Top 5: The best beaches of India

Written by Ramya of top10sonly.com

Nothing like a shoreline where smooth sand and pristine waters meet in waves, creating a soothing rhythm. Add some bright sunlight and a lazy chair with a book to delve deep in, and you are all set for the perfect tropical holiday backdrop!

Being the co-founder of Top 10s Only, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to carefully select and fill the list of top few beaches on the East and West coast of India. Our curated lists are based on many factors like popularity, reviews, activities at the destination, and, if possible, hidden gems that your eye probably missed! Here are a select few from the best beaches in India:

Marina Beach, Chennai

Known as the 2^nd largest beach in the world, this 6.0 km natural urban beach is primarily sandy. Unfortunately, bathing and swimming are legally prohibited as the undercurrent is turbulent. Nevertheless, it is the most happening beach in the country, attracting 50,000 visitors a day on weekends! Perfect for a long stroll and to experience the local delicacies sold at the beach to devour.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam is an area located about 16km from the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. This world-famous beach town has a coastline that consists of 3 crescent beaches, namely, Lighthouse beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. Life on these beaches has a lazy start but soon gets packed with crowds for sunbathing, swimming, herbal massages, and special cultural programs.

Calangute Beach, Goa

There’s no list complete without a beach from Goa! The haven of sun, sand, and sea- Calangute beach is a must-visit if being the “Queen of beaches.” It caters to every type of traveler- the adventurer, the nature junkie, the party-holic, the list goes on! Crowned by palm trees and coconut trees, the beach is filled with shacks and stalls selling trinkets to pawns. Enjoy an array of adventures like parasailing, water sports, and sandy pleasures!

Kanyakumari Beach, Kanyakumari

Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari beach is a wonder with three seas (the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean) meeting together, creating a colorful mix. The dramatic sunrises and sunsets at the beach are a must-watch during a lifetime. In addition, stunning architecture like the Vivekananda rock memorial, the Bhagavathi Amman Temple, and the Thiruvalluvar statue are a visual treat.

Puri Beach, Odisha

Puri beach or the Golden beach is situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Known for its tourist attractions, it is also considered a sacred place for Hindu’s being a pilgrimage town. Popular for golden sands and sand art displays, Puri beach is the perfect spot for experiencing safety in solitude while enjoying activities like angling, swimming, and sea cruising, among many others. 

As someone who loves to experience the best of everything, I thoroughly enjoy testing each recommendation before I list it. If I can’t, I know my team of travel lovers will vouch for us! So it’s safe to say this list has the beachy best that India has to offer!