Best Beaches to Visit in India

1.Goa

When in doubt, go Goa!  One cannot really go wrong with India’s party capital. A place where people can be seen sunbathing, swimming, parasailing or relaxing in their hammocks sipping a cold beer all year round, Goa is my first pick. In fact, Goa is the best place to kick-start your beach blast in advance with Sunburn Goa this December! Sunburn is when a conglomerate of party mongers and DJs from all over the world get together at the Candolim beach for the grandest New Year beach party. Late night parties, hypnotic music and people dancing away; Sunburn exponentially increases the fun quotient.

2. Varkala , Kerala

Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham Beach is a beach in Varkala municipality of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, along the Arabian Sea, part of the Indian Ocean. The word Papanasham means wash away sins. It is believed that a dip in the waters of Papanasham Beach washes away all the sins in one's life.Varkala beach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These cliffs are of tertiary sedimentary formation, and named by geologists as Varkala Formation. They are a geological monument as recorded by the Geological Survey of India. Water spouts and spas are on the sides of these cliffs.

3. Havelock, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Sparkling white sand, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and a calmness that fills the air. Add to this, scuba diving, snorkelling, trekking, elephant rides and a lot more - your ideal beach holiday this New Year is ready! Havelock in Andaman promises a pleasant and highly rejuvenating holiday where celebration comes from being one with nature. The Radhanagar and Elephant beaches are the best places to go for a swim in the warm water and enjoy water sports. Seeking a break from your metropolitan lifestyle? Havelock is must on your Beach Holidays list. Read more about Andaman beaches here.

4. Vizag

Despite being a busy coastal city with Indian Navy headquarters and India’s busy harbour, Vizag or Visakhapatnam has plenty to offer a tourist for relaxation like beautiful beaches, lakes, gardens and museums. The Ram Krishna Beach is ideal for spending evenings where one can stroll down the beach or along pedestrian tracks that lead to beautiful parks and open air restaurants. Book a cottage at the beautiful Rishikonda beach for a comfortable stay right at the beach. Also visit Kailasagiri, a well-maintained hilltop that offers a panoramic view of the sea.

5. Pondicherry

One of the best known places in India for meditation and relaxation, Pondicherry or Puducherry is famous as India’s French connection. The erstwhile French colony retains French culture and architecture and is definitely a unique place to visit. Famous for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in neighbouring Auroville where thousands go to seek solace, a well-maintained waterfront is just completes the package of a beach holiday. Beach activities in Pondicherry include camping at the beach, sunbathing, canoeing, kayaking and backwater sailing.

6. Mahabalipuram

Clean, beautiful, sunbathed beaches, a string of restaurants offering fresh seafood preparations and a dash of cultural history, a holiday to Mahabalipuram will give you ultimate relaxation and culinary indulgence on the beach along with a sneak peek into this city’s rich culture.  Activities like windsurfing and swimming can also be enjoyed on a warm day at Mahabalipuram. A must-visit is the famous monolithic Pandava Rathas and Varaha Cave Temples that date back to the 7th century with scenes from Mahabharat sculpted from the rocks.

7. Lakshadweep

Just off the coast of Kerala, there are a widely scattered group of coral islands, collectively known as Lakshadweep. It is dotted in the blue water of the Arabian Sea that stretches out another world in itself. With soft sandy beaches and the glory of sun, the flock of 35 islands coalesced with lush green landscapes and splendid beaches that offer all kind of activities like snorkeling, diving, etc. The entire scene embraces splendid lagoons, miles of sun soaked sand, and the fascination of swinging palms. Over here, you will find coconut canopies that will be your tallest formation in the area.All these make Lakshadweep a popular tourist destination for beach lovers. This charming secluded destination has 10 inhabited islands namely Chetlat, Amini, Agatti, Andrott, Bitra, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kiltan, Minicoy and Kavaratti. It's the smallest Union Territory of India with 5 submerged banks, 3 reefs and 12 atolls. Unleashed in the azure Arabian Sea, the islands cover an area of 32 square km and cross over 30,000 square miles of the Arabian Sea. For vacationers, Lakshadweep is a beautiful destination of serenity, splendor and adventure.