When our mind and body need to relax, all we need is a perfect beach vacation. The sweltering sun rays that fall straight on the sea bed, the sparkling sand that covers the entire beach area, and the ocean waves crashing on your feet are the best things about beach destinations. Well, it’s a combination of all three of them that enhances the beauty of Indian beaches and makes them appear more natural.India is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with destinations like Goa and Kerala being the most popular. However, there are many lesser-known beach destinations in India that are equally stunning but often overlooked by tourists. These destinations offer a perfect getaway for those seeking peace, serenity, and tranquility. This attracts visitors who want to get away from the chaos of the cities and listen to the crashing waves of some of India’s best beaches. If you’re thinking about treating yourself to an Indian beach vacation, here’s a list of 15 lesser-visited beach destinations in India that are sure to leave you spellbound.
Also read: 15 Incredible Natural Wonders In India
1. South Goa
Image Source: Pavel Volkov (Flickr)
South Goa is a hidden gem for tourists looking for a peaceful and off-beat experience in Goa. Unlike the bustling and crowded North Goa, South Goa offers a serene environment with its secluded beaches and tranquil villages. South Goa is an ideal destination for those looking for a tranquil and relaxing getaway.
One of the highlights of South Goa is its beautiful and lesser-known beaches. Cola Beach, with its stunning lagoon and coconut groves, is a must-visit for anyone looking for a tranquil and secluded getaway. Kakolem Beach, with its dramatic cliffs and pristine waters, is another hidden gem that is ideal for those looking for some peace and solitude. Polem Beach, the southernmost beach in Goa, is also worth a visit for its tranquil surroundings and stunning sunset views.
For those who prefer some action, Palolem Beach is a great option. It is one of the livelier beaches in South Goa and offers water sports like kayaking, paddle-boarding, and banana boat rides. Ferry rides from Palolem Beach to other off-beat beaches like Butterfly Beach and Honeymoon Beach are also popular among tourists.
Agonda Beach is another popular destination in South Goa. With its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and serene surroundings, it is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Visitors can also enjoy activities like dolphin watching and snorkeling at Agonda Beach.
2. Gokarna, Karnataka
Image Source: Patrik M. Loeff (Flickr)
Gokarna, in Karnataka, is 1located south of Goa and provides a welcome respite from Goa’s hectic pace!
Gokarna is well-connected to major cities by bus and train, and Dabolim Airport in Goa is the closest airport. Gokarna, despite being a major pilgrimage site, combines religion with beach fun. The famous ones are Om Beach, Paradise Beach, and Half-Moon Beach, which have both fine sand and rocky coasts that are mostly unaffected by commercial activities.
3. Ganpatipule, Maharashtra
Image Source: Patrik M. Loeff (Flickr)
Ganpatipule is a small coastal town in Maharashtra with a magnificent beach, one of the lesser-visited beach destinations on the Konkan coast. The beach is known for its red sand and shallow water, making it an excellent swimming spot. On the way to Ratnagiri, stop by Ganpatipule, which is only 35 kilometers from the famous Jaigad Fort, which offers a panoramic view of the sea and villages from the cliff. Ganpatipule is also known for the Swaymbhu Ganesh temple, which is where Lord Ganesh’s statue is said to have come from the ground.
4. Marari, Kerala
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kerala’s exotic beauty is a well-kept secret. This vibrant state attracts visitors from all over the world who are easily seduced by its beauty. It is a perfect off-beat beach destination for those looking to explore the serene beauty of the Arabian Sea. The beach is surrounded by coconut groves and fishing villages, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture. This sleepy town is your paradisiacal retreat from the world, surrounded on all sides by natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities like cycling, kayaking, and fishing while exploring the local lifestyle and cuisine.
5. Kovalam
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kovalam, located around 20 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is another one of the rejuvenating lesser-visited beach destinations in Kerala. Kovalam, primarily a fishing village, has attracted a lot of tourist attention in recent years, and its famous Eve and Lighthouse beaches are pristine and clean, lined on one side by coconut trees. You can choose between a highly rewarding early morning cruise with the fishermen or renting a surfboard and embarking on a mission to master the waves!
6. Havelock Islands, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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White sand, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a sense of calm pervade the atmosphere. Add in scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, elephant rides, and a whole lot more, and you’ve got yourself a perfect beach vacation! The Havelock Islands are a paradise for explorers and travelers looking for an off-beat beach destination.
Havelock in the Andaman Islands promises a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation where the joy comes from being one with nature. The Radhanagar and Elephant beaches are the best places to go swimming and enjoy water sports in the warm water.
7. Varkala
Image Source: Aleksandr Zykov (Flickr)
Varkala is a picturesque coastal town in Kerala that attracts travelers with its stunning beaches and cultural heritage. The black sand beach and cliff area offer a perfect setting for relaxation and tranquility. Shopping in the local markets and exploring the ancient temples are other popular activities. The town’s popularity among foreign travelers is reflected in the variety of food options available. Varkala is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
8. Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bangaram Island, located in the Lakshadweep archipelago, is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and off-beat beach vacation. The island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Visitors can indulge in activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking while exploring the island’s natural beauty. The island’s relaxed atmosphere and secluded location make it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.
9. Visakhapatnam
Image Source: Subash BGK (flickr)
Despite being a busy coastal city with the headquarters of the Indian Navy and India’s busiest harbor, Vizag or Visakhapatnam has plenty to offer tourists seeking relaxation, including lesser-visited beach destinations, lakes, gardens, and museums. The Ram Krishna Beach is a wonderful place to spend an evening strolling along the beach or along pedestrian paths that lead to beautiful parks and open-air restaurants.
For a comfortable stay right on the beach, book a cottage at the beautiful Rishikonda beach. Also, pay a visit to Kailasagiri, a well-kept hilltop with a panoramic view of the sea.
10. Gopalpur, Odisha
Image Source: Satyajit Das (Flickr)
Orissa’s coastal stretch is dotted with tribal fishermen’s hamlets and the state’s famous Hindu temples. Gopalpur Beach in Orissa is a popular beach with golden sand and a gentle slope that makes it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It is located just 190 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar. The only remnant of an ancient seaport at Gopalpur is an old lighthouse, but the natural beauty that abounds is timeless.
11. Karwar
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The surreal cultural center of Karwar, a beach town that has long been overshadowed by its northern neighbor, is just across the southern border between Goa and Karnataka. Karwar, one of the lesser-visited beach destinations, is known for its natural beauty, which ranges from the glorious and nearly always empty beaches of Karwar Beach and Rabindranath Tagore Beach to the beautiful banks and leisure boats of the Kali River. Karwar also has a thriving culture and is home to a number of well-known temples and forts. Simply put, Karwar is Goa without the tourists, a dream come true for almost every beachgoer.
12. Malvan
Image Source: Flickr
The quaint coastal town of Parule in Maharashtra is nestled between Mumbai and Goa and has recently become one of India’s top offbeat tourist destinations. This is largely due to the emergence of several new amazing homestays and farmstays in the region, which provide a wonderful cultural experience while remaining close to nature. The most well-known of these is Maachli, which provides an exquisite natural-friendly experience as well as insight into the Samant people’s culture. Parule is also known for being a gateway to several lesser-visited beach destinations in the region, including Tarkarli, which offers water sports and scuba diving, and the pristine Bhogwe Beach, one of Maharashtra’s best-kept secrets.
13. Rushikulya, Odisha
Image Source: Ganjam.nic.in
The Rushikulya Beach on Chilka Lake is a pristine natural paradise unlike any other in the country, known for being one of the most important Olive Ridley Sea Turtle nesting grounds in the world. The area around the beach, which is located in the Ganjam district of Orissa, has very little tourist infrastructure and thus sees very few visitors, except for the sea turtles, who visit in their thousands every year. The beach is covered in turtle hatchlings every year during the hatching season in March-April, and it is also visited by several conservationists who assist the hatchlings in getting to the sea.
14. Maravanthe, Karnataka
Image Source: Dinesh Valke (flickr)
It’s worth driving to this paradise, also one of the lesser-visited beach destinations! The roads leading up to Maravanthe should be explored for the sheer pleasure of the ride (even better if riding a bike). The sea, which runs parallel to the roads, is a must-see in Maravanthe. It’s a pristine beach town with white sand beaches that will allow you to take that long-awaited vacation. Water sports are best enjoyed in this offbeat beach destination from September to March.
15. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
Image Source: Pixabay
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dhanushkodi, a gift from beyond, was built by Nature after one of the worst storms that Tamil Nadu has ever seen. Dhanushkodi is one of India’s most beautiful yet lesser-visited beach destinations, with azure sea, white sand beaches, and a laid-back, idyllic vibe. Dhanushkodi is best visited between October and February. Summers are pleasant, but the monsoons bring showers as well as storms, so avoid Dhanushkodi during that time.
From the pristine beaches of Gokarna and Malvan to the turquoise waters of Bangaram Island and the serene beauty of Marari Beach, these lesser-known beach destinations of India offer a perfect getaway for those seeking to escape the crowds and experience the true beauty of the Indian coastline. With so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, it’s time to plan your next beach vacation and explore the lesser-known destinations of India.
Have you gone to lesser-visited beach destinations before and want it to be included in this list? Do let us know in the comments below!