An Indian adventure may not immediately conjure up images of seclusion, serenity and sea, with its fast-paced spectrum of flavours, faces and architectural feats. Yet nearly 5,000 miles of sun-drenched coastline might tempt you to reconsider. The phosphorescent waters hug the country’s edges in a warm embrace and promise beach loving travellers golden shores (awash with salty-haired surfers and tanned sunbathers) and footprint-free white sands. Seaside enthusiasts seeking an escape will find an abundance of secluded spots, with some of the best beaches in India offering tranquil holidays (perfect for the lounging connoisseurs looking to top up the tan), underwater adventurers (looking to dive into the depths in search of marine life) and more. Whether you find yourself strewn across the Keralan shoreline or off in search of the beach-path-less-trodden, you’ll be sure to find your own pocket of seaside serenity here, with slicks of sand and warm waters for all to enjoy.
- Havelock Island, The Andaman Islands
- Neeleshwar Hermitage, Northern Kerela
- Marari beach, Mararikulam
- Mandarmani, West Bengal
- Tarkarli, Maharashtra
1
Havelock Island, The Andaman Islands
Strips of pristine beaches, relaxed resorts and diving spots await holidayers willing to make the journey to the haven that is Havelock Island. One domestic flight and a 90-minute ferry ride later and you’re watching the clear waters of the Andaman Sea lap the shoreline, alongside wandering elephants and fellow palm-fringed beach lovers. Sunbathers and paddlers can enjoy the calm (and shallow) waters, while the more adventurous can snorkel, scuba and kayak further out. This digital detox spot supplies an array of biodiversity that’s perfect for the environmentally minded traveller, with over 5,000 animal species to spot, snap and appreciate. Whether it’s sunset watching on Radhanagar Beach or crocodile dodging at the freshwater lagoon known as Neil’s cove, this slice of paradise is certainly a worthy contender for one of the best beaches in India.
2
Neeleshwar, Northern Kerela
Discover the Northern Kerala oasis of Neeleshwar, with its empty beaches (framed by coconut palms), serene inland waterways (that’re ideal for boating along) and luscious vegetation that line the hillside spice gardens. Neeleshwar offers travellers friendly faces, coconut drinks on arrival and unspoilt coastlines, complete with a unique retreat hotel to check into. Its undisturbed rhythm of life encourages those who journey here to relax, unwind and reset, with the immensity of the ocean acting as the perfect backdrop. Plus, our team of experts can tailor an itinerary just for you, meaning exploring this hidden tropical destination, set in a secluded palm grove beside the Arabian Sea, just got even easier.
3
Marari beach, Mararikulam
The Indian seaside village of Mararikulam is an ode to fisherfolk and sprawls across 30 acres of bountiful vegetation-rich land, complete with butterfly gardens (well worth flocking to) and plenty of beach basking opportunities. It's a serene spot that’s sympathetic to its community, culture and ecological surroundings, artfully marrying simplicity and natural beauty to give travellers a new appreciation for the slower pace of life. You can take early morning strolls to the fish landing harbour and enjoy some beachside yoga, before quenching thirsts with a rejuvenating milk-ribboned cup of chai. This stretch of golden sand can leave all that wander along its edge with a sense of warmth and rejuvenation, confirming that it’s well worth the visit.
4
Mandarmani, West Bengal
Keeping with the fishing village theme, next up is the trawling location turned coastal resort, Mandarmani. This stretch of nine-mile-long pearly beach crosses the hazy heat of West Bengal’s coast and rightfully earns its spot among the best beaches in India. A simplistic haven known for its growing population of tiny sand bubbler crabs and pristine shores bordered by a dense forest of tamarisk trees. Travellers to this waterside paradise can go in search of sunrise (in a bid to spot local fisherfolk as they bring in the day’s catch), stroll through neighbouring sands like Digha and Tajpur, or simply flop beachside for the day - enjoying all that this magnificent area has to offer.
5
Tarkarli, Maharashtra
While the beaches of Goa are a worthy and popular destination, those seeking some seaside bliss far from the madding crowd might find the seclusion of the southern coast of Maharashtra even more appealing. Just a few hours' drive towards the northwest is the home of this coast side alternative: the Tarkarli region. It offers sun-kissed white sands, tranquil backwaters (brimming with wave-jumping dolphins), submerged caves, bustling village life and a ruined 17th-century Sindhudurg Fort just offshore that's ripe for exploring. Whether its tan topping up time or underwater adventure seeking, you’ll find both in spades here. There’s everything from scuba diving, snorkelling and parasailing to just enjoying the art of doing nothing, as you lounge by the water's edge reminiscing on a beach trip well spent.
