Below we have listed the nine best beaches to visit in India. We consider these beaches to be the best because each one caters to different people who want different experiences during their beach vacation. Some of these beaches are perfect for people who want to relax in a peaceful and tranquil environment and some are great for active people who want to try out water sports such as snorkeling and surfing.
1. Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach is situated on Havelock Island which is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago. With its turquoise blue water and white sand, Radhanagar is the perfect spot to relax in the serene setting of island nature.
Radhanagar Beach is long and thin making it easy to find a quiet place away from others. This is perfect for nature lovers who want some peace.
Located near Radhanagar is South Button Island which is a famous scuba diving spot. Participating in a guided course is the best way to witness the dynamic marine life of mesmerizing Havelock Island.
Another great thing to do in the area is to go snorkeling at the nearby shores of Elephant Beach. While snorkeling, you can see the abundant coral and marine life in the crystal clear water.
November to April is the best time to visit Radhanagar Beach. You can reach it by boat from Port Blair which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Address: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Best time to visit: November to April
2. Om Beach
Om Beach is a wonderful beach located in Gokarna, Karnataka. The beach got its name because it resembles the Hindi word om. This beach is popular with travelers who want to relax and have fun.
On Om Beach, you can have a blast on the ocean’s thrashing waves by going tubing. No better way to have fun with your family than to sit on an inner tube attached to a speed boat which will pull you across the water and around the beach.
Om Beach is also a hot spot to see dolphins. The area offers guided tours that take travelers out to spot these magnificent creatures. This is a great way to get close enough to the dolphins to get good photos.
The best time to visit this beach is between November and April. Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport which is 238 km away from Gokarna. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach the beach.
Address: Gokarna, Karnataka
Best time to visit: November to April
3. Palolem Beach
One of the most scenic places in Goa, Palolem Beach is covered in pale gold sand that is bordered by rows of tall palm trees. This beach is also known for its beautiful crescent shape which makes it possible to see both the ends from the center point.
There is no better place to align the body and mind than in Palolem where you can attend a drop-in yoga class. Several resorts in the area offer morning and evening classes. One you should check out Arunachala’s Yoga Retreat.
The best time to visit Palolem Beach is from November to March. You can reach Palolem by taxi from Goa"s Dabolim Airport.
Address: Canacona, India
Best time to visit: November to March
4. Agonda Beach
Agonda is an isolated beach making it especially beautiful, quiet, and peaceful. This is a great place for people who want to get away from hectic city life. The beach is covered in golden sand and bordered by palm trees and tropical pines.
Many tourists visit Agonda at night to see the olive ridley sea turtles that use this beach as their nesting ground. When going turtle watching, be sure to keep your voices low and to not use any bright lights as this can make these endangered creatures uncomfortable or scare them away.
November to March is the best time to visit Agonda Beach. You can reach Agonda by taxi from Goa"s Dabolim Airport. The taxi ride will take around 1½ hours. Keep in mind that there is only one ATM in Agonda and it charges a 200 rupee transaction fee.
Address: Agonda, Goa
Best time to visit: November to March
5. Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach in Kerala is an ideal holiday destination for travelers who want a peaceful and relaxing vacation. With crystal blue waters on one side and the towering cliffs of Kerala on the other, this beach provides a beautiful and unique view for its visitors.
Varkala Beach is famous for its spa and traditional Ayurvedic centers that offer the best natural treatments and therapies. Hatha Yoga classes are popular at the Green Palace Hotel and you can experience Ayurvedic treatments at Absolute Ayurveda, Sanjeevani Ayurveda and Yoga Center, or the Ayushi Ayurvedic Retreat.
This beach is best visited between December and March when the weather is dry and sunny. You can reach Varkala by taxi from Trivandrum International Airport which will take around 1 hour.
Address: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Best time to visit: December to March
6. Tarkarli Beach
Known as the Queen Beach of Sindhudurg, Tarkarli Beach is the finest white-sand beach in the entire stretch of Konkan beaches. Tarkarli is a long and pristine beach, reminiscent of Goa decades ago when it was still undeveloped.
There are coral reefs that expand over almost the entire cost of Tarkarli. Because of this, scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the area’s main attractions. If you would like to experience it for yourself, you can try out a guided tour where you can enjoy the clear waters and unique marine life of the Arabian Sea.
The best months for snorkeling and diving are from November to February when the water is clearest. To reach Tarkarli you can take a taxi from Goa’s Dabolim Airport.
Address: Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra
Best time to visit: November to February
7. Kovalam Beach
As Kerala’s most famous and developed beach, Kovalam is one of the best places for people who are in search of a place to relax and sunbathe. Kovalam is a made of three crescent-shaped beaches that are all separated by large rocky outcroppings.
Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Ashoka Beach form the famous crescent of the Kovalam. Lighthouse Beach is the southmost beach and is most popular with travelers because it is not only beautiful but it also has the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse from which you can get a bird’s eye view of the sea and surrounding area.
November to February is the best time to visit Kovalam as the temperature is moderate and conducive for sightseeing and beach hopping. You can get to the beach by taking a taxi from the Trivandrum International Airport which is only 10 km away.
Address: Kovalam, Kerala 695527, India
Best time to visit: November to February
8. Auroville Beach
Auroville Beach is one of the most talked about tourist destinations in Pondicherry. Relatively undeveloped with no restaurants, shops, changing rooms, or parking spaces, at this beach you can relax and take in the clear blue waters and breathtaking sunsets.
Auroville Beach is popular with surfers, both beginners and professionals, who come here to hone their skills. If you are interested in trying to surf, then you can check out the Kallialay Surf School which offers various surfing packages, ranging from single lessons to comprehensive 15-day courses.
Auroville Beach is best visited between October and March. You can take a bus from Pondicherry to reach this beach. Because there are no restaurants or shops on the beach, it is a good idea to bring your own food and water.
Address: Auroville Beach, Tamil Nadu 605101
Best time to visit: October to March
9. Arambol Beach
Arambol beach is the last of the developed beaches in North Goa. It is also one of the cleanest beaches in the area. This beach is famous for its long stretches of clean white sand, rolling hills, palm forests, and the Sweet Water Lake.
Sweet Water Lake is a freshwater lake on the north side of Arambol that is fed by hot springs and is rich in minerals said to be beneficial for the skin. Behind the lake, there is also a dense forest with trails where you can take a long wal k as the atmosphere is cool and soothing.
November to February is the best time to visit Arambol because the temperatures are cool and there is almost no rain. Arambol is located just an hour’s drive from Goa’s Dabolim Airport.
Address: Arambol Beach, Arambol, Goa 403519
Best time to visit: November to February
