Posted 01 September 2022 in Beach Holiday

Top Twenty idyllic destinations in India to enjoy a wonderful beachy vacation

Blessed with some of the most picturesque beaches in the world, the Indian coastline is incredibly long and stretches over 7,500 km. With the mesmerising views of golden sands, turquoise blue water, clear blue sky and crashing waves, a beach vacation is indeed a period of bliss and solace. From collecting shells at the beachside, clicking memorable pictures of the sun painting the sky in different hues, indulging in thrilling water activities, basking in the sun to savouring finger-licking seafood, the Indian beaches have a lot in store for all sorts of travellers.

No matter any beach you choose to explore in India, each one of them is sure to provide you with the best moments to look back upon. Now, wondering which ones to tick off first? Well, then here is a comprehensive guide to tell you all about the most popular beaches in India. Any beach destination you pick, Goa, Kochi, Orissa, Gokarna, Andaman, Lakshadweep or even others from the following list, you are sure to get captivated with the astounding beauty of Indian beaches. So, go explore and satiate the travel junkie in you.

List of 20 popular beach destinations in India

To let you plan your next beach vacay, this insightful list can be of a lot of help. Browse through the list and let us know where you wanna travel and the rest is on us.

1. Goa

Go Goa and let go of all your worries! This party capital of India has a host of beaches and has visitors from all over the world. More than anything else, it is the friendly and cheerful atmosphere of Goa that lets visitors fall in love with it over and over. Offering vibrant and enthusiastic nightlife for party lovers, hippie cafes for foodies and the thrill of water activities for adventure lovers, visitors are sure to go back from here with a bagful of memories.

Best beaches to visit: Baga Beach, Candolim Beach, Anjuna Beach, Colva Beach
Nearest airport: Goa International Airport

2. Puducherry

Renowned as the erstwhile French colony, Pondicherry or Puducherry is one of the best destinations to relax and unwind. The Portuguese-styled architecture of the place speaks a lot about the bygone era and of course, the beaches are the top highlights in Pondicherry. From Karaikal Beach to Quiet Beach, the list of beaches in Pondicherry is long. So, for a perfect beachy vacation, head out to Pondicherry without further pondering.

Best beaches to visit:Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, Rock Beach
Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport

3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Dotted with picturesque beaches that offer splendid views of shimmering and turquoise blue water, Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the best for enjoying a secluded holiday. This Indian archipelago is home to some of the best beaches in the world, Radhanagar Beach being one of them. The place remains jam-packed with tourists throughout the year. Do not miss the chance to relish delicious seafood such as prawn curry, fish fry and grilled lobster while you are here.

Best beaches to visit: Radhanagar Beach, Corbyn’s Cove, Elephant Beach
Nearest airport: Port Blair Airport

4. Gokarna

For a laid-back and very promising holiday, there’s no other place like Gokarna. Located in Karnataka, Gokarna is an ideal getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This tiny and picturesque destination situated just 170 km from Goa is not only famous for its beaches but also for housing the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple. To add more memories, also interact with the locals of the place to gain insights about this religious cum beachy destination.

Best beaches to visit: Om Beach, Paradise Beach
Nearest airport: Dabolim Airport

5. Alleppey

Think of pristine beaches, coconut trees, people clad in colourful clothes, the serenity that fills the air and you will be reminded of Alleppey’s beaches. The best part about the beaches in Alleppey is that they are not always crowded and are thus a good place to seek peace and meditate. The Alleppey Beach here is fringed with palm trees and offers magnificent views of nature’s bounty.

Best beaches to visit: Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Thumpoly Beach
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport

6. Puri

Although Puri in Orissa is most famous for its Jagannath Temple, the region is equally defined by its beaches, especially the spectacular Puri Beach. The beaches in Orissa on a whole are sought-after not only by solo travellers and couples but even a preferred choice for family getaways too. So, travel to the land of spirituality to seek both blessings and have an awesome beach vacation with your loved ones.

Best beaches to visit: Puri Beach, Aryapalli Beach, Baliharachandi Beach
Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Airport

7. Mumbai

What are you first reminded of when thinking about Mumbai - Juhu Beach, but what about the other beaches? Yes, you got us right, there are abundant beaches in Mumbai that offer tourists the chance to indulge in memorable shopping and gastronomical experiences. So, do not forget to savour the staple delicacies of the place such as vada pav, bhel puri, etc. Not just this, the iconic views of sunrise and sunset are truly a sight to behold for all.

Best beaches to visit: Juhu Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, Versova Beach
Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

8. Daman and Diu

What more can avid travellers ask for, when the sun-kissed beaches in Daman and Diu have everything to offer. The beaches in Daman and Diu are laced with palm trees and marvellous in their aesthetic appeals. Apart from beaches in Daman and Diu, you can also explore the ancient churches, museums and buildings that date back to the times of the colonial era.

Best beaches to visit: Jalandhar Beach, Devka Beach, Nagoa Beach
Nearest airport: Surat International Airport

9. Lakshadweep Islands

Looking for more recommended destinations to enjoy beach vacations in India? Hold on, here is another one for you and that is none other than Lakshadweep Islands. Bestowed with the best of beaches of India, the Lakshadweep island has the majestic Arabian Sea on its neighbouring side. A few of the beaches to explore in Lakshadweep Islands are Kavaratti Beach, Minicoy Beach, Kadmat Beach, Kalpeni Beach and the list does not end here. All of these sun-kissed beaches are sure to blow away your senses with their phenomenal beauty.

Best beaches to visit: Amini Beach, Agatti Beach, Kavaratti Beach
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport

10. Kochi

Hailed as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Kochi (formerly Cochin) is yet another one on our list of beach destinations in India. For its astounding beauty and historical significance, Fort Kochi Beach is a standout of all the beaches in Kochi. Visitors enjoy the fun of fishing activity at the beaches in Kochi and to top it all it is the local seafood of the place that garners a lot of attention.

Best beaches to visit: Fort Kochi Beach, Munambam Beach, Cherai Beach
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport

11. Alibaug

Studded with a plethora of breathtaking beaches, Alibaug nestled in Maharashtra is a sought-after getaway for many Mumbaikars. Sometimes the place is also called the “Goa of Maharashtra”. Tourists enjoy lazing around the beaches in Alibaug and capturing the alluring views of waves crashing and the sun painting the sky in different colours in their camera lens. The Nagaon Beach in Alibaug is ideal for all those who want to experience the thrill of jet skiing.

Best beaches to visit: Kasim Beach, Rewas Beach, Varsoli Beach, Saswane Beach
Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

12. Mahabalipuram

Widely famous for its rock caves and ancient temples, there is something else too in Mahabalipuram that is special for travellers. Yes, you guessed it right, it is the beaches! The expansive coastline of Mahabalipuram makes it blessed with a few beaches that are mesmerising in different manners. Be it the fun of collecting shells from the beaches or witnessing fishermen catching fishes in their nets, everything seems surreal and special when you set your foot at the awe-inspiring beaches of Mahabalipuram.

Best beaches to visit: Mahabalipuram Beach, Wide Beach, Covelong Beach
Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport

13. Ganpatipule

Another coastal town and beach destination in Maharashtra is Ganpatipule which is no less than a heaven for beach lovers. Dotted with red sand and lagoons of crystal clear water, the beaches of Ganpatipule are a perfect respite from chaotic everyday life. Just sit back and listen to the serene music of crashing waves or read your favourite book by the beachside to spend some memorable moments. Apart from beaches, also make sure to visit the century-old Swaymbhu Ganesha Temple.

Best beaches to visit: Arey Ware Beach, Ganpatipule Beach, Advika Beach
Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

14. Visakhapatnam

Get your dose of vitamin D at the sun-kissed beaches of Visakhapatnam or Vizag famed as the ‘Jewel of the East Coast’. The views of boats scattered here and there along with clear blue sky and the towering trees covering the coastline makes it a splendid destination. Beyond the pristine beaches of Visakhapatnam, also gather insights about the maritime history or relish the local delicacies of the place.

Best beaches to visit: Bheemili Beach, Rama Krishna Beach, Sagar Nagar Beach
Nearest airport: Visakhapatnam Airport

15. Karwar

Talking about beach destinations in India and not mentioning Karwar would be unfair, so why not discuss it too. Karwar in Southern India is a must-visit for beach lovers and travel freaks alike. From Binaga Beach to Rabindranath Tagore Beach, the list of beaches in Karwar is not short. However, just keep in mind to explore these beaches from October to February to avoid intense heat and sunburn.

Best beaches to visit: Devbagh Beach, Majali Beach
Nearest airport: Dabolim Airport

16. Chennai

Not to miss out is enumerating about the spectacular beaches of Chennai. Blessed with an expansive coastline, the beaches in Chennai are the major tourist attractions. Dotted with a lush-green landscape, Chennai beaches are truly a heaven for nature admirers. Chennai is also home to India’s largest and world’s second-largest beach - Marina Beach. Also, savour the staple food of the place - idli sambar and masala dosa for a delectable foodie time.

Best beaches to visit: Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach, Santhome Beach
Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport

17. Kolkata

The cultural hub and erstwhile capital of India, Kolkata is way more than boasting of colonial buildings. This buzzing metropolis has notable beaches such as Sagar Beach, Kiran Sea Beach, Digha Beach and more where tourists can easily sync with nature. The luxurious resorts that are located close to the beaches of Kolkata further accentuate its visibility.

Best beaches to visit: Digha Beach, Shankarpur Beach, Mandarmani Beach
Nearest airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport

18. Rameshwaram

The iconic city, Rameshwaram in South India is a pilgrim cum coastal destination that attracts herds of tourists from all over. Surrounded by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, the beaches of Rameshwaram Beach are alluring for many reasons. If you are lucky, then you can also catch a glimpse of migratory birds such as seagulls, flamingos, etc at these beaches in Rameshwaram.

Best beaches to visit: Olaikuda Beach, Pamban Beach, Ariyaman Beach
Nearest airport: Madurai Airport

19. Mangalore

Gentle waves crashing your way, coconut trees offering the best views and golden sands engulfing the beach makes for a perfect description of the beaches in Mangalore. The green environs coupled with the calm atmosphere is what makes the beaches of Mangalore a perfect fit for beach lovers. At one of the beaches of Mangalore - Tannirbhavi Beach, you can also have the chance to experience a delectable seafood dinner.

Best beaches to visit: Panambur Beach, Tannirbhavi Beach, Ullal Beach
Nearest airport: Mangalore International Airport

20. Kovalam

Let's end this list of beach destinations in India by highlighting the jaw-dropping beaches of Kovalam. Like all the other beach destinations in Kerala, this one too remains frequented by tourists. The name of the place itself means ‘grove of coconut trees’ which means the beauty of coconut trees will surprise you at the beaches in Kovalam. The praise-worthy beaches of Kovalam such as Samudra Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Chowara Beach, etc are not much crowded and thus ideal for enjoying a romantic break with your beloved too.

Best beaches to visit: Samudra Beach, Grove Beach, Hawa Beach
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport

With so many alluring beaches in India itself, why travel far to international beach destinations. So, get in touch with us to help you out in sorting all the travel-related hassles and welcome your next beach vacay.