Best 9 Beaches in India
India is a country with a long coastline and is mostly surrounded by ocean. Because of this, the India has some incredibly scenic beaches that offer everything from a quiet relaxing getaway to music and good restaurants. The best beaches in India can be found on the west coast, particularly in Goa and Kerala.
Radhanagar Beach, Palolem Beach, and Kovalam Beach are some of the best beaches India has to offer. Visitors can do a variety of activities here including swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, yoga, and taking in the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Highlights
- Some beaches in India cater to people who want a relaxing and peaceful vacation while others cater to people in search of adventure.
- Goa and Kerala are the two places that have world-famous beaches such as Palolem and Kovalam Beaches.
- There are also beautiful beaches worth visiting outside Goa and Kerala such as Radhanagar and Tarkarli Beaches.
- Most Indian beaches are best visited from November to March when the monsoon season is over and the weather is cool and dry.
- Swimming, sunbathing, and surfing are some of the common activities to do on Agonda Beach, Tarkarli Beach, and Arambol Beach.
Beaches in India
Goa and Kerala are two places in India that are synonymous with beautiful beaches. The Palolem and Kovalam beaches are perfect for people who want to indulge in activities such as swimming and relaxing on the beach while taking in the ocean view.
But, there are also equally beautiful beaches outside of these two regions that are worth visiting, including Radhanagar and Tarkarli beaches.
Beaches in Goa
Located along the Konkan Coast, the tiny state of Goa is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches which all have beautiful sand and clear water including Palolem, Agonda, and Arambol.
Besides its beaches, Goa is also famous for its past as a Portuguese colony. When exploring the area you can still see beautiful churches and old colonial-style buildings. Goa’s food is also a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian flavors.
Often labeled as Goa’s finest beach, Palolem is a long semi-circle of soft sand surrounded by tall coconut palm trees. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at Palolem including taking beautiful walks along the length of the beach, getting an Ayurvedic massage, taking a yoga class, and going on a boat trip to see dolphins.
Hidden away from the busy beaches is the quiet and peaceful Agonda. Agonda Beach is the perfect place for those who want to relax in the sun all day without a care in the world. The tranquil environment of this beach makes it a nice place to meditate or take pictures of the local wildlife. Other activities offered here include dolphin watching, paragliding, and surfing.
Arambol is a beautiful and serene beach where you can enjoy activities such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and reiki, as well as water sports and dolphin sightseeing trips. The nightlife at this beach is more lowkey with rhythmic drum circles, live music, and jam sessions.
Beaches in Kerala
The stunning backwater villages and multiple spectacular beaches are the reason why Kerala has become such a popular travel destination. The most-visited beaches in this state include Varkala, Kovalam, and Bekal.
Bordered by a dramatic cliff on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, Varkala Beach is a relaxation haven and meditation spot that is speckled with small beach shacks and shops. Here, travelers can enjoy activities like windsurfing and parasailing. The beach is also renowned for its spa services, mineral springs, and Ayurvedic centers.
Kovalam is Kerala’s most popular and developed beach. It is divided into two main beaches, Eve"s Beach and the Lighthouse Beach, and is a popular surfing destination. At Kovalam, visitors can also enjoy activities such Ayurvedic massages and motorboat rides.
The clean and unspoiled beach of Bekal is one of the major tourist destinations in Kerala. It is the most serene beach in the state. When visiting here you will feel that you are surrounded by only the sand, sea, and swaying palm trees. Bekal Beach is also famous for having the largest fort in Kerala.
Other Beaches in India
Outside of Goa and Kerala, there are many equally beautiful beaches in India that are also worth visiting. Our favorites are Radhanagar and Tarkarli.
Radhanagar Beach lies on the south coast of Havelock Island in the Andaman Island archipelago. This beach is an unforgettable curve of white sand bordered by bright blue waters and a lush palm tree forest. Radhanagar was awarded Asia’s best beach and the world’s seventh-best beach by Time Magazine in 2007.
Tarkarli is a small stretch of beach located on the coast of Maharastra near Goa. This beach is famous for its surreal landscape with the Karli backwaters on one side and the turquoise blue sea on the other. Tarkarli is one of the finest white sand beaches in the entire stretch of Konkan.
Tarkarli is also a great place for scuba diving. Maharashtra’s Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports offers certified training courses near the Maharashtra Tourism Resort on Tarkarli Beach.
9 Best Beaches to Visit in India
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.
| Beach | Location | Features | Preference | Main Activities | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radhanagar | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Turquoise blue sea and white sand | For nature lovers wanting some peace | Swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, yoga, and sunset watching | November to April |
| Om Beach | Gokarna, Karnataka | Famously shaped like the Hindu religious symbol Om | Tourists wanting to relax and have fun | Boating, surfing, water-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides | November to April |
| Palolem | Canacona | Covered with pale golden sand and bordered by rows of palm trees | For those who are active and adventurous | Scuba diving, trekking, cruising in the backwaters, dolphin sighting, and canoeing | November to March |
| Agonda | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Covered with golden sand and bordered by palm and tropical pine trees. | For those looking to relax | Relaxing on the beach, swimming, walking, eating, and shopping | November to March |
| Radhanagar | Agonda, Goa | Turquoise blue sea and white sand | For nature lovers wanting some peace | Swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, yoga, and sunset watching | November to April |
| Varkala | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | A backdrop of crystal blue waters against the cliffs of Kerala | For tourists who want a peaceful vacation | Swimming, sunbathing, and sunset watching | December to March |
| Tarkarli | Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra | Long and pristine beach that is undeveloped and peaceful. | For people who are interested in scuba diving and snorkeling | Snorkeling, diving, jet ski rides, and parasailing | November to February |
| Kovalam | Kovalam, Kerala | Three crescent-shaped beaches separated by large stone outcroppings. | For people who are in search of tranquility, leisure, and sunbathing | Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body massages, and sailing | November to February |
| Auroville | Auroville Beach, Tamil Nadu | Clear blue waters and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. | For tourists who want a peaceful vacation | Swimming, surfing, and sunbathing | October to March |
| Arambol | Arambol Beach, Arambol, Goa | Long stretches of clean white sand, rolling hills, forests, and the Sweet Water Lake. | For those looking to relax and sunbathe | Dolphin watching, paragliding, and surfing | November to February |
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
Explore India’s Beaches with Asia Highlights
Want to spend a few days basking in the sun and relaxing on one of India’s beautiful beaches? At Asia Highlights, our experts can help you plan the perfect trip to India. Whether you want to visit temples and palaces, eat great food, relax on the beach, or all of the above we can arrange everything for you so that you can focus on making your trip memorable and leave the stress of planning to us.