India’s coastline stretches over 7,500 kilometres across the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. The beaches in India provide an amazing blend of culture, geography and history. Be it the palm-fringed beaches of Goa and Kerala or the pristine islands of Andaman and Lakshadweep, India boasts of a variety of beach destinations that have a distinct combination of natural beauty, culture and local life.
Some are known for their vibrant nightlife and adventure sports, while others are untouched and thus perfect for slow travelling and peaceful retreats. Coastal dishes, historic port towns, spiritual centres and picturesque sunsets add to their beauty, and make these beaches much more than perfect holiday destinations. In this blog, we will dive deeper into the top 15 beaches you must visit in India to experience the beauty of coastal life.
Top 15 Beaches in India
Be it the palm-lined sands of Goa or the turquoise waters of the Andaman Islands, here are the top beaches in India to visit on your next tropical getaway.
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach, Chennai, is widely known as the longest beach in India, stretching more than 13 km along the Bay of Bengal. It also counts as one of the most iconic coastal locations on the mainland, with thousands of people coming here daily to view the sunrise, take long walks, and enjoy local street food. While strong currents prohibit swimming, the long expanse of sandy shoreline offers ample space for joggers, volleyball players, and families to enjoy themselves. The promenade is lined with memorials, cafés, and the historic Chennai Lighthouse, creating a mix of urban activity and seaside atmosphere. Thus, Marina Beach is the largest beach in India and one of the most well-known beaches in India for its residents and tourists.
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Things to do: Sunrise walk, local snacks, photo ops at memorials
Best time to visit: October to March
2. Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach, being among the places to visit in Havelock Island, is often featured among the best beaches in India and was once even rated as Asia's best beach by Time Magazine. Its silky white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and coconut-fringed scenery yield picture-postcard views and tranquil swimming opportunities. The serene sea is good for leisure swimming, basking under the shade of palm trees, or simply viewing a magnificent sunset. Nature lovers can also take a quick trip to nearby Elephant Beach for snorkelling and watching marine life. Radhanagar Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for tropical beauty and tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of urban beaches.
Location: Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Things to do: Swim, sunset views, beach photography, snorkelling nearby
Best time to visit: November to March
3. Mandarmani Beach
Mandarmani, located in West Bengal, is a significant beach destination in India, boasting a wide 15-km stretch of sandy coastline, the longest along the mainland eastern coast. Unlike many beaches, Mandarmani allows driving directly on the sand, which is a great attraction for road-trip enthusiasts who want to visit beaches near Kolkata. The shallow waters of the Bay of Bengal and the gentle waves make it an ideal beach for family outings and sports based on the beaches. Neighbouring fishing villages and seafood shacks give regional character to the visit.
Location: Mandarmani, East Midnapore District, West Bengal
Things to do: Beach driving, picnic, seafood tasting, beach walks
Best time to visit: October to February
4. Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach presents a serene combination of natural beauty and cultural appeal, making it one of the most famous beaches in India for travellers in search of tranquillity and scenic beauty. Unlike typical flat beaches, Varkala is bordered by rugged cliffs that provide panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The adjacent Papanasam Beach below is regarded as spiritually significant, with visitors engaging in holy dips. A lively cliff-top promenade features cafés, Ayurvedic spas, and boutiques-a perfect path to take an evening stroll. The combination of natural scenery and laid-back culture makes Varkala suitable for travellers pursuing both relaxation and local experiences.
Location: Varkala, Kerala
Things to do: Sunset cliff walks, Ayurvedic spa, local shopping
Best time to visit: September to March
5. Kovalam Beach
Among beaches in India, Kovalam Beach near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is often considered one of the best beach destinations in India to achieve a perfect balance between nature and tourist amenities. This crescent-shaped beach is famous for its tranquil waters, golden sand and the lighthouse perched atop, which affords elevated views of the coast. The main beach of Kovalam is appropriate for swimming and sunbathing, while the nearby Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach are quieter and have fishing village atmospheres. The shoreline is lined with Ayurvedic wellness centres and seafood restaurants, making it an appropriate choice for travellers in search of beaches in South India and places to visit in Kovalam for both relaxation and engagement with local culture.
Location: Kovalam, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Things to do: Lighthouse visit, swimming, Ayurvedic treatments
Best time to visit: October to March
6. Baga Beach
Baga Beach is one of the most-visited beach places in India along the North Goa coastline and happens to be a favourite among tourists looking for an action-packed beach atmosphere. In fact, its shoreline is dotted with famous shacks, water sports operators and music bars that help maintain a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Adventure activities such as parasailing and jet skiing draw in young crowds, while evenings offer dinner with entertainment on the beach. Its proximity to Panaji and Calangute adds to the convenience factor, thus making it a starting point among holidaymakers who head for a beach vacation in India.
Location: North Goa
Things to do: Parasailing, jet skiing, beach shacks, nightlife
Best time to visit: November to February
7. Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach, set in South Goa, is known for its picturesque crescent-shaped coastline and somewhat tranquil sea conditions. The shallow waters are suitable for swimming and kayaking at beaches in Goa, while colourful beach huts line the shore during peak season. Palolem presents a somewhat quieter environment than North Goa, ideal for travellers looking for relaxed stays on the coast. The majority of tourists try dolphin-spotting on boat trips. The area’s environmental beauty and slower pace place it among India’s more appealing beaches, favoured by couples and long-stay travellers.
Location: South Goa
Things to do: Kayaking, swimming, dolphin spotting, beach walks
Best time to visit: October to March
8. Kanyakumari Beach
Kanyakumari Beach is one of the most unique beaches to visit in India due to its location at the southernmost tip of the mainland, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean join together. Strong currents restrict swimming here, but this beach is famous for its sunrises and sunsets. Cultural value is further added by other places to visit near Kanyakumari, like the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the statue of Thiruvalluvar, making this site a combination of natural beauty and heritage significance.
Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Things to do: Sunrise viewing, sightseeing, ferry rides
Best time to visit: October to February
9. Tarkarli Beach
Tarkarli Beach is located on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The beach is known for its clear waters, as well as for being a long stretch of sand. Few Indian beaches have the coral reefs visible, and hence, one can indulge in snorkelling and scuba diving while visiting here. The beach has more tranquil surroundings since there is not as huge a crowd as in the Goan beaches. Tarkarli is close to the backwaters and historic Sindhudurg Fort, making it and the places to visit in Tarkali apt for nature lovers and those interested in coastal and water-based excursions.
Location: Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra
Things to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, beach walks
Best time to visit: October to March
10. Gokarna Beach
Gokarna Beach is part of a small coastal town in Karnataka and is famous for its tranquil environment and spiritual atmosphere. The beach attracts tourists who look for a quiet alternative to other, more commercial coastal centres. Other beaches and places to visit in Gokarna, including Om Beach and Kudle Beach, are reachable on foot or by short hikes. The area is known for budget-friendly lodgings, yoga retreats and sunset views; it is thus suitable for easygoing tourism and slow-paced beach holidays in South India.
Location: Gokarna, Karnataka
Things to do: Beach hopping, yoga sessions, sunset viewing
Best time to visit: October to March
11. Bekal Beach
Among beaches in India, Bekal Beach is uniquely situated adjacent to the historic Bekal Fort in northern Kerala and is remarkable for its dramatic setting. The broad shoreline, laterite rock formations and unobstructed sea views foster a tranquil and picturesque environment. Unlike busy tourist beaches, Bekal is generally quiet and thus better suited for leisurely walking and sunset viewing. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this fort adds historical substance to the appeal of this place for travellers interested in coastal beauty combined with heritage. The cleanliness of the surroundings and limited commercial activity make Bekal one of the more tranquil beach locations in India.
Location: Kasaragod district, Kerala
Things to do: Fort exploration, photography, beach walks
Best time to visit: October to March
12. Puri Beach
Puri Beach is one of the culturally important beaches in India, lying on the Bay of Bengal and has a close linkage with the Jagannath Temple. The beach wears a look of vibrancy both in the morning and evening, with pilgrims, local vendors and artists setting the tone of the atmosphere. Golden sand, strong waves and a long promenade render it suitable for walking and photography. Events like the Annual Puri Beach Festival showcase regional music, dance and handicrafts. This beach offers a mix of spirituality and coastal life that is so unique, making it one of the best beaches to visit in India.
Location: Puri, Odisha
Things to do: Beach walks, local food tasting, cultural events
Best time to visit: October to February
13. Elephant Beach
Among all the beautiful beaches in India, Elephant Beach is highly activity-oriented, mainly because of its shallow waters and coral reefs full of life. It is among the places to visit in Havelock Island and is very popular for snorkelling and other water sports that are fine for novices. The water has clear visibility, and without going deep, one can see tropical fish and marine life. Thick forests surround this beach, which remains comparatively undeveloped with few commercial establishments to boast. Access is mostly by boat, and that helps to control crowds and preserve it in its virgin state to an extent. It is ideal for travellers seeking some form of experiential beach holidays at the top beaches in India.
Location: Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Things to do: Snorkelling, sea walking, banana boat rides
Best time to visit: November to April
14. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach is one of the quieter beaches in India, featuring a long stretch of clean sand backed by palm trees and low-rise cottages. Located in South Goa, it attracts travellers who favour peaceful settings over nightlife. The beach is characterised by calm waves that are suitable for enjoying various water sports in Goa and extensive shoreline walking. Ecological significance from the seasonal nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles further enhances the features of this area. With limited commercial activity and expansive views, Agonda is ideal for slow travel, yoga retreats and scenic beach locations in India sans substantial crowds.
Location: South Goa, Goa
Things to do: Swimming, yoga retreats, beach walks
Best time to visit: October to March
15. Dhanushkodi Beach
Dhanushkodi Beach lies near the eastern tip of Tamil Nadu and offers a raw, dramatic coastal experience unlike most of the beaches in India. The abandoned town and broad open shoreline create a haunting yet picturesque landscape. Strong winds and waves render swimming unsafe, but indeed, the beach is popular for sightseeing and photography. The convergence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean adds to the geographical significance. Its remote setting attracts travellers who like offbeat destinations and natural extremes.
Location: Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
Things to do: Sightseeing, photography, nature exploration
Best time to visit: October to March
Conclusion
The coastline of India has much more than pretty sunsets and serenity. Beaches in India are as varied as the geography and culture of the country. There are iconic urban beaches such as Marina Beach and rare ones such as Dhanushkodi and Agonda. Some beaches are full of energy because of water sports, and there are beaches that promise solitude, spiritual tranquility or raw natural beauty.
It could be snorkelling in the clear water of the Andamans, watching cliffside sunsets in Kerala, exploring historic forts by the sea, or just taking slow walks through quiet beaches that you would enjoy. These beach resorts are perfect for solo travellers, families, couples and adventure seekers. Exploring these beaches is about discovering how nature, culture and history come together along India’s vast and beautiful coastline.
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