Just like the culture, every beach in India is unique and colorful in its own way. Vibrant and full of life, the beaches and the state they are in are very evident by the activities and the surroundings they offer. Beaches in India are tagged with unique and fun activities. Whether it is just chilling with a beer, kayaking, SUP, surfing or even trying a particular seafood dish, every beach offers something exciting apart from the different shades of the clear blue waters. No beach is alike here, which is why we suggest you lengthen your list of beaches to visit in India.
1. Varkala, Kerala
Opposite a cliff, Varkala’s popular North Cliff area has beautiful waves great for surfing, lazing around or for getting a gorgeous tan. The cliff’s helipad is a great spot to take off for paragliding with Varkala’s winds cradling you to show around. The restaurants along the edge of the cliff serve great summer drinks, fresh seafood and a variety of snacks if you’re in the mood for exploring the cuisine of the south Indian state of Kerala. A traditional Kerala Ayurvedic message just has to go on your list, you can thank us later!
Varkala
Address: 695141 Varkala, Kerala
Website: Varkala
2. Goa
The party capital of India, Goa’s Portugal influence definitely sets it apart from the rest of the country. Where life is relaxed, everyone smiles and really knows how to party and celebrate, this tiny state has a list of adventures and must-dos. From snorkeling and parasailing to surfing and kayaking, Goa is also the place to be for a luxurious getaway, vacationing on the edge of an infinity pool or at one of the best hotels in the country. Apart from all that, make sure you check out the flea markets, Goan churches, cuisine and their wonderful dances and culture, truly as vibrant as the beach life there.
Goa
Address: Panjim, Goa
Website: Goa
3. Alappuzha (or Alleppey), Kerala
Called the ‘Venice of the East,’ Alappuzha/Alleppey has some of the finest backwater alleys in India. The grids of canals and network of waterways make way for Kerala’s traditional boathouses. Though ‘beach life’ may seem very different here, living in a boathouse, the amazing south Indian hospitality and the clear and pristine backwaters laced with coconut grooves are some of the reasons you may want to adapt. An experience like no other, Alleppey will show you a different perspective.
Allepy
Address: 688001 Alappuzha, Kerala
Website: Alappuzha
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4. Pondicherry
A French colony before independence, Pondicherry is another beach city in India that shows you a unique and vibrant side of India. Pristine beaches on the east coast and the Indo-French way of life might make it difficult for you to stop vacationing here! More than chilling at the beach, you might enjoy meditating at Auroville, a spiritual international community, or just cycle through the paved no-vehicle streets.
Pondicherry has so much to offer from luxury to paths of self-discovery. It is best if you pack your bags, head there, and see what grabs your attentions and explore it. Sound like a plan?
Pondicherry
Website: Pondicherry
5. Gokarna, Karnataka
Located in the southern state of Karnataka, Gokarna is a temple town that is known for Lord Shiva’s shrine. Legend has it that Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, was given the Atmalinga (an iconic representation of Lord Shiva) by the lord himself and was told it would stay permanently wherever placed. When Ravana had to perform some rituals, he asked a small boy, who happened to be Lord Ganesha, to hold on to it till he returns.
Lord Ganesha keeps it on the ground and the Linga adheres. An angry Ravana, in a fit of rage, tries to detach it from the ground but fails miserably leaving behind only half of the linga on the ground while the other half flew to another location. This part of the linga is now a pilgrimage. On the other side of this temple town are beautiful trails and four majestic beaches: Om, Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise. Sketch out a trail map with the help of the locals or a map and plan your beach hike: the best thing, in our opinion, Gokarna has to offer!
Gokarna, Karnataka
Website: Gokarna, Karnataka
6. Kovalam, Kerala
India’s answer to a beach paradise, Kovalam once was a quaint little fishing village but once spotted, it grew to be a hub for luxury resorts and retreats. It now competes with Varkala to be one of the most happening beaches on the west coast. With a surf club on its shores, challenging waves to tame and roads by the Kovalam shore, this place sounds like sirens to all adventurers and bikers.
Kovalam
Website: Kovalam
7. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Declared a World UNESCO Heritage Site, you will probably have more fun exploring the rich history of Mahabalipuram than experiencing the water along the shore. Mahabalipuram, a seaport during the time of Ptolemy and Periplus, was also a port city of the Pallavas, a kingdom in southern India during the 7th century. The shore temple complex and stone sanctuaries narrate stories of Indian mythology from the Ramayana to Mahabharata carved onto the exterior walls, each one more intricate than the other. With a local guide, the stories are sure to amaze you and you will for sure appreciate this wondrous contribution of the Pallava dynasty.
Mahabalipuram
Website: Mahabalipuram
8. Andaman Islands
On the east side of the Indian coast, opposite Lakshadweep, nestled in the Indian Ocean, lies the Andaman Islands. An archipelago with some of the best beaches in India, Andaman just has to be on your bucket list to witness its diversity in culture, food, views, flora, and fauna. Some of the beaches on this list include Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Islands, Bharatpur, and Seethapur Beach in Neil Island. These picturesque beaches are like your own private swimming pools where you can swim as long as you want. Andaman also houses some of the best aquatic life with exquisite dive sites and spots for snorkeling, some of the best in India.
Andaman Islands
Website: Andaman Islands
9. Puri, Odisha
One of the most scared beaches in the country, Puri beach is located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and draws hundreds and thousands of devotees to the Puri Jagannath temple. With camels lazing on the shore and temple bells ringing loud from across the city, this beach resonates everything cultural here. The annual Puri Beach festival is a must visit for its brilliant displays of sand art. The best talent from across the globe gathers to display larger than life sand sculptures depicting a current event or delivering a message. You have to be there to view the grandeur of these sculptures!
Puri, Odisha
Address: Puri District, Bay of Bengal
Website: Puri, Odisha
10. Ramakrishna Beach, Vishakapatnam
The capital Andhra Pradesh, Vishakapatnam opens up to the Bay of Bengal hosting several beaches along the shore. The Ramakrishna Beach, the most popular one in the area has promenades with sculptures and statues that really liven up the beach. Though not a great place to swim, the beach is a great evening hangout to grab a bite of Andhra street food or to watch the crowds enjoy the waves. Bheemunipatnam Beach is a close second for its giant statue of the Buddha and the century-old church that beckons to be explored.
Ramakrishna Beach, Vishakapatnam
Website: Ramakrishna Beach, Vishakapatnam
11. Malvan, Maharashtra
Another treasured diving spot, Malvan’s seabed is an exquisite place and diving under the warm waters will be an absolute pleasure! Located in Maharashtra, Malvan Beach’s most treasured monument has to be the 17th-century Sindhudurg Fort. Surrounded by water on all sides, this fort will make you ponder how the engineers and laborers completed this project without heavy machinery. Well, it took two-and-half years, but the place now has three sweet water wells. You will be bewildered yet blown away by this structure!
Malvan, Maharashtra
Address: Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra
Website: Malvan, Maharashtra
12. Lakshadweep, off the coast of Kerala
Lakshadweep translated in Sanskrit (India’s oldest language) means “one hundred thousand islands.” A tropical paradise, Lakshadweep has half a dozen islands that beckon exploration. Each one unique and beautiful, the islands you have to visit are Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, and Amini.
Clear blue waters, swaying coconut trees, white sand and the perfect kiss of the sun make this a tropical paradise of Asia! With a lot of history, from the sixth century BC, the medieval period during the Chola period (another Indian dynasty), and the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century until it was declared as a union territory, any history buff will love exploring this island. For those who seek adventure, the ocean is always calling!
Lakshadweep
Website: Lakshadweep
That's variety!
Whether you want to witness a traditional ceremony or just relax by the beach, India has it all! Truly unique, truly cultural!
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