15 Best Beaches In India For Your Next Beach Vacay!

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Searching for the best beaches in India for your next getaway? Pick from our list of the most unique Indian beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Om Beach, Palolem Beach, Varkala Beach, and Cola Beach among others that offer a perfect blend of beauty, serenity, adventure, and fun!

What are you seeking from your beach vacation in India?

Whether it’s

• Clean and empty shores
• Fabulous sunset views
• Great seafood
• Vibrant nightlife
• A fun family picnic on the sand
• Diving to the ocean depths
• Lavish beach resorts
• Ayurveda massage and Spa
• Or thrilling watersports

We’ve got the best options for you!

Scroll down and find out what each of them offers.

List of 15 Best Beaches In India

Let’s see the most stunning gems on the Coromandel Coast of India!

1. Kanyakumari Beach, Tamil Nadu

For city skyline views and the confluence of three water bodies!

Located in the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari Beach lies at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.

Here, you can clearly witness the merging of three distinctly colored water bodies – a phenomenon you won’t see in many parts of the world!

You can relax on the sands, explore the famous lighthouse, and witness the city skyline from the top of this stunning beach in India!

Note: Swimming is not recommended owing to the rough sea and rocky shoreline.

Location: Vavaturai Beach Rd, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Kanyakumari Beach highlights: Gorgeous sunsets, city skyline views, landscape photography, lighthouse, shopping, beach shacks and restaurants

                                                    ALSO SEE-10 Best Tourist Places near Kanyakumari

2. Kovalam Beach, Tamil Nadu

For sustainable facilities, clear blue waters, and cleanliness

This beach in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district is known to be one of the best beaches in India for its litter-free shore and hygienic facilities that have earned it the Blue Flag certification!

Earlier called Covelong Beach, this small fishing beach lies 36 km away from Chennai near Mahabalipuram and is a great place to visit for some peace and watersports.

Location: Vadapalani, Poongavanapuram, Chennai, Kovalam, Tamil Nadu 600003
Kovalam Beach highlights: Watersports (surfing, parasailing, windsurfing, swimming), fishing, boating, India’s first surfing school, Blue Flag certificate

3. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

For clean golden sands and clear blue waters next to a dense mangrove

One of the best beaches in India, Paradise Beach is known for its tranquil shores, mangrove forests, and abundant birdlife.

It is accessible by a ferry ride on its backwaters.

Other than clean sands, its beach shacks serving local cuisine, seafood, and fresh coconut water also make it one of the top beaches in India.

Note: Swimming is not recommended here.

Location: Manaveli Rd, Chinna Veerampattinam, Pudukuppam, Puducherry 605007
Paradise Beach highlights: Fishing, backwaters, backwater canoeing and kayaking, mangroves, jet skiing, beach shacks, clear water, gorgeous sunrises

 

4. Kovalam Lighthouse Beach, Kerala

For a picture-perfect lighthouse and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea

There are tons of stunning beaches in Kerala. We have picked the best of the lot and listed them here.

The Lighthouse Beach of Kovalam is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala for its red-and-white banded lighthouse and the palm-covered Kurumkal Hill it stands on!

Visitors love to climb the 35-meter tall spiral staircase leading up to the Vizhinjam Lighthouse to catch gorgeous views of the sunset over the vast ocean.

The beach is also famous for its lush plantations, budget-friendly cottages, and lip-smacking food.

Location: Light House Rd, Kovalam, Kerala 695521
Kovalam Beach highlights: Watersports (swimming, surfing, parasailing, sea diving, paragliding), beach volleyball, affordable cottage stays, panoramic sunsets, Ayurveda massage, yoga, beach shacks

5. Varkala Beach, Kerala

For seaside cliffs and a vibrant hippie culture

Varkala is one of the top beaches in India for its scenic Northern Cliffs, beach shacks serving fresh seafood, spiritual aura, and hippie culture.

It’s one of the most happening Indian beaches where visitors can see the samadhi of Kerala’s saint Sree Narayana Guru in the day and party over global music at night.

Note: Be careful while walking on the treacherous cliffs and swimming in the sea with strong currents

Location: Varkala Beach Rd, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Varkala Beach highlights: Watersports (jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat ride), kayaking, seaside cliffs, Ayurvedic massage, beach resorts, hostels and homestays, restaurants & beach shacks

ALSO SEE – 🏖️ 10 Best Beaches In Kerala To Visit this year (Updated)

 

6. Palolem Beach, Goa

For dolphin sighting and the best beach shacks in Goa

Goa has the highest concentration of the best beaches in India. But we’ve listed the ones that stand out owing to their distinct features, beauty, and popularity!

South Goa’s pride, Palolem Beach has recently turned into one of the best beaches in India owing to its long crescent-shaped white shoreline filled with beach shacks, nightclubs, restaurants, souvenir shops, and flea markets.

Located in pristine Canacona, the peaceful beach is a paradise for nature lovers with its palm-lined estuary and the confluence point of a river and the sea on the far end.

Location: Patnem, Canacona, Goa 403702
Palolem Beach highlights: Nightlife, beach camping, silent noise parties, beach shacks, watersports (swimming, scuba diving, kayaking), dolphin spotting cruises, souvenir market

7. Cola Beach, Goa

For a clean beach and crystal-clear lagoon

The hidden Cola Beach is a quaint paradise known for its fine golden sands, volcanic boulders, forested cliffs and hills, and an azure lagoon on the beach!

Cola Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in India with a clean sea on one side and the Blue Lagoon freshwater stream on the other perfect for swimming

Note: To get to Cola Beach, reach Samyama Retreat and climb down the steps. Cross the bridge, walk for 10 minutes towards Blue Lagoon Resort, and take a left towards the beach and lagoon area.

Location: Cola, South Goa District, Goa 403702
Cola Beach highlights: Blue Lagoon, cliffs, high-end restaurants, beach camping, beach island (during low tide), kayaking and canoeing

                                          ALSO SEE-Best Beach Resorts In Goa For a Soothing Getaway

Andaman has some of the most gorgeous beaches in India. Here are our top picks.

8. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman

For white sands, turquoise blue waters, and tranquil greenery

Titled Asia’s Best Beach by the Times Magazine in 2004, Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is famed for its powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise blue sea.

Despite being one of the best beaches in India, it remains secluded and clean.

Its long line of beach shacks, recliners, and parasoled beach beds makes it a perfect avenue for relaxing and sunbathing.

Note: Swimming is only allowed within a set radius of 50 meters.

Location: Havelock Island, Andaman 744211
Radhanagar Beach highlights: Watersports (scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, parasailing, swimming), birdwatching, beach resorts, beach shacks, sunsets & sunrises

9. Elephant Beach, Andaman

For colorful corals and cyan waters

Andaman’s Elephant Beach got its name from the time when elephants used in timber collection roamed these shores to play in the water.

Now it’s simply one of the top beaches in India for its brilliantly colorful coral reefs and crystal clear waters where one can engage in several watersports.

With many beach shacks and coconut vendors in sight, it’s a serene place for unwinding, beach trekking, and birdwatching.

Note: No elephant ride is available here.

Location: Havelock Island, Andaman 744211
Elephant Beach highlights: Watersports (sea walking, snorkeling, banana boat ride, scuba diving), coral reefs, trekking, birdwatching, beach shacks, boating, kayaking

                             ALSO SEE-Best Beaches in Kerala To Surf, Swim, And Soak In The Sun

From Karnataka to West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Odisha, every state sharing the massive coastline of India has tons of delightful beaches for you to explore.

Let us see some popular beaches in India located in these states.

10. Om Beach, Karnataka

For beach treks and sea adventures

Shaped like the Hindu symbol ‘Om’, Gokarna’s Om Beach is one of the best beaches in India for adventure tourism.

Other than its beach shacks and affordable cottages, visitors can explore watersports like speed boating, surfing, dolphin spotting, and kayaking.

But what makes it one of the most unique beaches in India is its black rock formations and beach treks!

Location: Om Beach Road, Bangle Gudde, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326
Om Beach highlights: Watersports (surfing, water-skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, speed boating), budget beach cottages, dolphin sighting, fishing, beach treks

11. Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra

For rare sights of dolphins and nesting turtles

Tucked on the confluence point of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea, Tarkarli Beach is among the best beaches in India with powdery white sand and occasional glimpses of nesting turtles.

Its crystal clear shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving among other activities like boating, kayaking, white water rafting, and parasailing.

Note: Dolphin spotting is seasonal. Consult your trip operator before booking.

Location: Tarkarli village, Malvan Taluka, Sindhudurg district 416606, Maharashtra
Tarkarli Beach Beach highlights: Dolphin watching cruises, turtles nesting, boating, kayaking, watersports (snorkeling, scuba diving, rafting, parasailing)

12. Puri Beach, Odisha

For sand sculptures and the Puri Beach Festival

Located just 35 km from Konark Sun Temple, Puri Beach is one of the top beaches to visit in India for its gorgeous sunsets and Sudarshan Patnaik’s famous sand sculptures!

The soul-purifying sacred waters and charming sights of fishermen pulling nets out of the water are two of the most attractive elements of Puri Beach.

Visit it during the Puri Beach Festival for an exciting display of classical folk dances, handicraft exhibits, sand art competitions, fashion shows, yacht regattas, and rock concerts.

Location: New Marine Drive Road, Puri, Odisha 752001
Puri Beach highlights: Beach resorts, restaurants, camel & horse rides, watersports (scuba diving, surfing, swimming), beach volleyball, kabaddi, boat races, Puri Beach Festival (November)

13. Mandvi Beach, Gujarat

For utter serenity and untouched nature

Mandvi Beach is the farthest end of Kutch’s white desert in Gujarat.

It’s an immensely secluded and tranquil shoreline where you can enjoy camel riding, beach camping, watersports, or a simple laid-back evening.

Its clean waters and stunning sunset views over the Arabian Sea have made it one of the best beaches in India for family vacations as well as pre-wedding shoots.

Location: Mandvi Rural, Kutch, Gujarat 370465
Mandvi Beach highlights: Watersports (water scooter, swimming, parasailing), quad biking, dirt biking, zorbing, camel rides, beach shacks, birdwatching, yoga

14. Minicoy Beach, Lakshadweep

For island hopping and vibrant corals

Minicoy is one of the 36 small islets of the Lakshadweep archipelago known for its white sands, crystal clear turquoise water, vivid corals, and the tall Minicoy Lighthouse!

Spotlessly clean and pristine, Minicoy Beach is the proud recipient of the Blue Flag certification which has earned it a spot among the best beaches in India.

Location: Minicoy Island, Minicoy, Lakshadweep 682559
Minicoy Beach highlights: Watersports (swimming, sailing, kayaking, pedal boating), luxury beach resorts, tuna fishing, Minicoy Lighthouse, coral reefs, clear waters

15. New Digha Beach, West Bengal

For the most gorgeous sunrises and fewer crowds

While the Old Digha Beach is more popular and crowded, the manmade New Digha Beach is absolutely secluded and tranquil.

People seeking peace and solitude prefer this large, quiet beach in West Bengal that is famed for its breathtaking views of the sunrise!

Location: Sea Beach Rd, Gadadharpur, Digha, West Bengal 721428
New Digha Beach highlights: Beach resorts, gorgeous sunrises, laid-back vibes, boating, seclusion, Casuarina trees, natural beauty

For the most fun times and sheer tropical bliss, the best time to visit the beaches in India is between September and March, the winter season in India.

However, one must keep a tab on local weather updates and plan their trip accordingly.

And if you want any more information about the best beaches in India, reach out to our team of experienced trip designers and we’ll help you plan a wonderful beach getaway!