Need a break from the daily traffic and stressful work days? Dreaming of sunsets on seashores?
Desperately looking for a cut-off from the virtual world?
We scoured the internet for top beach destinations, spoke to 35 regular beach travelers on social media groups, researched on flight statistics, hotel ratings, and ratings of restaurants in each destination to come up with a list of the top 10 beaches in India.
Look no more!
We have compiled just the perfect list of 10 beach destinations in India for you!
Be it a weekend getaway with your friends or a quick honeymoon with your partner, or a family get together somewhere in the lap of nature, this list will not fail to impress you!
Here are 10 beach destinations in India that will rock your world!
A combination of perfect beach getaways full of nature, adventure, relaxing or just crazy partying!
Read on, decide, and get packing for a beachful vacation!
Table of Contents
Candolim Beach in Calangute, North Goa
The golden shimmering sand, lined with amazing shacks offering authentic Goan cuisine and drinks, is why Candolim is a must! With the Aguada fort overlooking the sea and the beach, it is known for its unspoiled scenic beauty and calm and composed atmosphere.
Special Tip – Do not miss the exquisite nightlife and the famous pubs here, which were popularized by the very famous band, The Beatles. Even though the beach water is clean, the rough tides and strong waves makes Candolim tough for swimming.
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport; 37 kms away from Candolim
Best suited for: Party and fun loving couples, families
Attractions in Candolim and Calangute: Clubs, restaurants serving Goan food, parasailing and water-scooter rides, Sunburn festival in December
Best time to visit Candolim and Calangute: October to March
The white sand, palm trees, shacks, with scenic rocks and an island off its shore, collectively make this destination a peaceful location.
Special Tip – Spend time meditating, or relaxing in the sun, go dolphin spotting, or just take a stroll on shore, watching the sunset with your special someone. Beaches here are tranquil with clean water, but the water here is not ideal for swimming.
Nearest Airport: Dabolim International Airport; 65 kms away from Agonda
Best suited for: Couples looking for relaxation
Attractions in Agonda & Palolem: Spa, night clubs, dolphin spotting, scuba diving and snorkeling, Water activities such as swimming, sunbathing, boat tours.
Best time to visit Agonda & Palolem: November to April
Anjuna – Baga, North Goa
This happening destination is famous for its nightlife, beach shacks, karaoke, mouth watering seafood delicacies and chilled beer. The gently swaying palm trees, a vast expanse of sand, with an unusual rock formation, makes this place a combination of beauty and liveliness.
Special Tip – Do not miss titos lane, where food and drinks are ever flowing, music to rock your soul and the beats to dance non-stop. All this with a view of paper lanterns crashing upon the beach right outside. Clear and clean water, but unsafe for a swim.
Nearest Airport: Dabolim International Airport; 23 kms away from Anjuna
Best suited for: Party and fun loving group of friends
Attractions in Anjuna & Baga: Watersports, dolphin cruises, windsurfing, salt bath, wild rave parties, flea markets offering funky jewelry
Best time to visit Anjuna & Baga: November to February
Famously known as the ‘Black Sea’ for its glossy black sand, this beach is popular among water sports enthusiasts. This beach is bordered by Ratnadurg Fort to its west and the Arabian Sea to its south.
Special Tip – The sight of the sunset over its crystal clear blue water gives a splendid view. The beach is white and firm, the water is blue and clean, making Mandavi a perfect fit for swimming.
Nearest Airport: Ratnagiri Airport; 3 kms away from Mandavi Beach
Best suited for: Couples and friends looking for a place to cool off
Attractions in Mandavi: Forts, temples, water activities like diving, skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, water boat rides.
Best time to visit Mandavi: October to March
Daman & Diu, Gujarat
An exploratory destination with attractions like colonial forts, renowned churches, with the added advantage of picturesque sun-bathed beaches, popular for its silver sand and pleasant weather. The rich heritage and culture here offers very lively festive days.
Special Tip – Gujarat being a dry state, Daman is the only place where alcohol is sold legally, and that too at cheap rates! The beach water is not only super clean, but also safe for swimming.
Nearest Airport: Mumbai; 193 kms away from Daman & Diu
Best suited for: Group of friends and couples looking for partying or relaxing
Attractions in Daman & Diu: Nani Daman Fort, Diu Museum, Lighthouse, Jampore Beach
Best time to visit Daman & Diu: November to February
The most action packed beach, Kovalam in Kerala is a popular surfing destination with its golden crescent shaped sand, and the swaying palm trees along its coastline.
Special Tip – The crystal clear water is ideal for swimming; but only in the safe zones. Kovalam beach is a trifecta of the plains, the hills, and the beaches that culminate at world’s edge. Rent a car, drive south if you’re looking for a view from the hills, drive north if you enjoy the endless straight drives of the plains, and head west if you want to get your feet wet!
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport; 15kms away from Kovalam
Best suited for: Couples or group of friends looking for a relaxing time together
Attractions in Kovalam: Lighthouse beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra beach and Neyyar Dam. Surfing, wooden/motor boat ride, sunbathing, snorkelling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach.
Best time to visit Kovalam: November to March
Kochi, Kerala
An ideal location for relaxing, with coconut trees, lush green bushes and softly lashing seawaters. The tranquil beach offers an environment to cuddle with your loved one.
Special Tip – Bask in the sun peacefully with the locals and other tourists. The beach water is clean and clear, also safe for swimming.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport; 39 kms away from Kochi
Best suited for: Couples, friends and families looking for a place to relax and calm down
Attractions in Kochi: Santa Cruz Basilica, Veegaland Amusement Park, St. Francis Church
The beaches here have turquoise blue waters that are cool, refreshing and soothing, which makes this destination an ideal place to relax and enjoy with your loved ones. Here is a perfect blend of French and South Indian culture, not too salty not too sweet, with the ever interesting heritage architecture!
Special Tip – Catch hold of the Veerampattinam Festival and Masi Magam Festival. The beach is less crowded and has clean water, also safe for swimming.
Nearest Airport : Chennai International Airport; 146 kms away from Pondicherry
Best suited for : Couples, families looking for a place to relax and enjoy
Attractions in Pondicherry: Old lighthouse, Gandhi Statue, French War Memorial, Kali Temple, Water activities like sunbathing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and sailing
Best time to visit Pondicherry: November to February
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
This destination is known as the shore of ‘Glorious Dawns and Dusks’ for its enticing view of the sunrise and the sunset. The sight of multi-colored sand is a view to die for. Make full use of the beach as it is both a holiday stop, as well as a religious destination.
Special Tip – Do not miss “Triveni Sangamam” – intersection of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. The beach water is clean and clear; swimmers can go quite some way in the sea.
Nearest Airport : Trivandrum International Airport; 97 kms away from Kanyakumari
Best suited for : Couples, families looking for a place to relax and ease out
Attractions in Kanyakumari : Lighthouse, Gandhi Museum, Kanyakumari Temple, Vattakottai Fort, Vivekananda Memorial Rock
Best time to visit Kanyakumari: October to March
Puri, Orissa
This destination is a combination of a clean and quiet place for sunbathing, along with countless devotees taking a dip to pay homage to Lord Jagannath. Do not miss the striking sunrise and the sunset.
Special Tip – The annual beach festival taking place in November, and the renowned sand sculptures. Puri is the only beach in India to host a surfing festival. The beach water is clean, with peaceful waves; a little above average swimmers will find this place safe.
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport; 61 kms away from Puri
Best suited for: Families looking for a relaxing time
Attractions in Puri: Rath Yatra, Konark Sun Temple, Pilgrimage, nature walk, boating, fishing, scuba diving, surfing, swimming
There are two distinct groups of individuals who visit islands. The first category comprises those who visit beaches and islands for recreational activities and water sports. The second group includes those who prefer to relax on the beach, lounge in hammocks, and immerse themselves in the peaceful tranquility of the blue waters. But whichever kind you may be, you cannot deny that commercial beach...