Top Beaches in India

1)      RADHANAGAR BEACH, ANDAMAN

Tucked away in scenic Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach is an acclaimed beach of the Andaman archipelago. It is a pristine white sand beach, surrounded by tropical forests. From the shore, it gives splendid views of the turquoise Andaman sea.

This beach is perfect for swimming and lazing in the sun. It also offers trekking opportunities for adventure seekers. Starting from Radhanagar Beach, the scenic trail takes to Elephant Beach where it ends.

The beach has a stunning view of the sunset. So, if you are around during sunset, don’t miss this magical moment.

It has won the accolade of Asia’s best beach by Time Magazine in 2004. Tripadvisor has also awarded this beach with the 2019 Travellers’ Choice Award. With so many recognitions, it truly deserves to be on the list of best beaches in India.

 

2) BAGA BEACH, NORTH GOA

Well-known for its scenic coastline, attractive shacks and the most-happening night life, Baga Beach is an iconic beach in North Goa. It lies roughly 20 km away from Panjim, the capital city of Goa.

A day trip to this beach essentially means unlimited fun in the sun and sea along with exciting water activities and relishing some seafood delicacies.

Jet ski, banana ride, bumper ride and parasailing are some of the popular water sports you can enjoy at this beach.

As the evening approaches, the beach shacks are aesthetically decorated with artificial lights to draw visitors. Titos and Cafe Mambos, North Goa’s popular party destinations, are also located in the vicinity.

 

3) OM BEACH, KARNATAKA

In the temple town of Gokarna on the western coast, lies one of the most famous beaches in India, Om Beach. The beach derives its name from the Om shape it resembles. The word Om is considered a sacred symbol in Hinduism.

It is largely a sandy beach with rocky spurs at a few spots. Encompassed by eye-pleasing greenery, the beach offers spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and lush surroundings. Trek up to the Om Beach Viewpoint to witness the om shape in one frame.

4) MARINA BEACH, CHENNAI

Tucked in the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai’s Marina Beach is the largest beach in India. This 12 km long sandy beach is a prized possession of Chennai city.

It is one of the prime tourist spots in the city and packs a wallop in terms of things to do and see.

Take a gentle stroll on the beach to experience its vastness. Indulge in some shopping at the beachside stalls selling ethnic jewelry and handicraft items.

5) PALOLEM BEACH, SOUTH GOA

Imagine a gust of cool breeze and soft sands, complimented by fascinating surroundings and peaceful vibes. Palolem Beach offers a perfect retreat in South Goa, away from the bustle of North Goa. It is a crescent shaped beach lined with swaying palm trees.

Swimming, sun bathing and water adventures are some of the major activities at Palolem. You can also go on a fishing trip here. Local fishermen rent their boat for fishing. There are plenty of beach shacks on the shore that serve luscious Goan food.

6) TARKARLI BEACH, MAHARASHTRA

Tarkarli, a coastal village in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, hosts the sprawling Tarkarli Beach. It is nestled at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. The beach is famed for its expansive shoreline and well-preserved marine ecosystem.

It offers excellent opportunities for underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Enjoy exploring the pristine marine reserves of Tarkarli up close.

7) LIGHTHOUSE BEACH, KERALA

Nestled on the tropical Malabar Coast, Lighthouse Beach is a charming white sand beach in Kovalam. It gets its name from Vizhinjam Lighthouse which is situated on the southernmost end of this beach.

You can go to the top of the lighthouse through a spiral staircase. A lift is also available for those who don’t want to take stairs. The Lighthouse viewpoint offers astounding views of the coastline and the azure water sea.

Kovalam Beach is safe for swimming with alert lifeguards on duty. Swimmers can rent sun loungers at very nominal cost.

 

8) VARKALA BEACH, KERALA

Surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs and lush greenery, Varkala Beach lies in Thiruvananthapuram district on the southernmost coast of Kerala.

It is a gorgeous silvery sand beach with tranquil vibes. Natural spring and the ancient Janardhanaswamy Temple are some of the major attractions here.

The mineral rich waters of the natural spring is believed to have curative properties. According to local beliefs, a dip in the sacred waters of this beach cleanses one’s body and soul.

9) GOKARNA

With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coast of Karwar, every year Gokarna welcomes hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation. The out-of-town beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town.

Palm clad beaches are dotted with foreign tourists in a majority and very few Indians are seen across. Gokarna is not very conventionally touristy.

10) JUHU BEACH, MUMBAI

In the middle of the chaos of the buzzing city of Mumbai, lies the much popular Juhu beach. Arguably one of the most popular beaches of Maharashtra, Juhu does not delight with its sand or surf. With the constant hum drum of hawkers selling typical Indian street snacks to the hordes of people that visit it, Juhu beach will surely astonish you. This is quintessentially Indian in its offering and tourist friendly too. Visit for the experience and not for sun, surf or sand.