Top beaches in India

With one of the world’s longest coastline at its disposal, India has incredibly scenic beaches that offer everything from solitude and sunbathing to parties and adventure. There are numerous beaches in India, entertaining Indian and foreign tourists since a long time. In fact there are some that are coming into the folds of tourism only now, making them virginal and green by all means. Here are the ones that you really shouldn’t miss out on.

A long stretch of white sandy beach running alongside the Malabar Coast—Kovalam beach has been Kerala’s most popular destination for years, and is one of the best Indian beaches. Located 16 km from Trivandrum, the beach is a union of three coves, namely the Hawa Beach, the Lighthouse beach and the Samudra Beach. Named after the lighthouse perched atop the Kurumkal Hill, the Lighthouse beach is the one most frequented by tourists. Herein you can enjoy some a quiet time with your friend s and family, while also engaging in some beach activities. A most definite beach of interest in Kerala, where there are numerous beaches scattered all along the coast.

Best time to visit – November to February

Top attractions nearby – Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Samudra Beach Park, Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium And Hatchery

Enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms in south Goa, Palolem Beach, known for its dolphin-spotting tours, is arguably the state’s most idyllic beach. Its southern end tends to be much busier while the northern stretch is comparatively quieter being surrounded by a picturesque island that you can walk out to during low tide. The Palolem Beach is one of the most interesting beaches, where numerous visitors go to, and of course it being Goa, its status is unparallel. One of the best beaches in India, this is sheer fun.

Best time to visit – June to September for the monsoon magic, or October to January for the maddening frenzy

Top attractions nearby – Cabo de Rama, Patnem Beach, Butterfly Beach

For those who like long sandy beaches packed with lively shacks and a party atmosphere, Baga beach in north Goa is the perfect destination. Water sports, para sailing, dolphin sightseeing, beach shacks, bars and clubs—you’ll find them all here! The crowd here is young and lively, the music loud, and the atmosphere runs from cheerful to crazy. One of the top beaches in India, this one is for all those who like to go wild, and have all the fun in the world. You can expect some really exciting attractions here. This is one beach that does not sleep!

Best time to visit – June to September for the monsoon magic, or October to January for the maddening frenzy

Top attractions nearby – Calangute Beach, Splashdown Waterpark, Anjuna Beach

Bestowed with the precious award of ‘Asia’s best beach’ by Time Magazine in 2004, Radhanagar beach is undoubtedly one of the most tranquil beaches of the Andaman Islands. Fine white sand and turquoise blue waters are the hallmark of this beautiful stretch and the beach, situated on Havelock Island, is most commonly known as Beach No 7. The beach is visited by tourists from India and abroad, and it is known for its stunning beauty. One of the best beaches in India, the Radhanagar Beach is where you can spend some quality time at peace. This is where you can indulge in some of the most exciting water sports and adventures.

Best time to visit – October to February

Top attractions nearby – Elephant Beach, Dive India, Kaala Pathar Beach

Lying along the edge of stunning cliffs, Varkala Beach is located an hour’s drive north of Trivandrum in Kerala. A haven for sun-bathing and swimming, the beach offers picturesque evening views that extend over the Arabian Sea. The beach is believed to have medicinal and curative properties and a dip in its waters is believed to purge the body of all impurities. One of the top beaches in India, this is for those who want to be amidst pristine nature, and enjoy the beauty of the waters. It is also known as Papanasham Beach, and is regularly visited by tourists from all over India.

Best time to visit – November to February

Top attractions nearby – Kappil Lake, Janardhan Swami Temple, Varkala Lighthouse

A long coastline and pristine clear waters make this beach ideal for a romantic escape. Located at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea, the Tarkarli beach is popular because of its clear waters, where on a fairly sunny day one can see the seabed up to a depth of 20 ft. One of the most interesting beaches in India, Tarkarli must be visited when you are in a need for some beach therapy.

Best time to visit – October to March

Top attractions nearby – Chivla Beach, and Sindhudurg Fort

Approached by a winding road that leads through a groove of cashew trees, Arambol beach is Goa’s hippy hangout in the northern part of the state. At a visible distance near the shore of the beach is a scenic freshwater pond which is perfect for swimming. Of course this being in Goa, you can expect it to be one of the best beaches in India where fun is guaranteed.

Best time to visit – November to March

Top attractions nearby – Harmal Beach, Arambol Mountain, and Yashwantgad Fort

A seemingly endless strip of sand, Varca beach is a quiet, calm and almost entirely hawker-free beach. Situated about 2 km from Benaulim, the beach is marked by a number of wooden boats, belonging to the fishermen of the city. Known to be one of the cleanest beaches in Goa, Varca makes it easy for visitors to spend some time on the beach in solitude. A perfect place to enjoy some of your most cherished moments with your close ones, this Indian beach is one of the finest of Goa.

Best time to visit – November to March

Top attractions nearby – Benaulim Beach

Little known Marari Beach, not far from Alleppey, is perfect for those wanting to explore the Kerala backwaters along with its many beaches. With golden sands and palm trees, the beach are great for sea surfing, water skiing, parasailing and deep-sea fishing. The name Marari originates from 'Mararikulum', a small and sleepy fishing village on the Arabian Sea coast. When you think of spending some quiet time, away from the maddening crowd, think Marari Beach. Add Kerala’s natural magic to it, and you get one of the top beaches in India.

Best time to visit – October to February

Top attractions nearby – Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and Ayurbhadra Ayurveda

About 180 km south of Kolkata, Mandarmani is a sleepy fishing village that is home to a heavenly beach stretching nearly 15 km, making it one of the longest drivable beaches in India. It is also one of the most unpolluted beaches in the country, and supports countless colonies of red sand bubbler crabs. A beautiful place for a weekend getaway Mandarmani Beach has recently gained much attraction from tourists, especially from West Bengal. It is definitely one of the best beaches in India.

Best time to visit – June to September for monsoon, or December to February

Top attractions nearby – The Delta, Digha Beach, Sankarpur Fishing Harbour

A turquoise-hued world of clear, warm seas and silver sand, the Bangaram Island Beach in Lakshwadeep is widely regarded as one of the top ten secret beaches in the world, where tourists are flown in by helicopters during the monsoon season. Silvery beaches and swaying coconut palms make Bangaram a heavenly escapade for travel enthusiasts. Adventure seekers can go diving, snorkelling, sailing and deep-sea fishing. Known to be one of the finest beaches in India, this is heaven on earth.

Best time to visit – October to March

Top attractions nearby – Agatti Island, Kavaratti Islands, Minicoy Islands, Amindivi Islands

If you miss the sun and sand of Goa, but not its festive frenzy, then Puri beach in Odisha is the perfect place to head to. Ideal for an intimate and tranquil getaway, Puri is also home to some of the most erotic heritage structures in the country. This is one of the most popular destinations of Odisha, and is a famous attraction for the people of West Bengal. One of the best Indian beaches, Puri is where you can spend languid days by the beach, and enjoy delicate seafood.

Best time to visit – November to February

Top attractions nearby – Jagannath
Temple, Chilka Lake, Konark Sun Temple