Beach Towns
Beaches
Somewhere to base yourself for a week rather than a single stretch of sand.
97 places
Lakshadweep
Agatti Island
The gateway to Lakshadweep with its own airport, Agatti is ringed by a vivid turquoise lagoon and coral reefs, with snorkelling, diving and lagoon kayaking run from the island. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Goa
Agonda Beach
A long, quiet South Goa beach favoured for its calm, clean sands, turtle nesting, yoga retreats and a quieter alternative to the north. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach
A tranquil stretch near Diu featuring clear waters and soft sand. It is a hub for water sports like jet-skiing, speed boating, and parasailing.
Maharashtra
Aksa Beach
Located in the western suburbs of Malad in Mumbai, Aksa Beach sits along the city's northern coast overlooking the Arabian Sea, roughly 30 km from South Mumbai. Aksa is one of the cleanest and most visually scenic beaches within Mumbai city limits. Fringed by coconut palms and INS Hamla defense grounds, it preserves an open, breezy landscape compared to urban beaches.
Kerala
Alappuzha Beach
Famous for: Historic pier, Lighthouse, Sunset. Nearby: Alleppey Backwaters, Houseboats.
Maharashtra
Alibaug Beaches
Located right in the heart of Alibaug town, this historic beach sits just 95 km from Mumbai by road, or a quick 45-minute ferry ride from Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty. Alibaug Beach is famous for its dark magnetic sand and its direct views of the offshore Kolaba Fort. During low tide, the ocean waters recede completely, allowing visitors to walk or take horse-carts across the wet sea bed to the fort.
Kerala
Andhakaranazhi Beach
Known for: Bridge, fishing harbour and peaceful sunsets.
Maharashtra
Anjarle Beach
Situated near Dapoli in Ratnagiri district, Anjarle is located about 230 km south of Mumbai near the estuary of the Jog River. Anjarle is a pristine white-sand beach backed by thick palms and casuarina trees. It is famous for the hilltop Kadiyavancha Ganpati Temple located nearby, which offers an unbelievable panoramic aerial view of the beach curve and river estuary.
Goa
Anjuna Beach
A North Goa icon of the hippie era, Anjuna is famous for its rocky-edged golden sands, the legendary Wednesday flea market, trance parties and cliffside cafes. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Goa
Arambol Beach
The northernmost backpacker hub of Goa, Arambol is loved for its bohemian community, drum circles, paragliding, a sweet-water lagoon and live-music cafes. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Azhikode Beach
Known for: Beautiful estuary.
Lakshadweep
Bangaram Island
A teardrop-shaped, uninhabited resort island in Lakshadweep, Bangaram is famed for crystal lagoons, untouched white sand and exceptional diving and snorkelling. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Bekal Beach
Set beside the massive seafront Bekal Fort in north Kerala, this beach pairs dramatic history with quiet sands and is famous from the song 'Tu Hi Re'. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Beypore Beach
Famous for traditional Uru shipbuilding.
Gujarat
Beyt Dwarka Beach
Situated on Beyt Dwarka island, accessible via boat or the Sudarshan Setu bridge. It features shallow coral reefs, white sand, and marine life.
Goa
Butterfly Beach
A secluded crescent cove in South Goa reachable by boat or a forest trail, named for the butterflies that gather here and known for dolphin sightings. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Odisha
Chandrabhaga Beach (Konark)
A clean Blue-Flag beach beside the Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga is known for sunrises, the annual sand-art festival and its religious significance. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Chavakkad Beach
Near Guruvayur Temple.
Kerala
Cherai Beach
On Vypin Island near Kochi, Cherai is a long golden beach where the sea meets backwaters, known for dolphin sightings, calm swimming and seafood. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Odisha
Chilika & Rambha Coast
Where Asia's largest brackish lagoon, Chilika, meets the sea, this coast is famed for Irrawaddy dolphins, vast migratory birdlife and empty island beaches. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Chorwad Beach
A rocky coastal retreat that once served as the summer residence of the Nawab of Junagadh, featuring the historic Darya Mahal palace.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Corbyn's Cove (Port Blair)
The closest beach to Port Blair, Corbyn's Cove is a coconut-palm-fringed crescent popular for a quick swim, water sports and easy island access. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Tamil Nadu
Covelong (Kovalam) Beach
A former fishing village turned surf town on the East Coast Road near Chennai, Covelong is South India's surfing hub with a laid-back beach-resort scene. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Dandi Beach
A historic black-sand beach where Mahatma Gandhi concluded the famous 1930 Salt March, complete with a national memorial museum.
Maharashtra
Devbagh & Tarkarli Sangam
Near Malvan, the Devbagh sandbar where the Karli River meets the sea has scuba diving, dolphin trips and the clearest water on the Konkan. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Tamil Nadu
Dhanushkodi (Rameswaram)
At India's southeastern tip, Dhanushkodi is a hauntingly beautiful ghost-town beach on a thin sandbar where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean, near sacred Rameswaram. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Dharmadam Beach
Highlights: Small island visible from shore.
Maharashtra
Diveagar Beach
Located in Raigad district, Diveagar is a serene coastal village approximately 170 km from Mumbai and 160 km from Pune. The beach stretches over 5 kilometers along an uncrowded coastal belt. Diveagar is distinguished by its remarkably flat, hard-packed shoreline lined with betel nut orchards and coconut palm farms. It is famous for its peaceful village vibe, abundant migratory seagull flocks in winter, and the local Suvarna Ganesh temple.
Gujarat
Dumas Beach
Famous for dark black sand, local legends, and street food stalls serving Surati snacks like bhajiya and sweet corn.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Elephant Beach (Havelock)
Reached by boat or a jungle trail on Swaraj Dweep, Elephant Beach is the Andamans' top spot for snorkelling, scuba diving and shallow-water coral. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Fort Kochi Beach
Highlights: Chinese Fishing Nets, Colonial heritage, Street food, Art cafés.
Goa
Galgibaga (Turtle) Beach
One of South Goa's quietest beaches, Galgibaga is a protected olive ridley turtle nesting site with casuarina-lined sands and almost no development. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Maharashtra
Ganpatipule Beach
Located along the Konkan coast in Ratnagiri district, Ganpatipule is situated about 330 km south of Mumbai and 25 km from Ratnagiri city. The beach is nestled at the foot of lush green hills, creating a scenic curve along the sea. The defining unique feature of this beach is the 400-year-old Swayambhu (self-manifested) Ganpati Temple situated directly on the white sand shore. Uniquely, the temple deity faces west toward the ocean, making it a sacred site where pilgrims traditional take a dip in the sea before offering prayers.
Daman & Diu
Ghoghla Beach
A clean, quiet Blue Flag beach on the Gujarat border offering gentle waves, golden sand, and parasailing.
Goa
Goa
Goa, India's smallest state on the western Konkan coast, pairs golden Arabian Sea beaches with a relaxed Indo-Portuguese culture. From the lively sands and nightlife of the north to the quieter palm-fringed south, plus whitewashed churches, spice plantations, fresh seafood and easygoing susegad charm, it remains India's favourite beach getaway.
Karnataka
Gokarna
Gokarna is a unique coastal beach town in the Uttara Kannada district of northern Karnataka. Traditionally functioning as a vital, ancient temple pilgrimage city centered around the historic Mahabaleshwar Temple, it has evolved over recent decades into a bohemian backpacker hub. The distinct geography is characterized by rugged green rocky hills of the Western Ghats that crash directly down into the sandy shores of the Arabian Sea. The town features a unique layout split by topology: the historic old city core houses ancient brick temples and traditional Sanskrit learning centers, while a short hike across the rugged green cliffs reveals a series of five isolated, crescent-shaped sandy bays - Kudle, Om, Half Moon, Paradise, and Gokarna Beach. These beaches are populated by rustic bamboo yoga shacks, independent seafood cafes, and quiet beach camping grounds.
Maharashtra
Guhagar Beach
Tucked between the Vashishti River and Jaigad Creek in Ratnagiri district, Guhagar is a broad coastal town situated about 290 km south of Mumbai. Guhagar boasts one of the longest, cleanest, and most unbroken white-sand stretches in Maharashtra, extending over 6 kilometers. The shoreline is backed by thick mango orchards, coconut plantations, and historic Konkani ancestral homes.
Maharashtra
Harihareshwar Beach
Positioned in the southern corner of Raigad district, Harihareshwar lies about 200 km south of Mumbai. The beach is surrounded by four sacred hills—Harihareshwar, Harshinagiri, Bramhagiri, and Kalagiri—where the Savitri River flows into the sea. Often called 'Dakshin Kashi', the beach features dramatic geological rock structures carved out by ocean tides over centuries. A natural rock-cut cliff path allows visitors to perform a scenic coastal walk behind the ancient Lord Shiva temple.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, is the most popular island in the Andamans and a tropical dream for young travellers — home to the famous Radhanagar Beach, scuba diving and powdery white sand. It blends beach-bliss with adventure in a way that has made it a bucket-list staple. With turquoise water, coral reefs, mangrove kayaking and laid-back beach shacks, Havelock is the Andamans' adventure-and-relaxation hub. Diving and snorkelling at Elephant Beach, sunsets at Radhanagar and easy island life draw honeymooners, divers and backpackers alike.
Tamil Nadu
Kanyakumari Beach
At the southernmost tip of mainland India, Kanyakumari is famous for sunrises and sunsets over three converging seas, the Vivekananda Rock and the Thiruvalluvar statue. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Kappad Beach
The historic beach near Kozhikode where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498, today a quiet rocky-and-sandy shore with a commemorative monument. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Kappil Beach
Unique because backwaters meet the Arabian Sea.
Maharashtra
Kashid Beach
Nestled between two coastal hillocks in the Raigad district, Kashid is situated 125 km south of Mumbai and 30 km from Alibaug. It spans a crescent-shaped 3-kilometer bay along the North Konkan coast. Kashid stands out for its powdery white sand, a rare feature among northern Maharashtra's darker-sand beaches. The shoreline is fringed by swaying Casuarina groves and backed by the green slopes of the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Karnataka
Kaup (Kapu) Beach
Near Udupi, Kaup is famed for its 1901 lighthouse standing on black rocks, dramatic sunsets and a clean, lively stretch of golden sand. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Lakshadweep
Kavaratti Island
The capital of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti is known for calm lagoons, water sports, an aquarium and some of the archipelago's most accessible coral gardens. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Maharashtra
Kelshi Beach
Positioned near Dapoli in Ratnagiri district, Kelshi Beach sits about 220 km from Mumbai near the mouth of the Bharja River. Kelshi is a secluded 3-kilometer stretch backed by high naturally formed sand dunes and dense groves of Suru (Casuarina) trees. Geologically, it is famous for holding preserved fossilized seashell deposits nearby.
Maharashtra
Kihim Beach
Situated just 12 km north of Alibaug town, Kihim is easily accessible via the ferry route from Mumbai to Mandwa. Kihim is known for its lush surrounding vegetation, coconut groves, and exotic bird and butterfly species. The beach features a unique blend of fine sand interspersed with unusual black rock formations at low tide.
Kerala
Kovalam Beach
Kerala's most famous beach resort, Kovalam is known for its crescent Lighthouse Beach, ayurvedic spas, seafood shacks and gentle swimming bays near Trivandrum. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Maharashtra
Kunkeshwar Beach
Located in Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg district, Kunkeshwar Beach sits along a peaceful stretch of the southern Konkan coast, about 480 km from Mumbai. The beach is dominated by the Kunkeshwar Temple—a grand 11th-century stone Shiva temple built right on the golden sand shore, often dubbed the 'Kashi of South Konkan'.
Maharashtra
Ladghar Beach
Located near Dapoli town in Ratnagiri district, Ladghar Beach sits about 230 km south of Mumbai. Affectionately known as 'Tamasi Beach', Ladghar is famous for its unique dark red coarse sand and smooth pebbles that give the shoreline a distinct reddish tint under setting sunlight.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Long Island (Andaman)
A remote, road-free island reached by ferry, Long Island has Lalaji Bay, jungle trails and no cars on it at all. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Madhavpur Beach
A postcard-worthy coast lined with coconut trees and clear blue waters. The drive along NH-8E running parallel to this beach is considered one of Gujarat's most scenic roads.
Gujarat
Mandvi Beach (Kutch)
Famous for golden sands, windmills along the shore, and the nearby Vijay Vilas Palace. Visitors enjoy camel rides, water sports, and sunset views.
Kerala
Marari Beach
A fishing-village beach near Alleppey, Marari is prized for its palm-fringed calm, eco-resorts, ayurveda and an authentic slice of coastal Kerala life. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Karnataka
Maravanthe Beach
A rare beach where the highway runs with the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other, with one of India's most scenic coastal drives. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Tamil Nadu
Marina Beach (Chennai)
One of the world's longest urban beaches, Chennai's Marina is a vast city shoreline of promenades, statues, sunrise crowds and street food along the Bay of Bengal. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Meenkunnu Beach
Known for being less crowded.
Lakshadweep
Minicoy Island
The southernmost and most culturally distinct island of Lakshadweep, Minicoy is famed for its tall lighthouse, crescent lagoon and unique Maldivian-influenced culture. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Miyani Beach
A rugged, scenic beach near Miyani village featuring rocky shores, clear water, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Goa
Morjim Beach
Known as 'Little Russia', Morjim in North Goa is a calm, turtle-nesting beach popular for kitesurfing, birdwatching at the Chapora river mouth and laid-back beach shacks. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Maharashtra
Murud Beach
Situated near Dapoli in the Raigad/Ratnagiri region, Murud Beach sits approximately 140 km south of Mumbai, overlooking the open sea. Murud's standout highlight is its unobstructed view of the invincible 15th-century Murud-Janjira sea fort rising dramatically out of the ocean waters just offshore. The beach itself features soft, shimmering sand and calm wave action.
Karnataka
Murudeshwar Beach
Backed by a towering statue of Lord Shiva and a sea-facing temple, Murudeshwar blends a pilgrimage town with scuba diving trips to nearby Netrani Island. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach
India's longest drive-in beach near Kannur, Muzhappilangad lets you drive along 4 km of firm golden sand, with calm swimming bays and paragliding. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Maharashtra
Nagaon Beach
Located 9 km south of Alibaug town in Raigad district, Nagaon Beach sits along a flat, palm-lined coastal plain roughly 100 km from Mumbai. Nagaon is a flat, horseshoe-shaped beach with a hard sand seabed that extends far into the sea. Because the water remains shallow for hundreds of meters out, it is extraordinarily safe for swimming and is the primary water sports hub of the area.
Daman & Diu
Nagoa Beach (Diu)
A famous horseshoe-shaped beach lined with rare Hoka palm trees, offering calm, safe swimming waters.
Gujarat
Narara Marine National Park Beach
A unique coastal area where low tide allows visitors to walk shallow waters and observe living corals, sea anemones, and crabs up close.
Kerala
Neendakara Beach
Highlights: Fishing harbour and estuary views.
Goa
North Goa (Baga & Calangute)
Baga and Calangute form the high-energy, commercial beach core of North Goa, stretching along a continuous golden sand coastline on the Arabian Sea. Characterized by a coastal ecosystem, this region transitions from sun-drenched daytime water sports hubs into an epicenter of nightlife and entertainment. The shoreline is densely lined with dynamic open-air food shacks, water sports operators, and international music bars. Calangute beach functions as a prime retail and family leisure avenue, while Baga creek marks the launching pad for late-night clubbing and beachside parties.
Gujarat
Okha Madhi Beach
An untouched, quiet beach located between Jamnagar and Dwarka, offering wide stretches of golden sand and clear water.
Karnataka
Om Beach (Gokarna)
Shaped like the sacred 'Om' symbol, this Gokarna beach links twin crescents and is famous for cliff-trekking between bays, water sports and a relaxed backpacker vibe. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Puducherry
Paradise Beach (Pondicherry)
Reached by a short backwater boat ride from Chunnambar near Pondicherry, Paradise Beach is a clean golden sandbar between lagoon and sea, popular for day trips. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Maharashtra
Paradise Beach (Shiroda)
Located at the southernmost tip of Maharashtra in Sindhudurg district, Paradise Beach (Shiroda) sits right on the border of Maharashtra and Goa. True to its name, this beach features broad stretches of silver-white sand, turquoise waters, and lush cypress groves with almost no commercial development.
Kerala
Payyambalam Beach
Known for: Landscaped gardens, Clean beach, Family outings.
Gujarat
Pingleshwar Beach
A peaceful beach near Kori Creek featuring an ancient Shiv temple, sand dunes, and frequent visits from migratory birds.
Gujarat
Positra Beach
A hidden gem in the Marine National Park area, surrounded by rich biodiversity and calm marine waters.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Radhanagar Beach (Havelock)
Regularly rated among Asia's best beaches, Radhanagar on Swaraj Dweep is a flawless arc of white sand, turquoise water and west-facing sunsets. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andhra Pradesh
Rishikonda Beach (Vizag)
A golden crescent near Visakhapatnam backed by green hills, Rishikonda is Andhra's water-sports beach with surfing, jet-skiing and clean sands. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Sarkheshwar Beach
An offbeat, serene beach known for white sand and gentle tides, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Kerala
Shankumugham Beach
Highlights: Giant Mermaid sculpture, Close to airport.
Gujarat
Shivrajpur Beach
A pristine Blue Flag-certified beach known for turquoise waters and fine white sand. It is ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and water sports.
Maharashtra
Shrivardhan Beach
Situated in the historic town of Shrivardhan in Raigad district, this beach lies roughly 185 km south of Mumbai. Shrivardhan features a sprawling, gently sloping black-and-gold sand beach backed by a modern paved sea promenade, well-lit pathways, and historical ties to the Peshwas.
Gujarat
Somnath Beach
Located right next to the historic Somnath Temple. While swimming is restricted due to strong currents, it offers dramatic crashing waves and a spiritual sunset setting.
Goa
South Goa (Palolem)
Palolem is a crescent-shaped natural bay located in the Canacona region of South Goa, known for calm water, dramatic rocky headlands, and a dense fringe of leaning coconut palms, it presents a relaxed, alternative to the commercialized hubs of the north. The unique topology of the bay ensures minimal ocean currents. The shoreline features temporary eco-friendly wooden stilt cottages and slow-paced beach shacks that are dismantled entirely before the monsoon, preserving a village-like coastal environment.
Karnataka
St. Mary's Islands (Udupi)
A cluster of islands off Malpe near Udupi, famed for unique hexagonal basalt rock columns, white-shell sands and clear water reached by a short boat ride. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Suvali Beach
A secluded black-sand beach located away from city crowds, perfect for peaceful strolls and photography.
Maharashtra
Tarkarli (Malvan)
Situated in the Malvan region of Sindhudurg district near the Goa border, Tarkarli lies roughly 500 km south of Mumbai. The beach sits right where the Karli River backwaters meet the open Arabian Sea, surrounded by dense betel nut and coconut palm plantations. Tarkarli is renowned for having the clearest, most transparent coastal waters in Maharashtra, offering underwater visibility up to 20 feet on calm days. It serves as the state's premier scuba diving and snorkeling hub, complete with vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and luxury MTDC backwater houseboats.
Kerala
Thottada Beach
Perfect for: Honeymoon, Quiet holidays.
Gujarat
Tithal Beach
Famous for its unique black sand and vibrant promenade. It sits close to the Swaminarayan and Sai Baba temples, making it a popular spot for evening walks.
Tamil Nadu
Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)
A former Danish colonial town on the Tamil coast, Tharangambadi pairs a quiet beach with the seafront Dansborg Fort and atmospheric colonial streets. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Gujarat
Ubharat Beach
A popular weekend destination surrounded by palm groves, offering open sea views and local food vendors.
Goa
Vagator Beach
Split into Big and Little Vagator by red laterite cliffs, this North Goa beach is known for dramatic sunsets, the Chapora fort backdrop and a buzzing music scene. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Kerala
Varkala Beach
Varkala is a coastal town unlike anywhere else on India's shoreline in the Thiruvananthapuram district of southern Kerala. Unlike the flat sandy shorelines standard across most of India's coast, Varkala is famous for its unique geological clifftops, massive near-vertical red laterite cliffs that rise sharply right next to the breaking waves of the Arabian Sea. The commercial heart of the beach spreads along the paved North Cliff edge, packed with bohemian open-air cafes, international seafood grills, yoga centers, and local handicraft stores. Down below, the beach front opens into wide sandy bays popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, while natural mineral springs cascade down the laterite walls.
Maharashtra
Velas Beach
Located at the northern tip of Ratnagiri district near Mandangad, Velas is a secluded coastal village roughly 220 km from Mumbai. It features a dark-sand bay enclosed by hills and river estuaries. Velas is world-famous for its annual Turtle Festival (February to April), where thousands of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings emerge from protected beach nests and march into the Arabian Sea. The village is a pioneer in community-based eco-tourism.
Maharashtra
Velneshwar Beach
Tucked away near Guhagar in Ratnagiri district, Velneshwar Beach is located around 300 km south of Mumbai. Velneshwar features a calm, crescent-shaped bay sheltered from harsh currents, making its rock-free waters remarkably safe for swimming.
Maharashtra
Vengurla Beach
Situated in far southern Sindhudurg near the Goa border, Vengurla lies roughly 510 km south of Mumbai and 50 km north of Panaji. Vengurla Beach is encircled by green hills, cashew nut orchards, and a historic 19th-century lighthouse on a cliff overlooking the coast and the offshore Burnt Islands (Vengurla Rocks).
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Vijaynagar Beach (Neil)
On laid-back Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Vijaynagar is a calm, shallow beach lined with mahua trees, shallow a long way out, and an easy cycle at sunrise. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andhra Pradesh
Yarada Beach (Vizag)
Tucked between hills south of Visakhapatnam, Yarada is a secluded, clean golden beach with an end-of-the-road feel and panoramic hilltop views. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
