Top 10 Beaches in India

Top 10 Beaches

1. Baga Beach, Goa 

Baga an extension of Calangute Village in the state of Goa, India. It comes under the jurisdiction of Calangute, which is 2 km (1 mi) south. Baga is known for its popular beach, Baga Beach with is brown sands, and creek, the Baga Creek. It is visited by thousands of tourists annually.

Baga Beach is a popular beach and tourist destination in North Goa, India,^[1][2] located a few kilometers north from the famous and crowdedCalangute beach.

The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats, and at high tide the beach is narrow.^[3]

The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach.^[4]

Baga Beach is also famous for its water sports and Dolphin cruises.

2. Serenity Beach, Pondicherry

Serenity Beach is a sprawling stretch of virgin sand, about a 10-minute drive to the north of Pondicherry town, on the East Coast Expressway on the way to Chennai. As you drive from Pondicherry, the beach falls on your right hand side. It would be apt to say that the ambience of the beach is well-captured in its name, as if you can touch the calm. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters and stretch back on the silvery sand to soak up the sun. The highpoint of the Pondicherry beaches is they are pristine with clean waters and clean sands. To top it all the beaches mostly remain desolate.

The tourism department has taken utmost care to bring about the natural beauty of these beaches by keeping the cafes and other eateries with resorts and cottages at a comfortable distance from the beach. These structures are built in a way that they do not detract from the calmness and the beauty of the beach. Since the area is not very large, on a weekday you can have the whole beach to yourself. You can spend the whole day on Serenity Beach simply gazing at the azure swells as they crash on the shore and ebb away. When the sun climbs high in the sky, walk into the shade of a beachside café and tuck into succulent seafood delicacies. Evening is the perfect time to stroll the beach and watch a breathtaking sunset over the sea. Cast in an orange glow, at this hour Serenity looks pretty as a picture postcard.

You can even pitch a tent on the beach, and observe the sea all day. True to its name, this beautiful Pondicherry beach exalts your imagination and invigorates you for your onward journey.

Special Attributes

Serenity is Pondicherry's most pristine, calm and picturesque beach.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can hire a private taxi or take an auto-rickshaw from Pondicherry city centre to Serenity Beach.

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens, Kids, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Pondicherry. In the morning and evening, enjoy the fresh breeze wafting from the sea. But noon gets quite warm and the sun rays are rather strong. You are advised to wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

The beach is ideal for a quiet stroll, you can even head to a nearby café to enjoy some local cuisine.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

The beach looks very beautiful at the crack of dawn. If you can make a trip at this hour, you will be suitably rewarded.

Type of site

Beach in Pondicherry

3. Marari Beach, Kerela

Little known Marari Beach, not far from Alleppey in Kerala, is perfect for those people exploring the Kerala backwaters who feel like some time at the beach as well. This beach is quiet and undeveloped. The name Marari is shortened from from Mararikulam, a small and sleepy fisherman's village.

Marari Location:

Marari Beach is located in Kerala, a short distance from Alleppey and 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Cochin, the state capital.

Getting to Marari:

The nearest train station is in Alleppey. Alternatively, the nearest airport is in Cochin. A taxi from the airport to Marari will cost around $20 and take one and a half hours.

Marari Weather:

The weather at Marari is warm and humid throughout the year. Rain is received from both thesouthwest and northeast monsoons, which produce intensely heavy downpours. The rain is at its worst from June to July, and late October to December. Late December to March are the best months to visit, when the weather is dry and sunny every day. During April and May, the heat and humidity quickly builds, and summer temperatures reach 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit).

Marari Attractions:

Marari isn't a tourist beach but rather a peaceful place to relax and unwind. Those who visit Marari look forward to the slow pace of life, and soaking up the serenity and tranquility on the deserted sandy beaches. A number of interesting day trips are possible around the area. These include the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, traditional coir-making units, and the Kerala backwater canals. If you're there during August, you can also check out the Snake Boat Races.

Marari Hotels:

A big draw card in Marari the earth conscious Marari Beach Resort. The luxurious resort, inspired by local fishing villages, aims to capture the heart and soul of the beach. It's set on a sprawling property filled with coconut groves and lotus ponds, and amongst other things offers Ayurveda treatments and yoga classes on the beach. Rooms cost from $280 per night for a double. A Beach Symphony, which consists of four cottages on the beach, is a hidden gem. Price starts from $150 per night, plus tax. Alternatively, there are plenty of options for traditional homestays in the area as well.

Warning About Swimming at the Beach:

Unfortunately, it's been reported that Marari Beach is a popular location for fishermen to defecate at sunrise. Although the excrement gets washed away by the tide later in the morning, the bacterial content of the water is likely to be high. Thus, while the beach may look clean and unspoiled, this is actually deceptive.

4. Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra

Situated 6 kms south of Malvan and 546 kms away from Mumbai on the coast of Maharashtra is Tarkarli. The mojar attraction here is the long and narrow stretch of beach, with its pristine water. On a clear day, you can see the sea bed through a depth of 20 ft. Then, of course there are the forts, Singhudurg, one of Maharashtra's more popular and importance sea forts, built in the 17 th century and the famous Padmagarh fort. While in Tarkarli, make sure to visit the restaurant for the delectable cuisine and experience something unusual-staying in MTDC's inviting Konkani Huts.   Getting There    Nearest airport is Dabolim (Goa).  Nearest railhead is Kudal, 45kms. On konkan Railway.  Mumbai-Tarkarli, 546 kms. Kolhapur-Tarkarli, 160 kms. Malvan-Tarkarli 7kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Kolhapur, Pune to Malvan and from Malvan to Tarkarli. Rickshaws are also available form Malvan.

Accomadation    The MTDC resort at Tarkali has Konkani House A/C / Non-A/C rooms & Delux Bamboo House A/C Rooms. House Boat is also available. Reservation:   Online booking is available or you can also book at Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa Pune, Kolhapur, Ganapatipule and other MTDC Reservation Offices.

5. Colva Beach, Goa

The Colva Beach lies about 6 Kms to the west of Margao and is the oldest, largest and the most spectacular beaches of South Goa. The beach consists of about 25kms of the fine powdered white sand and is bounded along its coast by coconut palms that stretch from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south along south Goa's coastline.

In the colonial days it used to be the resting area for Margao's high society, who would visit Colva for their "Mundanca" or change of air. Today the area that is reminiscent of the luxurious lifestyle of the aristrocratic class has the beautiful houses or villas that dot the village. While taking a stroll on the Colva Beach, silver carpets of bangdde (mackerels) can be viewed sparkling on the golden sands that are laid for drying by the fishermen.  

Apart from the beach itself, the other main attraction for the tourists is the "Menino Jesus" statue at the local church of Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Piedade ( Our Lady of Mercy) founded in 1630. The church lies in the village square. The church in Colva is famous for its annual religious event-Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus)-since the 17th century. The predominantly Catholic community celebrates it on the third Monday of October every year. It is one of Goa's most popular feasts and a big fair is held on the occasion at Colva. 

Although the Colva Beach has never been a hilarious destination for rave parties, Colva's nightlife is livelier and vibrant than anywhere else in south Goa. The two most happening nightspots are down in the dunes south of the beachfront area: splash boasts a big MTV satellite screen and music to match, and a late bar and disco energize and rock crowds around 10.00 pm.  

 

6. Anjuna Beach, Goa

Anjuna Beach of Goa is a hub of international tourists and the main reasons of popularity remain the night parties, Wednesday flea market, restaurants and the long stretch of coconut groves. Offering a romantic ambience day and night, Anjuna rose to fame for its full-moon parties filled with trance music since late 1960s. Bustling nightlife on this beach and the nearby clubs and pubs make it an interesting place of visit for party lovers. Paradiso club is an excellent hideout. Curly's Bar is another place to enjoy music, dance and drinks. The western part has several restaurants and cafes.

Fast Facts

Name

Anjuna

Location

North Goa

Best time to visit

Through out the year

Basic Info

Location
Anjuna is situated north of two other famous beaches of Baga and Calangute. The nearest town to Anjuna is Mapusa. There are daily buses plying from Mapusa to Anjuna. Thivim is the closest railway station to Anjuna Beach and situated in Mapusa. The capital city of Panaji is around 18 km from this beach and the airport is 47 km away.

Best Time to Visit
Anjuna is an all-season retreat though New Year and Christmas brings in thousands of party lovers every year. March-October the beach here is pleasant while December-January, the tranquility is often lost due to over crowding.

Where to stay
Prices at the hotels here vary according to their comfort, facilities, location and season. It is difficult to get rooms during the peak season without prior bookings. The best hotels to stay at Anjuna are Villa Anjuna

Things to do

There are several things to do on the shore of Anjuna such as:
Rave parties - Every full moon night in the various hangout places on the beach of Anjuna
Swimming - Do not try swimming in the sea on the Anjuna beach. It has forceful undercurrents which can be fatal. However if you have the adventurous blood, you may talk to the lifeguards there. In fact you can do some underwater diving in Anjuna. Diving equipments are available for hire. You might sight turtles, barracudas, shark fishes, lion-fishes and others. Although, do be careful.
Wednesday Flea Market - has become synonymous to Anjuna beach. You can shop and bargain for items ranging from clothes to hats to jewelry to bikes to souvenirs. Check out the elephant rides and monkey tricks

Sightseeing tours in Anjuna

• Chapora Fort
• Vagator cove
• Mascarenhas Mansion
• Albuquerque Mansion
• St. Miguel's Church
• S. Antonio Chapel
• Nossa Senhora de Saude Chapel
• Nossa Senhora de Piedade Chapel

Yoga centers in Anjuna

• Bramhani Yoga Center
• Purple Valley Ashtanga Yoga Retreat
• YogaLife

Ayurvedic centers in Anjuna - Sun Flower Ayurvedic Massage Therapy and Yoga Center

Tattoo in Anjuna - is another great way to carve the experience of being in Anjuna: Andy's Tattoo Studio is one of the many tattoo parlors you will find in the Anjuna beach

Restaurants at Anjuna - offer all kinds of cuisine from Italian to German to Goan to other Indian food

Shopping A shopping spree will be absolutely worthy one here! Wednesday flea market is one of Anjuna’s main attractions. Shops that are more diverse are available at the Ingos Saturday night market. Located north of beach near Baga is the Mackies bazaar that remains open only on Saturdays.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Places to visit in and around Anjuna Beach, Goa are:

Baga Beach – Also known as Vagator Beach, Baga is located north of Anjuna and is famous for its creek. The Baga Creek is a location on the beach that has a deep closed water body. The beach here is less crowded than Anjuna or Calangute.

Calangute Beach – This beach is a haven for adventure sports enthusiasts and party lovers. It is ever bustling with people even post midnight. Most hotels in north Goa are located around this beach itself offering several options for accommodation and food.

Accommodation in Anjuna

To accommodate the huge number of tourists in Anjuna, guest houses and hotels can be found easily. Goahub.com provides accommodations in the following hotels in Anjuna:

• Flushing Meadows Country Resort - 1 km away from Anjuna
• Hotel Laguna Anjuna- lesser than 1 km away from Anjuna
• Resort Marinha Dourada- 2 km away from Anjuna
• Hotel Lagoa Azul - minutes from Anjuna

People who want to stay a little more than just a few days also have the option of staying as paying guests in the local houses in Anjuna. Check out the houses which have a "To Let" post card stuck outside.

7. Beaches of Andaman and Nicobar 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India is situated in the Bay of Bengal joining Indian Ocean. For it is a group of small islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a number of beautiful beaches. Some of them are Corbyn Cave Tourist Complex, Harminder Bay Beach, Karmatang Beach, Radhanagar Beach, Ramnagar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach.

Corbyn Cove Tourist Complex and Beaches

The Corbyn's Cove Tourism Complex of Andaman Nicobar islands is ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking. This Corbyn beach Andaman is located in charming surroundings of abundant green coconut and palms trees and lovely sea. There is a perfect tourism Complex, which offers almost all thefacilities for a passionate voyager. A number of government and private resorts are available near the corbyn cove beach.

This beach is located near the city Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A number of water sport amenities are available at Cobbyn beach of Andaman. Excellent South Indian food is served in these resorts. These resorts are about 15Kms away from Port Blair Ariport Andaman. Sun rise at Corbyn beach complex is memorable.

Harminder Bay Beach

The pictursqe beach destination Harminder Bay Beach is situated at Hut Bay island, 100 km from Port Blair, capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island. The Harminder Bay Beach of Andaman Nicobar islands is the bright green which houses this calm ground of magnificent loveliness. Harminder Bay Beach in Andaman amd Nicobar Islands is a perfect place for enjoying aquamarine waves of the Indian ocean which hugs the fair sandy tracks. Harminder bay beach is a nice holiday destination where we can feel the nature very closely.

Karmatang Beach

Karmatang Beach of Andaman Nicobar Islands is encircled by natural loveliness from all the sides. The Karmatang Beach Andaman has a exceptionally tranquil and calm surroundings. The Karmatang Beach is a ideal recoil for the city inhabitants who spend their vacations on the beach. The climate of the Karmatang Beach Andaman India is awfully enjoyable.

Karmatang Beach is located on 12 kms from Mayabunder, in the northern part of the central Andaman. The Karmatang Beach Andaman India is about 240 kms from Port Blair, capital of Andaman Nicobar Islands. But you can slash the distance almost half when you travel through sealine.

The sandy beach of Karmatang is bounded by emerald coastal flora which makes the beach best place to revitalize and calm down as a family picnic spot. You can enjoy steamer ride, scuba diving and snorkeling. The beach is a ideal place for nature lovers and zooligists.

Radhanagar Beach

One of the beast beach of the world, Radhanagar Beach of Andaman and Nicobar is located at Havelock Island. The tranquil seashore of Radhanagar is far away from the contaminated city life. Radhanager beach has royal enchantment that attracts nature enthusiasts to its beauty. Radhanagar Beach is famous for a extensive variety of flora and fauna.

There are a number of water related enjoyments such as swimming, fishing etc. The beach is also perfect destination for sun-bath. You can visit the Radhanagar Beach anytime in the year but in spring season the beauty of the beach reches to its zenith.

Ramnagar

Ramnagar Beach is situated in the northern area at the Diglipur Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The sandy track of Ramnagar Beach is merely Fifteen kms away from Kalighat. The beach is bounded by coconut and palm trees and other coastal hurbs and vegetation.

Ramnagar Beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands offers a wonderful sight of the tranquil surroundings. The seashore attracts the tourists not only from India but all over the world. Marine life exploration, scuba diving are famous water sports. Beasides these, the beach of Ramnagar is inhabitat of turtle.

You can visit Ramnagar Beach Andaman and Nicobar Islands anytime in the year in spring season the charming beauty of the beach attracts the tourists more than other season.

Vijaynagar Beach

Vihaynagar beach is situated in Havelock Island of Andaman Nicobar Islands. Anothar beach of the same island is Radhanagar beach. Like Radhanagar beach, Vijaynagar beach is also very calm and clean.

8. Beaches of Lakshadweep

The spell bound expanse of emerald isles, Lakshadweep studded in the blue water of the Arabian Sea unfolds another world in itself. The panorama encompasses magnificent lagoons, sylvan sea shores, miles of sun drenched sand and the enchantment of swaying palms. At the beaches of Lakshadweep it will be coconut canopies that will be your tallest structure in the vicinity. The rich marine life will be your all time favorite neighbors. All these harmonise to form a colourful kaleidoscope typical of an archipelago paradise. This charming isolated destination has only 10 of its islands inhabited. Of these five are open to tourists:

Kavaratti Beach

The headquarter of the Administration, Kavaratti is beautiful calm lagoon and forms an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and basking on warm sandy beaches. The Ajara and Jamnath mosques (of the 52 on the island) have the best wood carving and the former has a particularly good ceiling carved out of driftwood; a well within is believed to have medicinal water. Marine life exhibits can be seen at the new marine aquarium. Kayaks and sailing yatch are available on hire and one can also enjoy viewing the exotic marine life through glass bottom boats. 

Kalpeni Beach

Known for its scenic beauty with the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern & south-eastern shoreline. It is believed that huge boulder were thrown up during a storm in 1847. One can swim, reef walk or water sports on kayaks, sail boats, pedal boats. Water sports crafts are available on hire. 

Minicoy Beach

It is the southernmost island in Lakshwadeep, crescent shaped & has one of the largest lagoons. The island is also very interesting because of its unique Maldivian character. 

Kadamat Beach

Kadamat is 8 Kms long and 550 m wide at the broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The best attractions are the long sandy beaches and the sand banks on the southern tip for sun bath. Kadamat has been identified for staying tourists with its tourists huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon. The place is ideal for a real holiday that brings you away from the maddening crowd, hustle and bustle of city life. 

Bangaram Beach

An uninhabited island, Bangaram is the only one open to foreign tourists. The teardrop-shaped island has superb beaches and beautiful lagoons. The wealth of coral formation (including black coral) attracts a variety of tropical fish-angel, clown, butterfly, surgeon, sweetlip, snappers and groupers. There are also manta and sting rays, harmless sharks and green and hawkbill turtles. Windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing, water skiing and snorkeling. Deep-sea fishing is possible on local boats with crew. 

9. Kovalam Beach, Kerala

A short drive from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport unfolds one of the most inspiring of Kovalam hotels, The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala. With 182 rooms and suites dotted over many verdant acres, Kerala’s largest beachside resort is cradled between two sweeping beaches. Perched on a rock-face, this 5 star deluxe resort offers the most panoramic views of the famed Kovalam shoreline.

Along with spoiling you with a host of impeccable dining and entertainment options, The Leela Kovalam Beach, Kerala also has Divya, an authentic Ayurveda Wellness Spa. You could also choose to unwind in our splendid infinity pools that merge into the westerly horizon. And when living in God’s Own Country, can the living be anything less than divine in one of the best hotels in Kovalam? All our beach-view guestrooms have their own private sundecks. And the Sea View wing, which houses The Club, is perfectly positioned on a seaside cliff. Sounds divine, doesn’t it?

10. Juhu Beach, Maharashtra

About

Located 18-km north of the city centre, Juhu is a major beach site on the shores of the Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find the bungalows of the famous film personalities of Bollywood. 

On the southern end of the Juhu beach one can find many luxury hotels and apartments, which are regarded as a favourite haunt of Mumbai's movers and shakers. The beach, which almost seems deserted during weekdays, always tends to get very crowded on weekends. 

Attractions Around Juhu Beach 
Versova Beach: Versova Beach is located towards the northern end of Juhu, which is a home to Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community.

About

Located 18-km north of the city centre, Juhu is a major beach site on the shores of the Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find the bungalows of the famous film personalities of Bollywood. 

On the southern end of the Juhu beach one can find many luxury hotels and apartments, which are regarded as a favourite haunt of Mumbai's movers and shakers. The beach, which almost seems deserted during weekdays, always tends to get very crowded on weekends. 

Attractions Around Juhu Beach 
Versova Beach: Versova Beach is located towards the northern end of Juhu, which is a home to Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community.