The following list highlights some of the best beaches in India. So if you are in India, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Address – Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India
Google Maps Link – 11°59’03.2″N 92°57’08.8″E
Radhanagar Beach is located in Havelock Island. The bright white sand is contrasted by beautiful and restless waves, and the water is not too deep. There are no watersports available in Radhanagar Beach, which makes it the perfect beach for swimming, and it is never too crowded. There are no rocks on the sand, so you can enjoy a long walk or run. Amenities at the beach are very basic, so don’t be disappointed; however, it has been under remodeling so you will enjoy a better beach soon.
The Best Beaches in Andhra Pradesh
Ramakrishna Beach, Andhra Pradesh
Address – Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Google maps link – 17°42’49.8″N 83°19’23.7″E
Ramakrishna Beach is located in Andhra Pradesh, on the eastern coast of Southern India. With soft sand and stunning views, this popular beach is a great option to spend a fun day with family or friends. The water is rough, with big waves making it great for surfing but not very safe for swimming. This long beach is perfect for walking or jogging, with many interesting spots to visit nearby, like museums, an aquarium, and the Kali Temple. There are a few restaurants, cafes and stores in the city, as well as accommodation. Keep in mind that it can get busy during the afternoon, especially on the weekends.
The Best Beaches in Goa
Palolem Beach, Canacona
Address – Palolem Beach, Canacona, India
Google Maps Link – 15°00’40.0″N 74°01’18.7″E
Palolem Beach is located in Canacona. The sand is soft, the water is warm and calm, and even though it can be crowded, it is definitely worth visiting. Some beachfront restaurants offer delicious food, and bars around the beach have good music playing. Palolem Beach is mostly about the partying atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a livelier experience. The south part of the beach is a lot less crowded and the water is not deep; if you’re coming with kids, this part is ideal.
Agonda Beach, Goa
Address – Agonda Beach, Agonda, Goa 403702, India
Google maps link – 15°02’39.8″N 73°59’09.7″E
Agonda Beach is located in Agonda, South Goa, in Western India. Calm and extensive, this lovely beach is both sandy and rocky, offering dramatic views and a peaceful atmosphere. The water gets deep very quickly, and the strong currents are not safe to swim; however, you can rent kayaks and get boat rides to nearby beaches. In September, the beach is a nesting spot for olive ridley sea turtles, and you can see this unique creature all over the beach. There is a wide range of hotels along the beach, and restaurants in the center and left side of the beach. Even during the busiest days, the beach is extensive enough to allow space for everyone, and the atmosphere is always quiet and relaxing.
Arambol Beach, Goa
Address – Arambol Beach, Goa 403519, India
Google maps link – 15°41’05.5″N 73°42’12.2″E
Arambol Beach is located in North Goa, in Western India. This extensive, picturesque beach is both sandy and rocky, offering dramatic views and unique photo opportunities. The water is shallow and doesn’t get deep very quickly, with small waves making it safe for everyone to swim; for this reason, the beach is a favorite among families. You can find a few interesting places in the area, such as temples and stunning gardens. There are many restaurants, snack stores, and places to stay along the beach. It’s a popular touristy beach, and it can be busy on weekends.
Anjuna Beach, Goa
Address – Anjuna Beach, Goa 403509, India
Google maps link – 15°34’24.1″N 73°44’27.5″E
Anjuna Beach is located in Goa, in Western India. A beautiful stretch of soft sand and rocky areas, offering stunning views and activities for everyone to enjoy. The waves are strong, and so are the undercurrents, so this beach is not suitable for swimming; however, you can rent jet skis and try parasailing, or have fun on a banana boat ride. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars along the beach, as well as great places to stay. The beach is popular and usually busy during the afternoon, especially on weekends.
Baga Beach, Goa
Address – Baga Beach, Goa 403519, India
Google maps link – 15°33’19.2″N 73°45’05.3″E
Baga Beach is located in Goa, just south of Anjuna Beach, in Western India. This extensive, golden sandy beach is the perfect spot to spend a fun beach day with family or friends, with an active atmosphere and great music. The waves are great for swimming, and safe with lifeguards on duty. There are banana boat rides available, and you can try parasailing. You can find some restaurants, cafes and bars along the beach, and a many options for accommodation in the area. This is a popular beach among tourists and locals alike, and it tends to be busy during the afternoons, and crowded on weekends.
Colva Beach, Goa, India
Address – Colva Beach, Goa, India
Google maps link – 15°16’50.9″N 73°54’42.6″E
Colva Beach is located in South Goa, in Western India. With soft sand and stunning views, this calm beach is a great spot to relax and disconnect, admiring the sunset in a quiet atmosphere. The water is safe in the designated areas for swimming, and there are lifeguards on duty; you can also try water sports like parasailing and banana boat rides, or rent jet skis. There are many restaurants and bars in the area, as well as stores, resorts and hotels. It can be busy during the weekends, but the beach is usually serene and not crowded.
The Best Beaches in Gujarat
Somnath Beach, Somnath
Address – Somnath Beach, Near Access Road to Temple, Somnath, Gujarat 362268, India
Google maps link – 20°53’02.3″N 70°24’23.7″E
Somnath Beach is located in Gujarat, in Western India. This calm sandy beach is a great option to relax and disconnect from a busy life, with unforgettable sunsets and a serene atmosphere. The water is not suitable for swimming, but the expanse of soft sand is perfect for long walks and sunbathing; admiring the stunning views on a camel or horseback ride is a must. There are a few food stalls along the beach, offering different kinds of seafood, snacks and drinks. The beach is usually quiet and never gets crowded; however, it can be busy during the evening, when visitors arrive to admire the sunset.
The Best Beaches in Karnataka
Om Beach, Gokarna
Address – Om Beach, Gokarna, India
Google Maps Link – 14°31’09.7″N 74°19’23.6″E
Om Beach is located in Gokarna. This rocky beach is famous for having a characteristic Om shape (ॐ). To get the Om Beach all to yourself, arrive early in the day since it is not crowded at that time. You can enjoy water sports like jetski and banana rides; additionally, a ferry can take you to the nearby Moon Beach and Paradise Beach. There are not many restaurants in the area, but right at the entrance of the beach, you can find the Namaste Restaurant. You need to walk for some time before you reach Om Beach, but the trek is totally worth it. Be careful of sharp rocks.
Kapu Beach, Udupi
Address – Kapu Beach, Udupi, India
Google Maps Link – 13°13’24.0″N 74°44’15.4″E
Kapu Beach is located in Udupi. Coconut and eucalyptus trees embed the beach and make it look special. The Lighthouse is a highlight and a must-visit; from the top, you get fascinating views of the Arabian Sea. You can find many places to grab a snack and have tea as you admire the sunset. It can be a bit crowded around 6 PM since some people arrive at the beach merely for the beautiful sunset.
Gokarna Main Beach, Gokarna
Address – Gokarna Main Beach, Belehittal Rd, Dandebagh, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326, India
Google maps link – 14°32’40.0″N 74°18’49.4″E
Gokarna Main Beach is located in Karnataka, on the western coast of Southern India. Wide and extensive, this sandy beach is backdropped by verdant hills, with rocky areas offering a dramatic scenery and unique photo opportunities. The water is rather calm, crystal clear and safe for swimming. You can get camel rides along the beach, and admire the sunset. There are many restaurants, cafes, stores and resorts along the beach. It is usually calm and never gets overly crowded; the atmosphere is serene and perfect to relax, sunbathe and disconnect.
The Best Beaches in Kerala
Bekal Beach, Bekal
Address – Bekal Beach, Bekal, India
Google Maps Link – 12°24’00.6″N 75°01’38.7″E
Bekal Beach is located in Bekal. This lonely beach can have rough waves, especially at monsoon time, but it is still a nice and clean beach. The scenery is beautiful and you can admire it as you ride a camel or a horse cart. Even with the waves, it is a good beach to swim and perfect to enjoy with the family.
Varkala Beach, Kerala
Address – Varkala Beach, Kerala, India
Google maps link – 8°44’10.6″N 76°42’10.0″E
Varkala Beach is located in Kerala, on the western coast of Southern India. Soft sand stretches for as far as the eye can see in this lovely beach, where you can admire a unique view and relax in a peaceful atmosphere. The waves can be strong, but the beach is shallow for a few meters, making it safe to swim. There are a few restaurants and accommodation along the beach and in the town nearby, some with stunning views over the sea. Most visitors arrive in the evening, so the beach tends to get busier around this time; however, walking along the beach during sunset is worth it and makes you forget about the people.
Kovalam Beach, Kerala
Address – Kovalam Beach, Kovalam, Kerala 695527, India
Google maps link – 8°23’20.0″N 76°58’33.2″E
Kovalam Beach is located in Kerala, on the western coast of Southern India. With clean sand and stunning views, this picturesque beach is the perfect getaway, the palm trees along the sand giving off a paradisiacal feeling. The water is rather cool, and usually safe for swimming; during windy days, the waves are stronger and great for surfing. You can also enjoy a few other activities, such as paragliding or speed boating. To the south end of the beach, the lighthouse offers unique views and photo opportunities. There are seafood restaurants and hotels nearby. It tends to get busy in the afternoon, especially during weekends; visit early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowd.
Marari Beach, Kerala
Address – South.P.O, SH40, Mararikkulam,Mararikkulam, Cherthala, Kerala 688523, India
Google maps link – 9°36’01.8″N 76°17’54.0″E
Marari Beach is located in Kerala, on the western coast of Southern India. With soft white sand lined by palm trees, this lovely beach offers beautiful views everywhere you look, especially during sunset. Some days, the beach is great for swimming, but the waves are often strong. Marari Beach is a popular spot for photography, the scenery making it a favorite photo shoot site. There are many options to dine and stay along the beach. It is usually quiet here, but during the weekends the beach tends to get crowded; visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
The Best Beaches in Maharashtra
Tarkarli Beach, Malvan
Address – Tarkarli Beach, Malvan, India
Google Maps Link – 16°00’48.4″N 73°29’23.5″E
Tarkarli Beach is located in Malvan. It is a sandy beach, very clean and safe, but crowded most of the time. However, even though you won’t find solitude, Tarkarli Beach offers serenity, and you will surely feel relaxed. There are many water sports you can try out here, but Scuba Diving at Tarkarli is a favorite activity; it is very easy to learn and completely safe. There are some snacks and drinks shops scattered around. Keep in mind that there are no changing rooms available on the beach.
Ganpatipule Beach, Ganpatipule
Address – Ganpatipule Beach, Ganpatipule, India
Google maps link – 17°08’50.2″N 73°15’54.7″E
Ganpatipule Beach is located in Ganpatipule, Maharashtra, in Western India. This long stretch of white sand offers warm weather and activities for everyone to enjoy, making it a great spot for a fun beach day. The waves can be rough, not safe for everyone but great for strong swimmers; besides, you can try different water sports, rent jet skis and motor boats, get a camel ride along the beach and visit the Ganpatipule Temple. There is accommodation in the area, and food vendors offering snacks and refreshing drinks. The beach rarely gets busy, and the atmosphere is usually calm and relaxing.
The Best Beaches in Odisha
Golden Beach, Odisha
Address – Golden Beach, ସୁନାର ସମୁଦ୍ର, Odisha, India
Google Maps Link – 19°47’40.8″N 85°49’27.7″E
Golden Beach is located in Odisha. Also known as Puri Beach, this stretch of white sand is a top tourist attraction, but less crowded than one would expect. The beach is clean, and the tide is usually high; even though it is safe, don’t go too far into the sea. There are many stalls where you can get a variety of services and items, such as snacks and seafood, bags or clothing. Swimming is not very safe for kids, but pony rides are available.
Puri Beach, Odisha
Address – Puri Beach, Puri, Odisha 752002, India
Google maps link – 19°48’01.2″N 85°50’39.3″E
Puri Beach is located in Odisha, in Eastern India. Also known as Golden Beach, this extensive beach is a great place to disconnect from a busy life, a quiet getaway to sunbathe and relax. The waves are great for swimming, and the stretch of sand is perfect for walking or jogging; you can get camel or horseback rides. The golden sand is soft and great for sand art; you will surely find incredible sand sculptures along the beach. Both sunrise and sunset can be seen from the beach, offering stunning photo opportunities. There are a few seafood restaurants in the area, as well as a range of hotels. It is usually crowded during the weekend afternoons, especially Fridays and Saturdays.
Chandipur Beach, Odisha
Address – Chandipur Beach, Balasore, Odisha 756025, India
Google maps link – 21°27’07.6″N 87°02’26.6″E
Chandipur Beach is located in Odisha, in Eastern India. Small and cozy, this calm beach is a great option to get away from the crowds. In the morning, the beach is at low tide, the water is shallow and the sand extends for over 1 kilometer; by evening, the water covers most of the sand. You can walk along the beach, spot hidden sea creatures, and collect unique seashells. There are a couple of restaurants in the area and a few places to stay nearby. Most visitors arrive during the evening, so the beach can be busy around these hours.
The Best Beaches in Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram Beach, Tamil Nadu
Address – Mahabalipuram Beach, Tamil Nadu 603104, India
Google maps link – 12°36’40.4″N 80°11’48.0″E
Mahabalipuram Beach is located in Tamil Nadu, in Southern India. This unique, picturesque beach is extensive and calm, giving off a feeling of an unspoiled, natural beach and great views. The waves are strong and perfect for surfing, but still safe for swimming. There are many interesting spots and things to see in the area, such as temples, museums and monuments. You can find restaurants, places to stay and stores nearby. The beach is extensive enough for it to never feel crowded; however, it tends to be busy around weekend afternoons.
Auroville Beach, Tamil Nadu
Address – Auroville Beach, Tamil Nadu 605101, India
Google maps link – 11°59’11.5″N 79°50’57.1″E
Auroville Beach is located in Tamil Nadu, on the eastern coast of Southern India. This extensive and secluded sandy beach is the perfect getaway, a peaceful spot to relax and disconnect. The water is crystal clear with a beautiful blue color, with great waves for surfing and swimming. There are a few seafood restaurants at the beach, and you can find more restaurants and accommodation nearby. It is mostly frequented by locals, so the beach is well taken care of and only gets busy during the weekends.
Dhanushkodi Beach, Tamil Nadu
Address – Dhanushkodi Beach, Tamil Nadu, India
Google maps link – 9°12’57.9″N 79°21’21.8″E
Dhanushkodi Beach is located on the southern coast of Pamban Island, an island off the coast of Southern India. Soft sand stretches for 14 kilometers on this lovely beach, offering a narrow, extensive strip with a serene atmosphere and stunning views. The water has bright blue shade, with strong waves making it a perfect spot for surfing. There is accommodation and restaurants along the road. It can be busy during weekends; however, the beach is extensive enough to allow space for everyone, so it rarely feels crowded.
The Best Beaches in West Bengal
Mandarmani Beach, Mandarmani
Address – Mandarmani Beach, Mandarmani, India
Google Maps Link – 21°38’58.9″N 87°38’46.5″E
Mandarmani Beach is located in the Bay of Bengal, Mandarmani. This peaceful, remote beach is perfect for a long walk, especially with the low tide. During the high tide, you can enjoy different watersports, like surfing, jet skiing, banana rides, and even bungee trampoline. There are some beach shops, where you can get souvenirs and grab some fast food, tea, and coffee. Avoid staying at the beach until nightfall, since there is no electricity and the only light sources come from the beach shops.