India’s coastline spreads across a length of 7517 km, including the beautiful islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Stretching along the Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east, and the Indian Ocean in the south, famous beaches in India are diverse and enchanting. From the serene Agonda beach in Goa to the bustling Juhu beach in Mumbai, there are several beaches. Each beach has its unique charm, offering a myriad of experiences that are too good to pass up. Here is a list of the charming Indian beaches.
Top 9 Beaches In India
Beaches in India are destinations filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Here is a list of the top 9 beaches:
1. Baga Beach, Goa
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
With a combination of vibrant nightlife, adventure sports and several beach shacks, Baga Beach offers you all the amenities for a fruitful vacation. Two of the most popular Goan cafes, Café Tito and Cafe Mambo, are on this beach. However, beyond the nightlife, Baga Beach is also a perfect escape for beach lovers who want to enjoy the splashing waves and the golden sand. It’s like the best of both worlds with this beach in Calangute.
Location: Tito’s Ln, Baga, Calangute, Goa
Best Time To Visit: Evening to late night for nightlife, early morning for water sports
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2. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a lengthy coastline and an array of beaches nestled in the popular islands there. Among them, the Radhanagar Beach is one of the highly popular Indian beaches. It is hailed as one of Asia’s best beaches, thanks to the wide range of water activities, pristine white sand and the stunning natural surroundings. Beyond swimming, one can also snorkel and kayak around the beach. To understand why it’s crowned the “7th most beautiful beach in the world,” visit during sunrise or sunset.
How To Reach: 11.65 km from Havelock Jetty, Shyam Nagar
3. Marina Beach, Chennai
Photo: Giri9703 / Wikimedia Commons
Marina Beach is one of the most renowned Indian beaches for a reason. Stretching across 13 km, it is the second-longest beach in India covering historical landmarks and offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. Beyond the standard beach activities, the beach is a bustling hub in the evenings, with numerous food stalls, kite sellers, and local games. The majority of the tourists also explore the nearby sightseeing spots like the Marina Lighthouse after exploring the beach.
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4. Varkala Beach, Kerala
Photo: Mohamed Adil / Unsplash
Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is known for its cliffs and natural springs. The natural spring that resides along the beach is renowned for its healing properties, further explaining why tourists visit this beach despite its remote and offbeat location from the main city. Beyond the standard beach activities and water sports, Varkala Beach is also one of the few popular Indian beaches that offer surfing. The beach and the surrounding area are declared as a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India.
Location: North Cliff, Varkala
5. Kovalam Beach, Kerala
Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons
Kovalam Beach has a “crescent-shaped” coastline. There is a lighthouse near the beach as well. As you plan your exploration of Kovalam Beach, the key is to be aware of the different sections of the beach. There are three – Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Once you finish swimming in the ocean and combing the beach for corals and shells, there are unique water sports available on the beach like surfing and motorboat rides. You can also climb to the top of the 30-foot lighthouse to catch the panoramic views of the surroundings.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India
6. Puri Beach, Odisha
Photo: Sambit 1982 / Wikimedia Commons
More commonly known as the “Golden Beach,” Puri Beach is another one of the beautiful beaches in India. Beyond the golden sands, the beach is also renowned for its religious and spiritual significance. The beach comes to life during the annual Puri Rath Yatra, attracting thousands of pilgrims. However, the majority of the pilgrims and tourists visit the beach for the activities and views. However, very limited water activities are available due to the heavy current and slippery sand. What stands out is the market that thrives on the beach.
How To Reach: 0.7 km from Shree Jagannath Temple
Best Time to Visit: During the Rath Yatra for cultural immersion
7. Om Beach, Karnataka
Photo: Abhinav Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Locally termed as Om Beach or the Gokarna Main Beach, it is one of the top 5 beaches in India. With natural beauty, huge waves and the nearby Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna Beach is a must-visit when you are in Karnataka. The name of the beach comes from its appearance, which resembles the Hindu symbol of “Om.” If you want to indulge in a spiritual retreat and seek solitude from the constant hustle and bustle of city life, this is the perfect beach to visit. You can also explore beach trekking to reach the nearby beaches like Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach.
Location: North Canara district, Gokarna, Karnataka
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8. Juhu Beach, Mumbai
When talking about the famous beaches in India, Juhu Beach surely takes the top spot. Not just tourists, the beach also attracts locals and is known for its lively atmosphere. The expanse of the beach is lined with local street food stalls where you can try out some of the most famous Mumbai street food options like vada pav, Frankie, bhel, etc. Numerous Bollywood celebrities reside in the area around the beach, which further contributes to its rave and popularity. There are several ships often docked on the side of the beach, which adds to the allure of the place.
9. Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
Rushikonda Beach, located near Visakhapatnam, is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and scenic beauty. This is one of the few beaches in the area that serves as a popular spot for exploring unique water activities like windsurfing, jet skiing, and swimming. However, for tourists who don’t want to experience adventure activities, the beach’s natural splendour and beauty enable you to relax, sunbathe and soak in the surroundings. Also, the nearby Rushikonda Hill adds to the charm of this beach, making it a must-visit spot.
How To Reach: 8 kilometres away from the port of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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The beaches in India offer a unique experience for every traveller. From the laidback sunbathing to adventurous surfing, there’s something to cater to everyone’s interest. However, with so many different beaches available across the country, planning is key if you want to witness them in your future vacations. Let TripXL be your planning buddy. Avail the best deals and discounts as well.
Cover Photo: Aneesh Prabhu / Wikimedia Commons