50 Best Beaches in India

With a 7517 km long coastline at its disposal, India has always been a tempting tourist spot and will, no doubt, continue to remain one. Countless beaches of the Indian peninsula give many opportunities for the adventure lovers, people who just want to relax or for the tourists who want to explore.

Surrounded by waters in three directions, the peninsular India stands to enrapture the imagination of nature enthusiasts. This list is an unordered list and are just some of the beaches which we would recommend that you visit. Without further ramblings, let us have a look at the top 50 beaches of India:

Goa

1. Palolem Beach:

The crescent shaped Palolem Beach is located in the market town of Chaudi in South Goa. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Goa. It is an ideal place to plan for holidays. This beach is an open invitation to swimmers as the depth of the sea increases only gradually and as the waves are not very threatening.

2. Baga Beach:

Baga Beach, situated in North Goa, is a very busy tourist spot in Goa and is just 10 kilometres away from the capital of Goa, Panaji. Being one of the most happening beaches on the coast, you can find all sorts of entertainment here. This place is very famous for its night life. The beach also hosts varieties of water sports and many attractions like parasailing, windsurfing and kite surfing, to name a few.

3. Calangute Beach:

Hailed as the “Queen of the beaches”, Calangute beach is the largest one in the northern region of Goa. The night life at the beach presents a live wire experience with many foreign holiday makers and locals dancing into the night to great upbeat music. It happens to be a perfect place for partying. Water sports like skiing, surfing and parasailing are also prominently played here.

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4. Candolim Beach:

A preferred destination for beach goers – the Candolim beach – is located in the northern parts of Goa. Other than regular adventure sports, this beach also offers tremendous opportunities for those who love to do fishing activities. The peaceful ambiance which we can see here brings in people for practicing yoga and meditation. There are also arrangements made here to take travelers far into the sea to have an opportunity to capture spectacular sunsets on their cameras.

5. Anjuna Beach:

Thanks to the curlie’s at the end of the beach – where people meet to have some fun and enjoy music – the good times are not unusual for this place. It is found in the north of Baga and Calangute beaches and close to the south of Vagator beach.

6. Vagator Beach:

Vagator is another renowned beach in the northern parts of Goa, noted for sunset viewing. Tourists throng to this place for it’s beauty. The beach of Vagator is classified into two – the right side of the sea, as you face it, is called as the Big Vagator and its left side is known by the name of Little Vagator . Pretty much a laid back beach it is as compared to other beaches in the state.

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7. Agonda Beach:

Located in the southernmost Canacona Taluka of Goa, Agonda beach is most suited for sunbathing and relaxing. It is a relatively quite beach. Probably this serene atmosphere, aided by less number of visitors, is one of the reasons why it is proving to be an ideal nesting site for Ridley turtle. If you love partying, this is not the place which you should be looking for.

Kerala

8. Kovalam Beach:

As a commercially valued beach in Kerala, life never stops here in Kovalam. The activities here run deep into the night and the beach is highly acclaimed for water sports. It is situated 16 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and has been an ideal one for sun bathing and massaging. You can also view a beautiful bay of calm waters created by a huge rock promontory.

9. Cherai Beach:

Cherai Beach is situated in the Ernakulam district and is generally reckoned as one of the must visit spots in southern parts of India. It is also known by the name of “Princess of Arabian Sea” due to its proximity to the city of Cochin, which in turn, is called as the “Queen of Arabian Sea.” It has all the components which would make a beach a world class beach. The coconut palms, the paddy fields, the backwaters – and everything else makes it one beach which you cannot afford to miss.

10. Varkala Beach:

Varkala beach, also known as Papanasham beach, is found between Alleppey and Kovalam. Being an epitome of picturesque beauty, it feeds the photographers with varieties of stills thereby satiating their desire of capturing exquisite things. It is said that one dip – if made in the waters of this beach removes the sins committed for a life time.

11. Ezhimala Beach:

Surrounded by hillocks, Ezhimala beach is situated 55 Km away from Kannur, Kerala. This beach lures people from different parts of the world with its captivating charm. You can also see Dolphins here, just like the other beaches in Kerala. The uniqueness about this beach is the sculptured stone pillars which are scattered throughout the place. It lies in close proximity to the Kannur Railway Station.

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12. Bekal Beach:

Bekal is a very famous beach in Kerala. Adjacent to it is a giant keyhole shaped fort which is supposed to be the biggest in Kerala which adds to its popularity. It is a very cleanly maintained beach and therefore it entices more people to visit. The highlights of the beach are the splashy waves and remarkable views of the sunset. Almost all the people in India who are movie buffs might have seen this beach without knowing it’s name. There was a song shot in this place featuring the hero in a sober mood in Maniratnam’s “Bombay.” No prizes for guessing which song it was.

13. Marari Beach:

Undeveloped and quiet Marari Beach is situated very close to Alleppey. It is not a very recognized beach and more often than not, it gets overlooked. Though not very popular as a beach, it is a perfect place for those who love to explore backwaters of Kerala. Marari got its name from a small and sleepy fisherman’s village called Mararikulam.

14. Payyambalam Beach:

The location of Payyambalam Beach is 2 Km from Kannur town of North Kerala. It is one of the longest beaches in Northern Kerala with a beautiful stretch of sand. For locals, this is the most popular picnic spot. A sculpture, portraying a mother and her child is one of the many aesthetic things to look out for in this beach.

15. Kozhikode Beach:

There is no better place to view a sunset in Kerala than the Kozhikode beach. The beguiling ebullience of this beach makes it a much sought after tourist spot. A very old lighthouse, a marine aquarium and a lions’ park are other attractions of this most celebrated beach. It is just 1 km away from the railway station of Kozhikode which makes it easily accessible.

16. Kappad Beach:

Kappad beach is known for the visit of Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama who landed here on May 20 1498 in an endeavor to establish a sea route to India. To honor the day of historical significance, associated with this beach, a monument has also been erected, proving the presence of Portuguese explorer in this part of the world. Thanks to the deliberations of tourism ministry in cleaning the beach, it has now become one of the most visited places in Kerala.

Andaman and Nicobar

17. Karmatang Beach:

Karmatang beach is located 240 km away from Port Blair and is very much known for its turtle population. The place is being developed as a tourist destination offering activities such as swimming, boating and snorkeling to the visitors. Many zoologists who love to specialize in marine life pay regular visits to this place. Also a steamer ride through the mangrove brooks from May abunder should not be missed. The beach promises loads of privacy for the tourists.

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18. Corbyn cove and Chidiya Tapu:

Corbyn Cove is a beach which is situated 10 Km from South East of Port Blair and is the nearest to the capital. The coconut palms and coral reefs add to the beauty of this gorgeous beach. It is a holiday destination marked by all that it takes for nature lovers to pay a visit. The most ideal period to go to this place should be between October and May.

19. Radha Nagar Beach:

As a beach which offers a wide range of flora and fauna, the beach at Radha Nagar – located at a distance of 7 km from Dolphin Yatri Nivas, it is rated as the one of the best in Asia. It is also revered as one of the top ten beaches in the world. Activities like kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving are very prevalent here. Even elephant drives and sunset views can also be enjoyed at this beach.

20. Bangaram Beach:

Bangaram is one of the beaches which lies in the island of Lakshadweep. This beach is regarded as one of the top 10 secret beaches where the tourists are sent in helicopters during monsoon season. The activities such as angling, snorkeling, diving and other water sports are must do things here. The traveling enthusiasts would develop goose bumps seeing the popular attractions like swaying coconut palms, coral reefs and turquoise blue lagoons, all in one place.

21. Kavaratti Beach:

Kavaratti Beach is 3 km long and is an isolated beach where Lord Rama is believed to have stayed. It is one of the most developed beaches of Lakshadweep islands. Like any other beach, this beach also offers water sporting opportunities. There is also an aquarium where you will find a small shark which is the major attraction over here. In addition it is very well connected to other parts through flights.

22. Kadmat Beach:

Lakshadweep Islands has so many beaches which can interest the travelers but none is better than the mind-blowing beauty of the Kadmat beach. The cleanliness which you see at this beach can rarely be seen anywhere else. The soft white sand and mangroves enhance its classical beauty, which is generally regarded superior to any other beaches in the world.

23. Agatti Island:

The Agatti Island is regarded as the gateway to Lakshadweep Islands and is located in the most serene spot which gives the place an enamoring ambiance. The calming influence of this beach has the power to cleanse and energize your mind, body and soul, affected. The look of this place gives us an impression as though we have landed in paradise. The beach is also famous for underwater viewing on a glass bottomed boat.

Tamilnadu

24. Mahabalipuram Beach:

The Mahabalipuram beach is famous for the sea shore temple built by the Pallava Kings. Withstanding ravages of time and catastrophes, the temple has been here unscathed for more than a thousand years. The roar of the waves and the tranquil atmosphere here, plus the age old sculptures drive people from across the world to come and enjoy the scenic beauty of this place. This is one tourist spot which no one misses when they travel to Tamil Nadu.

25. Rameshwaram Beach:

Rameshwaram Beach is more of a pilgrimage center which is believed to be the place where Lord Rama had worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga. Being a serene beach with shallow waters, people turn in huge numbers for swimming and sunbathing. A variety of rare species of marine life such as life-algae, starfish, sea cucumber and sea cow are found here. Famous for the temple of Ramanatha swamy, this place has the bridge which is the longest ever constructed on sea.

26. Kanyakumari Beach:

If one talks of Kanyakumari Beach, it is difficult to overlook the pleasantries offered by sunset and sunrise to our eyes. Most of the people make their visit here precisely for this very reason. Surrounded by seas on the three sides, this place is located on the southernmost tip of Indian peninsula. No different from Rameshwaram, this is also a much visited pilgrimage spot. Due to the confluence of three waters – Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, the sea waters here will mostly be rough.

27. Auroville Beach:

From the main Pondicherry town, Auroville beach is around 12 km away. This beach gets more crowds during weekends only and on normal weekdays you will not be able to find many people visiting here. This place is acclaimed for sunset viewing which can leave you spell bound for long times. The four meter long statue of Mahatma Gandhi and a war memorial in remembrance of those who lost their lives in World War I are some monuments on this beach.

28. Covelong Beach:

This beach is located 40 km away from Chennai and does not attract larger crowds. Marked by serene beauty, it has been a hub for French in India at one point of time. This has been an ideal spot for the people who wish to meditate due to the peaceful ambiance prevailing here. Adventure lovers never leave the place disappointed either, due to the water sports which are widely played here. The very fact that fishing activities are unsurpassed here, this part of the world is also known as a fishing town.

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29. Marina Beach:

The Marina beach in Chennai is regarded as the second largest in the world in terms of area. It is the most crowded place in the city attracting over 10,000 visitors every day, being the only relief provider for the people of Chennai – who suffer from the scorching heat during summer seasons. The activities like swimming and bathing are not advisable here due to the presence of the strong undercurrent in the waters of the Bay of Bengal. There are so many memorials of great leaders built on his beach.

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30. Elliots Beach:

Elliots beach, also known as Besant Nagar beach, is located in Chennai. This beach is named after Edward Elliot, the Governer of the then Madras. It is in close proximity to both Besant Nagar Church and Ashta Lakshmi temple and so it brings in people from both regions. On this beach, a memorial has been erected, honoring a sailor called Karl Schmidt who lost his life in the process of saving a drowning swimmer.

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Pondicherry

31. Paradise Beach:

Out of so many tourist spots in Pondicherry, Paradise beach is one of the most visited places. Situated 8 km from the town of Pondicherry, the riveting appearance of this beach lures the people from all walks of life to put a stamp of their footsteps here. The fact that it is much cleaner than the other beaches over here makes it the most preferred place to visit. The presence of dolphins is one of the highlights of this beach.

Andhra Pradesh

32. Bheemunipatnam Beach:

Better known as Bheemili, the beach at Bheemunipatnam has also served as a minor port in the past. It is located at the mouth of Gosthani river and serves as a major attraction to tourists. The Blue Sea, duly complimented by the tall coconut trees in the surroundings, makes the beach visit look more pleasing and appealing. Excellent opportunities of water sports are also available here for the tourists.

33. Manginapudi Beach:

Different from other beaches, the beach of Manginapudi is made of black soil. Situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, this fishing village is just 11 Kms away from Machilipatinam. It is a must visit spot which used to flourish as a commercial center long back and has a long history associated with it. The airport of Vijayawada is just 85 Km away from this beach. The existence of shallow waters in the beach makes it a safer one for swimming.

34. Rishikonda Beach:

Just 8 km from Vishakapatnam is the beach called Rishikonda which is one of the attractions of Andhra Pradesh. Stunning sunsets and intoxicating scenic beauty are the highlights of this beach. Being an unspoiled beach, which it is, is an ideally suited place for swimmers and water skiers. Covered with golden sands, a visit to this beach would bring in an enthralling and breathtaking experience. It is reckoned as one of the best beaches in Vizag.

Karnataka

35. Surathkal Beach:

If you are on a look out for a place to relax and shy away from the daily routines, there is no better beach in Karnataka which could offer such magnanimity than Surathkal Beach. Quite known for its fascinating surroundings, this beach also is famous for the lighthouse which stands amidst the rocks. It is a must visit place for the tourists and is well connected from other important cities of Karnataka. It is also known for sunset viewing.

36. Om Beach:

Om beach is located 8 km from Gokarna. It derives its name from the two semicircular coves which join to form an inverted symbol of Om. It is the place where you can see many numbers of Hippo Sadhus doing their penance. It is also a major center for water sports activities such as surfing, water skiing, para sailing etc.

37. Kaup Beach:

Kaup Beach, a very cool breeze and a pleasant environment will give you a very warm reception. This beach houses a very old lighthouse, standing tall at 100 feet high – built in the year 1901. It is also open to the visitors during certain periods in day time. So many movies have also been shot here, further accentuating the fact that it is one of the most pristine beaches you would ever see. Udupi is just 12 Km away from this beach.

38. Kurumgad Beach:

Kurumgad beach is located in the region of Uttara Karnataka and is just 4 km away from Karwar. It is the sort of the beach where nature lovers would like to pay visit more often. The existence of the very popular Lord Narasimha temple is an added charm for the place. Shaped like a tortoise, the esthetic look of the beach can hardly be matched elsewhere. Animals like the dolphins and otters are very much prevalent here.

39. Marudeshwar Beach:

Coupled with tourists, loads of devotees too visit this beach which is located in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district due to the presence of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the frequently thronged places of Karnataka. This temple upon the hill called Kandura giri is surrounded by sea on three sides. The waters of this beach are ideally suited for activities such as swimming though strong currents are expected to frequent the shores during high tides.

40. Gokarna Beach:

Gokarna Beach is generally visited by people who go on a pilgrimage since it is very closely located to the Hindu temples in this area. It is not, otherwise, a very popular tourist spot, but is slowly gaining the status. However, closer to Gokarna are four more beaches which draw tourists and they are Kudlee Beach, Om Beach, Half moon Beach and Paradise Beach.

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41. Marawanthe Beach:

Marawanthe Beach is sited just 50 km from Udupi and has a wide array of scenic beauties such as golden sand and swaying palm trees. Since the national highway (NH17) passes close to the shoreline within the distance of 100m, you will be able to see Arabian Sea on one side and the Kodachari Hills, forming a backdrop of the Sauparnika River on the other side, while traveling. Activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling pull in more adventure lovers to stamp their footsteps here.

42. Karwar Beach:

Consisting of five adjacent beaches, the one at Karwar lies as a small island near Goa. Fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and dolphin hunting are the water sports which are played here. The unique thing about this beach is – on one side the tourists enjoy the warmth of the sun and on the other side they are thrilled by the cool breeze unleashed by the Western Ghats. The hospitality at Karwar beach cannot be equaled by what you experience in other places and so are the sea food which are much tastier than most other places.

Orissa

43. Puri Beach:

Puri Beach, located on the Bay of Bengal, is a beach in the city of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. It is known for being a hotspot for tourists and attracts a lot of holidaymakers and beach goers to this beautiful place.

Maharashtra

44. Bassein Beach:

Renowned for its breathtaking night time appearance, Bassein Beach is situated on the west coast of Maharashtra – just 60 km away from the city of Mumbai. Since it is nearer to the city, people find it easily accessible and so group here in large numbers in the evenings. It is a hot picnic spot with loads of religious and cultural importance attached to it. It is a beloved location for the tourists who want to refresh their mind and body amidst the tons of mundane activities.

45. Madh Island:

Madh Island is a place where many Bollywood movies and soap operas have been shot. The waters here are crystal clear and this beach is one of the cleanest and most well maintained ones in India. It is where Mumbai’s elite society host lavish parties most of the times. Most of the people visit this beach with their families in order to free themselves from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The scenic beauty of this beach is complemented by the Mangroves surrounding it. It is located on the north west coast of Mumbai.

46. Marine Drive:

Marine Drive, also known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, lies in South Mumbai is famous for its beautiful walk way and the sunset point. The fact that this beach is located right in the center of Mumbai makes it easily accessible through all means of public transportation. The beach forms a natural bay with a six lane concrete road about 3 km in length, stretching north along the coastline. The visitors get enthralled by the picturesque beauty of this place. It is also referred to as the “Queens Necklace” as the beach when illuminated by street lights in the night time, gives us such a fabulous view like a string of pearls adoring a necklace.

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47. Juhu Beach:

Juhu Beach is one of the crowd pulling locations in Mumbai and is situated 18 km from the center of the city. This beach has seen so many film shootings happening from time immemorial. However it is not advisable for anyone to visit this beach during monsoon seasons when high tides are expected.

48. Tarkali Beach:

Hailed as the “Queen Beach”, Tarkali is really a fabulous water body. Aided by crystal clear water, on a bright sunny day, one can see the sea bed up to the depth of 20 feet. A long and narrow stretch of beach with pristine water adds value to it. Scuba diving and snorkeling satiate the hunger of adventure lovers. The Even house boat facility is made available at Tarkali with hi-tech equipments and luxurious amenities on board.

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49. Harminder Bay Beach:

The white sandy beach of Harminder Bay offers quite a spectacle to the nature lovers. The place is located 100 km away from the capital city of Port Blair. If you want to enjoy the beach to the maximum, the best time to visit this place is between November and March. The intrinsic beauty of this beach cannot be easily described in words. It is one of the best places for anyone to plan a holiday.

Daman and Diu

50. Diu Beach:

The beach at Diu is situated at an altitude of 29 meters, due to which you can experience a pleasant climate here. The Diu Fort, constructed by Bahadur Shah, the ruler of Gujarat, gives a nice view of the sea. The existence of such fantastic forts and palm trees makes this beach as one of the most visited places in Gujarat. The ideal time for visiting this place is between October and May.