Beaches are a great getaway to rejuvenate yourself. The activities at beaches are endless. Go surfing, try the water scooter, or swim conventionally; the options are infinite. Alternatively, it’s a great place to stroll around the shores or stand gazing at the sun in knee-deep waters.
Here’s a list of the top ten best beaches in India. Hopefully, you can visit it at your convenience.
1. Palolem Beach
One of the best beaches in India. If you are a fan of fine white sand beaches, this beach is a must-visit for you. Merely 38 kilometres from Madgaon, Goa, the beach is dotted with colourful wooden houses and palm trees. The beach is popular for Canacona Island, famous for its monkeys and turtles nesting on the south side at Galgibaga Beach.
Many travellers love this beach for its quiet charm, which ideally retreats them to serenity. The beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. The main attraction is the ‘silent disco’ at night. You listen to music wearing your headphones. The beach is not as crowded as other North Goan beaches.
- Location: Canacona, Goa
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport. You can also travel by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹800 – ₹2500 per night
- City Attractions: Dudhsagar Falls, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Sightseeing: Agonda Beach, Cabo de Rama Fort.
- Beach Activities: Dolphin watching, kayaking, and sunset boat rides.
2. Radhanagar Beach
The beach is also known as Number 7 Beach. It is one of the famous beaches on Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands. White sand, turquoise waters, lush forests, palm trees, sunsets, and safety nets adorn this beautiful beach. It stands as the best beach in Asia and the 7th best beach in the world as per the ranking given by Time Magazine.
The beach being one of the best beaches in India has also received several accolades. One is the prestigious Blue Flag Certification from ‘The Foundation For Environment Education, Denmark, in 2021.
You can visit the beach between 6 am and 4:45 pm. The authorities recommended using it for more than three hours. You can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear blue waters, sunbathing, relaxing, and watching the sunset. The forest department closely watches the area and has relocated crocodiles. The beach also has safety nets in the water.
- Location: Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- How to Reach: Ferry from Port Blair or flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport, followed by a ferry.
- Budget Hotels: ₹1500 – ₹4000 per night
- City Attractions: Cellular Jail National Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
- Sightseeing: Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach.
- Beach Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides.
3. Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach also known as Papanasham Beach is located on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. This beach is one of the best beaches in India for its natural spring which has medicinal and curative qualities. The beach, tucked beneath a breathtaking cliff, offers a charming getaway with a special fusion of peace and adventure. Descending the cliff leads to one of Kerala’s most exciting and daring beaches—a pristine seashore ideal for those who enjoy water sports.
Dolphins can be occasionally spotted in the morning in the water. The cliff area becomes vibrant in the mornings and evenings to watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset. In addition to the beach, there are many fun things to do in the area’s market, stores, spas, massages, and cafes. The atmosphere is perfect for taking in magnificent dawns and sunsets. The beach is safe, with lifeguards on duty and warning signs posted at places where the waves are dangerous.
Do keep note that there are no buses from there to the train station after 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.; instead, you must have private transport or hire a cab or autorickshaw. This beach offers both peace and excitement.
- Location: Varkala, Kerala
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport. It can also be accessed by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹1000 – ₹3000 per night
- City Attractions: Explore Janardanaswamy Temple and Anjengo Fort.
- Sightseeing: Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala Cliff.
- Beach Activities: Surfing, parasailing, and yoga sessions.
4. Kovalam Beach
Boasting three nearby crescent beaches, Kovalam is one of the best beaches in India. From the 1930s till now, it has been a popular tourist destination. A large rocky headland on the shore has formed a lovely harbour with serene waters that are perfect for swimming.
This beach offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Among these are swimming, catamaran cruising, sunbathing, herbal body toning massages, and special cultural programmes. In just a few minutes, one may notice the subtle hint of a coppery tan on the skin due to the rapid action of the tropical sun. Late in the day and long into the night is when life on the beach begins. The beach complex has several expensive villas, and shopping.
The three crescent-shaped beaches that makeup Kovalam Beach each have something special to offer. Some are simply for a relaxed vacation, while others include watersports in their backyard. Still others offer unparalleled natural beauty. Kovalam, tucked away in Kerala, is an experience not to be missed.
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport. It can also be accessed by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹1500 – ₹3500 per night
- City Attractions: Visit Napier Museum and Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
- Sightseeing: Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach.
- Beach Activities: Swimming, catamaran rides, and beach volleyball.
5. Marari Beach
Marari Beach in Allapuzha is a popular hangout for beach rollers seeking a quiet, unhurried, and ideal setting. The pleasant fishing village of Mararikulam is located along this coast. The word “Marari” is a short form of Mararikulam.
For those seeking recess from the rush of urban life, the beach offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The feel of the sand under your feet and the swaying coconut palms make the ideal travel companions for you. Enjoy a stroll down the shore and, if you’d like, indulge yourself in a traditional Ayurvedic wellness treatment. While visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, beach shacks and water sports are not available. Another option is to take a tour of the nearby villages. Observe while you cycle or stroll around.
The weather in Marari remains warm and humid throughout the year. From Marari, tourists can take a backwater cruise to see the sights that characterise the rural life of Allapuzha. Neighbouring tourist destinations include the International Coir Museum, Lighthouse, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and Alappuzha Beach. It thus marks it as one of the best beaches in India.
- Location: Alappuzha, Kerala
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. It can also be reached by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹2000 – ₹5000 per night
- City Attractions: Explore Alappuzha Beach and Krishnapuram Palace.
- Sightseeing: Vembanad Lake, Alleppey Backwaters and Houseboat .
- Beach Activities: Relaxing beach walks, fishing with locals, and traditional ayurvedic massages.
6. Om Beach
This beach is located in the North Karnataka area of the coastal city of Gokarna, Om Beach is popular among tourists. Om Beach is well-known for its unique shape. It is shaped like the Hindu spiritual symbol “Om.” The beach provides an amazing view of the setting sun, shaped like two crescents linked to make an Om. Travellers from all over the world are drawn to the long, white sand beach that has rocky borders which makes this beach different from others.
Similar to Gokarna Beach, Om Beach draws in a lot of visitors from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy surfing and speedboating at this beach’s boating facility. Om Beach appears to be a photographer’s dream come true. It offers breathtaking views amidst the rugged landscape. People like to spend valuable time at the beach with their friends or family engaging in hiking and other water sports. Om Beach is obviously one of the best beaches in India.
The two temples that are located next to this seashore are what make it famous. Throughout the year, pilgrims swarm the well-known temples of Maha Ganapati and Mahabaleshwara, which are close to Om Beach.
- Location: Gokarna, Karnataka
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Goa International Airport. Can also be accessed by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹1000 – ₹3000 per night
- City Attractions: Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple, Koti Tirtha.
- Sightseeing: Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach.
- Beach Activities: Banana boat rides, surfing, and beachside yoga retreats.
7. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach is the place where you can escape from the chaos of city life. Here you can relax and unwind with nature. This beautiful beach welcomes you with images of glittering beaches, lively nightlife, and a relaxed coastal life.
Agonda Beach is a hidden gem among the many gorgeous beaches that beautify this coastal line of India which has an appealing view of the Arabian Sea. Located in South Goa, Agonda Beach provides a serene and pristine getaway from the busy streets, making it an ideal destination for individuals seeking serenity, natural beauty, and a dash of adventure.
There were lots of people enjoying yoga, meditation, and the dawn and sunset in this peaceful, uncrowded place. You can experience water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding here.
- Location: Agonda, Goa
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport. Can also be reached by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹800 – ₹2500 per night
- City Attractions: Explore Cabo de Rama Fort, Palolem Beach.
- Sightseeing: Cola Beach, Butterfly Beach.
- Beach Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, and dolphin-spotting boat trips.
8. Gopalpur Beach
Gopalpur, a well-known tourist destination in Odisha, is situated in the Ganjam district on the Bay of Bengal coast. With the beach and its unspoiled beauty, it provides visitors with a serene and lovely experience. Gopalpur is the commercial centre of southern Odisha. One of the main draws of this location is the annual beach festival, which is supported by the Odisha government.
This charming village is well-known for its silk sarees, horn toys, and other handcrafted goods. The Olive Ridley turtle is the reason for this beach’s fame. Large numbers of Olive Ridley turtles visit this location and use the beach as a breeding site. On the beach, in addition to Olive Redleys, there are red crabs. It is currently a peaceful area after once being a bustling marine port.
It is currently one of India’s top beach resorts due to a rise in visitors from various locations. There are autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws available for transportation in the region. To get here from Berhampur, one can rent a taxi. Gopalpur emerged as a commercial port during the British era. Gopalpu sees a lot of tourism because of the blue water sea with golden dunes. For those who enjoy shell crafts, it is a paradise.
- Location: Gopalpur, Odisha
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport. Can also be accessed by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹800 – ₹2000 per night
- City Attractions: Visit Taptapani Hot Springs and Rushikulya Turtle Sanctuary.
- Sightseeing: Chandragiri Tibetan Settlement, Berhampur Beach.
- Beach Activities: Surfing, beach volleyball, and beach camping.
9. Tarkarli Beach
The first location you should go if you are thinking about visiting Tarkarli village is this stunning beach. This beach boasts the most fascinating white sand of all the beautiful beaches along the Konkan coastline. Tarkali Beach is the one of the best beaches in India and a perfect blend of beauty and sports activities.
Although the sandy retreats make it a perfect place to spend the delightfully relaxing moments, the blue ocean and the serene Karli River backwater enhance the day’s excitement and intrigue. For water sport enthusiast this is the place for you.
You can also witness the breathtaking beauty of the underwater here. You can see the underwater coral reefs and swim along with the fishes and take back with you memories to cherish life long. This incredible beach has it all, from a variety of thrilling water rides to incredibly entertaining parasailing!
- Location: Tarkarli, Maharashtra
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Goa International Airport. Can also be accessed by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹1000 – ₹3000 per night
- City Attractions: Explore Sindhudurg Fort and Malvan Marine Sanctuary.
- Sightseeing: Devbagh Beach, Tsunami Island.
- Beach Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing.
10. Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach, one of the best beaches in India is distinguished by its distinct Bohemian atmosphere. This beach is in the North Goa. It is distinct from other Goan beaches in that it emanates an artsy and carefree vibe that lures tourists from all over the world. This beach became famous when hippies looking to get away from society’s norms used to frequent the beach in the 80’s. This beach is famous for its sweet water lagoon.
Behind the beach is the freshwater lake where you can enjoy a relaxing dip and immerse yourself in the greenery of the jungles surrounding the lake. The lake’s smooth transition from freshwater to sea is one of Arambol’s most notable features. This natural marvel enhances the beach’s appeal and offers a calm location for a cool dip. Arambol has a variety of activities for those who enjoy water sports or just lounging in the sun. At night this beach comes alive with music, dance and live shows. If you are adventurous, you can hike up to the nearby plateau and witness the beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. Another attraction on the plateau is the big Banyan Tree which provides the perfect environment for meditation.
Arambol provides for every budget. Everything is available, from cosy guesthouses and resorts to beach huts. Because they are affordable, water sports are available to all types of tourists.
- Location: Arambol, Goa
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport. Can also be accessed by train or bus.
- Budget Hotels: ₹800 – ₹2500 per night
- City Attractions: Visit Chapora Fort and Arvalem Waterfalls.
- Sightseeing: Mandrem Beach, Morjim Beach.
- Beach Activities: Paragliding, kite surfing, and beachside yoga sessions.
11. Mahabalipuram Beach
For beach enthusiasts, Mahabalipuram Beach is an excellent option. This is along the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. This coastline has seen several significant events that have shaped South India’s history. This site has ancient monuments built during the Pallava Civilisation. Over time, the coastline changed and is now one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular tourist spots. Mahabalipuram, one of the best beaches in India is a place that lives up to its promise.
The beach, on the east coast, has all that visitors can enjoy from the Bay of Bengal’s coastlines. With its golden sands, shimmering sea, deep blue sky that seems to reach the horizon, and stunning historical structures which are carved out of rock, Mahabalipuram Beach is undoubtedly a fun spot to spend time in. You are walking through history as you take a stroll on this beach.
This place is even more charming by the presence of the well-known Mahabalipuram Shore Temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage site which is right next to the beach. If you want thrills and excitement, swimming and windsurfing are also excellent options.
Every trip to the charming town of Mahabalipuram comes with a host of unforgettable experiences that you will never forget. The best time to visit this beach is from October to February. This beach is one of a kind where history merges with the modern era.
- Location: Mahabalipuram,TamilNadu
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport. The Nearest Railway station is Chengalpet Railway station. Bus service is available form Chennai.
- Budget Hotels: ₹1000 – ₹2500 per night
- City Attractions: Mamallapuram Shore Temple, Mamallapuram Seashell Museum, Sculpture Museum, Sadras Beach and Fort
- Sightseeing: Tiger Cave, Krishna’s Butterball, Pancha Rathas, Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple, Crocodile Bank.
- Beach Activities: scuba diving, surfing, motor boating, beach games
Conclusion:
India boasts a diverse range of beaches catering to every traveller’s taste. From the tranquil shores of Palolem to the pristine sands of Radhanagar, each beach offers a unique experience. Whether you seek adventure or serenity, cultural exploration or leisure, India’s coastline promises an unforgettable journey filled with sun, sand, and sea. Explore these top beaches and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of India’s coastal treasures.
