The coastlines of the Indian peninsula span the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean with a coastline of 7,000 km.

Not surprisingly, then, this expansive landmass of diverse climates and landscapes is home to a multitude of beaches. While all pristine beaches are filled with glorious sun-kissed sand, shimmering sea waters, and a bit of surfing fun, India’s beaches can sometimes be out of the ordinary. Every Indian beach can be equally unique and enchanting.

Beach enthusiasts from all over the world are sure to be captivated by the idyllic coastline and amazed by other fascinating sights not normally found on other beaches elsewhere.

Anjuna- Baga- Calangute- Colva- Palolem, Goa

The Caribbean of South Asia, Goa is the state of beautiful beaches. Beginning with Querim in the north, to Palolem beach in the south, this small coastal state by the Arabian Sea is characterized by the endless expanse of white sand and azure waters. One beautiful beach leads to another, though each has its own unique charm and loyal fanbase of beach enthusiasts. Anjuna has its famous full moon parties and historic mansions for those who wish to wander outside the beach area. Baga is popular for its nightspots, as well as its stretch of soft, snow-capped sand lined with guesthouses and bars. Baga’s neighbor, Calangute, is the most popular and developed beach in Goa, with a large number of beach goers. This stretch is also lined with massagers, hair braid peddlers, all ready to cater to the needs of relaxing bathers. Colva is Goa’s longest stretch of unbroken sandy coastline with tall, shady palm trees swaying in the background. Palolem is charming for its crescent-shaped beach, where tree houses can be rented and dolphin-watching trips can be arranged. Stunning sunsets on this remote beach, far from the popular ones to the north, make this bay ideal for camping and relaxing holidays.

Kovalam – Varkala, Kerala

Picturesque Kerala may possibly be the best of rural India. While its famous backwater cruises are an inherent part of any travel itinerary to this serene region of India, the famous beaches of Kovalam and Varkala are true gems of the Indian coastline. Known as the ‘Paradise of the South’, Kovalam has long attracted the attention of the Maharajah and his foreign visitors. Its long stretch of sunburnt sand and seductive waters remain the main attractions of this popular beach, frequented by travelers and locals alike. Varkala, despite being a coastal town, is considered by the locals as an important center of pilgrimage. However, tourists are drawn to the popular seaside resorts and resorts along this picturesque sandy beach. With red laterite cliffs in the background, this stretch of stunning coastline will captivate any beach lover.

Kanyakumari-Madurai

The tip of the southernmost region of India, south of Madurai, at the convergence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean is the pilgrimage town of Kanyakumari. The convergence point is called ‘Sangam’ and is a bathing ghat for short dips and splashes. The tranquil backdrop of Kanyakumari beach, in close proximity to numerous temples, is the famous Church of Our Lady of Joy. The usual fare of sunbathing and lots of swimming is not the norm here, where multicolored sand and colored granite rocks are the main attractions.

Juhu Beach, Mumbai- Kihim Beach- Ganapatipule, Maharashtra

To the north of Mumbai’s city center lies the popular Juhu Beach along the Arabian Sea. Unlike the usual seascape of sun, sand, and surf, this sandy shoreline offers a respite from the hectic city, with its warm sea breezes and lulling waves. Cricket matches, laughing and running children, couples and families snacking on local delicacies, and bustling vendors rowing with local snacks make up the scenery of this beach. Traveling to Juhu beach usually includes visiting the nearby attractions such as the ISKON temple and Prithvi theater to enjoy the views and delicious food inside the sites. When one can travel further south from Mumbai, the quiet beaches of Kihim and Ganapatipule await with their quiet splendor. Kihim is a quiet beach with a lush forest backdrop, home to birds and wildlife. Ganapatipule’s pristine sandy beach adjoins the coastal village that is home to a sacred site. Along with the temples that form the backdrop to this beautiful beach with crystal clear waters and miles of soft white sand, there are fruit groves just beyond the shoreline, waiting with their bounty of mangoes, jackfruits, bananas and coconuts.

Mahabalipuram Beach

While famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed 7th-century shrine complex, Mamallapuram, which lies along the Bay of Bengal, is also blessed with the most pristine beaches in the country. While beachgoers welcome the sun-kissed sand and crashing waves, this beach has a unique setting of seaside temples in the background. There are rock-cut carvings and caves from the Pallava era that create a very unusual coastal landscape. Beachgoers can still continue to enjoy the sea breeze or languish on the soft stretch of sand bed.

Marina Beach, Chennai

Said to be one of Chennai’s treasures, Marina Beach is one of the longest beaches in Asia, if not the world. Although swimming is not permitted, Marina Beach continues to draw crowds on tour as well as locals. Not far from the city, and lined with statues of famous Indians, it is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. Many travel to Marina Beach to walk while eating their favorite treats, even try horseback riding alongside the waves, or just enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends. Marina Beach is undoubtedly a unique beach that has conquered the hearts of many.

andaman islands beaches

The idyllic archipelago of islands is the epitome of secluded comfort. Islands popular with beach enthusiasts include Ross Island and, within the Richie Archipelago, Havelock Island and Neil Island. Havelock Island’s beaches are referred to by numbers instead of names. Among all the quiet beaches on and around this island, beach number 7 or also called Radhanagar, is exceptionally blissful. The colorful coral reef will delight divers, while beach lovers will be content to immerse themselves in the paradisiacal setting.

Serenity Beach – Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

The former French capital, Pondicherry, situated along the Bay of Bengal, offers picturesque beaches along its shores. It’s not just the sun and sea that make this stretch of beach attractive, but also the history and monuments that line Serenity Beach. The breeze from the bay makes this beautiful beach a place of calm, once the scene of a battle, with tremendous bloodshed between the British and French. The waterfront also has other historic structures, including the Mahatma statue and the war memorial dedicated to World War I soldiers. There is also a newly built lighthouse and pier, stretching over 200 meters, to the south of the stage. Neighboring Paradise Beach lives up to its name and is also known as Plage Paradiso. This beach is ideal for leisure getaways, water sports and even camping by the sea. Visitors have options to explore the backwaters or go dolphin watching when they venture out on a cruise at sea.

Om Beach- Kudle Beach- Half Moon Beach- Paradise, Gokarna

The same state that is the proud home of historic Hassan, Hospet and Badami, is bordered by some of the most intriguing and exquisite beaches in the Gokarna region. The famous beaches in this region of India are Half-Moon, Kudle, Paradise, Om Beach which are located in the south of Gokarna while Gokarna Beach forms the coastline of the city and receives waves from the Arabian Sea. Being a city of temples, it is no surprise to have temples and colossal statues of Hindu deities as a backdrop to Gokarna Beach. The Western Ghats not far away also provide a refreshingly lush backdrop for Paradise Beach, which has rocky terrain, similar to neighboring beaches. The waves along this coast are known to be very strong. These beaches do not offer the usual idyllic sun, sea and surf, but rather the secluded serenity of looking out over the horizon, especially when free from the throngs of visitors.

Indian beaches may not always provide secluded comfort or stretches of sand for sunbathing. Intriguing backdrops and permanent beach fixtures such as food vendors, temples or shrines make for an interesting tour of these unique beach areas. India offers beaches to suit all preferences – bustling crowds or a lonely respite can certainly be found along any coastal region of India.