The southern part of India is surrounded by water, making it an amazing beach destination. India has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are a few destinations for the best beach vacations in India for foreigners. Read on to find out more!
1. Goa
Known as the beach state of the country, Goa of course ranks first as a destination for beach vacations in India for foreigners. With lively as well as secluded beaches, chill vibes, historical sites, and yummy food, Goa has much to offer to visitors.
If you want fun water activities, great food shacks, and a vibrant nightlife, visit the beaches of North Goa like Baga, Vagator, Calangute, and Anjuna. For some peaceful time with lesser crowds, South Goa is your best option, with pristine beaches like Varca, Palolem, Agonda, and Colva.
Visit the churches and temples in Old Goa, trek to the Dudhsagar Falls, and enjoy the local cuisine. You can also try water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving.
See more: Best beaches of Goa away from the crowds
Goa is the perfect beach destination for travelers.
2. Puducherry
Puducherry, or Pondicherry, is a charming town near Tamil Nadu with French influences. The popular beach destination also features colonial architecture, old churches, and statues.
Visit Auroville Beach, Serenity Beach, Paradise Beach, Karaikal Beach, and Promenade Beach. Experience the spiritual side of the place in Auroville, stroll along the promenade, explore the streets of Pondicherry, and gorge on some French and South Indian cuisine.
3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar is an Indian archipelago of 576 islands in the Bay of Bengal, but only five are open to tourists. The rest of the land is heavily protected. The tropical paradise has pristine beaches with turquoise waters, white sand, and sunny skies.
History lovers should visit the Cellular Jail, which is a symbol of India’s freedom struggle. You can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling, or simply relax at the beaches here. Havelock Island, Neil Island, Elephant Beach, and Radhanagar Beach are some of the top-favored spots among tourists.
4. Lakshadweep Islands
The idyllic Lakshadweep Islands can give tough competition to the waters of Maldives. With 36 islands spread across 32 square kilometers in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep offers an amazing beach holiday with its pristine beaches and mesmerizing landscapes.
Some of the best beaches you can visit here are Agatti Islands, Kavaratti, Androt, Kalpeni, and Minicoy. Try some fun activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or even fishing! You can also visit the Marine Museum to learn about the marine life of the region.
5. Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu is a union territory near Gujarat, an underrated beach destination. The town is a blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures that reflects in the architecture, heritage, and local cuisine of the place. The beautiful blue waters and clean sands of its beaches, rustic villages, and ancient ruins make for a perfect unique beach getaway in India.
Visit Jhampore Beach, Devka Beach, Tithal Beach, and Nagoa Beach in Daman and Diu. Try parasailing and surfing, or sail in a boat on the blue waters.
6. Tarkarli, Maharashtra
A stunning beach in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, Tarkarli is a good alternative to Goa if you want to be away from the crowds. If you are a history enthusiast, you must definitely visit the Sindhudurg Fort, a mighty sea fort in the Arabian Sea.
Tarkarli Beach is also known for scuba diving – the clear waters here are home to some rare aquatic life. You can also get a PADI certification here. Enjoy other activities like snorkeling and parasailing, or a dolphin safari!
7. Alibaug, Maharashtra
Located along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, Alibag is a beautiful beach town with many amazing beaches. It is a popular weekend destination from Mumbai and offers natural beauty as well as fresh, scrumptious seafood.
Mandwa Beach, Alibaug Beach, Kashid Beach, Nagaon Beach, and Kihim Beach are some popular beaches in Alibaug.
Read more: Best beaches of Konkan
8. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is situated south of Goa in Karnataka, providing a nice getaway for travelers who want Goa’s vibes without Goa’s chaos. Gokarna is a popular pilgrimage site among Indians, known for the Mahabaleshwar temple. The town also has some wonderful beaches for relaxing or sunbathing, such as Om Beach, Half-Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach. If you want some thrill, you can try water sports like jet skiing and banana boat riding.
9. Kovalam, Kerala
Kovalam is the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing vacation. Not only is it a popular beach destination in Kerala, it is also known for Ayurvedic wellness centers.This beach town is a great spot for surfing, for those looking for some adventure.
Visit Lighthouse Beach, Chowara Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach for a peaceful time. For surfing enthusiasts, don’t forget to check out the Kovalam Surf Club.
10. Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey is known as “the Venice of the East”, because of its extensive backwaters network of canals and lagoons. However, Alleppey also has some beautiful beaches such as Alappuzha, Marari, and Punnapra. Try speed boating and kayaking, or take part in the Sand Art Festival and the Beach Festival.
Stay in a houseboat in the backwaters and watch local life pass by. Alleppey is also rich in culture and history. The most important event in Alleppey is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which attracts visitors from around the world.
So, which beach destination in India are you visiting next? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you based on your likes and requirements. Contact us, and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Goa and Kerala are two of the most visited beach destinations in India. Some of the most popular beaches in Goa are Calangute, Baga, and Palolem, while in Kerala, Alleppey, Kovalam, and Fort Kochi are famous among foreign tourists.
Goa, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, Gokarna, Tarkarli, and Alibaug have some of the best beaches in India.
Visit Gokarna, Tarkarli, Alibaug, Mahabalipuram, or Varkala instead of Goa for a great beach vacation with a similar vibe to Goa.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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