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Beaches In India: List Of 22 Breathtaking Must Visit Beaches in India

Niharika (CK Book Critic)

January 2, 2019

A country with a multifarious background and diverse culture, India shows a glimpse of all things beautiful. Right from the majestic mountains in the north to the iconic coastal town of Kanyakumari in the south, India harbours some of the best hideaways in its boundaries. While the country offers many bohemian towns and offbeat locales where one can spend their time relaxing and rejuvenating, it also harbours many beach escapes that are sure to draw your attention towards them.

Ideal For: Nature Lovers | Adventure Enthusiasts | Swimmers | Travel Bloggers | Friends | Family

Beaches In India: List Of 22 Most Popular Beaches In India

The Ultimate Guide To The Best Beaches In India

1. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

One of the prominent beaches located on the boundaries of the Havelock Island, the Radhanagar Beach has a pure charm attributed to its virgin beauty. Dotted with a canopy of verdant trees and lush greenery, this place is famous for its pristine surroundings. Caped with white sand, rich coral reefs and cascading turquoise waters, this beach is often frequented by those who want some peace and calm. This is one of the best beach in India.

Distance From The Capital City: 7.1 Km

Best Way To Get There:
By Flight: Veer Savarkar International Airport is the nearest airport located at Port Blair. Ferries from Port Blair commute to Havelock island regularly. From there you can either hire a local cab or a scooty and reach Kala Pathar Beach.

Things To Do At Radhanagar Beach:

• Sunbathing
• Swimming
• Make Sandcastles
• Photography

2. Baga Beach, Goa

A beach famous for fun and frolic activities, Baga Beach is most frequented by the hedonists and party people. Along with a lively atmosphere, this beach also serves as a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Featuring an amazing nightlife in its popular clubs, this beach is also lined with a range of shacks, tarot and palmistry shops, tattoo parlours, sun decks and spas for you to enjoy a perfect beach vacation. Around New Years, Goa becomes the place to find the most happening beaches in India.

Distance From The Capital City: 74.7 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Hire a cab or drive all the way to the beach by Pannakali, Cortalim, Zuari Bridge, Bambolim, Govekar Nagar, Agar Vaddo to Baga Beach.
By Flight: Nearest Airport is Dabolim Airport

Things To Do At Baga Beach:

• Enjoy the nightlife
• Feast on delicious food
• Relish the scenic beauty
• Indulge in Photography

3. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Kerala

Asia’s longest and Kerala’s only drive-in beach, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach is a one-of-a-kind destination. A 4 km long sand paradise, the beach offers some of the most exotic views of the Malabar Coast. Located between Kannur and Thalassery, this beach houses a number of shacks where you can relish authentic Malabar cuisine.

Distance From The Capital City: 168 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Book a cab or drive down to the beach via Kozhikode, Koyilandy, Vadakara and Thalassery.
By Flight: The nearest Airport to Kerala is Calicut International Airport.

Things To Do At Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach:

• Experience Beach Driving
• Relish delicious Malabar food
• Stroll on the beach
• Swim or Sunbathe

4. Ganapatipule Beach, Ratnagiri

One of the cleanest beaches situated along the Konkan Coast, Ganapatipule Beach is a natural paradise. Lined with coconut palms and adorned with verdant flora, Ganapatipule Beach offers a plethora of spectacular sights to behold. Famous for its Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesha Temple, this place is also visited by pilgrims.

Distance From The Capital City: 547 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Book a cab or drive down to this mesmeric beach via Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Satara and Karad.

Things To Do At Ganapatipule Beach:

• Paragliding
• Adventure Sports
• Picnic
• Photography

5. Dhanushkodi Beach, Rameswaram

Stretching across a wide area, Dhanushkodi Beach is the purest form of unscathed natural beauty. A peaceful retreat from the frolic lives of most crowded beaches, this escape offers mesmeric views of the golden sand adorned with big boulders and turquoise waters of the sea that lash across the shore. When it comes to beaches in India, this is surely a must visit.

Distance From The Capital City: 285 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Drive down to Dhanushkodi Beach via Tiruchirapalli, Pudukkottai, Karaikudi and Rameshwaram.
By Flight: Nearest Airport is Tuticorin Airport.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Tiruchchirappalli Junction.

Things To Do At Dhanushkodi Beach:

• Experience the natural beauty
• Relax and rejuvenate

6. Kala Pathar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located in Havelock Island of Andaman, Kala Pathar Beach is often visited by those who seek peace and silence. Adorned with soft white sand, this beach also has many black rocks and corals that are often found near the water. While the waves are quite clean and clear, the beach itself is surrounded by verdant green vegetation that adds to the serenity of this place. You will not see bluer seas from any other beach in India.

Distance From The Capital City: 10.4 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Flight: The nearest airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport, located at Port Blair. Ferries from Port Blair commute to Havelock Island regularly. From there, you can either hire a scooty or a local cab and reach Kala Pathar Beach.

Things To Do At Kalapathar Beach:

• Enjoy the natural beauty
• Relish the beach snacks
• Make sand castles
• Have a hearty stroll on the beach

7. Morjim Beach, Goa

Famous for its Olive Ridley sea turtles, Morjim Beach is known to be one of the best beaches of Goa. Also known as ‘Little Russia’ because of the large number of Russian tourists who visit this place, Morjim Beach offers some of the best scenic views of the place. Having a laid-back aura, this beach is lined with many restaurants and cottages where you can relax and chill for a while.

Distance From The Capital City: 33.6 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Drive down to this beach via Codli, Karapur, Govind Nagar, Madhuban, Cunchelim and Kudal or hire a local cab.

Things To Do At Morjim Beach:

• Relish the Russian and Goan cuisine
• Sunbathe
• Watch dolphins swim in deep waters
• Birdwatching

8. Wandoor Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Adorned with beautiful coral reefs and big driftwoods, the Wandoor Beach is completely a tourist magnet. Located near Port Blair, this beach is sure to give you an experience of a lifetime. Featuring clear and clean water, the beach is often visited while on a trip to the Andaman. Dotted with trees that cover most of the beach’s area, Wandoor Beach is also home to many crocodiles.

Distance From The Capital City: 19.3 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Chart your route to the Wandoor beach via Great Andaman Trunk road and head towards Wandoor or hire a local cab.
By Flight: Veer Savarkar International Airport is the nearest Airport.

Things To Do At Wandoor Beach:

• Explore the natural beauty
• Trek to the natural caves
• Go snorkeling
• Witness the colourful corals
• Photography

9. Colva Beach, Goa

One from the list of oldest beaches in Goa, the Colva Beach is famous for its rave parties and nightlife. Explored by people from all age groups, Colva Beach is also known for its buildings and their architecture that reflect the Portuguese influence. While one can enjoy many adventure activities here, the tourists can even find many local fishermen drying mackerel and other fish on the shores of this beach.

Distance From The Capital City: 39.8 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Drive to this beach via Cavorem, Chinchinim, Benaulim and Sernabatim or book a local cab to enjoy the mid-route scenic views.

Things To Do At Colva Beach:

• Adventure activities like a speed boat ride, parasailing, snorkeling, etc.
• Sea-bathing
• Indulge in some good authentic Goan cuisine
• Explore the architectural wonders in the vicinity
• Enjoy the nightlife

10. Palolem Beach, Goa

A magnificent beach in Goa known for its crescent shape, the Palolem beach is most explored by foreign tourists. While the nightlife here is pretty amazing, spending a day at this beach is even better. Having an unscathed charm to its beauty, this beach is quite colourful. Lined with thick coconut palms, crystal clear water and colourful beach huts, the Palolem Beach often exhibits a laid-back lifestyle. This is one of the beast beaches in India to just laze around.

Distance From The Capital City: 45.3 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Hiring a local cab is the best option to enjoy the beauty of this place.

Things To Do At Palolem Beach:

• Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic Massage
• Join the yoga classes
• Indulge in adventure sports activities
• Take up Dolphin Spotting Tours
• Photography

11. Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Known for its beauty and serenity, the Kovalam Beach has its own picturesque charm. Glistening with sand beds and verdant greenery, the beach is also full of colourful umbrella sunbeds. A distant lighthouse adores this beach too. Forming a curved shape resembling a sickle, this beach is an amalgam of three beaches namely Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach.

Distance From The Capital City: 346 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Drive down to Kovalam beach via Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Kolam.

Things To Do At Kovalam Beach:

• Visit Seaside Mosque
• Walk your way up to the Lighthouse
• Photography
• Sunbathe and Chill
• Enjoy delectable local cuisine in the vicinity

12. Varkala Beach, Kerala

Situated close to a meandering stretch of cliff, Varkala beach is ranked as one of the top ten seasonal beaches visited by tourists from all over the globe. A vast stretch of brown sand and sea, the beach has its own beauty that beckons people towards its laid-back ambience. While the beach also houses a two-thousand-year-old sacred Hindu Temple, the Varkala beach water is also known to have medicinal healing properties. It is also referred to as Papanasam Beach (The one that washes our sins).

Distance From The Capital City: 293km

Best Way To Get There:
By Flight : Fly from Calicut International Airport to Trivandrum International Airport and chart your route further by booking a local cab from Trivandrum International Airport to Varkala Beach

Things To Do At Varkala Beach:

• Experience the lovely sunset views with flaming skies in the backdrop
• Rejuvenate at a Spa
• Sunbathe
• Take a relaxing swim in the crystal blue waters of the beach

13. Calangute Beach, Goa

Located between the action-packed Baga beach and the restful Candolim beach, Calangute Beach is a frivolous combo of frolic and serenity. Lined with numerous beach hacks and nightclubs, this beach is perfect for that night when you feel like partying. Featuring a distinct Goan culture, Calangute Beach is one of the famous beaches where one can enjoy a whole lot of shopping like buying souvenirs, cold beer, trinkets, and exquisite handicrafts too. This is one of the most commercial beaches in India however, it is worth a visit.

Distance From The Capital City: 34.2 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Drive down to Calangute Beach via North Goa, Ilhas, Mandovi Bridge and Penha de França or book a cab to the frenetic beach.
Walking: If you’re somewhere close to Baga Beach or Candolim Beach, you can even walk up to this beach.

Things To Do At Candolim Beach:

• Sports Activities like jet skiing, surfing, parasailing, etc.
• Enrol for Beach Yoga Classes
• Get a relaxing Ayurvedic massage
• Enjoy the sunburn festival (December)
• Enjoy daytime parties along with a sizzling nightlife

14. Puri Beach, Odisha

Located in the sacred pilgrim destination of Jagannatha Puri, this beach is also said to be a sacred place for numerous pilgrims who flock at its shores for purification dips. Adorned with golden sand beds and clear waters, the beach also serves as the site for the Annual Puri Beach Festival. Hosting a number of sand art displays by Sudarshan Pattnaik – an internationally renowned award-winning artist, the beach offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere where one can relax and rejuvenate.

Distance From The Capital City: 206 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Book a local cab or commute via buses that route towards Puri Beach

Things To Do At Puri Beach:

• Sunbathe and take a swim
• Marvel at the sand sculptures
• Witness the exquisite sunrise and sunset
• Take a peaceful stroll
• Browse pearls and buy seashell souvenirs from the local vendors
• Enjoy Surfing

15. Marina Beach, Chennai

Home to many olive ridley sea turtles, Marina beach is a natural urban beach famous for its expansive beauty. Bordered by St. George Fort in the north, Marina Beach in Chennai has white sand beds and is popularly recognized as the most crowded sandy beach in India. A quite well maintained and clean beach, Marina Beach also features some statues of distinguishable personalities from the Tamil literature like Avvaiyar, Barathidasan and memorials of Tamil heroes like Anna and MGR.

Distance From The Capital City: 6.5 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Book a cab to this place and enjoy your ride to the beach.

Things To Do At Marina Beach:

• Enjoy your evenings at the beach
• Relish street food
• Play Beach Volleyball
• Indulge in other beach sports activities like fishing, surfing, etc.

16. Tarkarli Beach, Tarkarli 

One of the finest white sand beaches in the Konkan region, Tarkarli Beach is famous for its underwater world of coral reefs and magnificent sea creatures. Enclosed within the backwaters of the Karli River on one side and the beautiful blue sea on the other, Tarkarli beach is quite close to the Sindhudurg Fort that proves to be an exotic background for a great vacation. Lined with numerous trees and verdant flora, this place is truly a sight to behold.

Distance From The Capital City: 610 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Chart your route towards the destination via Dr. Nandu Vaze Road and Late Shri Babi Hadkar Marg.

Things To Do At Tarkarli Beach:

• Adventure Sports like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving
• Indulge in Sightseeing
• Marvel at the architecture of the Sindhudurg Fort

17. Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal

A cosy hideaway from the busy lives of the city dwellers, Mandarmani Beach is a calm and serene beach where one can enjoy some peaceful time. While one can often find fishermen engrossed in their daily chores, the shore is dotted with many restaurant huts that serve some of the most delectable local delicacies. With many sights to behold, you may even spot some starfishes and crabs in the sand.

Distance From The Capital City: 179 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Book a cab from your place to the Mandarmani Beach or ply from the bus that commutes from Howrah to Chawalkhola and then hire a cab to Mandarmani Beach.

Things To Do At Mandarmani Beach:

• Ride ATV Bikes
• Indulge in Adventure Sports like Jet Ski, Bungee Trampoline
• Ride a Banana Boat
• Buy knick-knacks made from shells and oysters

18. Marari Beach, Kerala

Dotted with numerous coconut palm trees, the Marari Beach is nothing less than a nature lover’s paradise. From its beautiful golden sands and clear waters to the little egrets jumping in frolic here and there, this beach is purely a natural haven. Located on the Malabar Coast, Marari Beach is a calm and peaceful retreat for all those who seek isolation in the lap of nature. A great hideaway, this beautiful beach in India is known for its lazy local lifestyle.

Distance From The Capital City: 166 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Train: The nearest station to Marari beach is Alleppey. From there you can take an auto rickshaw to Marari beach and enjoy your time here.

Things To Do At Marari Beach:

• Cruise in the backwaters of the beach
• Enjoy some exciting sea surfing and water-skiing activities
• Indulge in deep sea fishing
• Make sand castles
• Spot the flock of Little Egrets

19. Bangaram Island Beach, Lakshadweep

Frequented by international tourists for its isolated aura, Bangaram Island beach is an untouched and offbeat destination located in Lakshadweep. Lined with beautiful coconut palm trees, this beach features glistening white sand and clear blue waters that seem to come right out of the fantasy world. With its limits stretching out to as far as the eyes can see, Bangaram Beach Island is all about peach, beauty and nature.

Distance From The Capital City: 650 m

Best Way To Get There:
Speed Boat: Bangaram Island Beach can be reached via Agatti Island from a speedboat.
By Flight: The closest airport located near this beach is Cochin International Airport.

Things To Do At Bangaram Island Beach:

• Take a peaceful stroll by the seaside
• Make sand castles
• Sunbathe
• Marvel over the corals and get awestruck by the shipwreck remains

20. Vagator Beach, Goa

If you seek solace and peace, then Vagator Beach is truly a place to go to! Surrounded by verdant palm trees and coconut trees the beach is enclosed by huge black boulders and is the perfect location to romanticize over during a honeymoon. While the beach features a laid-back atmosphere throughout the year, Vagator Beach offers a fun and frolic time out including night parties during the peak season and holidays. The beach is divided into Northern and Southern zones. The Northern portion is suitable for people who love to enjoy the frolic around while the Southern part is for the laid-back souls who prefer to sit back in silence.

Distance From The Capital City: 39.5 km
Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Regular buses from Mapusa, Panaji and Calangute Beach ply to Vagator Beach.

Things To Do At Vagator Beach:

• Marvel over Chapora Fort’s architecture
• Visit Anjuna Beach in the vicinity
• Experience 500-year-old architecture of the Portuguese Fort
• Purchase artefacts
• Drool over delectable local Goan cuisine

21. Alibaug Beach, Alibag

A picturesque and peaceful hideaway from the bustling city life, Alibaug Beach is truly a natural retreat for those looking forward to an ideal getaway amid nature. Offering scenic views of the Colaba Fort, this beach is well known for its clean shoreline and serene atmosphere. Visited by locals and tourists alike, this beach is also visited by many for the 400-year-old Ganapati Temple situated here. Lined with verdant greenery, this beach features some of the most spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.

Distance From The Capital City: 420 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Drive down to this beach via Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Lonavla and Poynad

Things To Do At Alibaug Beach:

• Experience the beautiful sunset
• Photography
• Enjoy Motorbike Rides
• Take up a boat ride to Colaba Fort

22. Elephant Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A beautiful white sand beach, Elephant Beach features crystal clear waters and is located at a short distance from the Havelock Island Dock. Offering amazing views of the enticing coral reefs, this beach has a natural charm of its own. As you trek through the meandering roads of the island, you’re sure to get awed by the most exotic sights. Trek through the lush mangrove forests to experience the amazing world of Elephant Beach and marvel over its natural beauty while discovering the exotic sea world.

Distance From The Capital City: 4.9 km

Best Way To Get There:
By Boat: One can easily take up a boat ride from the Havelock dock to reach the Elephant Beach.

Things To Do At Elephant Beach:

• Indulge in beach sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking
• Sunbathe and swim
• Trekking
• Experience fishing and bird watching

Similar Reads:

• Beaches in Alapphuzha