Beaches in India: Finding the best beach in India

With its vast coastline India has a wide array of spectacular palm lined beaches which attract travellers from all over the world. Finding the best beach in India is no easy task; there are so many to choose from! The best beach in India for you will depend on what you want, from quiet solitude to a party type atmosphere. We’ve been hunting down the best beaches whatever your preference.

Best-Beaches-INDiA

We’ve done a round up of our favorite beaches which we have covered in our Indian beach series.

Alleppey Beach, Kerala

Alleppey beach is a popular spot with old colonial buildings lining the shore. Also known as Alappuzha beach there are good facilities and interesting sights.

Alleppey-Beach-Kerala

Baga beach, Goa

Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. It’s almost always crowded but it is clean, safe and family friendly with a lively night life when the sun goes down.

Baga-Beach-Goa

Colva Beach, Goa

The long white sandy stretch of Colva Beach in Goa is very popular. The sand at Colva as compared to other parts of Goa is exceptionally soft. Colva stretches over a large expanse and hence accommodates two distinct parts – one which is isolated where you can find a lone spot quite easily, and the other which is bustling with locals and tourists enjoying water sports.

Colva-Beach-Goa

East Coast Beaches

While the west coast beaches might be amongst the most popular there are plenty of fantastic beach spots on the east coast too. Pondicherry, Gopalpur and the Chennai beaches Marina and Besant Nagar beach are worth a visit.

East-Coast-Beach

Fort Kochi Beach

Kerala is known for its extraordinary coastal delights and the Jewish influenced town of Fort Kochi provides a pleasant mix of beach fun and history. Not the best beach for swimming or sunbathing, but instead soak in the atmosphere, watch the fishermen at the famous Chinese fishing nets and enjoy some top quality local seafood.

Fort-Kochi-Beach

Gokarna beaches, Karnataka

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in Karnataka. There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine.

Gokarna-Beach-Karnataka

Kashid beach, Maharashtra

Kashid beach tops the list of beaches in India for people looking for silence and calm environment. Kashid beach is popular with a rock less shore and kilometres of soft sand. The entire spread is white and clear of any stones, rough patches or rocky areas. Some beach areas are almost deserted offering you the opportunity to have your own private paradise.

Kashid-Beach-Maharashtra

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam beach, located in the southern state of Kerala, is popular for it’s diverse attractions. The 4-km beach is just six kilometers from state’s capital, Trivandrum and it’s three curved beaches are lined by towering coconut trees. The beach can be quite busy and there is a good selection of restaurants and shops.

Kovalam-Beach-Kerala

Marari Beach in Kerala

Marari beach is a relatively low profile but wonderful sandy stretch between Fort Kochi and Alleppey. This stretch of the Kerala coast is great for just relaxing and doing nothing.

Marari-Beach-Kerala

Palolem beach, Goa

Palolem beach is one of those Goan beaches, which the average traveller has probably never heard about. But that is the best part about it. It has all of Goa’s beauty but none of its commercialisation. The area is mainly occupied local fishermen and a handful of solitude loving tourists. It is a swimmer-friendly beach, which stretches out for over 1.5 kms. The depth of the sea increases gradually and the currents are not fast.

Palolem-Beach-Goa

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala beach is known not just for its scenic beauty but also religious value. Also called Papanasam beach it is believed a dip in these waters can wash away your sins. Varkala beach is a calm, clean and quiet place to swim, unwind and get a golden tan. But activities like paragliding can also be enjoyed here for the more adventurous.

Varkala-Beach-Kerala

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Margao

Goa might be famous for the sea and sand but away from the crowds discover the old-world charm of Margao where Portuguese churches and colonial bungalows that line the shaded streets of this vibrant city. We look at the things to do in Margao.

Architecture Walk

The old buildings still emanate a strong sensibility of architecture in the times of Portuguese occupation. There is a mix of both Hindu and Christian buildings that speak of the multi-cultural subsistence. Take a walk with a local or by yourself for some great photo-opportunities. Look out for the majestic city hall and the municipal garden.

Garden-in-Margao

Local Market

The Margao market is one of the most famous and vibrant places in the whole of Goa. Fishermen, local vegetable sellers and other shopkeepers offer a variety of wares. Again, a great place to see more local life of Goa rather than just hit the sands. One special market here is called the ‘closed market’ or ‘Pimplapedd’ in Konkani.

Fish-Market-Margao-Goa

Local places to visit

Anna Fonte or the natural springs are another spot that you can visit.

Churches

The three Christian buildings, the Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions and the chapel at Monte Hill are also charming additions to your itinerary. The popular church circuit includes Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, The St Sebastian Church in Aquem, the Sebastian Church and the Monte Hill Chapel.

Temples

On the other hand the Hindu temples that might be of interest you are, the ‘Damodar Temple’, the ‘Hari Mandir’, the ‘Maruti Mandir’ at Davorlim, the ‘Saibaba Temple’ at Davorlim and the ‘Shiv Temple’.

Hit the beach

Colva is the closest beach to Margao and has vast stretches of low gradient beaches. Enjoy the lovely sea food and water sports here.

Beach-Margao

WHEN TO GO

As is true for the rest of the state, the months from October to February are great to travel in.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

There are a few local festivals like the Dindi festival at the Vithal Rakhumai temple which happens a couple of days after Diwali. Also the feast of the Holy Spirit Church is another local event, held before the monsoons.

HOW TO GET THERE

One of Goa’s prominent railway stations is here in Margao, so the rail connectivity to other parts of India is very good. The airport in Vasco is also close to Margao.

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Panjim

Year after year, innumerable tourists descend on the famous little destination called Goa. Yet, every time it manages to offer something new and something unforgettable. Panjim is the capital of the Indian state of Goa. This small and charming the city lies along the left bank of the Mandovi River set up against terraced hillsand red-tiled roofs and a riverside promenade. We investigate the top things to see.

1.Take a dip into history

To date, the mysterious Fontainhas, which is considered Goa’s Latin Quarter and is located in the heart of Panjim remains one of the most charming places to explore. Apart from the vibrant coloured walls and quaint streets there are some delightful hidden surprises. Make sure you have some extra space in the bag to carry some delicious treats home.

Fontainhas in Panjim

2.Holy shrines

The heart of Goa is the Church Square or Municipal Garden which is home to the Portuguese Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. It was built in 1541 and other tourist attractions of the place are the 16th century Adilshahi Palace, the Mahalaxmi Temple, the Jama Masjid mosque, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian.

The Panjim Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

3.The Carnival

Carnival celebrations in February go through Panaji and then the other parts of Goa. The colourful parade is a huge draw for the city and the area of Panajim.

Goa Carnival

4.Shopping

The 18th June Road is a popular area in the heart of Panajim for shopping.

5.Beaches

Goa is most famous for its beaches. And near Panji the most famous beaches are Miramar, Bambolim and Dona Paula. Dona Paula is the meeting point for two of Goa’s famous rivers, which meet at the Arabian Sea. Miramar Beach is located near Panjim but is very popular and can get over crowded.

Dona Paula

6.Green Goa

Goa has some fantastic villages to explore, provided you are ready to be lost in the luscious Arpora hills. You can plunge you right into the wilderness with local experts and naturalists who give inspiring talks on snakes and the indigenous flora and fauna. Highly recommended for environment enthusiasts.

Explore the villages of Goa

7.Birds of Goa

Many locals have an inherent eye for bird-watching in the hilly terrains of North Goa. For this you can arrange a day tour from Panjim. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is Goa’s important bird sanctuary. It is located in Chorao and is home host to rare and endangered bird species. Bird watching walks are lovely all year round except from May – July when there is a lot of humidity.

A white peacock in Goa

8.The Mystifying Island

From Panjim you can access Old Goa, which has always been rather elusive to the tourists who throng the popular beaches up North. We suggest you do not miss a tour to the mystifying island of Divar. The island can be reached by regular ferries from Old Goa. An old white church, flanked by Banyan trees, stands atop a hill, visible from all points below. The sleepy island has stretches of fields and hardly any inhabitation. Great for a long drive and a quick break for a cold beer in local cafes.

9.Brown Town

From Panjim take a drive to Bicholim, a pottery town and an untouched destination. It is fascinating to see the mud covered town, still preserving the old art of clay and porcelain.

10.Serene Sands

Having heard of only the popular beaches of Goa, many miss many secret pristine beaches. A forty minute drive north of Arpora will lead you to beautiful lesser known beaches called Ashwem, Mandrem and Morjim. Carefully tucked away from the busy clamour of hotels and guest houses, spend some quiet time in the few tasteful shacks at the far end of these un-commercial beaches.

Mandrem beach

11.Test your luck

As you walk out of this faraway world, you can visit one of the only casinos in India. This can be done deep in the Mandovi waters, which provides the casino an off shore status thus making it legal.

Strike it lucky

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Panjim Goa

• Season – November till April is the most pleasant to visit.
• Single/ Female Travelers – Though largely safe to travel alone, single or female travelers should bear in mind that it is good to avoid late nights.
• Connectivity – Well connected by flights, trains and buses to major metros and towns of tourists’ interests like Hampi.

Weekend getaway From Mumbai

If you are in Mumbai and fancy a weekend getaway then make sure you consider Goa and Sindhudurg. Either makes a great break that is easily accessible from Mumbai.

Goa

One of India’s top tourist destinations, Goa is located just 580 kms from Mumbai. People can just hop into their cars and leave the stresses of big city living behind. There are over 40 mesmerizing beaches which dot the 131 km-long coastline of Goa. Some of the most popular amongst them are Colva, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Miramar, Vagator, Dona Paula, Majorda and Bambolim. Goa turns into a riot of colours and music during the annual Goa Carnival. From bohemian shacks to the ultimate in high end resorts, and everything in between, Goa caters to beach lovers of all kinds. Some beaches like Mandrem are perfectly serene while others like Anjuna are the toast of the party circuit.

Goa

Sindhudurg

Sindhudurg is the southernmost district of Maharashtra and stretches for about 125 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. It is situated 500 kilometers from Mumbai and is famous for the Sindhudurg Fort. The Fort was built three by Shivaji is a symbol of the Maratha naval power during his reign. The 48 acre Sindhudurg Fort can be reached by boat. Snorkeling sessions around the Fort are organized by the government. In Sidhudurg one finds the Tarkarli beach which is often called ‘the Tahiti of India’. This white sandy, sun-kissed beach open up to emerald-green waters.

Sindhudurg-Fort