With 4,600 miles (7,500 kilometers) of coastline to explore, good beaches in India aren't hard to come by. From the party sands of Goa to the bustle of Marine Drive in Mumbai, here are some of the best of India's beaches.
The larger Chakratirth Beach, overlooked by a high bound, is a little to the west, just outside the city walls. In many ways, this is the most attractive beach on the west coast of India, and usually deserted, making it the best option for an undisturbed swim—especially for female travelers.
To get to this India beach, take an auto-rickshaw from Dwarka city, just a mile (1.6 km) away. If you prefer a more scenic route, you can walk along the coastal city walls. The walk provides views of ancient architecture and the Arabian Sea, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures around 77°F (25°C) and clear skies perfect for swimming. Winter brings warm days and cool evenings. It’s best to avoid the monsoon season (June-September) because strong currents can make swimming dangerous. Early mornings are particularly peaceful before the crowds arrive.
Situated at the top of Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach is a Mumbai institution. On evenings and weekends, Mumbaikars gather here on this city beach – not to swim (the sea is foul) but to wander, sit on the sand, munch kulfi and bhel puri and gaze across the bay while the kids ride a pony or rusty Ferris wheel.
To get to Chowpatty, take Mumbai's public transportation, with Marine Drive’s southern end as your landmark. There are plenty of buses that stop nearby, or you can walk 15 minutes from Churchgate station. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available in Mumbai. The route along Marine Drive gives you great views of the Arabian Sea.
Evenings are a lively time at Chowpatty when the "Queen’s Necklace" lights up Marine Drive, and the beach becomes a social hub. Weekends are busier with food vendors and entertainment. The cooler months, from November to February, bring pleasant temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C). If you’re visiting during Ganesh Chaturthi, you can experience the colorful idol immersions.
Evening Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach © O'SHI/Shutterstock
The vibe is much nicer at the south end of Anjuna Beach as opposed to the north, where a pretty and more sheltered cove accommodates a mostly twenty-something tourist crowd. A constant trance soundtrack thumps from the shacks behind it cranking up to become proper parties after dark.
Then bars Curlie’s and neighboring Shiva Valley take turns to max their sound systems, hosting international DJs through the season. Chai ladies and food stallholders sit in wait on the sands, just like for the raves of old, but the party generally grinds to a halt at 10 pm sharp. This is one of the best beaches in Goa.
Anjuna Beach is about 21 miles (34 km) from Dabolim Airport, and you can get there by pre-paid taxi. Auto-rickshaws are also available from Mapusa (5 miles/8 km), and buses regularly connect Panaji and Mapusa to Anjuna village. From the village, it’s a short walk to the beach. Renting a scooter is a great way to explore the coastal roads and check out nearby beaches.
The best time to visit is from November through March, when the temperatures range from 75 to 90°F (24 to 32°C) and the weather is dry. The famous flea market takes place every Wednesday and is a must-see, with its hippie vibe from the 1960s. Anjuna is also known for its sunset beach parties, complete with international DJs and Goa’s trance scene (parties are legal until 10 pm).
Anjuna Beach in North Goa is one of the best beaches in India © Pavel Sapozhnikov/Shutterstock
Morjim Beach itself is dramatic and well worth a walk, especially in the early morning, when you’ll see teams of fishermen hauling giant hand nets from the surf. The spit at its southern end, opposite Chapora Fort, is also a great birding hotspot, making this among the best beaches in India for a wide range of reasons.
Morjim Beach is 7 miles (11 km) from Anjuna, and you can rent a scooter or take a taxi from Mapusa. Public buses run to Morjim village, and it’s about a 15-minute walk to the beach. For a more scenic route, you can take a ferry from Chapora, crossing the river and enjoying views of the nearby fort.
The best time to visit this India beach is from November to February, with temperatures between 77-86°F (25-30°C), when the Olive Ridley turtles come to nest on the beach. Early mornings are the best time to catch fishermen hauling in large nets using traditional methods. The winter months also attract migratory birds, making it a good spot for birdwatching, especially for species like white-bellied sea eagles. For more great spots for birdwatching, see our guide to finding India wildlife.
Morjim Beach, North Goa, India © Andrei Bortnikau/Shutterstock
Arambol’s main drag is a winding road lined cheek-by-jowl with clothes and bedspread stalls, travel agents, internet cafes, and souvenir shops selling tourist knick-knacks. The lane bends downhill to the main beach—dotted with wooden outriggers and one of the most picturesque in South India.
The best view of Arambol is from the crucifix and small Parasurama shrine on the hilltop to the north. After dark, when the hula-hoopers, fire jugglers, and bhajan singers have turned homeward, the candles and fairy lights of the shacks illuminate the beachfront to a magical effect.
You can reach Arambol by bus from Mapusa (10 miles/16 km), with direct routes dropping you off close to the beach entrance. Taxis are also available, but it's a good idea to agree on a price before getting in. A lot of people rent scooters in the village to get around easily and check out the market before heading down to the beach. If you're staying nearby, walking from Mandrem along the coast is a nice way to arrive.
Plan your trip between November and March when the weather is dry and warm, usually between 82–86°F (28–30°C). February tends to be the busiest, with lots of travelers and street performers around. If you're into music, try timing your visit with a full moon—you'll often stumble onto drum circles and fire spinning after sunset. The beach takes on a relaxed glow in the evenings, with lights strung up around beach shacks and people hanging out by the shore.
Arambol beach in north Goa, India © saiko3p/Shutterstock
From the far side of the creek bounding the edge of Ashwem, a magnificent and largely empty beach stretches north towards Arambol—the last unspoiled stretch of the north Goan coast. Olive Ridley marine turtles nest on the quietest patches, and you’re more than likely to catch a glimpse of one of the white-bellied fish eagles that live in the casuarina trees—their last stronghold in the north of Goa.
Mandrem is just a short ride from Arambol (2 miles/3.2 km north) or Morjim (3 miles/4.8 km south). Auto-rickshaws are easy to find, or you can hop on a local bus from Mapusa to the village and walk the rest of the way. Shared taxis between beach towns can be a good option too. If you're coming at low tide, you can wade across the creek that runs along the edge of the beach.
November to February is the most comfortable time to go to this India beach, especially if you're hoping to spot sea turtles or birds near the water. Early mornings tend to be cooler (around 75–80°F / 24–27°C) and are a good time for a walk or swim before the sun gets strong. Compared to nearby beaches, Mandrem usually feels a little less busy in the winter months. The full moon can make for a quiet and atmospheric evening by the sea.
Resort huts on Mandrem beach in north Goa, India © saiko3p/Shutterstock
With the gradual spread of package tourism down the coast, Palolem, a ninety-minute drive south of Margao along the main highway, is Goa’s most happening beach. Even in the realm of the famous Goa beaches, attracting droves of sun seekers from November through March. Set against a backdrop of forest-cloaked hills, its bay is spectacular, though the crowds can feel overwhelming in the high season.
Palolem is in South Goa, about 22 miles (35 km) from Madgaon (Margao), which is the nearest major transport hub. You can take a prepaid taxi directly or catch a local bus to Chaudi, then take a short rickshaw ride to the beach. If you're arriving by train, Canacona station is only 1.2 miles (2 km) away and usually has rickshaws waiting just outside.
November through March brings warm, dry weather, with temperatures between 75–88°F (24–31°C). December and January are the busiest months, but the shoulder seasons—October or April—can still be a good bet if you're looking for fewer people and decent weather. At night, you’ll often find silent discos on the beach—everyone wears headphones, so the music stays contained while the party goes on.
Beach of Palolem, South Goa © Dan Baciu/Shutterstock
In the west end of town, along Marine Parade, the atmosphere is more akin to a British Victorian holiday resort. This stretch is very much the domain of the domestic tourist industry, and the beach is much cleaner here. It’s a pleasant place to stroll and becomes highly animated after sunset when the nightly souvenir market gets going.
Marine Parade runs along the main beach in Puri, and it’s easy to reach. Rickshaws are available from most parts of town, and it’s only about a 0.6 mile (1 km) walk from the Jagannath Temple. Local buses stop nearby, and cycle rickshaws are a slower but scenic way to take in the beachfront. If you’re coming by train, the railway station is just over a mile (1.2 miles/2 km) away.
Head here between November and February, when temperatures sit around 70–85°F (21–29°C). Evenings are lively, with street vendors and stalls set up along the parade. November is a good time to catch the Puri Beach Festival, with cultural performances and sand art displays. Crowds pick up on weekends, so weekdays are a bit more relaxed.
Having once been a lively place, today, the only time you’re likely to encounter much action is during festivals and holidays when the village is temporarily inundated with Bengali holiday-makers. For the rest of the year, its desultory collection of seafront hotels stands idle (see our guide to India accommodation), left to the odd backpacker and armies of industrious fishermen (katias).
Getting to this laid-back beach town is pretty straightforward. Direct buses run regularly from Berhampur, which is just 10 miles (16 km) away. If you're arriving by train, Brahmapur station is the stop to aim for—auto-rickshaws usually wait outside and can take you the rest of the way. Coming from Bhubaneswar, it’s a longer trip (about 105 miles/169 km), but the drive is scenic and smooth, especially if you take a private taxi. The coastal highway is in good condition now, so the route’s not a hassle.
October through February is the most comfortable time to be here, with temperatures around 70–85°F (21–29°C) and not much rain. The village gets livelier around Bengali holidays like Durga Puja in October, when more visitors come down and there are small local events. During the winter, it’s easy to spot fishing boats out at sea or pulled up on the sand. Summer can be brutally hot, with temps over 100°F (38°C), so it’s not the best time to visit.
Gopalpur Beach Odisha in India © Moumita Maity/Shutterstock
One of the longest city beaches in the world, the Marina (Kamaraj Salai) stretches five kilometers from the harbor at the southeastern corner of George Town to near San Thome Cathedral. Today the beach itself is a sociable stretch, peopled by idle paddlers, picnickers, and pony riders; every afternoon crowds gather around the beach market.
Marina Beach is right in Chennai, so it’s easy to get to using the city’s public transport. Buses run along Kamaraj Salai, which hugs the coastline, and there are plenty of stops near the beach. If you’re coming from the north, Fort St. George is a good entry point. For the southern end, head in from Mylapore or San Thome. The Thiruvallikeni MRTS station is about a 10-minute walk (0.5 mile/0.8 km) from the center of the beach.
Cooler months like November to February are the most pleasant, with temperatures between 75–85°F (24–29°C). Early mornings are calm—perfect if you want to walk or just enjoy the sea air before it gets hot. In January, around the Pongal festival, there’s usually a bit more going on by the shore. Evenings are popular, with families strolling around, snack stalls open, and people just hanging out along the promenade.
Marina Beach in Chennai City, India © jayk67/Shutterstock
An ideal first place if you’ve just arrived in the region is Benaulim, six kilometers west of the state’s second city, Margao. The most traveler-friendly resort in the area, Benaulim stands slap in the middle of a spectacular 25km stretch of pure white sand. Although increasingly carved up by Mumbai timeshare companies, low-cost accommodation here is plentiful and of a consistently high standard.
If you’re in South Goa, Benaulim is an India beach that is easy to reach. It’s about 4 miles (6.4 km) from Margao, and you can take a local bus or catch a quick auto-rickshaw from the railway station. Most buses drop you in the village center, and from there it’s a short walk (around 0.6 mile/1 km) through quiet coconut groves to the beach. Renting a scooter is a good idea if you want to check out nearby beaches on your own schedule.
November to March is the sweet spot for weather—days are warm, skies are clear, and the sea is calm. January is especially relaxed, with fewer crowds than the northern beaches. In the mornings, you’ll see traditional fishing boats launching from the shore. Even during high season, Benaulim tends to stay mellow, which makes it a solid choice if you’re looking for some quiet time by the sea.
Benaulim Beach, a popular destination in South Goa, India © Jim W Kasom/Shutterstock
The largest and most developed cove at Kovalam, known for obvious reasons as Lighthouse Beach, is where most foreign tourists congregate. Lined by a paved esplanade, its seafront of shops and hotels extends along the full length of the bay, overlooked by the eponymous lighthouse at the southern end. You can scale the 142 spiral steps and twelve ladder rungs to the observation platform for a fine view.
Lighthouse Beach is easy to reach from Trivandrum, about 8 miles (13 km) away. Regular buses run to Kovalam Junction, and from there it’s a quick ride in an auto-rickshaw down to the beach. If you're flying in, you can get a prepaid taxi straight from Trivandrum International Airport (10 miles/16 km). The southern end of the beach is where you’ll find the lighthouse—just head down the stone steps from the main walkway.
October to March is the best time to go, with daytime temperatures around 82–88°F (28–31°C) and not much rain. November and February usually have calm surf, which makes swimming more relaxing. The lighthouse is generally open from 10 am to 5 pm if you want to climb up for the view. Around sunset, the promenade gets busier with people out for an evening stroll.
Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam, India © Vivek BR/Shutterstock
Kovalam Beach, the third of the coves, is dominated from on high by the angular chalets of the five-star Leela Kempinski. Coachloads of excited Kerala day-trippers descend here on weekends, but at other times it offers a peaceful alternative to the beach further south, which is why it makes our list of the best beaches in India.
This smaller beach is about a 10-minute walk (0.6 miles/1 km) from Lighthouse Beach along the coast. You can also get there directly by auto-rickshaw from Kovalam Junction. It’s located below the Leela Kempinski resort—public paths lead down to the sand, even though the hotel is nearby. Buses from Trivandrum stop close too, so it’s easy enough for a quick visit.
Plan your visit between October and March when the weather is warm—around 80–88°F (27–31°C)—and mostly dry. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, which are busier with local visitors. December and January usually have clear water and manageable waves for swimming. For the calmest vibe, try getting there before 10 am.
Known in Malayalam as Papa Nashini (“sin-destroyer”), Varkala’s beautiful white-sand beach has long been associated with ancestor worship. Devotees come here after praying at the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple on the hill to the south, then perform mortuary rituals on the beach, directed by specialist pujaris (priests). The best time to watch the rites is in the early morning, just after sunrise — it's easily one of the best things to do in India.
You can reach this beach by auto-rickshaw from Varkala town (1.2 miles/2 km) or Varkala Sivagiri railway station (1.8 miles/3 km). The beach sits just below the Janardhana Swamy Temple on the southern cliff, with steps leading down from the temple grounds. If you're coming from Trivandrum (26 miles/42 km), buses run regularly to Varkala town, where you’ll need a short rickshaw ride to finish the trip.
Visit between October and March for comfortable weather, with temperatures usually ranging from 75–85°F (24–29°C). Early mornings are a good time to see traditional rituals carried out by priests near the water. The month of Karkidakam (July–August in the Malayalam calendar) is also an important time for religious ceremonies. If you’re looking for a more low-key experience, aim for a weekday morning.
Backed by sheer red laterite cliffs, Varkala’s coastline is imposingly scenic and the beach relatively relaxing – although its religious associations do ensure that attitudes to public nudity (especially female) are less liberal than other coastal resorts in India.
Western sun-worshippers are supposed to keep to the northern end (away from the main puja area reserved for the funeral rites). There they are serviced by a nonstop parade of local “hallo-pineapple-coconut?” vendors. Sea otters can also occasionally be spotted playing on the cliffs by the sea.
Auto-rickshaws run regularly from both Varkala town (1 mile/1.6 km) and Varkala Sivagiri railway station (1.8 miles/3 km). Once you’re at the cliff, a path connects the beach’s northern and southern ends, with stairs carved into the red cliffs leading down to the sand. The walk along the cliff is worth doing for the views alone.
Between October and March, the beach is at its most pleasant, with temperatures around 80–86°F (27–30°C). The northern part tends to be quieter and is a popular spot for international visitors. During Onam (August–September), you might see traditional ceremonies taking place here. Early mornings and just before sunset are usually the best times to spot sea otters near the rocks.
Papanasam Beach, Varkala, India © Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
The closest beach to Kochi is Cherai, 25km north of Vypeen Island. A 3km strip of golden sand and thumping surf, it’s sandwiched on a narrow strip of land between the sea and a very pretty backwater area of glassy lagoons. Chunky granite sea defenses prevent the waves from engulfing the ribbon of fishing villages that subsist along this strip. This is one of the best beaches in Kerala.
From Fort Kochi, take a ferry to Vypeen Island, then hop on a local bus heading north—Cherai is about 15 miles (24 km) away in total. You can also catch a direct bus from Ernakulam. The route cuts across a narrow strip between the lagoon and the sea, so the views coming in are worth a look. If you're coming straight from Kochi International Airport (19 miles/30 km), a private taxi is the quickest, but it’ll cost more than public transport.
October to March is the most comfortable stretch, with temperatures around 80–88°F (27–31°C) and relatively low humidity. December through February tend to be the best months for swimming and walking along the shore. If you head out early, you might see the traditional Chinese fishing nets in action. Even during peak season, the beach usually feels less crowded than some of Kerala’s other coastal spots.
Cherai beach in Kochi © Saurav022/Shutterstock
If you want to escape the city for a few hours, head out to the village of Ullal. It’s a deservedly popular place for a stroll, particularly in the evening when Mangaloreans come out to watch the sunset, but a strong undertow makes swimming difficult and, at times, unsafe. You might be better off using the pool at some of the hotels nearby.
You can catch a local bus from Mangalore’s main bus stand—it’s only about 5 miles (8 km) to the southwest. Auto-rickshaws are another easy option from anywhere in the city. If you’re coming by train, Ullal Station puts you within walking distance (0.9 miles/1.5 km) of the beach. The road in runs along the coast, so the drive itself is pretty scenic.
October through March is your best bet, with temps ranging from 75–90°F (24–32°C) and mostly clear skies. The beach tends to fill up in the evenings, especially between 5 and 7 pm when people come out for sunset. It’s noticeably quieter during the week. Swimming here isn’t the safest due to strong currents (see our India travel health tips), but it’s a good spot for a walk or just to sit and watch the waves.
The beach of Ullal village near Mangalore © Mikhail Nekrasov/Shutterstock
This wonderful 1.1 km-long sweep of golden-white sand sheltered by a pair of steep-sided promontories is now punctuated by around fifteen restaurants-cum-hut ventures and one proper hotel. This is the longest and broadest of Gokarna’s beaches, and with decent surf too, though the water can be dangerous.
From Goa or Bangalore, you can take an overnight bus to Gokarna town—it’s about 3 miles (5 km) from the beach. Grab an auto-rickshaw for the last stretch. If you’re coming by train, Gokarna Road station is around 9 miles (15 km) out, so you’ll need a taxi to reach the beach. There’s also a coastal path that links Kudlee with Om and Half Moon Beaches if you feel like hiking in.
November to March is when the weather is most stable, usually between 75–85°F (24–29°C) with little rain. January and February tend to be the calmest, with smaller crowds than December. If you want to swim, mornings are usually best before the winds pick up. On full moon nights, you might stumble across small gatherings and beach bonfires along the shore.
View of Kudle Beach, Karnataka, India © VijayV88/Shutterstock
Having trouble deciding what beaches to see? See our guide to picking between Goa or Kerala.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 12.05.2025
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