South Goa’s Cansaulim Beach gleams with golden sheen. Fringed-palm groves serve as shady nooks for restaurants and beachy seafood shacks. When teamed up with neighbouring Arossim and Cuelim beaches, Cansaulim forms one-third of the second-longest beach stretch in India. Take a break from the sun with expert, indulgent spa services.

East meets West in this sun-soaked state, where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists. To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.

Counted amongst the most popular and lively beaches in Goa, Baga(Beach) is literally an extension of Calangute. Baga is smaller than the Calangute and Colva beaches lying on either side of it. It is favored by tourist who want to sun bathe in peace during by day and enjoy the Goan nightlife by night. However, Baga can be just as exciting for the more active tourist and offers a wide range of water sports from jet skis to parasailing. Baga is known to have the best range of restaurants and the liveliest nightlife in the area. While you are there don't miss the Saturday Flea market for all kinds of odds and ends, handicrafts, jewellery and snacks

Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), India, is famous for its chaotic streets. For bargains and people-watching, outdoor bazaars top the list of attractions. Popular waterfront destinations are Marine Drive, where visitors go to watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea, and the carnival-like Juhu Beach. More sightseeing options are the Gandhi Museum, in the leader's former home, and the cave temples of Elephanta Island. For tranquillity, Mumbai has many religious sites, lakes and parks.

The people of Tamil Nadu consider providing food to others a service to humanity. Thus the service in the state capital, Chennai, is first-rate. Treat your senses to some of the richest South Indian flavours in traditional dishes like sambar, rasam, fish curry or kootu. And don't forget to have a cup of full-bodied Tamil coffee, enhanced with chicory—no visit is complete without it.

Visakhapatnam truly offers something for every type of traveler, from the beach bum to the culture vulture. There are eight beaches in this southeast India port city, as well as hilltop parks, a nature preserve, caverns, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, sacred Buddhist monuments and a fascinating submarine museum. Take a day trip to visit the fragrant coffee plantations of the Araku Valley.

Coastal charm meets cultural heritage in the sacred city of Puri, where pilgrims flock annually to celebrate the Ratha Yatra. Besides world-famous temples, Puri boasts beaches and markets that buzz year-round, while the wetland landscape beyond the city retains its wild edge.