Puri, Orissa
Regarded as a hot spot for tourists and pilgrims, the beaches in Puri, Orissa are becoming hot favourite. The beaches are known for its sprawling sands and lapping waves. This makes it an ideal choice for those willing to surf. The 12th-century Jagannatha Temple is located in the city. The annual Puri Beach Festival takes place here for five days every November. The best time to visit the beach is at sunrise or sunset. Take a stroll in the sun and browse at the seashell souvenirs sold by local vendors. And don’t forget to take your camera. Nearby is Balighai beach. Just a short drive from Puri, this beach is at the mouth of the Nuanai River. And there is something for everyone here: from water skiing to parasailing activities. Or just enjoy the sea in a tranquil boat ride.
Gokarna , Karnataka
(Picture courtesy: gokarnatourism)
Gokarna which literally means cow’s ear is located in a small town in Karnataka. A pilgrim centre, it has now become tourist hub. Populated with foreigners, the best part of Gokarna beaches is its serenity and peacefulness. The uniqueness about the beaches is its usual rocky surfaces and hillocks. The shoreline is ideal for honeymooners and adventure seekers. To reach there one has to literally walk as the shoreline is situated on the other side of the hill. There are five main beaches here – Gokarna, Kudle, OM, Half Moon and Paradise. However the Kudle beach is the most popular. The trek is quite easy and light. One can also opt for a boat ride here. Don’t forget to indulge at the local restaurant here as they served all kinds of delicious cuisines.
Goa
(Picture courtesy: Yatra)
Everyone knows Goa is popular for beaches and Fenny. Although it is a popular tourist stop, surprisingly is has some of the cleanest coastlines. The Palolem beach in south Goa, Calangute beach, Anjuna, Mandrem and Arambol beaches in north Goa and Morjim beach are quite popular. Apart from scenic beauty, these places offer excellent varieties of food and cocktails. The Agonda beach has a line of simple huts, which are right on the beach. There are small shacks and shops that offer food from the sea and land. If you are looking to have a hippie haven, then head to Arambol beach. The small fishing village here is now travellers’ den. You can do meditation, yoga, tai chi, and reiki. When the sun comes down, the coastline is filled with musicians who have live music and jamming sessions.
Kovalam, Kerala
(Picture courtesy: Kerala Tourism)
One of the interesting things about Kovalam beach in Kerala is the Lighthouse. Located near Trivandrum, this small coastal town has palm-backed beaches which include – Hawa, Samudra and lighthouse beaches. The place is known as an international beach destination for its calm waters and crescent beaches. It is ideal for relaxing and sun bathing. There is a whole host of ayurvedic centres too. The Lighthouse is the biggest and busiest beach. The open-air restaurants and the fantastic view from the lighthouse is a crowd puller. The Samudra beach is a little more secluded. Kovalam is also one of the best beaches in India for surfing.
Havelock Island, Andaman
(Picture courtesy: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism)
Havelock Island in Andaman is renowned for its calm, still water and white sand. The beaches are magnificent and a beautiful place for everyone who wants to experience paradise on Earth. The Havelock Island is connected by ferries. The Radhanagar Beach is a true beauty. This made it to the list of the best beaches in Asia. The Vijaynagar Beach is for nature lovers. There are several offbeat beaches if you are in a mood to explore. One of the biggest attractions here is the underwater walk. You may also try scuba diving from some of the promising areas it. The rich coral reef and underwater marine is something you don’t want to miss.
Tarkarli, Maharashtra
(Picture courtesy: Maharashtra Tourism)
If you love coral and are not able to make it Andaman, make a trip to the Tarkarli beach in southern Maharashtra. This place has one of the best coral reefs on the mainland. The beach is clean, peaceful and non-commercial. The best time to visit this place is from November to February as the temperature is relatively low. It is also an ideal place to indulge in snorkelling, scuba diving. Since it is untouched by development, this beach is not on the tourist trail and retains a village feel.
Varkala, Kerala
(Picture courtesy: Kerala Tourism)
This calm and quiet hamlet in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala has a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old temple and a Mutt. Varkala beach also known as Papanasam beach is known for its natural spring. It is considered to have medicinal properties. This is also the only beach in Kerala to have cliffs. A long paved stretch of cliff-bordered by shacks provides a breathtaking view. The beach also has adventure sports and leisure activities such as boat riding, parasailing, jetting and horse riding.
Pondicherry
The Promenade beach is the popular stretch of beachfront here. If you are looking for a lazy weekend by the beach or would like to indulge in some adventure sports, then this is the destination for you. Some of the popular activities include surfing, beach volleyball, catamaran ride and swimming. The rock beach is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The occasional crashing of water with the rocks is breathtaking.
Ganpatipule, Maharashtra
(Picture courtesy: Maharashtra Tourism)
The white sand beach is located in the Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra. The clean blue water is tempting; however, it is not advisable to go for a swim because of the rough sea. It is a gateway that captures beach lovers, adventure enthusiasts and pilgrims. The Ganapathi temple on the shore attracts several pilgrims all around the year. Unlike other beaches, this place is not crowded. It is an ideal place to relax and spend a weekend with your loved ones. Apart from the beach, Ganapatipule is also rich in flora that includes mangroves and coconut palms.
Chandipur, Odisha
(Picture courtesy: Orissa Tourism)
One of the main attractions in Chandipur is the vanishing sea. This natural phenomenon occurs twice a day. The water here recedes up to five kilometres during low tide and gets back to the original shoreline during high tide. The receding water, at low tide, offers an excellent opportunity to walk in the sea or ride a bike. The sand dunes and rocky coastline lined with Casuarinas trees give visitors a spectacular view of the seashore. The place is also famous for its seafood, especially prawns and pomfrets.
Marina, Tamil Nadu
The second largest beach in the world is also the most populated. Frequented by many locals who just love to hang out in the sand, this place is natural urban beauty. The lighthouse here was built in 1976 and is open to the public. It provides a fantastic view of the beach and the city. There are several vendors who offer mouth-watering food. From roasted corn, mango slices, cotton candy, bajjis to sundal, we get all here.
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
The golden sandy beach of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is something to look out for. Located on the east coast the beach is a charming place encircled by rolling hills and glittering sea. Thousands of tourists come here every year and is an idyllic place for lazing and sunbathing. The shore temples constructed by the Pallava king is the backdrop of this place which is a combination of beaches, history and tourism. The place also has water sports activities like diving, windsurfing, motor boating and sunbathing too.
Cherai, Kochi
Located in the suburb of Kochi, Cherai beach is more secluded and private. There is backwater within a short distance and the place is popular for its beautiful sunsets, fishing villages, and local life. Thick coconut groves is a charm to this place. Swimming and sunbathing are popular here you can also choose to ride speedboats and water-scooter. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind.