Looking for famous beaches in India for your next summer holiday? With India’s coastline stretching over 7,500 km, there are plenty of famous beaches in India to explore. From the serene shores of Kerala in the south to the sun-kissed sands of Goa in the west, India’s beaches are there to offer you a diverse experience. Whether you want to spend a quality holiday with your family or enjoy a vibrant nightlife with your friends, India’s beaches are meant to leave you with a fascinating experience.
10 Famous Beaches In India
Here is a list of some of the popular beaches in India that offer a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and water activities. Get ready to explore them.
1. Varkala Beach, Kerala
Photo: Nikolas Becker / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When talking about famous Indian beaches in the south, you can’t miss Varkala Beach. Positioned between Alleppey and Kovalam, Varkala Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It’s a perfect place to hang out, especially if you have love for water sports. From parasailing to windsurfing, and swimming, there are many things to experience at the beach. When visiting Varkala Beach, you can explore other nearby attractions including the Janardhana Swamy Temple and Sivangiri Mutt. You can also go to the stream nearby which is believed to have curative and medicinal properties.
Location: Varkala, Kerala 695141
Best Time To Visit: October to March
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2. Lighthouse Beach, Kerala
Photo: BishkekRocks / Wikimedia Commons
Just so you know, the Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam is counted among the top 5 beaches in India. And if you are planning for a fun summer vacation in Kovalam, you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore this beach. The main attraction is the 30 metres high lighthouse from which the beach gets its name. As you walk along the beach soaking in its beauty, you can enjoy the lovely sunset views. For those of you who are a little adventurous at heart can partake in activities like surfing, parasailing, and swimming. This beach is quite famous among families and couples who are often found exploring the shops and restaurants near the beach.
Location: Kovalam, Trivandrum, Kerala 695521
Best Time To Visit: October to February
3. Alappuzha Beach, Kerala
Photo: Vimaljoseph93 / Wikimedia Commons
If you are in search of secluded beaches in India, consider adding Alappuzha Beach to your itinerary. It is a beautiful beach surrounded by palm trees where you can soak and relax under the sun. The highlight of the beach is an old pier which extends towards the sea and is believed to be 150 years old. Besides exploring the Vijaya Beach Amusement Park nearby, here you can also indulge in a variety of water activities like parasailing, swimming, surfing, and houseboat tours. You can also organise a picnic near the beach, and enjoy a quality time with your family.
Location: Civil Station Ward, Alappuzha 688012
Timings: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to March
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4. Mahabalipuram Beach, Chennai
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons
While there are many famous beaches in India, only a few of them are as good as Mahabalipuram Beach. If you have plans for a beach vacation in the south, you should take the chance to explore this amazing beach. It is one of the most-visited beaches mainly because of the Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments. There are caves and historical monuments near the beach, making it an ideal spot for exploration. The noisy sea in the background breaks the otherwise calm atmosphere. Apart from exploring the ancient sites and caves, you can also enjoy surfing or sightseeing here.
Location: Kancheepuram District, Mahabalipuram, Chennai 603104
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to February
5. Dwarka Beach, Gujarat
Photo: Ashwin Chandrasegaran / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the historic city of Dwarka in Gujarat, Dwarka Beach is one of the beautiful beaches in India. It offers a serene coastal experience with its clear waters and smooth sands. When at Dwarka Beach, enjoy your surroundings while sunbathing, strolling along the shore, and organising a picnic. For those of you who are into exciting stuff can opt for boat tours. There are also a few nearby attractions to explore including the famous Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Other places include the Gomti Ghat and Rukmini Devi Temple.
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
Best Time To Visit: October to April
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6. Baga Beach, Goa
Photo: Gayatri Priyadarshini / Wikimedia Commons
Baga Beach in North Goa is indeed the best beach in India as it attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. The bustling nightlife and vibrant atmosphere are enough to lose yourself and forget the world. During the day, you can partake in water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing. The beach has several shacks lining up the road where you can enjoy delicious Goan cuisines and drinks. The party atmosphere starts after the sun goes down. With popular clubs like Tito’s and Mambo’s, here you can enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Location: Bardez, Goa 403516
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Jampore Beach, Daman & Diu
Photo: Ameyawiki / Wikimedia Commons
Jampore Beach in Daman & Diu is known for its calm waters and serene environment. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway, Jampore Beach could be a great escape. Here, you can enjoy activities like swimming and beach volleyball. The beach’s gentle waves and shallow waters are both safe and family-friendly for swimming. If you have enough time to spare, you can explore nearby attractions like the historic Moti Daman Fort and the local markets.
Location: Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman 396220
Best Time To Visit: September to May
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8. Digha Beach, West Bengal
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most popular beaches in east India is Digha which is known for its wide sandy shorelines and gentle waves. Throughout the year, visitors flock to the beach, taking a break from their busy life. If you love swimming and collecting seashells by the sea, Digha would be a good option. You can also enjoy the sunrise and sunset and explore nearby attractions like the Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre. You also have the Amarabati Park which is perfect for a relaxing boat ride. When at Digha Beach, you must try the fresh seafood and also explore the beach market.
Location: Sea Beach Rd, Midnapore 721428
Best Time To Visit: November to February
9. Puri Beach, Odisha
Photo: Mahii1428 / Wikimedia Commons
Puri Beach is one of the most visited spots in Odisha. It is famous for its golden sand and spiritual significance. From taking a stroll by the shore to eating seafood, you can do a lot of things during your time here, and the best thing is to witness the sunset. You can also explore the Puri Beach Market which offers a variety of local crafts and souvenirs. Additionally, Chilika Lake is a short drive away from Puri Beach, which is famous for being a hotspot for migratory birds.
Location: Puri, Odisha 752001
Best Time To Visit: October to February
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10. Shankarpur Beach, West Bengal
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Shankarpur Beach happens to be a quieter alternative to Digha. It is known for its pristine sands and tranquil ambiance where you can enjoy peaceful walks, sunset views, and watch the local fishermen at work. This beach is also a great spot for picnics and sunbathing. For those of you who like to explore more, there are plenty of nearby attractions including the Chandaneswar Temple and Shankarpur Fishing Harbour. If nothing appeases you much, simply relax by the beach where sea waves are the only sound for you to enjoy.
Location: Balisai, Tajpur Sea Beach Road, Digha 721423 India
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Whether you are exploring the southern, eastern, or western region of the country, India has stunning beaches in almost every corner. If you are ready to take on an adventurous tour and enjoy the beauty of the top beaches in the country, you should choose TripXL. They have got the best deals and discounts to help you explore the famous beaches in India without splurging much.
Cover Photo: Surajram Kumaravel / Wikimedia Commons