Beaches of India

Thousands of sun-deprived tourists visit India because it incredibly has the most diverse varieties of beaches anywhere in the world. Placid backwaters and lagoons, bays and rough lava-rocked seas, marine estuaries with fish, crashing surf, powdery golden sand or palm fringed shores - Incredible India has them all.
The West Coast with the Arabian Sea and the East Coast with the Bay of Bengal offer many a verdant vistas to the traveller. The coasts of India have their own seafood cuisine, relaxing spas, diving and water sports and great places to stay for a balmy holiday.
Kovalam undoubtedly is one of India's best sea resorts. The long coastline lined with swaying coconut palm trees dotted with an occasional fishing hamlet is fast developing into one of the world's finest string of beaches. The sea applauds the beach temple in Mahabalipuram, gloriously silhouetted against the spectrum of the seven colours in the sky. Puri, on the East Coast, is surely one of the world's most picturesque beaches. And then there is Digha, a three-hour drive out of Kolkata, a beautiful beach, splendid in its isolation.
The beach holiday to beat them all is in the Isles of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshwadeep, where you can see the myriad colours of the flashy fish in the coral reefs from above the green waters.
Now fully developed as an international beach resort, Goa offers the best holiday villages on its beaches. Everything about Goa is spellbinding from the landscape dotted with Portuguese architecture, to the way of life that exudes an irresistible Old World charm. Anjuna or Calangute Beach, and Miramar Bay in Panjim are quieter. Beach vendors sell all manner of kitsch in Anjuna and Calangute. You can rent beach mats and mattresses, sunglasses, and the usual tourist paraphernalia. You can even get all sorts of spaghetti, German bread and Italian food. The beach at Calangute is rocky. At Anjuna the waters are gentle and offer opportunities for boat rides, sea scooter rides, spot-the-dolphins rides, and motorboat rides. Colva and Benaulim are quieter and less crowded than Anjuna. The Fort Aguada beach offers gorgeous views that merit a visit. Sinquerim and Candolim are also quiet beaches that afford anonymity.
Whether it's the isolated horizons of the Konkan Coast or the Arabian Sea; the golden sands or the water drenched seashores, every beach in India makes a picture perfect holiday destination.
Beaches by state have been classified Above and brief descriptions are provided.

Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman & Nicobar the most unique Island state of India with beaches and coastal areas still untouched and unspoilt makes it an ideal beach holiday destination. Even if there aren't many beach resorts present on these tropical islands, still the climate and isolation has given these islands a prominence among the best tropical beach islands and a paradise of exquisite marine life.

Corbyn's Cove And Chirya Tapu - picturesque beach, ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking.

Radhnagar & Vijaynagar Beach - real exposures of unpolluted nature of Andman & Nicobar Islands for an environment lover.

Harminder Bay Beach - beautiful beaches 100-km from Port Blair connected by Inter Island shipping services.

Karmatang Beach - turtle nesting ground being developed as tourist complex in northern part of Middle Andaman

Ramnagar Beach - sandy beach situated at Diglipur Islands connected by two daily boat services from Mayabunder and from Port Blair twice a week.

Beaches in Andhra Pradesh

With nearly 1000-kms of naturally enriched coastline, out of the twenty-three districts of Andhra Pradesh, eight are have direct access to the sea. The beaches of Andhra's coast are pure, unspoiled and ideal for a beach holiday. The sands soaked with golden sunshine are ideal for travellers seeking a healthy tan in the most natural surroundings.

Bheemunipatnam Beach - matchless for its beauty, safest beach sites in Andhra Pradesh state, finest sea resorts of India, known as Bheemli.

Ramakrishna Beach - very picturesque site contrast from the busy city life of Vishakhaptnam.

Manginapudi Beach - must visit place with some of the most mesmerizing scenic sites, a historic port city, popular health resort, ideal picnic spot in Andhra Pradesh.

Mypad Beach - one of the most luring sites for beach lovers.

Rishikonda Beach - golden, unspoilt beach ideal for water sports lovers, especially swimmers, water skiers, and wind surfers.

Vodarevu Beach - a nice weekend hideout in tranquil settings.

Beaches in Daman and Diu

Devka Beach : A sandy, shady & rocky beach.

Jampore Beach : The picturesque shores of the Jampore beach in Moti Daman are situated at the southernmost point of the district.

Diu Beach - 125 kms from Junagadh, Portuguese colonial period architecture, churches, public buildings, bungalows, clean wide roads, neat clean beaches etc.

Family Beaches of India

Planning on taking that long delayed family vacation, then take your family to the fun filled site - a beach. Beach is the spot to look forward to if you want a family get together. Beaches provide a nice change from the hectic everyday life and if you are looking for a change, then hop on to the nearest beach site with your family and catch up with the lost time.
Some of the best beach resort options include Juhu, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beaches in Mumbai. Popular as snack joints and hangout zones of Mumbai, these beach sites provide best options for evening walks on the soft sand of the sea. Kovalam Beach in Kerala provides a refreshing change from the other over crowded beach sites of India. Kovalam stands apart from the rest of the Indian beaches because of its lavish green landscape and the coconut trees along the coast. A great feast for the eyes!
With beautiful blue waters Marine and Elliot's Beaches provide a pleasant sightseeing experience to visitors and the pony rides will always delight the kids. Muttukadu is an ideal picnic spot because of its beach. Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation runs a Boat House at Muttukadu, where facilities for boating and wind surfing are available for the pleasure of beach buffs.
Puri, and Konark Beaches in Orissa also make perfect beach destination for some exciting family vacation. The tourist inflow on these beach sites still mainly includes pilgrims, besides being important temple sites of India, the waters of these beaches are prefect whether you want to take a holy dip or go for a swim.
Among the beach areas of Andhra Pradesh, the Vishakhapatnam beaches are the beat known for its picturesque natural environs and long beach stretches. The Ramakrishna Beach and the Lawson's Bay are foremost places for fun and relaxation one looks for at a beach site. Near Vishakhapatnam is Bheemunipatnam, one of the safest beaches on this part of the East Coast.

Other Family Beaches:
Juhu Beach, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Marine Drive/Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Marina Beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Gopalpur-On-Sea, Orissa
Chandipur Beach, Orissa
Puri Beach, Orissa
Konark Beach, Orissa
Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Beaches in Goa

The world famous beaches of Goa are the highlights of travel in this state, making Goa the premier beach vacation destination. The first beach stop over in Goa is Anjuna beach also famous for its flea market and rave parties, then the Baga and Dona Paula beaches that can make any beach holiday a memorable one. 100-km long coastline gives an enthusiastic beach lover an opportunity to discover new secluded beach sites every day.

Anjuna Beach - fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties, 8 km west of Mapusa, most "alternative", the dancing and lying on the beach, famous flea market.

Baga Beach - watch the sun go down in isolation, 10-km west of Mapusa, basically an extension of Calangute wooded headland.

Dona Paula - fine view of the Marmagao Harbour nestled on the south side of the headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, former fishing village, today's commercialised beach resort, idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe.

Calangute Beach - Goa's busiest and most commercialised resort. During the 70's and 80's this peaceful fishing village became the favourite haunt of the hippies.

Benaulim Beach - sea is safe for swimming generally jellyfish-free, village area near beach side boasts a few serviceable bars and restaurants, various culinary delights of the seafood, most succulent, competitively priced seafood in Goa.

Cavelosim Beach - last major settlement in southwest Salcete, visit to Mabor, South Goa largest, and most obtrusive, package tourist enclave.

Chapora Beach - a lot busier than most north coast villages, dependent on fishing and boat building, many regular cafes and restaurants

Condolim Beach - good options to stay offering better value, a good first stop to head North.

Bogmolo Beach - a small-scale beach resort, reasonably safer site for swimming, quite good eating joints and shopping options.

Miramar Beach - just 3-km away from the capital city of Panjim.

Pololem Beach - a favourite beach destination, crescent shaped bay, swaying curtain of coconut palms, irresistibly photogenic, beautiful beach huts.

Vagator Beach - cool rural area, no big shopping complexes.

Varca Beach - community of Christian fisher folk, palm thatched long houses, grassy dunes.

Beaches in Gujarat

The best way to start touring the beach journey of Gujarat is from the nearby island destination of Diu. Diu has got a laid back atmosphere and is blessed some of the most scenic beaches of situated on the west coast of India. Gujarat also boasts with the longest coastline of India, with a stretch of the 1600-kms.

Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach - lazing in the beach, swimming, or enjoying water sports, lovely blue waters, lots of bird life, sandy beaches and colourful fishing hamlets.

Beyt Dwarka - a popular pilgrimage centre, always thronged with pilgrims and tourists, some fine stretches of beach, shore birds gather in large numbers along the coast at dusk.

Somnath & Veraval Beach - famous temple and busy port town and fishing centre

Chorwad - a small fishing village and a delightful beach with its resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat, perfect for long beach walks.

Gopnath Beach - summer home of Maharaja Krishna Kumar Singhji of Bhavnagar, favourite beach site of Gujarat, breathtakingly beautiful sea coast, spectacular limestone cliffs, great views, sea breezes and colourful bird life.

Beaches in Karnataka

The coastline of Karnataka throws open to the visitors a picture perfect world of fascinating palm-fringed beaches. The 320-kms long coastline offers a perfect excuse for those who are looking for a vacation from their busy work schedule. The scenery and unspoilt charm of the beach areas make Karnataka beaches a must visit beach holiday destinations.

Karwar Beach - gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand, and calm, peaceful alleys..

Malpe Beach - popular picnic spot, pristine beauty and peaceful surrounding of its virgin beach, the St Mary's Island close by.

Maravanthe Beach - unique seaside town of Karnataka, a promising site for water sports and holidaying.

Bhatkal Beach - shimmering sea and rolling hills, favourite tourist spot, gorgeous temple perched on a hillock by the shore.

Murudeshwar Beach - some beautiful carvings and statues.

Beaches in Kerala

Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting!

Kovalam Beach - small village along the shoreline, fabulous beaches, most popular is the Lighthouse Beach, the northern most Samudra beach, least affected.

Marari Beach - one of the local fishing villages, completely new to the holidaymaker, endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory, local charm and traditional Kerala

Kumarakom Beach - cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Birds include Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian storks. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip.

Alappuzha Beach - a popular hangout and relaxation spot, around 140 years old pier that extends in to the sea, lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland.

Beypore Beach - prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, also known for its ancient ship building industry.

Varkala Beach - the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, mineral water springs with medicinal properties, also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Fort Kochi Beach - historic fort, leisurely walk through the lanes of the city to learn about eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it.

Kappad Beach in Kerala - Vasco da Gama landed on its shores on 27th May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. A pillar with inscription "Vasco Da Gama landed here, Kappakkadavau in the year 1498" stands on the beach. The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea.

Dharmadam Island - beautiful beach island, coconut palms, green bushes, breathtaking sight. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

Ezhimala Beach - a picturesque site with a hilly backdrop, carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills, famous for medicinal herbs.

Mopila Bay - natural fishing harbour with quite a modernised fishing harbour look, built with assistance under the Indo-Norwegian pact, ruined fort and temple.

Muzhappilangad Beach - one of the longest beaches in Kerala, also the only drive-in beach in India.

Pathiramanal Beach - island beach on the Backwaters, a favourite natural hub of hundreds of rare migratory birds that reside over here from different parts of the land.

Payyambalam Beach - beautiful beach sites, surfing in calm and peaceful waters.

Sankhumugham Beach - breathtaking sunset, a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.

Tanur Beach - coastal fishing town believed to be visited by Francis Xavier in the year 1546 AD.

Thangassery Beach - a seaside village of historic importance, ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.

Thirumullavaram Beach - beautiful beach filled with coconut palms, ideal for an early morning walk.

Lakshadweep Islands

Lakshadweep Islands is known as the ultimate exotic diving location. 36 islands scattered like emerald green jewels in a sea popularly known as the Lakshadweep Island Group are also called "the Laccadives". They are located 400-kms away from the state of Kerala on the Indian mainland.
The beaches of Lakshadweep are a paradise for divers, but out of Lakshadweep's 36 Arabian Sea coral islands and islets, ten islands are inhabited, and just two, Bangaram and Kadmat, are open to visitors.
The most romantic feature of an island beach is the quiet and uninhabited atmosphere and that's where the beaches of Lakshadweep come into the picture. The palm-fringed beaches of Lakshadweep provide coolness even at in the hottest summer months, making this island region as a destination that can be travelled throughout the year.
Water Sports At Lakshadweep
Snorkelling in the shallow water around Bangaram Island is one of the favourite water sport activities of Lakshadweep beaches. There are dive centres on both the open islands. Wind surfing and Kayaking are the best day out water sport activities at the Bangaram Island.
Marine Life In Lakshadweep
With 36 coral islands, Lakshadweep's marine life is the most unique and distinctive island treasure found in India. The lagoons located at the Kadmat and Bangaram islands are home to a spectacular and unexplored world of marine life. Popularly known as the diver's haunt, the pure exotic beauty of soft and hard coral of Lakshadweep islands provides an invitation to this island beach paradise.
The Shell Treasure Of Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep Islands present a unique combination of wilderness experience on both land and sea. Beside the marine life, the one thing that can lure to the tropical beach island destination of Lakshadweep are the shells that are as exquisite and beautiful as the island itself. So how about choosing these islands as your next beach travel destination!

Beaches in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is another coastal state of India with a good number of seaside resorts and beach resorts. If one has a special interest in forts and their history, check out the costal fort sites of Maharashtra, the perfect place to start on an enlightening heritage tour.

Juhu Beach - one of the largest and frequently visited tourist beaches of India on the shores of Arabian Sea, mostly famous as the best hangout zone of Mumbai city, famous Mumbai Bhelpuri and Kulfi.

Marine Drive - Chowpatty Beach - situated in the heart of Mumbai, rich historical link with the freedom movement, the spot where Lord Ganesha's images are immersed after the conclusion of the Ganesha Chaturthi festival.

Madh Island Beach - a popular picnic spot, dotted with exquisite bungalows and an urban aura, the most lavish beach parties held outside Mumbai.

Marve-Manori-Gorai - three beautiful and serene getaways. Marve is a quaint little fishing village, the nearest and the quietest of the three. Gorai and Manori, a little further away popular for all night beach parties.

Ganapatipule Beach - a beach with a religious flavour, one of the 'Ashta Ganapati' pilgrimage sites of India.

Murud - Janjira - a convenient base for the nearby beaches, former capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, popular for its alluring and spacious beach fringed with palm trees, two new beach sites of Kashid and Nandgaon nearby.

Baseein - served as an important shipbuilding center, the site of the Portuguese defeat at the hands of the Marathas, a similar backdrop to that of Goa, one of the best choices to take some time off from the hectic schedule of city life.

Dahanu-Bordi Beaches - a beautiful seaside in Thane district, vast stretch of unspoilt beach, coastline 17-km long, Chickoo (fruit) orchids.

Harnai Beach - A very secluded beach site usually the most visited hotspot for the people of Mumbai and Pune.

Kihim & Mandwa - a beautiful and clean beach, unspoilt and isolated ambience.

Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg - once naval-bases of the Great Chattrapati Shivaji, picturesque beaches, Vijayadurg fort built by Shivaji in the 17th century.

Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar - an irresistible beach site blessed with gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters, attracts beach lovers in large numbers, a splendid place for seafood lovers

Tarkarli - a secluded golden beach with aquamarine waters.

Velneshwar - beach is clean and natural and is lined with coconut trees, swimming and other water sports, beach is free from rocks.

Vengurla - Malvan - a beach famous for its long stretch of shimmering sand, thick cashew, coconut, and jackfruit and mango groves, Vengurla rocks, known as Burnt Islands.

Beaches in Orissa

The long coastal belt of Orissa offers some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. The Puri beach is the main venue for countless pilgrims, and makes one of the major religiously sacred beach side spots of India. The seaside beach resort of Chandipur is another favourite seaside holiday hideout among beach lovers. Gopalpur-On-Sea, an ancient seaport, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches one should definitely visit, when taking touring Orissa's beaches.

Gopalpur On Sea - a favourite spot for sea and water sport lovers, golden beach, an ideal place to swim or laze around.

Chandipur Beach- famous beach resort, a unique sea beach, seawater recedes 5-kms during low tide

Konark Beach - world famous site of the most exquisite Sun temple,

Paradeep Beach - major seaport of India's trade activities, fine sea, evergreen forests, a huge estuary of the Mahanadi with islands and creeks, a good marine drive and beach, famous for its temple site of Lord Baladeva.

Puri Beach - one of the three major spots of the Orissa Golden Triangle, one of the four major holy places in India. Located on the shores of Bay of Bengal it is one of the finest beaches in the world.

Balighai Beach - casuarinas-fringed beach, tranquil atmosphere, Sea Turtle Research Centre.

Talasari - 8-km from Digha (in West Bengal) is the tranquil beach at Talasari.

Beaches in Pondicherry

The beaches offer miles of nirvana in Pondicherry to all those in seach. Cool and soothing waters, clear and sparkling sands in splendid seclusion. Many resorts, cottages, cafes and bars command an excellent view of the sea.

Serenity Beach - virgin sands, ideal for a quick dip, a touch of the sun and a cool reprieve in the shade.

Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach) - a stretch of tropical paradise, a relishing experience of the great outdoors, short, pleasant cruise into the sea, memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around.

Karaikal Beach - magnificent view of sun rise over the bay, Arasalar river reaching out to the sea, canoe or kayak in picture-book surroundings, a round of beach volley ball, armed with the angling gear, you can reel in a surprise.

Mahe Beach - luxuriant crop of tall palm, dotted with numerous fishing hamlets.

Shell Beaches in India

The entire coastline of Andhra Pradesh is a good place for a shell collector's exploration tour, starting from Bheemunipatnam near Vishakhapatnam down to Mypad In Nellore District.
Situated 8-kms away from Vizag is another golden, unspoilt beach, Rishikonda, which attract tourists to visit its picturesque beach surroundings and make most of their beach holiday. The beaches of Pondicherry also provide a virgin setting; the golden yellow sand of the beach area is unpolluted, making this place and noteworthy pleasure and relaxation spot.
Mangalore's two beaches Taneerbhavi and Panambhoor are a delight to visit, or check out the coastal pilgrimage beach centres of Ganapatipulle in Maharashtra. One is rewarded with a varied choice of shells over here. Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat has some fine stretches of beach, though crowded by pilgrims; you can always find a quiet spot to relax.
Malpe in Karnataka is another coastal pilgrimage beach centres with a sheltered harbour making it a quiet beach retreat, just 6-kms away from Udupi, the temple town, renowned for a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna. Close to Malpe is Ullal, yet another beach resort, the silvery beaches of which command breathtaking views of the sunset, especially, when viewed through the Casuarina groves. Marwanthe beach is a very family kind of beach where one can come to in the evenings to just relax and let the smooth breeze caress you and tease your hair.
Still, the foremost shell collector's destinations are the islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar. The natural beauty has stayed unspoiled, as each island and beaches of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar has existed since time immemorial, with little influence from the outside world.

Other Shell Beaches:
- Calangute Beach, Goa
- Beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Beaches Of Lakshadweep Islands
- Diu Beach, Gujarat
- Benaulim Beach, Goa
- Ganapatipule, Maharahstra
- Bheemunipatnam Beach, Andhra Pradesh
- Malpe Beach, Karnataka

Beaches in Tamil Nadu

The beaches of Tamil Nadu, the southern most state of India have got a charm of their own. A must visit is the second longest beach in the world, Marina Beach. Do not miss the fantastic joyride along vast stretches of sand lashed by the Bay of Bengal. Once the place of relaxation and sun bathing, Elliot's Beach is now a favourite shooting location for Tamil movies in Chennai. Your beach vacation is South India won't be complete without visiting the beaches of Tamil Nadu; India's last coastal destination for rides on motorized boat or wind surfing.

Marina Beach, Chennai - one of the longest beaches in Asia, a major crowd puller, golden sand, good surfing opportunities, shimmering clear blue seawater.

Mahabalipuram Beach - primitive times port city located south of Chennai, stone carvings, caves Rock cut temples attract tourist from all over the world.

Rameshwaram Beach - one of the most popular pilgrimage centres of South India, serene beach, shallow waters, ideal site for swimming and sunbathing.

Kanyakumari Beach - The India's Land end, a unique beach site, three seas Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea surround it, breathtaking view of the sunrise and the sunset.

Covelong Beach - salubrious beach, nice breathing space, numerous fishing activities.