India’s coastline stretches for more than 7,500 kilometres, touching the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Along this vast edge of land lie beaches that are dramatically different from one another. Some are party capitals where the night never seems to end. Some are sacred shores where pilgrims walk barefoot at sunrise. Others are remote and almost secret, where the only soundtrack is the rhythm of waves.
Here are my twelve favourite beaches in India, explored not as a checklist but as stories from the shore.
1. Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, now officially known as Swaraj Dweep, is often described as one of Asia’s finest beaches. The praise is not exaggerated.
The sand here is powdery and white, stretching wide enough to make even a busy day feel uncrowded. The sea shifts from turquoise to deep blue as the sun climbs higher. There are no blaring shacks or intrusive crowds. Instead, there is silence, broken only by waves that roll in with quiet confidence.
Sunsets at Radhanagar feel cinematic. As the sky turns amber and pink, families, solo travellers and couples gather without speaking much. It is a shared moment of awe. The Andaman Islands may be remote, but Radhanagar makes the journey worthwhile.
2. Baga Beach
If Radhanagar is serenity, Baga Beach in Goa is energy. Located in North Goa, Baga is where music spills out of beach shacks and the air carries the scent of seafood and sunscreen.
Water sports are a major draw. Parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat rides keep the adrenaline high. As the sun dips, the beach transitions into a lively social hub. Restaurants and clubs nearby light up, and travellers from across the world blend into a festive crowd.
Baga is not about solitude. It is about movement, laughter and the sense that the night is still young.
3. Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach in Kerala offers a rare visual contrast. Red laterite cliffs rise dramatically above the Arabian Sea, creating a setting unlike any other in India.
The cliff top is lined with cafés, yoga centres and small shops selling handicrafts. Down below, the beach is calm and inviting. Early mornings are often reserved for walkers and meditation seekers, while evenings bring travellers together to watch the sun dissolve into the sea.
Varkala is also spiritually significant. Just a short walk away lies the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple. The beach, therefore, becomes more than a holiday spot. It is a space where reflection and recreation coexist.
4. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is not just a beach. It is a public stage where Chennai gathers every evening.Stretching over 13 kilometres, it is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Vendors sell roasted peanuts and sundal. Children run towards the waves and retreat with shrieks of delight. Political memorials and statues line the promenade, adding layers of history to the coastline.
Swimming is often restricted due to strong currents, but that hardly diminishes Marina’s appeal. It is a place to observe life in motion, to feel the city breathe as the sea breeze cuts through the humidity.
5. Palolem Beach
Further south in Goa lies Palolem Beach, crescent shaped and framed by palm trees.Palolem strikes a balance between vibrancy and calm. Colourful wooden huts line the shore, and the water remains relatively gentle for swimmers. Kayaking at dawn offers a peaceful start to the day, while silent headphone parties at night keep the energy alive without disturbing the serenity of the surroundings.
Palolem feels intimate. It is easy to return here year after year and still find a quiet corner for yourself.
6. Puri Beach
On the eastern coast, Puri Beach stands as both a tourist destination and a sacred shoreline. Located near the revered Jagannath Temple, it draws pilgrims who believe a dip in the Bay of Bengal here carries spiritual merit.
The beach is wide and golden, with waves that crash dramatically. Early mornings are particularly evocative. Fishermen pull in their nets as the first light touches the horizon. Devotees perform rituals by the water’s edge.
Puri Beach is not polished or curated. It is raw, alive and deeply woven into local culture.
7. Kovalam Beach
Kovalam, near Thiruvananthapuram, is often associated with Ayurveda retreats and wellness tourism. The beach itself is divided into three parts, with Lighthouse Beach being the most popular.
The iconic red and white lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline. The water is inviting, and the curve of the shore makes it visually striking. Many visitors combine beach time with traditional Kerala massages and yoga sessions.
Kovalam’s appeal lies in its relaxed pace. It encourages you to slow down, to listen to the sea and to your own breathing.
8. Tarkarli Beach
Tarkarli in Maharashtra remains one of the country’s best kept coastal secrets. The water here is surprisingly clear, making it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Unlike busier beaches, Tarkarli feels unhurried. Homestays and small resorts dominate the accommodation scene. Fresh Malvani cuisine, rich in coconut and seafood, adds to the charm.
For travellers seeking marine adventures without the overwhelming crowds of more famous destinations, Tarkarli offers a refreshing alternative.
9. Gokarna Beach
Gokarna, in Karnataka, has evolved from a quiet temple town into a beloved coastal escape.While Om Beach often steals the spotlight, the main Gokarna Beach retains a local, grounded atmosphere. Pilgrims visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple, while backpackers explore nearby coves on foot.
The blend of spirituality and laid-back beach culture gives Gokarna a unique personality. It feels less commercial than Goa, yet equally captivating.
10. Digha Beach
For many in eastern India, Digha is the go-to seaside retreat. Located in West Bengal, it offers a long stretch of shoreline where waves roll in steadily.
The newer part of Digha has been developed with paved walkways and seating areas, making it family friendly. Markets nearby sell seashell crafts and local snacks.
Digha may not boast turquoise waters, but it offers accessibility and nostalgia. Generations have grown up taking weekend trips here, building sandcastles and collecting shells.
11. Rameswaram Beach
Rameswaram Beach is closely tied to faith and mythology. Situated near the revered Ramanathaswamy Temple, it is associated with stories from the Ramayana.
The waters here are often calm, almost lagoon like. Pilgrims take ritual baths before entering the temple. The Pamban Bridge nearby adds a dramatic visual element as trains glide over the sea.
Rameswaram is not about sunbathing. It is about standing at the edge of land and feeling the weight of history and belief carried by the tides.
12. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach in South Goa offers what many travellers seek but rarely find: space.The beach is long and relatively untouched. Shacks are fewer, crowds thinner. Olive Ridley turtles are known to nest here during certain seasons, adding ecological importance to its beauty.
Agonda invites introspection. Writers, artists and long-term travellers often choose it for extended stays. It is the kind of place where days blur into each other, measured only by sunrise swims and quiet dinners by the sea.
The Many Faces of India’s Coast From the turquoise waters of the Andamans to the bustling promenade of Chennai, from sacred shores in Odisha to hidden gems in Maharashtra, India’s beaches defy uniformity.
Each coastline tells a different story. Some speak in the language of celebration. Some whisper prayers. Others simply exist in quiet splendour.
What unites them is the sea itself, vast and patient, touching every shore with the same rhythm. For a country as diverse as India, its beaches are not just holiday destinations. They are reflections of its culture, faith, energy and dreams.
And perhaps that is why returning to the sea, again and again, never feels repetitive. It feels like coming home to a different version of yourself each time.