India has a long coastline that spans around nine states and four union territories. So, invariably, the country is home to some of the most beautiful sea beaches in the world. Although Goa is the preferred destination for travellers due to the high density of beaches, the rest of the country has many scenic and offbeat tropical beaches that are nothing less spectacular and engaging. Recently, eight sea beaches from India were awarded “Blue Flag Certification” by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark. This post is the first part of the best sea beaches in India, where three such Blue Flag Certified beaches are mentioned – Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island, Puri Beach in Odisha and Rushikonda Beach in Andhra Pradesh.
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Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Contributed by Manisha Singh from The Sole Speaks
About
Radhanagar Beach is located on the Havelock island of Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The beach’s beauty has caught the attention of many travel enthusiasts, especially after it found mention in popular listicles from Time Magazine and Tripadvisor rating it as one of the best beaches in Asia.
Radhanagar beach has a wide expanse of fine white sand, no bulging rocks, and a gradual transcending depth, making it perfect for swimming. The beach also makes for a great sunset spot. But do consider the lack of street lights and stores around your return journey to the hotel area.
Activities to do
Unlike many other beaches in Andaman, Radhanagar beach doesn’t have a rich coral life near the shore, which is why it’s popular primarily for swimming and relaxing by the beach. But a beach nearby, Elephant beach, caters to travellers looking for water sports. Elephant beach is popular for water-based activities like snorkelling, sea walking, banana boat rides, etc. The beach can be reached via a 2 kilometres trek or alternately via boats that cost Rs. 800 per person for a return journey.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Radhanagar beach is between October to May. During the monsoon, it is better to avoid travelling to the Andaman Islands.
How to reach
To reach Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island, you have to fly to Port Blair Airport (Code: IXZ) in Andaman Island. Then take a ferry to Havelock Island from Port Blair. Private catamaran ferry takes 1.5 hours, while government ferries take nearly 3 hours to reach the island.
A popular way of commuting on the island is to rent scooters or pre-book cabs as you enter the island. There are government-run buses as well on the island.
Google Map: Radhanagar Beach
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Puri Beach, Odisha
About
Puri Beach is located in the state of Odisha. It is a top-rated beach destination in India and a Hindu pilgrimage site as well. Puri is also famous for the sand arts made by many local artists, including the internationally acclaimed artist Sudarshan Pattanaik. This golden sea beach is also awarded the prestigious “Blue Flag” award in 2020 by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark. Every year during winter, a beach festival is organised in Puri by Odisha Tourism Department.
Activities to do
This beach is quite famous for bathing, but there are places where the slope is steep and has a strong under-currant. So, talk to local before you venture out in a lonely place, instead follow the crowd and listen to the warning of nuliyas (guards from the local community).
You should visit the famous Jagannath Temple for blessings and take a local priest’s help for that if it is your first visit. The temple city of Bhubaneswar, caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, applique handicraft village of Pipli and the sun temple of Konark can be covered in a day trip from Puri.
Best time to visit
Puri can be visited throughout the year, although the best time is between October to February.
How to reach
Puri is at a distance of 60 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, the state capital. Bhubaneswar has the only airport (Code: BBI) in Odisha.
The beach town is also connected by railway with the rest of India. The seabeach to Puri station (Code: PURI) is merely 2 kilometres in the distance.
Google Map: Puri Beach
Gokarna Beaches, Karnataka
Contributed by Ellis Veen from Backpack Adventures
About
Gokarna is one of the upcoming beach destinations in India, and for good reasons. In Gokarna, you will not find just one beach but several beaches that are all connected through a spectacular hiking trail. There are beaches with all the facilities you need, and others are so remote and quiet that they can only be accessed by boat or on foot.
Activities to do
Gokarna is thus a beach destination with something for everyone and where there are enough things to do besides relaxing in the sun. The Gokarna beach trail is an exciting hiking trail connecting the main beach with the remote paradise and half-moon beach. As you climb over rocky cliffs to get to the next beach, you are rewarded with spectacular views over the Arabian ocean.
Gokarna itself is a sleepy temple village that attracts many Hindu pilgrims. There are a small market and several hostels as well as more luxurious beach resorts and yoga retreats. The best beach to stay in is Om Beach, which offers a beautiful palm-fringed sandy beach and a small number of restaurants.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Gokarna is from October till March, when the weather is pleasant and dry.
How to reach
You can reach Gokarna by overnight buses from Bangalore and Pune. The nearest airport of Gokarna is Dabolim International Airport in Goa (Code: GOI), at a distance of 140 kilometres. The other airport, which is 230 kilometres away, is Mangalore International Airport (Code: IXE).
By train, the nearest rail station is Ankola (Code: ANKL) which is connected to cities like Mumbai, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram. Ankola is at 20 minutes driving from Gokarna Beach.
Google Map: Gokarna Beach
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Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal
About
Mandarmani is one of the longest sea beaches in India. Located in West Bengal in eastern India, Mandarmani is perfect for beach lovers who want to spend a few days relaxing under the tropical sun. Many beach resorts are lining the seashore with several amenities as per your budget.
Activities to do
Apart from enjoying both the sunrise and sunset on the beach, you can engage yourself in many beach activities like – jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat riding etc. As the tides are low with minimal under-currant, Mandarmani is a perfect place or bathing and swimming. You can also visit the local market or lie down on a sun lounger placed near the boundary wall of your resort and watch the tides hitting against that wall in a moonlit night/ To make it more perfect; the resort staff can serve your favourite snacks with a glass of chilled beer right next to you.
The nearby beach town of Digha, the old seabeach and the fishing harbour of Shankarpur, the pristine beaches of Tajpur and Udaypur deserve a day trip. You can also visit Chandaneswar Temple, Talsari beach and the mangrove forest of Bichitrapur in Odisha.
Best time to visit
You can visit Mandarmani throughout the year. While October-February is the best time to go there, in monsoon, the high tides and the dark clouds with their reflection on the wet seabeach enhances the beauty of the place. In summer do not forget to pack your sunscreen, hat and sunglass with you.
How to reach
Mandarmani sea beach is at a distance of 180 kilometres from Kolkata International Airport (Code: CCU). It can be reached by road or rail. The driving time from Kolkata is nearly 4 hours. Public buses are available from the Esplanade bus depot in Kolkata. You have to take a bus to Digha and get down at Chawalkhola crossing. From there small cars or motorised vans are available which will take you to the beach in 20 minutes.
While if you want to go by train, you can ride one from Howrah station (Code: HWH) and reach Contai or Kanthi station (Code: KATI) in 3 hours. From there, you should hire a cab to the seabeach.
Google Map: Mandarmani Beach
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Read more: 12 Best Sea Beaches in West Bengal
Agonda Beach, Goa
Contributed by Trisha Agarwal from Try Wandering More
About
Agonda Beach, located in South Goa (70 km south of Panjim), is perfect for those who like a relaxing vacation with a bit of activity. It is clean and quiet but gaining popularity fast. The beach is dotted with temporary beachside hut accommodations with in-house restaurants. It is a fantastic experience to live in these huts that are steps away from the sea.
Activities to do
Agonda also has charming cafes and bars on its one-lane road that serve delicious food. You can spend your time lazing on the beach, shopping trinkets, sipping cocktails at the beach-front bars, taking cooking classes, practising yoga or indulging in ayurvedic spa therapy. If you’re in the mood for adventure, get on a boat to see dolphins or visit nearby islands and beaches like butterfly beach. You can also visit the happening Palolem Beach or the secluded Cola Beach nearby.
Best time to visit
This beach is best visited from October to March as the shacks are mostly dismantled for the monsoons from April to September.
How to reach
To get here, hire a cab from the Dabolim Airport (Code: GOI) or take a bus to Vasco and switch to a bus for Agonda. You can also ride a train to Madagaon (Code: MAO) or Vasco Da Gama (Code: VSG) rail station and take a cab from there.
So when you’re planning a Goa trip, skip the crowd and head to this tranquil yet fun paradise.
Google Map: Agonda Beach
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Paradise Beach, Pondicherry
About
Paradise Beach is the most beautiful sea beach in Pondicherry. This pristine white sand beach is a perfect place to have fun with your family and friends. This beach looks nearly round in shape when watched from a distance giving it the name “Full Moon Beach”. The unique part of this beach is the backwaters on the other side.
Activities to do
This beach is perfect for playing beach volleyball and beach football. You can bring your own equipment or can hire it from the staff. Swimming in the deep water is prohibited here. You can also engage in fishing or sailing in the backwaters. There are many beach shacks where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
Best time to visit
The beat time to visit this beach is in autumn and winter (September-February). During monsoon, the beach and the backwater look more beautiful due to all the green surroundings, but the ferry rides are often postponed due to bad weather.
How to reach
This is a private beach and comes under the authority of Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). You have to give an entrance fee to go there. You have to reach Pondicherry first, which is at a distance of 140 kilometres from Chennai Airport (Code: MAA). Pondicheery has an airport (Code: PNY) and railway station (Code: PDY) also.
The beach is accessed by boats from Chunnambar Boat House on Cuddalore Road. Distance of boathouse is 8 kilometres from Pondicherry town. The entry fee to the beach is ₹5/children and ₹10/adult. The boat ride takes 15 minutes to reach there. But the ferry timing is fixed and depends on weather condition.
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Read more: 15 best places to see in Pondicherry
Morjim Beach, Goa
Contributed by Raihaan from A Rai Of Light
About
Morjim beach, found in Goa’s northern part, is close to the more popular beaches of the region, yet it stands apart due to its tranquil and quiet nature. This rather untraveled beach attracts visitors interested in nature and prefers to get away from the crowds. The landscape is a mix of paddy fields, palm trees, waterfalls, and forests.
Activities to do
Morjim Beach is well known as a nesting ground for the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. The protected marine turtles mean that parties are generally banned, with relaxation and alternative therapies being the pursuit of choice.
The area, part of the quaint Morjim village, is inhabited by a wide variety of people creating a good blend of diverse cultures. It has also earned the alias “Little Russia” due to the large concentration of Russian expatriates living there.
Families will be happy to hear that lifeguards are on duty from sunrise to sunset, and in season, the water is pleasant for swimming. It is also a popular place among kitesurfers due to its shallow waters and wide beach.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Morjim Beach is between November-February. The weather will be pleasant with minimal possibilities of rain.
How to reach
Morjim Beach is 30 kilometres north of Panaji, the capital of Goa. You can hire a cab from Dabolim Airport (Code: GOI) or Madagaon Rail Station (Code: MAO) to reach Morjim Beach within two hours.
Google Map: Morjim Beach
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Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
About
Situated at a distance of 8 kilometres from Vizag town, Rishikonda sea beach is one of the most popular beaches in Andhra Pradesh. Known for its golden sands and tidy waves, this beach is one of the most visited beaches by surfers. There is a fantastic property run by APTDC on a hill overlooking this crescent-shaped beach which is a perfect place to spend a couple of days.
Activities to do
Rushikonda beach is a good place for bathing and swimming. Activities like jet-skiing, boat riding and windsurfing are also popular among tourists. The nearby town of Vizag has beautiful sightseeing spots like RK Beach, Submarine Museum, Aircraft Museum, VUDA Park and Fishing Harbour. Bheemilipatnam beach and Yarada beach is also beautiful, but swimming is prohibited there. Thotlakonda and Bavikonda Buddhist ruins are also nearby.
Best time to visit
You can visit Rushikonda beach throughout the year except for the hot summer months (April – June).
How to reach
Rushikonda is near Vizag at a distance of 8 kilometres. Vizag is well connected by road, rail and air with the rest of the country. Visakhapatnam Airport (Code: VTZ) and Visakhapatnam Station (Code: VSKP) are at a distance of 24 kilometres and 14 kilometres respectively from Rushikonda Beach.
You will get Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from Vizag town, which takes 30 minutes to reach Rushikonda Beach or else you can hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw and reach the beach.
Google Map: Rushikonda Beach
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Read more: Best Tourist Places in Vizag That You Can See in 2 Days
Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to book your flight.
- Accommodation
Tripadvisor and Agoda are perfect for booking your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would greatly help you find one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection from them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
- Package Tour and Activities
You can book a package tour from G-Adventures and Viator. They are a reputed company arranging small group tours and customising them per your requirements. You can also use Get Your Guide to book your private transport, city tours, heritage walks, food walks and other experiences like a cooking lesson or a Yoga session.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. You will be directed to another third-party website when you click those links. If you purchase anything via those links, I will earn a referral bonus without any extra cost to you.
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