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Top Beaches In India

Planning A Trip To India? Our picks for some of the Best Beaches in India

With a coastline that stretches more than 7000 kms, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, the Indian landmass offers tourists a plethora of beautiful beaches. Some are white sandy shores, some pebbled, some are fringed by palm trees, others pop out of swamps and mangroves. You will find varied beaches in India, from Agonda Beach in Goa to Havelock Island Beach in Andaman, Kovalam in Kerala to Juhu Beach in Mumbai. Here's our list of the top beaches in India.

Agonda Beach, Goa

Agonda Beach, Goa:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

If sun baked white sands and surf friendly shimmering waters are what you crave for, Agonda is where you should head. This enchanting beach, considered one of India’s most beautiful is located in southern Goa, only 47 miles from Panaji. If solitude is what you seek, this is a great place to unwind.

Havelock Island Beach, Andaman

Havelock Island Beach, Andaman:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by www.flickr.com user i_like_crisps

Supernaturally beautiful, this island is a part of the enthralling archipelago of Andaman Islands and is the preferred choice of beach lovers. Its magically clear waters and fine warm sands have lured tourists from around the world. The pristine beach is home to a variety of flora and enthusiasts love it for its serene secluded location. 

Anjuna Beach, Goa

Anjuna Beach, Goa:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

For the more boisterous amongst tourists, Goa offers Anjuna beach, famous for its psychedelic and trance parties. It is located in a small village in northern Goa, and has earned its reputation as the freak capital owing to its magical dancing nights. You would be very lucky if you happen to arrive on a full moon night, for it is then that Anjuna beach shows its intoxicating enthusiasm. It is also famous for its reddish lateritic rocks and a safe sun bathing environment.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam Beach, Kerala:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by www.flickr.com user mehul antani

This is one of the finest beaches in the Indian coastline and is often referred to as ‘paradise of the south’. And it’s not without reason. With its clear azure skies, idyllic sea waters, and soft whitish sands this is pastoral relief for tourists from India and around the world. There is a multitude of interesting activities that one can do here. From getting therapeutic massages to indulging in water sports, tourists can delight themselves at the sun kissed beach of Kovalam amidst the swaying coconut trees. 

Neil Island Beach, Andaman

Neil Island Beach, Andaman:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by www.flickr.com user beenbrun

Being a part of the Andaman Islands, this beach is a favorite amongst foreign tourists in India who wish to unwind in a remote alienated place and become one with nature. Visit it for its lush green vegetation and gorgeous landscape.  And while you are there indulge in outdoor activities like snorkeling in shallow waters or cycling along the sandy beaches. Its marvelous clean waters will wash your spirit clean while you sun bathe away to glory. Only 40 kms off from Port Blair, its fascinating tranquility is reason enough for you to experience it.

Juhu Beach, Mumbai

Juhu Beach, Mumbai:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

In the middle of the chaos of the buzzing city of Mumbai, lies the much popular Juhu beach. Arguably one of the most popular beaches of Maharashtra, Juhu does not delight with its sand or surf. With the constant hum drum of hawkers selling typical Indian street snacks to the hordes of people that visit it, Juhu beach will surely astonish you. This is quintessentially Indian in its offering and tourist friendly too. Visit for the experience and not for sun, surf or sand.

Mahabalipuram Beach, Chennai

Mahabalipuram Beach, Chennai:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

This is a huge departure from the usual beaches found in India, in the sense that it captivates with its shore temples. Mamallapuram, which are the famous shrines of 7th century, (also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) overlook an enchanting panoramic Bay of Bengal while the sandy beaches are home to hundreds of curious tourists. It’s more than just a beach. It’s an amalgamation of surreal natural beauty and the echo of the greatness of Indian architecture.

Marina Beach, Chennai

Marina Beach, Chennai:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

For a lot of travelers, this beach is more of a temporary idyllic unwinding space and less of a holiday destination. But that does not discount its popularity and serene capacity to invite onlookers and tourists throughout the year. Similar to the Juhu beach in some ways but historically still differentiated, tourists have a great time munching south Indian snacks while taking long walks on the Marina beach. It is the second longest beach in the world. 

Karaikal Beach, Pondicherry

Karaikal Beach, Pondicherry:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

Offering spectacular views of the confluence of the Arasalar River and the sea, Karaikal beach captivates tourists with its sheer beauty. The beach is easily accessible by regular buses from Pondicherry. The nearest railway station is Nagore and airport is Trichy. The beach, famous for gorgeous sunsets and a boating club located in the backwaters of the Arasalar River has lured tourists from all over the country. Also the resorts and cottages are not just easily available but also pocket friendly. It is considered a very safe beach for unwinding and enjoying with family or friends.

Bangaram Beach, Lakshadweep

Bangaram Beach, Lakshadweep:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

Often included in the list of the world’s most secluded beach Bangaram beach is a hot favorite for foreign tourists in India. Close to the Agatti airport, this is one of the most exotic beaches in India. Its coral reefs and clear blue waters make this place extra special. A very tourist friendly beach, Bangaram also delights its visitors with such adventure activities as kayaking, glass bottom boat sailing as well as turtle snorkeling. If exotic and splendid is what you relish, Bangaram is waiting for you.

Rishikonda Beach, Vishakhapatnam

Rishikonda Beach, Vishakhapatnam:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by https://vizagtourism.org.in

Named 'jewel of the east,' the Rishikonda Beach of Visakhapatnam is all about pristine clear waters of the Bay of Bengal and charming gold-glinting sands of Andhra Pradesh. This beach may not have anything special in its kitty, but the usual that it tends to offer in reference to its natural beauty, charming weather and the clear frothy sea, makes Rishikonda Beach a hot favourite among the locals of South India. It is a family beach so you can take you kids, friends, families down here and chill by the bay, literally.

Arambol Beach, Goa

Arambol Beach, Goa:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by https://www.itsgoa.com

Arambol, a fisherman's village located in close proximity to Northern Goa, is also renowned for its famous Arambol Beach. This beach tops the charts on Goa's best, what with its less than usual crowds, serene vibes, winter-friendly sceneries and of course, the sweet water lagoon that it boasts of. Yes, in addition to the mighty Arabian sea, tourists also get to enjoy in the nearby lake lying adjacent to the beach. It is located on the Kalacha Beach and its water is said to have healing and medicinal properties. So a dip in the sweet water lake is inevitable!

 

Arambol is also great to chill at the shacks, drink beers, and stroll shopping through its local markets.

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

Paradise Beach, Pondicherry:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by http://www.transindiatravels.com

Pondicherry is a place that is known for rocky beaches, something different from the usual that is rest of India. However, Chunnambar area's Paradise Beach is an exception to Pondicherry's exception too. Confused? Well, the Paradise Beach or Plage Paradiso as it is locally known, is all glittering golden sand and high tides of the seas. The sea breeze here is more often than not cold, and the vibe is filled with solitude. Due to its relative seclusion, you won't find much touristy crowd at this beach, and can enjoy a walk from end to end, play in the water, build sandcastles and sip on cool coconut water from the vendors. Fishing is permitted here so you can try your hand at some, but do not wade too deep inside the water as the waves are mighty high. 

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala Beach, Kerala:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by https://www.holidify.com

One of the most famous beaches of Kerala, the Varkala Beach is only about a 45-min drive away from Trivandrum. The beach is a non-commercial place, and shows a good quiet time, filled with peace, away from the otherwise crowded Kovalam Beach. The Varkala Beach is a stunning sight in itself, suffused with a bordering cliff and the paved paths that are fringed by shacks, stalls and studios for spa, Ayurvedic treatments and yoga. A real retreat, if there was one.

Palolem Beach, Goa

Palolem Beach, Goa:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by https://mariajesus.co

Palolem Beach, another beach from Goa's rich repertoire is one that is ensconced by thick grooves of coconut trees and palm trees. Located in the region of South Goa, Palolem Beach is very coveted among travellers; for it is scenic and pretty and semi-circle in shape. This has led to the beach growing in crowds and popularity and it comes alive every day and ever night, at the same time painting its laid-back vibe. You might find movable shacks and trucks here selling food, water and knick-knacks, but there are no permanent buildings allowed to be built around the beach inorder to maintain its natural charm.

Muzhappilangad, Kerala

Muzhappilangad, Kerala:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Muzhappilangad is a drive-in beach, and the longest drive-in beach at that in all of Asia. It is one of the best in the world to take a drive in and is located between Thalassery and Kannur region of Kerala. Shaped like a crescent moon, the Muzhappilangad beach is a great place to take your car, splash through the sea and park in a good spot to enjoy the cool sea breeze. You can drive here for upto 4 km and never leave the sand. There is a buffer of black rocks that break the surf and you can also indulge in water sports like parasailing, paragliding, boating etc.

Chandipur Beach, Goa

Chandipur Beach, Goa:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by https://www.indiatoday.in

Chandipur Beach, a beach that is among the most unusual beaches of the world, is just as unique in its existence. Why, you ask? 

 

Because it disappears from time to time, like a Phantom. One minute you can see the sea in front of you and the next, its tide has receded so low that you'd think there is nothing but land stretching in front of you. Twice a day, every day, the tide goes back to almost 5 km from the original seashore and hence you get to explore the land that was otherwise buried under the sea. With its shells and precious pearls, red crabs and driftwood and beechwood, the sea bed is rich in everything that the sea was in. So if you go to Orissa then do not miss this beach, which is only four and half hour's drive away from Bhubaneswar.

Dhanushkodi Beach, Tamil Nadu

Dhanushkodi Beach, Tamil Nadu:  Top Beaches In India
Photograph by http://archaeologyexcavations.blogspot.com

What is so unique about the Dhanushkodi Beach is that it is the place where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. You can really see the two different waters, of two different shades of blue, come together at a point of this beach, almost swirling together. Hence it is a jewel of Tamil Nadu, inviting tourists that come to Rameshwaram nearby. Dhanushkodi is also the closest tip of India to Sri Lanka and is believed to be the point from where Lord Ram and his Vaanar sena built the Ram setu to wage war on Lanka. The beach village itself was once a flourishing fishing town, but got wiped away in the cyclone of '64. Since then, it has not been able to achieve its previous opulence but continues to be a great tourist attraction.

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