Top 10 Beaches in India
Beaches are considered the best destinations for a romantic travel. India is host to a diverse shoreline with the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea flowing through the subcontinent. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar, and Karnataka have several beach towns worth exploring. Seafood, tropical climate, water sports and beach games can make your vacation a happening one. India Profile offers information on the best beaches of India.
Calangute Beach
Location: Goa
Goa is the top rated beach destination in the country drawing even the foreign tourists. Dubbed as the Beach Capital of India, Goa has won hearts of millions of travelers and honeymoon couples with its serene stretch of coastline. The swaying palm groves, sunbathing zone, umbrella huts, beach shacks and a number of seafood restaurants make Calangute Beach one of the tourist hot spots. Water sports here add to the fun. This beach also turns into a chill out party zone during Goa Carnival, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Enjoy swimming in the hot waters, play volley ball on the beach or sip the local fenny in the shacks, you simply have so much to do in Calangute. Once out of the sandy stretch, you can walk up to the shops bordering the beach. Hats, t-shirts and Goan accessories are worth buying.
Kovalam Beach
Location: Trivandrum
Three small beaches combine to make the Kovalam Beach in Thiruvananthapuram. A secluded serene stretch of sand surrounding by lush greenery, Kovalam is a small hamlet in Kerala. Largely visited by the hippies, presently Kovalam is the most visited beach in the state of Kerala. The Lighthouse Beach and Eve's Beach is a 20 minutes of walking distance from each other. The Lighthouse Beach here stretches across 4 km. Sunbathing and surfing are two popular activities among tourists if they are not lazing around. Sun is strong and the weather is humid during March-June. The best time to visit is from October-December. Fishing and cruise boats anchor on the shore and most hotels are within a kilometer from the beach. Exotic seafood, authentic Kerala dishes and water sports are things to enjoy in Kovalam.
Marina Beach
Location: Chennai
Bordering the Bay of Bengal, Marina Beach is an acclaimed summer retreat. It has the distinction of being the world's second longest coast running up to 13 km. The rocky formation around the beach resembles that of the Juhu Beach in Mumbai. This beach is among the top attractions of the metropolitan of Chennai. The cool breeze relaxes you here on a humid day as bathing is prohibited here. The fishing nets, an aquarium and the lover's spot are popular attractions among the visitors. You can opt for pony and horse rides. The 13 km stretch of sand has many city landmarks along it. Fort St. George is one of them. The Triumph of Labor statue, Mahatma Gandhi statue, lighthouse, Anna and Marine swimming pools and Marine Cricket Ground are worth a visit.
Anjuna Beach
Location: Goa
Another sought after beachs in Goa, famous among the party lovers. Anjuna Beach is well known for its rocky cliffs on the sand beach that are ideal photography locations. Dance to the beats of trance music, unique to Goa, during the night parties. The full moon parties on Anjuna Beach are food fiestas. The shacks sell sea crabs, prawns, grills, cocktails and fenny throughout the night. Goan cuisine is delightful too. The calm sea here is safe for swimming. The flee market in Anjuna Beach is a crowd puller. Shopaholics are seen bargaining for silver accessories, clothes and hats. Attractions around Anjuna Beach are Mascarenhas Mansion and the Alberquerque Mansion. The best time to be here is November-May.
Rishikonda Beach
Location: Vishakapatnam
The unspoiled beach of Rishikonda welcomes tourists almost throughout the year. It is one of the tranquil beaches in Andhra Pradesh and the best hotels of the state are situated here. Water sports, sunbathing and beach sports are the major draw for tourists here. Honeymoon couples enjoy the absolute privacy of the beach resorts here. Just 8 km drive from Vishakapatnam, the beach enjoys great accessibility as well. It is another majestic beach along the Bay of Bengal.
Pondicherry Beaches
Location: Pondicherry
There are four popular beaches in the Union Territory of Pondicherry drawing tourists throughout the year. Promenade is the most popular one and is a stretch of 1.5 km. This beach is particularly rocky and not suitable for swimming or sunbathing. The town hall and lighthouse is located along this beach. Paradise Beach is situated 8 km away from the town of Pondicherry and the main destination for honeymoon couples. Auroville Beach is part of the Auroville segment, 12 km drive from the main town. Serenity Beach is smaller than the others and around 4 km from Pondicherry.
Puri Beach
Location: Orissa
Puri is mainly a holy beachside town in Orissa and a much acclaimed weekend getaway from Bhubaneshwar and West Bengal. This beach paradise is bustling with people throughout the year. It is also among the beaches ideal for swimming and beach games. Shops in and around this beach is also a major stop over for visitors. The market place is also where the major hotels offering sea view are located. The famous Jagannath Temple of Puri is also an attraction located close to the beach.
Mahabalipuram Beach
Location: Mahabalipuram
Few kilometers away from Chennai is the beach at Mahabalipuram. The peaceful ambience of this secluded location leaves tourists mesmerized. Mahabalipuram is a historic site of ruins along the Bay of Bengal coast. The century old temples and rock cut architecture have mostly stood the test of time. Tourists mainly visit this beach location during the annual Dance Festival. November to February is considered the best time to be here. Unlike most other beaches in the country, Mahabalipuram is not for swimming neither hosts any water sports activities. You can simply stroll around the place and enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Nagoa Beach
Location: Diu
Nagao is a small and ethnic village in Diu and the beach here is exceptionally beautiful. Shaped like a shoe, Nagoa Beach has water sport facilities and cruises from the harbor. Swimming is also safe here as the sea is calm. The sea breeze is intoxicating and honeymoon couples find the beach a pleasant one. Single travelers often prefer to spend the day reading or lazing around on the beach.
Andaman and Nicobar Beaches
Location: Mangalore, Karnataka
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are host to some of the finest beaches in Indian subcontinent. The coral reefs, lagoons and turquoise blue water are the main attractions of these island beaches. Sea diving, snorkeling and scuba diving are prominent adventure activities for tourists. Corbyn's Cove is close to the airport and is a 4 km long beach. Clinque Island beach is a well known sunbathing spot and Havelock Island has the world class hotels and resorts.