India's coast has hundreds of beaches, but only some combine clean sand, safe swimming in season, beautiful surroundings and easy enough access. This guide picks out the standouts, from the white sand of the Andamans to cliff-backed coves in Goa and Gokarna and temple beaches on the east coast.
Each entry says what the beach is best for and links to the state guide where you will find nearby beaches, when to go and how to plan. For choosing a place to base your holiday, see best beach destinations in India.
Quick answer
The best beaches in India include Radhanagar and Elephant Beach on Havelock Island, Bangaram in Lakshadweep, Palolem, Agonda and Vagator in Goa, Om and Kudle in Gokarna, Varkala and Kovalam in Kerala, Tarkarli in Maharashtra, Shivrajpur and Diu's Nagoa on the Gujarat coast, and Rushikonda, Puri's Golden Beach and Paradise Beach on the east coast. Swim only in season and in lifeguarded zones.
Key takeaways
- The Andamans (Radhanagar, Elephant, Laxmanpur) have India's most beautiful beaches.
- Goa's Palolem, Agonda and Vagator are the pick of its many beaches.
- Blue Flag certification marks beaches that meet international standards for water quality, safety and management.
- Beaches on the east coast are wider and flatter; the west coast has more coves and cliffs.
- Most beaches are closed to swimming in the monsoon.
Island beaches
Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island (Andamans)
A long curve of white sand and clear water backed by forest, with lifeguards and Blue Flag certification. Famous for sunsets.
- Best for
- Swimming in season, sunset
Elephant Beach, Havelock Island
Shallow reef close to shore for snorkelling and sea walks, reached by boat or a forest walk.
- Best for
- Snorkelling
Laxmanpur, Neil Island
A wide sunset beach, with a natural rock bridge nearby at low tide.
- Best for
- Sunset, rock pools
Bangaram, Lakshadweep
A small uninhabited island encircled by a turquoise lagoon.
- Best for
- Couples, lagoon swimming
West coast beaches
Palolem, south Goa
A crescent bay framed by headlands, calm in season, with kayaking and boat trips.
- Best for
- Couples, families
Agonda, south Goa
Long, quiet and uncrowded, with a turtle-nesting stretch protected in season.
- Best for
- Quiet stays
Vagator, north Goa
Red cliffs, a sheltered bay and Chapora Fort above for sunset.
- Best for
- Views
Om beach and Kudle, Gokarna
Coves linked by a coastal trail; Om beach is shaped like the Om symbol from above.
- Best for
- Walks, backpackers
St Mary's Island, Udupi
Columnar basalt rocks on a small island reached by boat from Malpe, a National Geological Monument.
- Best for
- A different kind of beach
Varkala, Kerala
The only beach on the Kerala coast backed by high red cliffs, with cafes along the top.
- Best for
- Couples, cafes
Lighthouse beach, Kovalam
A crescent below the red-and-white lighthouse, busy and well served.
- Best for
- Families
Marari, Kerala
A quiet fishing-village beach near Alappuzha.
- Best for
- Slow stays
Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Long beach with clear water in season, snorkelling and backwaters behind.
- Best for
- Snorkelling
Kashid, Maharashtra
Pale sand and casuarinas, the classic weekend beach from Mumbai.
- Best for
- Weekends
Shivrajpur, Gujarat
White sand and clear water near Dwarka, with Blue Flag certification.
- Best for
- A managed, clean beach
Nagoa, Diu
A horseshoe-shaped bay with calm water and water sports.
- Best for
- Families
East coast beaches
Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam
Golden sand below green hills, with Blue Flag certification and water sports.
- Best for
- Swimming in season, water sports
Golden Beach, Puri
Puri's certified Blue Flag stretch, with traditional lifeguards and sand art.
- Best for
- Families, pilgrims
Chandipur, Odisha
Where the sea retreats several kilometres at low tide.
- Best for
- The tidal spectacle
Paradise Beach, Puducherry
A sandbar reached by a short boat ride from Chunnambar.
- Best for
- A beach day
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
The Shore Temple stands on the sand; surf schools work the village beach.
- Best for
- Heritage
Tajpur, West Bengal
A quiet, casuarina-lined beach near Digha.
- Best for
- Quiet weekends
India's Blue Flag beaches
Blue Flag is an international certification run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must meet a long list of criteria on water quality, environmental management, safety and services, and certification is reviewed every year. India had about 18 certified beaches in 2025, after five Maharashtra beaches were added.
Beaches that have held Blue Flag certification include Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad and Chal (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden Beach at Puri and Sunapur (Odisha), Radhanagar (Andamans), Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), Eden (Puducherry), Minicoy Thundi and Kadmat (Lakshadweep), and Shrivardhan, Nagaon, Parnaka, Guhagar and Ladghar (Maharashtra). Because certification is renewed annually, check the current list before travelling.
See beach tourism in India for what Blue Flag and other coastal rules mean on the ground.
Best beaches by type
| You want | Beaches |
|---|---|
| The most beautiful sand and water | Radhanagar, Laxmanpur, Bangaram |
| Snorkelling from the beach | Elephant Beach, Bharatpur (Neil), Tarkarli |
| Cliffs and views | Vagator, Varkala, Om beach |
| Calm, family swimming in season | Palolem, Candolim, Nagoa, Rushikonda, Shivrajpur |
| Quiet | Agonda, Marari, Tajpur, Guhagar |
| Heritage by the sea | Mahabalipuram, Puri, Konark's Chandrabhaga, Diu |
| Surf | Varkala, Kovalam (Covelong), Mulki, Serenity |
Safety
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards, inside the flagged zone, and never when a red flag is up or during the monsoon.
- Many popular beaches, such as Marina in Chennai and Rock Beach in Puducherry, prohibit swimming.
- Rip currents are common on long, open beaches; if caught, swim parallel to the shore.
- Stay away from rocks and cliff edges, especially in rough weather.
- Do not touch coral or take shells from protected areas.
Ready for your beach escape?
FAQs
Which is the most beautiful beach in India?
Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island in the Andamans is widely considered the most beautiful.
Which is the cleanest beach in India?
Blue Flag-certified beaches such as Radhanagar, Shivrajpur, Rushikonda and Puri's Golden Beach meet international standards for cleanliness and management.
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in India?
About 18 as of 2025, after five Maharashtra beaches were added. Certification is renewed every year.
Which is the best beach in Goa?
Palolem and Agonda in the south, and Vagator in the north, are among the best.
Which beaches in India are safe for swimming?
Lifeguarded beaches in season, such as Radhanagar, Calangute, Palolem, Kovalam and Rushikonda, within flagged zones.
