The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in India

Has life been a little bit of a 'beach' lately? Nothing like an impromptu vacay to lift your spirits up! With travel opening up, many of us are now cautiously venturing out after a year of being cooped-up indoors. If spending your days on the beach is your ideal way to holiday, India has some fabulous beach destinations to travel to, and not all of them are in Goa! From Karnataka to the Andamans to Tamil Nadu and Orissa, discover some of the most exciting, stunning, exotic and pristine beach destinations you can visit in India. 

1. Varkala Beach, Kerela: Approximately an hour's drive from Trivandrum, the striking, cliff-side setting of this beach will take your breath away. Secluded and pristine, this beach makes it ideal for a yoga or Ayurveda getaway. 

2. Gokarna, Karnataka: The small holiday town of Gokarna in Karnataka is a great alternative to the more commercial environs of Goa. This holy town has four secluded beaches nestled closeby, making it a great destination for the off-beat traveller. 

3. Palolem Beach, Goa: You know we cannot put together this list without citing out Goa's best beaches! Arguably the most picturesque beach in South Goa, this semi-circle-shaped haven is enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms. No permanent structures are allowed here, lending to it's relaxed, laid-back vibe. 

4. Auroville Beach, Pondicherry: Seeped in its pervasive French heritage, the Auroville Beach in Pondicerry is located close to the town's historic French Quarter and is an ideal cultural hotspot. The nearby Paradise Beach is a great swimming destination as well. 

5. Radhanagar Beach Havelock Island: One of the most famous attractions in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, Radhanagar has been titled the best beach in Asia and the 7th best beach in the world by Time Magazine.

6. Minicoy, Lakshadweep: Despite its misnomer, Lakshadweep (means 100,000 islands but is actually home to 36) is home to spectacular tropical scenery and secluded sands. The Minicoy beach here is secluded and stunning, and most travellers spend their morning's snorkelling or diving amidst the brilliant coral reefs.

7. Tarkari Beach, Maharashtra: Home to one of the best coral reefs on the Indian mainland, Tarkari is a must-visit beach for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Not yet a tourist hotspot, the simple homestay accommodations right on the beach are a delight. 

8. Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu: Less than an hour's drive down the coast from Chennai, the town of Mamallapuram is a surfer's paradise and a hotspot for backpackers. The nearby location of UNESCO World Heritage Group monuments is an added plus for history buffs. 

9. Agonda, Goa: A large village located in Canancona in South Goa, Agonda beach is famous as one of the only four beaches designated as a turtle nesting site. 

10. Puri, Orissa: Famous for its golden beaches, Puri is one of the safest beaches in the country, and is filled with activities such as water sports, angling, surfing and more.