After a 2-year long wait to set sail for a vacation at the first possible instance, holiday destinations have finally opened their gates to the masses post the pandemic. With the availability of a myriad of travel options once again, travellers may find themselves in a dilemma when picking the perfect spot for their next getaway.

However, if you are a beach lover and are eyeing those deals on beach getaway packages, here is the perfect list of best beaches in India to help you choose one.

With the following list of our top picks, you can get just the right place to accentuate your vacay mode!

1. Minicoy Beach, Lakshadweep Islands

Secluded from the primary group of islands in Lakshadweep, Minicoy is one of the top beaches in India, offering the tranquillity of a private experience away from the mainland. Situated around 400 km from Kochi, this virgin beach is popular for its white sand and coral reefs. Here, you can take part in water sports like kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. You can also treat your tastebuds to the spicy coconut-rich Keralite cuisine here.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Famous for: The Minicoy beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • “Jahadhoni” or colourful race boats
  • The Lava, the land’s traditional dance
  • A 300-feet lighthouse of 1885, offering a majestic view of the Jama Masjid

2. Half-moon Beach, Karnataka

Deriving its name from its shape, which resembles a half-moon, this beach in Karnataka is one of the best beaches to visit in India if you are looking for a holiday destination away from the regular crowd. Its 6 km stretch of clean, sparkling sands juxtaposed against the transparent blue waters makes this beach an ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate, thus attracting a notable number of backpackers and foreign travellers who take part in camping every year. Besides, while rejoicing in the idyllic escape, you can also try some delicious eatables available at the shacks in the vicinity.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: The Half-moon beach is primarily popular for its tranquil aesthetics, courtesy of the following sightings:
  • Cave-like formations
  • A cliff from which visitors can enjoy a splendid view of the Arabian Sea

3. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Nestled in the honeymooners’ paradise Havelock Island, the Radhanagar beach makes its way to the top of the list of best beaches in India. Its 2 km long shoreline abounds in palm trees with pristine white sand adorning its entirety. The ‘7th best beach in the world’, as per the Times Magazine, boasts of one of the most idyllic surroundings to help you unwind in the lap of Mother Nature. The sight of the clear water enveloping the pristine sand is as good a sight while sunbathing as it gets. Additionally, this beach is surrounded by placid lagoons and a picturesque forest, adding to its glory.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: Besides rejoicing in the aesthetic surrounding of this beach, you can also take a stroll to the following equally remarkable spots nearby:
  • Elephant beach
  • Neil’s Cove
  • Kalapathar beach
  • Vijayanagara beach

4. Palolem Beach, Goa

When it comes to a youngster’s go-to destination for the much-awaited Goa trip, Palolem tops the list of best beaches in India. This semi-circular piece of land stretches up to around 1.61 km, with rocky boulders and greenery adorning its surroundings. The northern part of the Palolem beach is considered safer in terms of water current. This is why it is advisable for those visiting the place with kids to put up somewhere on the northern side. However, if you are an adventure-thirsty soul, you should definitely explore the southern waters and participate in several water sports.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: Here are some of the activities that most individuals visiting Palolem like to take part in:
  • Fishing and dolphin sighting
  • Silent Noise Disco
  • A trip to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Hiking to Butterfly Beach
  • Shopping for Bohemian clothing and jewellery items

5. Ganpatipule Beach, Maharashtra

One of the best beaches in India in terms of cleanliness, Ganpatipule is a heavenly destination for a blissful getaway with your loved ones. Located on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, this beach is in close proximity to Ratnagiri and 375 km away from Mumbai. The 10 km long shoreline is adorned with white sand and spectacular flora. Visitors can engage themselves in other activities like camel rides and horse riding or simply indulge in idyllic sunbathing.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: The following places near this beach make this place a hotspot for pilgrims:
  • Velneshwar beach temple
  • Hedvi Ganesh temple
  • Swamyambhoo Ganapati temple
  • Jaigad Lighthouse
  • Konkan museum

6. Kavaratti Beach, Lakshadweep Islands

Situated at a distance of 404 km from Kochi, Kavaratti houses a 5.8 km long island beach that makes for one of the popular vacation spots in India. Visitors can simply escape into the magical world of the thrilling beauty of the coral reefs and the placid lagoons. Additionally, you can also indulge in the several water sports that the lagoons’ clear waters are ideal for. The Kavaratti beach is also home to a collection of marine animals, whose sight only adds to its picture-worthiness.

• Best Time to Visit: August to March
• Famous for: Here are some of the unique factors that make Kavaratti such a fine specimen of a getaway destination:
  • Glass-bottomed boats
  • Dolphin Dive Centre
  • Marine aquarium

7. Muzhappilangad Beach, Kerala

Renowned for being Kerala’s only drive-in beach, Muzhappilangad comprises a 5.5 km stretch of land adorning sparkling golden sand. Making its place on the list of best beaches in India for cleanliness, Muzhappilangad allows visitors to simply drive along its coast and enjoy the mesmerising view of the Malabar Coast. Besides basking in the serene ambience, you can also indulge in authentic Malabar cuisine from the numerous beach shacks.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Famous for: Some popular spots near the Muzhappilangad beach are as follows:
  • Muzhappilangad Beach Fiesta
  • Thalassery Fort
  • St. Angelo Fort

8. Agonda Beach, Goa

Upholding its status of being one of the cleanest beaches in India, Agonda is a 2 km stretch of white sand along the Arabian Sea. This is another of the remote holiday destinations where you can spend some alone time. There are several spots on the beach where visitors can sign up for water sports like surfing and jet skiing. Additionally, there are several food stalls along the area offering Goan delicacies to munch on as you sunbathe.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Famous for: Besides being famous for its happening nightlife, the Agonda beach is a sought-after destination for the following:
  • Shopping spots like Tibetian Market, Night Market, and Anjuna Flea Market
  • Water sports like kayaking, parasailing, cruising, and banana rides
  • Luxury eateries

9. Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra

One of the offbeat beach destinations of India, Tarkali is a perfect getaway spot for those looking for a blissful weekend getaway in Maharashtra. A cluster of betel and coconut trees surround this 2 km long beach with houseboats, providing a vibe similar to that of Kerala backwaters. A major attraction here is the sandy entrance to this beach, embellished with a line of boats. Additionally, there are a number of eateries offering authentic Malvan cuisine.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: Several spots that tourists can explore and pay a visit to in Tarkali are as follows:
  • Beach houseboat rides with dolphin sightings
  • Sindhudurg Fort
  • Rock Garden Malvan
  • Tsunami island
  • Padmagad Fort

10. Ariyaman Beach, Tamil Nadu

Situated approximately 21 km from the famous Rameshwaram, the Ariyaman beach in Palk Bay is a quite popular destination that individuals travel to for a relaxing getaway. This beach derives its religious quotient from the numerous festivals held and celebrated at Rameshwaram when a substantially large crowd flocks every year. Besides, visitors can rejoice in the scenic beauty of this 2 km stretch of glimmering sand, accompanied by greenery and soothing waves adorning its surroundings.

• Best Time to Visit: All year round
• Famous for: Besides soaking in the beauty of this serene beach in Tamil Nadu, you can pay a visit to the following popular spots in its vicinity.
  • Rameshwaram
  • Children’s park
  • Museum
  • Marine Aquarium

11. Puri Beach, Orissa

Owing to its spiritual quotient, Puri has been a famous beach in India since times immemorial. Pilgrims can simply enjoy the serenity of the golden sands spread across the 7 km stretch of land besides visiting the nearby temples. Post sunset, the beach springs into life with several shops selling a myriad of items, from lip-smacking Indian snacks to souvenirs. You can also satiate the shopaholic in you by visiting the textile and handloom shops located within walking distance from the beach.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: Visitors can take a tour of the following noteworthy places near this beach:
  • Shree Jagannath Puri temple
  • Chilika Lake
  • Konark Sun Temple
  • Nandan Kanan
  • Raghurajpur Handicrafts Village

12. Digha Beach, West Bengal

Adorning the title of “Brighton of the East”, Digha boasts of having one of the widest beaches in the world. The 7 km long stretch comprises golden sand and rocky boulders and is lined with Casuarina plantations. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, the Digha beach allows visitors to engage in a number of activities like swimming and motorboat rides. There are also a number of shopping centres and food stalls in the locality that you can visit during your stay.

• Best Time to Visit: July to March
• Famous for: Besides enjoying the mesmerising sunrise and sunset that Digha is famous for, you can visit some of the other popular spots nearby:
  • Lord Shiva temple
  • Amravati park
  • Marine aquarium and science museum

13. Wandoor Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Situated 25 km from the Port Blair airport, Wandoor beach is one of the most picturesque places you can visit in Port Blair. The phenomenal sunsets and coral sightings also add to the scenic beauty of the longest coastline in Port Blair, stretching up to 15 km. Individuals planning a trip to this popular beach can easily put up at any of the numerous luxury hotels and resorts in Wandoor. There are also multiple modes of communication available from Havelock Island and Port Blair to this beach.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to February
• Famous for: Some of the notable places of attraction near Wandoor beach are as follows:
  • Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
  • Jolly Buoy Island
  • Chidiya Tapu

14. Marina Beach, Chennai

With a shoreline measuring up to 12 km, the longest beach in India is a popular hub among locals as well as tourists. Finding its place among the top 10 beaches in India, Marina also stands as the second-longest beach in the world. When at the beach, you can indulge in the city’s local cuisine, including the famous Thenga Manga Pattani Sundal, at the several eatery stalls present. You can enjoy exploring other stalls of ethnic jewellery and handicrafts amidst the carnival backdrop of the beach in the evening.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: Visitors can explore some of the following popular spots in the Marina beach’s vicinity:
  • Ice House
  • The Aquarium
  • The Lighthouse
  • Chepauk Palace
  • Senate house

15. Lighthouse Beach, Visakhapatnam

As the name suggests, the 35 m tall lighthouse adorning the Lighthouse beach makes it one of the unique and beautiful beaches in India. The lush palm trees along the 9 km shoreline combined with the glistening sand, pristine water, and gushing sound of waves make it an ideal picnic spot offering an exhilarating experience. Visitors can climb through the spiral staircase of the lighthouse to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Additionally, you can indulge in the lip-smacking food from the nearby shacks or relax in an Ayurveda massage session.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: Here is a list of notable spots near this beach for visitors to explore:
  • Vizhinjam lighthouse
  • Vellayani Lake
  • Kurumkal Hill
  • Kovalam Beach

16. Calangute Beach, Goa

Holding true to its title of ‘Queen of Beaches’ in Goa, the Calangute beach, with its picturesque charm, makes for a paradise for nature lovers. One of the busiest beaches of North Goa, Calangute, is packed with pubs, shacks, and restaurants. While the ever-happening nightlife is nothing short of a party animal’s dream, the blissful ambience of the coconut and palm trees lining the 7 km coast along the Arabian Sea is bound to give you the perfect snaps to embellish your Instagram feed.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: Besides the availability of numerous pubs, a myriad of watersports, and serene surroundings, Calangute is popular for the following:
  • Saturday Bazar
  • Chelsea Beach Shack
  • The Fish Market
  • Tibetan Market

17. Agatti Beach, Lakshadweep Islands

Located approximately 364 km off Kannur, Agatti is famous for housing the most picturesque lagoons in Lakshadweep. Considered a virtual gateway to the islands, this island beach is also easily accessible, owing to the extensive network of airports servicing routes to the same. Its 6 km long coastline is lined with emerald green coconut and palm trees along with stretches of silvery-white sand. This, combined with the placid blue lagoons housing exotic fauna, make for an enthralling experience for visitors.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Famous for: The Agatti Island beach is popular for its calm waters that let visitors take part in several adventurous activities, such as:
  • Skiing
  • Deep-sea fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Scuba diving
  • Sailing

18. Mandvi Beach, Gujarat

Located in the southern part of Kutch, this 6 km golden brown stretch of sandy land is another of the secluded beaches offering a soothing view of clean water. Its proximity to the historical city of Bhuj also makes it a popular site among heritage lovers. Given its remote location, the Mandvi beach makes for a birdwatcher’s paradise and for those looking for a quiet and undisturbed sunbathing experience. Besides taking a stroll along this picturesque coastline during dusk and dawn, you can go for a camel ride or engage yourself in water sports and camping.

• Best Time to Visit: March to July
• Famous for: When in Mandvi, tourists can explore some of the following places of significance in the vicinity:
  • Vijay Vilas Palace
  • 72 Jinalaya Jain Temple
  • Roha Fort
  • Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
  • Rann of Kutch

19. Juhu Beach, Maharashtra

The longest beach in Maharashtra, spread across a length of 5 km, is also one of the most popular getaway destinations among tourists as well as locals. Surrounded by one of the most elite localities in Mumbai, the surroundings are also home to numerous renowned individuals of the Bollywood industry, making this beach a hotspot for TV serial and movie shoots. Besides, you can always go for a fun ride in horse carriages while enjoying your food. Above all, the beach springs to life during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: When in Juhu, make sure that you do not miss out on hopping into the following nearby attractions:
  • Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
  • Prithvi Theatre
  • ISKCON Temple
  • Film City

20. Ramakrishna Beach, Andhra Pradesh

More popularly known as the RK beach, one of the most visited commercial destinations in Vizag is famous for its calm waters and comfortable climate. Visitors can enjoy a mesmerising view of the hills encompassing either end of this 3 km stretch of land. The evenings see most of the crowd flocking in to enjoy the sunset and participate in adventurous activities, such as beach volleyball, surfing, swimming, and simply creating fun sand castles.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: When visiting the RK beach, you can explore some of the following attractions present nearby:
  • Vuda Park
  • Submarine museum
  • War memorial
  • Aircraft museum
  • Marine aquarium

21. Colva Beach, Goa

One of the most travelled vacation spots in Goa, the Colva beach is an ever-happening stretch of land spanning a length of 2.5 km. Adorning glimmering white sand, the coastline is lined with lush palm and coconut trees, adding to its beauty. Many prefer this beach over the several crowded commercial sports of Goa, owing to its scenic beauty and calm atmosphere. There are several water sports, such as swimming, parasailing, boat rides and Jet Ski rides, which visitors can indulge in here.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: A trip to the Colva beach remains incomplete without paying a visit to the following notable places.
• Our Lady of Mercy Church
• A nearby hilltop where visitors can go to enjoy a mesmerising view of the majestic Arabian Sea

22. Beypore Beach, Kozhikode

Situated approximately 10 km from Kozhikode, Beypore beach has carved its place at the Chaliyar River’s entry. Being a former centre of trade and commerce, the Beypore beach finds its unique significance as a historical spot. Besides its cultural significance, the 2 km long beach also boasts fascinating stretches of golden sand lined with picturesque coconut trees. Its remarkable surroundings, along with a comfortable quietude, make it an ideal destination for a much-required break from one’s monotonous daily life.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: Owing to its history of being an ancient port, Beypore beach is famous for the following:
• Ship-building
• Construction of ancient Arabian trading vessels, Dhows and Urus

23. Kaup Beach, Karnataka

Also known as Kapu in the regional Tulu language, Kaup is a rural town nestled between Mangaluru and Udupi, notable for its clean beaches. This 2 km stretch of land adorns lush greenery surrounding it and an ancient lighthouse constructed in 1901. This centre of attraction is open for visitors to explore at specific time slots of the day. A bonus for individuals willing to plan a vacation here is that they can reach this place by rail, road, and air, owing to its excellent connectivity.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: Besides the famous lighthouse, Kaup beach has a number of spectacular spots around it for visitors to explore. These are as follows:
  • Udupi Sri Krishna Matha temple
  • Historical ruins of Jain Basadis
  • Two Hindu temples of Goddess Mariamman

24. Promenade Beach, Pondicherry

Popular among travellers with the names of Mahatma Gandhi beach, Rock beach, or Pondicherry beach, the Promenade beach is famous for its exotic surroundings, shimmering sand, and azure water. It is one of the places in Pondicherry that is most travelled to. You can simply take a leisurely stroll along the mesmerising 1.2 km coastline with ocean sprays soothing your skin. The picturesque sunsets and idyllic atmosphere that Promenade offers are some of the reasons that make it a perfect holiday destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: When at Promenade beach, you can walk a few miles or drive to some of the following popular spots around the place:
  • Dupleix’s Statue
  • The War Memorial
  • The Heritage Townhall
  • An old lighthouse
  • The statue of Mahatma Gandhi