Combine the stunning sandy landscapes of India with local street food and culture, and you’ve got yourself the ideal destination for a beach holiday. You’ll fall in love with India’s beaches every hour of the day, from saluting the morning sun and soaking in sunsets to peaceful swims at dawn and silent discos after dark. India’s coastline is a treasure trove of small coves and seductive swimming spots. From the hippy hot spots of Goa to the luxury resorts of the Andaman Islands, we leave no grain of sand unturned in our ultimate guide to the best beaches in India.
Make the pilgrimage to Gokarna’s beaches
While Hindu devotees make the pilgrimage to Gokarna town, sun-worshippers flock to its beaches. If you like your beaches on the grid enough that you can get a post-swim mango lassi whenever you want, but off the grid enough that you don’t have to wait in line for it, then Gokarna’s beaches tick all the boxes. Set on Karnataka’s northern coastline, these honey-coloured beaches are fringed by forested headlands, providing prime pitching spots for that hammock you bought on day one of your travels. The waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and pondering over an early morning cinnamon pastry.
Our favourite stretch of sand is Kudle Beach. Like name, like nature — it’s warm and comforting. Kudle Beach isn’t far from Gokarna town, and you can get there by local bus or even by walking if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s more secluded than other beaches, and you can find great hikes along the coastal path leading down to unspoiled Half Moon Bay and Paradise Beach.
Get close to the gods on Puri Beach
Looking out over the Bay of Bengal on Odisha’s southeast coast, Puri is a pilgrimage spot for both Hindus visiting Shree Jagannath Temple and backpackers searching for solace. Thankfully, the wide stretch of sand is wide enough for everyone and their camels. If you want to explore quieter shores away from the main beach, Chandrabhaga to the north is a worthy option.
Throughout the year, Puri becomes a centre for celebration. Every November, locals and tourists come together to dance, play traditional sports like kabaddi, and build elaborate sand sculptures. Visit in July for Ratha Yatra, an annual chariot festival featuring massive religious idols on chariots pulled by thousands of devotees.
Salute the sunset at Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach should come with a warning – there’s a high chance you won’t pick up your backpack again after setting it down. Palolem is one of the sleepiest spots on Goa’s south coast, with calm waters and sunset yoga sessions. It even has a live music curfew at 10pm, but late-night revelers can join in a silent disco on the sand! If you can tear yourself away from your hammock, local cooking classes, organic farm tours, kayaking, and paddle boarding beckon.
Step into paradise at Radhanagar Beach
If you thought India didn’t have a tropical island paradise, think again. Radhanagar Beach in the Andaman Islands is as close to an envy-inducing postcard as you can get. Set on Havelock Island, it’s not enough to simply have a look; you need to breathe it in. Radhanagar is widely considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. Although its reputation pulls in the crowds, it’s not hard to find a bit of quiet as you walk away from the main entrance. Find shade on the fringes and settle in on its sugary sand for a beach day that is well worth the price of a ferry ticket.
Dive under the water at Tarkarli Beach
Tarkarli Beach in Maharashtra is a serene stretch of sand only a few hours from its busier Goa counterparts. The shallow, see-through sea is home to rare fish, which you might even see during a casual paddle. The area also offers banana boat rides, jet skis, and parasailing for reasonable rates. It’s a firm favourite with local weekenders and families looking to make the most of the calm knee-deep waters.
Catch surfers in action at Auroville Beach
One of the top spots in Pondicherry is Auroville Beach, a sunny hangout that locals lovingly refer to as Auro Beach. Lined with volcanic sands, these shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for paddling and watching surfers head out to the waves. The sunsets are incredible, something not lost on the local lighthouse, which never misses a good photo opportunity.
Enjoy city sands at Marina Beach
Marina Beach is the main stretch of sand in Chennai and one of the longest urban beaches in the world. At 13km (8 mi) long, it makes for a decent morning run. Swimming is prohibited because of the strong undercurrent, but you can cool off in the nearby swimming pools. Throughout the day, the city spills out onto the long stretch of sand. Street food vendors, cricketers, fortune tellers, kite flyers, and friends gather, many to watch the ethereal sunsets, some of the best on the coast.
Purify your body at Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is a peaceful retreat for backpackers and surfers in southern Kerala. Many believe that the waves and nearby springs have medicinal properties that rid the soul of sin, a great excuse to splash in the shallows. Explore the town, visit a local healer, or simply spend your time on the beach. The sea air is also known for its healing properties.
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Enter the backwaters off Alleppey Beach
Also known as Lighthouse Beach, Alleppey is another beauty spot in Kerala. Frequented by fishers who come to shore with the morning’s catch, it’s a good spot for a seafood picnic. It’s also a gateway to the beautiful green backwaters of Kerala, where you’ll find stunning birdlife and even more beaches tucked away from the waterways.
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Detox at Mandrem Beach
Like many of the more chilled spots in Goa, Mandrem Beach attracts the yoga crowd. And where there are namaste whisperers, there are healthy snack shacks and smoothie spots. It’s uncrowded, quiet, and good for swimming. If you’re coming from north Goa’s party beaches, Mandrem is the place to detox. You won’t hear a thing at night, apart from that voice inside saying, “This was a great choice.”
Find bliss on Minicoy Island Beach
Some 70km (43 mi) from the Maldives, Minicoy has everything you dream of in an island escape. With white-sand beaches fringed by coconut palms, bamboo huts dotted along the water, and crystal-clear turquoise ocean perfect for snorkeling, Minicoy Island Beach might be mini, but it’s got it all. It’s the southernmost islet in the Lakshadweep archipelago, so you need to fly to Agatti Island first, but it’s worth it. Just imagine waking up in paradise every day.
Look for wildlife at Agonda Beach
Hidden between Butterfly Beach and Cola Beach, Agonda is one of the best-kept secrets in South Goa. Agonda has plenty of palms to string your hammock between, and the wide stretch of sand is also home to colourful beach huts, good sunset-watching bars, and protected ridley sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins playing peek-a-boo on the horizon.
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