south and west coasts, the jaw dropping cliffs and green coastline ensure make kayaking a very interesting activity here. One can kayak all round the island taking breaks at different beaches or definitely the calmer west coast.



Above Photo: Koh Tao has some really nice properties to stay and they are pretty light on the pocket too. One such place is located in the southern part of the island and on top of cliff overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.



Above Photo: This is the Freedom beach that offers a lot of solitude and plenty of calm waters. A lot of beach villa type properties are located around here. 



Above Photo: Whether you are walking or cycling at Koh Tao, you are never too far away from views such as this. Emerald waters, swaying coconut palms, lush green terrain and nature at its best are some of the top things on offer during such walks or rides.



Above Photo: The last photo in the Koh Tao Photo Essay series is another sunset, this time from the famous Sairee beach, one of the main hangout joints on the island. Like I had mentioned earlier, wherever you are on the West coast of Koh Tao, you are never too far away from seeing a top class sunset.

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