While the terms “sea” and “ocean” are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions between them. Seas are typically smaller bodies of water that are partially enclosed by land, while oceans are vast bodies of saltwater that cover most of the Earth’s surface.
India's National Maritime Day, observed on April 5, honors the historic voyage of the SS Loyalty in 1919, symbolizing India's maritime legacy. It highlights the nation's ancient seafaring traditions, trade routes, and cultural exchanges that shaped its civilization. The Indian Ocean served as a conduit for commerce and cultural dialogue, with influences reaching Southeast Asia, reflecting a history of collaboration, adaptability, and shared heritage that continues to inspire today.
Chandipur Beach, located in Odisha, India, is renowned for its unique and captivating phenomenon: the vanishing sea. Twice a day, the sea dramatically recedes up to 5 kilometers during low tide, revealing a vast expanse of sandy seabed. This mesmerizing spectacle is caused by a combination of the moon and sun's gravitational forces and the distinctive bathymetric features of the seabed in this area. Witnessing the sea's retreat and its eventual return is truly unforgettable.
Our year-end road trip from Ranchi to Puri was a journey of fulfilling wishes and creating unforgettable memories. Jagrata's long-held desire to visit the Jagannath Temple was finally realized, while Tania experienced her first glimpse of the sea. The trip unfolded amidst picturesque landscapes and delightful culinary stops. However, we encountered some challenges upon arriving in Puri due to road blockades implemented by the city police to manage the crowds. Despite this, the spiritual visit to the Jagannath Temple and the coastal adventures at Puri’s Golden Beach and Chilika Lake made the experience truly enriching.
The coastal village of Tarangambadi, Tamil Nadu, known as the "Land of Singing Waves," holds a rich historical narrative that spans centuries. Our trip in November 2010 explored its ancient temples, Danish settlements, and the first printing press in Indian scripts. Despite its quiet current state, Tarangambadi's serene beach and significant past create a captivating atmosphere, leaving us longing for a deeper exploration of its culture and charm.
On their second day in Goa, the author booked a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River with Swastik Cruise, returning to the Reis Magos jetty in the evening to board the air-conditioned passenger vessel, Swasti. On board, guests were entertained with traditional Goan dances and music, and treated to a view of Goa's striking sunset. Despite the cruise not being their best experience, the author recommends it for anyone visiting Goa.
Calangute, located in North Goa, is a perfect beach vacation destination with pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water sports activities. The journey from Mumbai involves an overnight train ride full of scenic views, including the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Calangute beach offers relaxation, a party atmosphere, and a selection of seafood and drinks. Furthermore, there's a rich history behind its name, tied to local culture and traditions. It also has a lively nightlife, featuring numerous clubs and bars. Overall, Calangute has elements to cater to diverse tourist preferences.
Eight years ago, I traveled to the Maldives with my wife and son, transforming my perception of beauty and nature. This stunning archipelago, hosting 1,200 coral islands, captivated us with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. Our stay at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa allowed us to immerse ourselves in serene surroundings and experiences, reminding us of nature’s fragile beauty. Departing stirred a promise to return to this paradise, forever etched in my heart.
Gopalpur is the perfect place for holidays. During the days of Kalingas, this place was known as the port of Paloura from which traders sailed as far as Java, Bali and Sumatra and piled up wealth dealing in silk and pearl. Later Gopalpur regained its importance to maritime trade during British colonial rule. It was a transit point to export sugar and cheap labourers for the tea gardens of Assam in north-eastern India. Today it survives on fishing as its main industry, and a pristine beach with unforgettable views of the sunrise.
Sometimes, all you need is the sea breeze, the lull of waves, and a break from city chaos. Our spontaneous escape to Chandpur — a quiet beach between Tajpur and Shankarpur — became a revelation. From sipping tea under cloudy skies to savoring masala crab in a seaside shack, Chandpur offered serenity, solitude, and stories of the sea. Some places don’t just exist on maps — they live in memory.
The Raouché, a timeless symbol of Lebanese capital Beirut is its most famous landmark. Off the coast of Raouché, there is a natural landmark called the Pigeons' Rock, its Arabic name translates to rock and is believed to be a derivative of the French word rocher. It is also known as the Rock of Raouché. This 60-meter high offshore rock couple was formed in the prehistoric era by a geologic movement. These two huge rock formations, made of sedimentary pale soft porous limestone rock eroded over millions of years, stand like gigantic sentinels on the Mediterranean Sea.
