Best 25+ India Beaches
Sometimes referred to as the Sub-continent, India is a pretty substantial country with a correspondingly large coastline. Virtually all of this 7,000 km long coast is set well within the tropics, so as you can imagine there are any number of idyllic beaches to explore.
However, most visitors to India don't do much in the way of exploring and instead head for the well-trodden beaches of Goa. And who could blame them, after all this ex-Portuguese colony is home to many of the best beaches in India. But the beaches of Goa are no longer the undiscovered hippie havens of the 1970s and have become quite busy and in some cases over-developed.
The good news is much of India's west coast has beautiful beaches to rival those of Goa, many of which have barely been 'discovered'. Neighbouring states such as Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka are home to some stunning stretches of unspoilt, palm fringed stretches of sand. Even further off the beaten, beachgoers path is Tamil Nadu where ancient temples rise up out of the sand.
Most people visiting India will be looking for a little more than your standard beach holiday. After all this is a country with a very different culture and amazing array of ancient sights.
But if it is beaches, and only beaches you are looking for then there is somewhere in India that is home to truly world class pristine tropical beaches - the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Closer to Thailand and Malaysia than mainland India this archipelago of 500+ islands has countless white-sand, palm-lined beaches along with some of the best surfing and diving on the planet.
The Best Indian Beaches...
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1. Radhanagar Beach // Andaman and Nicobar Islands
© Bishnu Sarangi Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Surfing
Radhanagar Beach also takes the alternative name of Beach No 7. Its white sands, which gently slope into the waters of the Bay of Bengal to a backdrop of verdant forest, are regularly voted one of the best in Asia and the world.
Radhanagar Beach lies on the western side of Swaraj Dweep, which is still often known by its colonial era name of Havelock Island, part of the Andaman… read more »
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2. Varkala Beach // Kerala
© Navaneeth Krishnan S / CC BY Great for:- Surfing
Set in the south of Kerala Varkala Beach is a truly beautiful spot. From the long stretch of cliff there are views out over the Arabian Sea and the beach below. This stretch fine white sand is outlined in coconut trees and bamboo huts giving it a totally tropical feel. Whilst there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops nearby this is still less commercialized beach than many others in… read more »
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3. Baga Beach // Goa
© McKay Savage / CC BY Baga Beach is another of the most popular beaches in North Goa. Attracting a mix of younger, middle class Indian tourists as well as those from overseas this is the partying capital of the Goan coast. All the tales of hedonism and holiday excess in Goa probably originated from here or neighbouring Calangute.
Things have moved on somewhat since the days of drug-addled hippies and endless acid house /… read more »
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4. Marari Beach // Kerala
© Mahendra M / CC BY The long straight ribbon of sand that forms Marari Beach is backed by palms and slopes gently into Kerala's Arabian Sea waters. While just 11 km from Alleppey (Alappuzha), it is little known. Busiest on weekends and holidays, it remains largely undeveloped. As a result, its facilities are limited, although both sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented here.
The large waves make swimming off Marari Beach a hazard, and… read more »
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5. Puthenthope Beach // Kerala
© Bentojustin / CC BY The reddish sands of Puthenthope Beach are uncrowded and known for their tranquillity. A small hamlet and a couple of high-end resorts cluster around this beach, which is situated between two man-made hills.
The nearby coconut groves make for a wonderful place to swing gently in a hammock while enjoying the refreshing breeze that comes off the ocean.
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6. Querim Beach // Goa
© Jo Kent / CC BY Great for:- Surfing
Querim Beach, often referred to as Keri Beach, is the northernmost beach in Goa. As such it has something of a remote feel to it and never gets busy like nearby Arambol Beach to the south. Querim Beach is a place you can enjoy relaxing walks on the beach, sunbathe, go surfing and watching the sunset. This is the place you head to for peace, tranquility, and natural beauty.
It… read more »
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7. Ashvem Beach // Goa
© David Jones / CC BY Ashvem Beach sits to the north of Goa's Chapora River. Despite its long stretch of golden sand washed by attractive waters, Ashvem Beach isn't as popular as other parts of the Goa coastline, perhaps because it lacks the water sports facilities of beaches further south. It makes Ashvem Beach a fine destination for those beachgoers looking for a more relaxed and tranquil experience.
Locally-owned beach shacks among the palm trees provide… read more »
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8. Bogmalo Beach // Goa
Great for:- Swimming
- Kitesurfing
This white sandy beach lies about four kilometres from Dabolim Airport in South Goa.
Bogmalo Beach is a family-friendly, ideal and unspoilt spot for some tranquility and barefoot strolls along the shore. It's situated in a small bay and there's around two kilometres of shoreline to sprawl out by.
Lifeguards are on duty most of the time too, so feel free to suit up and enjoy a dip in the calm, warm… read more »
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9. Om Beach // Karnataka
Shreyas.colonel Located just south of the border with Goa is the of Gokarna, a small town famous for its beautiful beaches. Om Beach is one of the most popular and iconic of the areas beaches.
The name of the beach comes from its shape; two crescents of sand meet with a rock formation in the middle. This forms the shape of the Hindu Om symbol (ॐ) - sort of - and… read more »
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10. Bekal Beach // Kerala
© Soman / CC BY Bekal Beach is located on Kerala's Malabar coastline on the shores of the Arabian Sea. This area is a popular destination in India because of its natural scenic beauty and hospitality. Besides the the picturesque, tropical beach , there is a substantial historic fort on the southern headland. The fort is nearly 300 years old, and it offers commanding views over the beach and beyond.
Day trips available where you… read more »
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11. Patnem Beach // Goa
© Christian Haugen / CC BY Great for:- Swimming
The beautiful Patnem beach is clean and quieter than many of the famous beaches in North Goa. With its soft sands, palm trees and beach shack restaurants this is the perfect place to take it easy. Less crowded and more laid-back than neighbouring Palolem beach, the biggest decisions you'll have to make at Pantem are whether to go for a cooling paddle or which shack to order a drink… read more »
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12. Agonda Beach // Goa
© Tuderna / CC BY Located in the middle of South Goa, Agonda Beach is a long stretch of soft golden sand that meets the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. Amongst the backdrop of palm trees there are actually huts where you can stay during your visit, making for a complete beach experience.
This beach is generally pretty laid back and peaceful. You can spend your time relaxing and taking in the stunning views of… read more »
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13. Palolem Beach // Goa
© Tuderna / CC BY Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
Goa is without doubt the most popular destination in India for beach holidays with its lively beach scene. Palolem Beach is a naturally beautiful spot in the south of the state with a long crescent of sand and blue waters. This is a place to relax on the beach or take a dip in the Arabian Sea.
When you arrive in this tropical paradise, you will be greeted by a vista… read more »
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14. Cherai Beach // Kerala
© Jan J George / CC BY Great for:- Swimming
Located within a stone's throw of Kochi, Kerala's most populous city, is Cherai Beach. This long, golden sand beach sits on a 15-kilometer strip of coast backed by extensive backwaters. As the beach stretches off into the distance with a view of the Arabian Sea to one side and groves of coconut palms to the other it is hard to imagine you are just a short drive from a city… read more »
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15. Kappad Beach // Kerala
© Sarah and Iain / CC BY With its long stretch of pale-golden sands backed by tall coconut palms Kappad Beach is as delightful as any in Kerala. It is also just the right combination of wild beauty but with all the amenities and conveniences close at hand.
Long before the beachgoers, Kappad Beach was an important place in Kerala’s history. In 1498, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama led 170 men to land its shores. You can visit… read more »
