Coastal tourism covers everything along the shore, not only the beach: lagoons and backwaters, estuaries and mangroves, sea forts and lighthouses, fishing harbours, coastal roads and ports. In India, these experiences are often more memorable than a day on the sand, and many of them are at their best in seasons when swimming is off the menu.
This guide covers the main types of coastal experience and where to find them. For beaches themselves, see best beaches in India and the state beach guides.
Quick answer
Coastal tourism in India includes Kerala's backwaters, sea forts such as Murud-Janjira, Sindhudurg, Aguada and Bekal, lighthouses opened to visitors, mangrove forests in the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika and Pichavaram, fishing harbours and the Chinese nets of Kochi, coastal drives on the Konkan, Malabar and East Coast Road, cruises to Goa and Lakshadweep, and coastal food. Many of these are good in the monsoon, when beaches are closed to swimming.
Key takeaways
- Kerala's backwaters, explored by houseboat or canoe, are India's best-known coastal experience after the beaches.
- Sea forts at Janjira, Sindhudurg, Aguada, Diu and Bekal combine history with sea views.
- Many lighthouses have been opened to visitors with viewing galleries and museums.
- Mangroves in the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika and Pichavaram are explored by boat.
- Coastal drives such as the Konkan coast and the East Coast Road make excellent road trips.
Backwaters, lagoons and estuaries
Kerala's backwaters
A network of lakes, canals and rivers behind the coast, explored by houseboat around Alappuzha and Kumarakom, or by canoe through narrow canals at Munroe Island.
Chilika Lake, Odisha
Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon, with Irrawaddy dolphins near Satapada and migratory birds in winter.
Goa's rivers and the Konkan creeks
The Mandovi, Zuari and Sal rivers in Goa and the creeks of Sindhudurg are explored by boat and kayak.
Sea forts
| Fort | Where | How to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Murud-Janjira | Raigad, Maharashtra | Sailboat from Rajpuri |
| Kolaba | Alibaug, Maharashtra | Walk at low tide |
| Sindhudurg | Malvan, Maharashtra | Boat from Malvan jetty |
| Aguada | Candolim, Goa | By road |
| Chapora | Vagator, Goa | Short climb |
| Diu Fort | Diu | By road |
| Bekal | Kasaragod, Kerala | By road |
| Fort Dansborg | Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu | By road |
Lighthouses
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has developed visitor facilities at dozens of lighthouses along the coast, with viewing galleries, small museums and cafes at some. Lighthouses such as Kovalam in Kerala and Kaup near Udupi are popular viewpoints. Opening hours are limited and some close on particular days, so check locally.
Lighthouses with beach views
Kovalam (Kerala), Kaup (Karnataka), Dona Paula and Aguada area (Goa), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Gopalpur (Odisha).
Mangroves and coastal wildlife
The Sundarbans, West Bengal
The world's largest mangrove forest, home to the Bengal tiger, explored by boat from the Sajnekhali side.
Bhitarkanika, Odisha
Mangroves with a large population of saltwater crocodiles, near the Gahirmatha turtle coast.
Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu
Narrow channels through dense mangroves near Chidambaram, by rowing boat.
Fishing harbours and villages
Watching the catch come in is one of the most authentic coastal experiences: the Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi, the harbours of Malpe, Malvan and Shankarpur, and fish auctions at dawn. Recreational fishing trips are offered informally by boat owners in several places, but safety standards vary; wear a life jacket and avoid going out in rough weather.
Most of India's coast observes an annual fishing ban during the monsoon breeding season, when trawlers stay in harbour.
Coastal road trips
| Route | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Konkan coast (Mumbai to Goa) | Alibaug, Janjira, Ganpatipule, the Aare-Ware road, Tarkarli |
| Coastal Karnataka | Karwar, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Maravanthe, Udupi |
| Malabar coast (Kerala) | Kozhikode, Muzhappilangad, Kannur, Bekal |
| East Coast Road (Tamil Nadu) | Chennai, Covelong, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry |
| Vizag beach road (Andhra) | RK Beach, Rushikonda, Bheemili |
| Odisha marine drive | Puri, Ramchandi, Chandrabhaga, Konark |
Cruises and ferries
Coastal cruises operate seasonally between Mumbai, Goa and Lakshadweep, and ship-based packages from Kochi visit the Lakshadweep islands. In the Andamans, ferries between Sri Vijaya Puram, Havelock and Neil are themselves a scenic journey. Schedules are seasonal and change often; check current sailings.
Coastal food
- Goan fish curry-rice, xacuti and bebinca
- Malvani seafood on the Konkan coast
- Mangalorean and Udupi cuisine on the Karnataka coast
- Kerala's karimeen pollichathu and appam with stew
- Chettinad and Coromandel seafood in Tamil Nadu
- Bengali fish curries and Digha's fried fish
Safety
- Wear a life jacket on all boats, including houseboats and short ferries.
- Do not take unlicensed boats out in rough weather or the monsoon.
- Check tide times before walking to forts such as Kolaba.
- Follow forest department rules in mangroves; crocodiles live in several of them.
Ready for your beach escape?
FAQs
What is coastal tourism?
Travel along the coast beyond beaches: backwaters, sea forts, lighthouses, mangroves, harbours, coastal roads, cruises and food.
Where can I see sea forts in India?
Murud-Janjira, Kolaba and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Aguada and Chapora in Goa, Diu Fort, Bekal in Kerala and Fort Dansborg in Tamil Nadu.
Can you visit lighthouses in India?
Yes. Many lighthouses have visitor facilities; opening hours are limited.
Which coastal experiences are good in the monsoon?
Kerala's backwaters, the green Konkan coast, coastal drives and food trails. Beaches are closed to swimming then.
Where can I see mangroves in India?
The Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Pichavaram, and the mangroves of Goa and the Andamans.
