Lighthouse beach is the central beach and lined with small lodging houses and restaurants

Village people washing at the water's edge

Half Moon Beach

The most northern beach of three around Kovalam and the least developed

Just North of Kerala, the 300km stretch of palm-fringed beaches were hardly visited by tourists in 1996, probably something to do with their absence in the guide books. Whether you seek Indian life devoid of Western influence or want to get away for a while from the intensity of travelling through India, a destination like this is perfect.

At the tip of India's southernmost state Kerala, Kovalam is a small fishing village with a flourishing tourist trade.

Shore Temple on the right

On the East coast, the state of Tamil Nadu is strewn with temples and long stretches of unspoilt beaches.

The Beach at Benaulim (south Goa) - looking North towards Colva

Reputed as the centre of India's hedonism, its smallest state offers miles of white beaches, attracting all types of holiday makers. Good food, good beer and beach football were some of our highlights. Almost 500 years of Portuguese colonial rule has left its mark, there is Latino influenced architecture and a 30% Christian minority.