Best Beaches in India: 24 Stunning Places to Visit (2026 Guide)

The best beaches in India depend on the kind of trip you want. Radhanagar Beach in the Andaman Islands is the best all-rounder for scenery. Palolem in South Goa is a top pick for relaxed stays and swimming in season. Varkala in Kerala is best for cliffs and sunsets, and Shivrajpur in Gujarat is a favourite for clean, Blue Flag-style facilities. For most beaches, the best time to go is November to February.

This guide covers 24 main beaches, plus two island extras, from Goa and Kerala to the Andamans and Lakshadweep. For each one, you get what it is best for, when to go and whether swimming is sensible. If you are still choosing where to go in the country, start with our list of the best places to visit in India, then come back here to pick your coast.

Best Beaches in India at a Glance

Use this table to compare every beach in the guide. The “best time” column is a general guide. Sea conditions change from year to year, so check local warnings before you swim.

Beach	State/region	Best for	Best time to visit	Beach style
Palolem	Goa	Couples, families	Nov–Mar	Scenic
Agonda	Goa	Quiet stays, couples	Nov–Mar	Quiet
Vagator	Goa	Nightlife, photography	Nov–Mar	Cliffs
Candolim and Sinquerim	Goa	Families, resort breaks	Nov–Mar	Resort
Miramar	Goa	Easy city beach visit	Nov–Mar	Urban
Galgibaga	Goa	Nature lovers	Nov–Mar	Quiet, wildlife
Om Beach	Karnataka	Backpackers, trekkers	Oct–Mar	Adventure
Kudle Beach	Karnataka	Solo travellers, couples	Oct–Mar	Laid-back
Padubidri	Karnataka	Eco-minded travellers	Nov–Feb	Blue Flag
Kasarkod	Karnataka	Nature lovers	Nov–Feb	Blue Flag, eco
Tarkarli	Maharashtra	Water sports, diving	Oct–Mar	Adventure
Shrivardhan	Maharashtra	Families, quiet breaks	Oct–Mar	Long sandy beach
Nagaon (Alibaug)	Maharashtra	Weekend trips from Mumbai	Oct–Mar	Family
Shivrajpur	Gujarat	Families, clean beach seekers	Oct–Mar	Blue Flag
Ghoghla	Diu	Families, peaceful breaks	Oct–Mar	Blue Flag
Varkala	Kerala	Cliff views, wellness	Nov–Mar	Scenic cliffs
Kovalam	Kerala	Honeymooners, families	Oct–Mar	Resort
Kappad	Kerala	History, peaceful breaks	Nov–Mar	Blue Flag, historic
Mahabalipuram	Tamil Nadu	History lovers	Nov–Feb	Heritage
Eden Beach	Puducherry	Couples, clean beach seekers	Nov–Feb	Blue Flag
Paradise Beach	Puducherry	Day trips, families	Nov–Feb	Boat-access
Golden Beach, Puri	Odisha	Culture, families	Nov–Feb	Spiritual, Blue Flag
Rushikonda	Andhra Pradesh	Water sports, families	Nov–Feb	Blue Flag
Radhanagar	Andaman	Honeymoon, nature	Oct–Apr (peak Nov–Feb)	Island
Elephant Beach	Andaman	Snorkelling, adventure	Oct–Apr	Island
Bangaram	Lakshadweep	Diving, luxury	Oct–May	Island

How We Selected the Best Beaches in India

We started with the beaches that appear most often in official tourism material and recent travel guides, then kept the ones that work for different kinds of travellers. Each beach was judged on:

• Scenery and water clarity
• Cleanliness and environmental standards
• Access and places to stay
• Activities and water sports
• Suitability for couples, families, solo travellers and divers
• Seasonal conditions and swimming safety
• Facilities and lifeguard cover

We left out crowded city beaches such as Chowpatty in Mumbai and Marina Beach in Chennai. They are good for a walk, but not for a beach holiday or swimming. Popular beaches like Baga and Calangute are busy and heavily commercial, so we only mention them as options for nightlife.

Best Beaches on India’s West Coast

The west coast faces the Arabian Sea and runs from Gujarat and Diu down through Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka to Kerala. It has the widest choice, from party beaches to turtle-nesting shores. It is also the coast hit hardest by the June to September monsoon, so plan for November to March.

Best Beaches in Goa

Goa has lifeguards at many of its popular beaches, but not every beach is suitable for swimming. South Goa is calmer, and North Goa is livelier.

1. Palolem Beach, South Goa

Palolem is a curved bay with beach huts, kayaks and paddleboards. Incredible India describes it as one of Goa’s safer swimming spots. In early November 2026, it was reported as the sixth-best beach in the world, and the best in Asia, in the Beach.com Global Beach Index 2026. That is one ranking, not an official award, but expect more visitors. Canacona railway station is about 3 km away.

Best for: couples, families, backpackers. Best time: November to March. Swimming: generally suitable in season, but follow flags and lifeguards.

2. Agonda Beach, South Goa

Agonda is long, quiet and lined with small cafes. Olive Ridley turtles nest here. Official Goa tourism material says Agonda is not recommended for swimming because of a high risk. Treat it as a beach for walking, sunsets and paddling at the edge. If you want to swim, go to Palolem, which is a short drive away by taxi or scooter.

Best for: peaceful holidays, couples. Best time: November to March.

3. Vagator Beach, North Goa

Vagator is known for red cliffs, sunset views and the nearby Chapora Fort. It has a lively beach-party culture at night. The beach has rocky sections, so check flags before getting in the water. Mopa airport is the nearer airport for North Goa.

Best for: nightlife and photography. Best time: November to March.

4. Candolim and Sinquerim Beaches, North Goa

These neighbouring beaches have long sandy stretches, sunset walks, restaurants and a wide choice of hotels. Fort Aguada is close to Sinquerim. They are busier than South Goa, but easy for first-timers.

Best for: families and resort holidays.

5. Miramar Beach, Panaji

Miramar is about 3 km from Panaji, which makes it the easiest city beach in Goa. It was on the government’s original Blue Flag pilot list, but check its current status before relying on it. It is not a secluded beach.

Best for: a convenient beach visit while exploring Panaji.

6. Galgibaga Beach, South Goa

Galgibaga is a quiet beach in a natural setting, and Olive Ridley turtles come here to nest. Nesting season brings restrictions, such as no bonfires and no bright lights at night. Follow local forest department rules and keep your distance from nests. Facilities are more basic than at the big Goa resorts.

Best for: nature lovers and peaceful escapes.

Best Beaches in Karnataka

Karnataka has two very different sides: rocky, backpacker-friendly coves at Gokarna, and two clean, certified beaches further south.

7. Om Beach, Gokarna

Om Beach gets its name from its coastline, which curves into the shape of the Om symbol. There are viewpoints, coastal trekking and the temple town of Gokarna nearby. Rocky coves and changing sea conditions mean you should check local warnings before swimming.

Best for: backpackers and adventure seekers. Best time: October to March.

8. Kudle Beach, Gokarna

Kudle is the relaxed alternative to Om Beach, with budget stays, cafes and good sunsets. Access is mostly on foot or by short rides, so check current routes locally.

Best for: solo travellers and couples.

9. Padubidri Beach, Udupi

Padubidri is one of Karnataka’s two Blue Flag beaches, according to November 2026 reporting. It is known for cleanliness and good facilities, and it is a calm, family-friendly stop near Udupi and Malpe.

Best for: eco-conscious travellers and families.

10. Kasarkod Eco Beach, Honnavar

Kasarkod, near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada, is Karnataka’s other Blue Flag beach. It is quieter than Gokarna and works well as a stop between Gokarna and Murudeshwar.

Best for: nature lovers and peaceful holidays.

Best Beaches in Maharashtra

11. Tarkarli Beach, Sindhudurg

Tarkarli is the best Maharashtra pick for scuba diving and snorkelling, with Sindhudurg Fort close by. Water activities usually stop during the monsoon, so confirm operators are open before you travel.

Best for: water sports and adventure.

12. Shrivardhan Beach, Raigad

Shrivardhan has a long sandy shoreline and a slow pace. Diveagar and Harihareshwar are nearby. It was reported as Blue Flag certified in October 2025, but the source is unofficial, so check the current list before quoting it.

Best for: family holidays and quiet escapes.

13. Nagaon Beach, Alibaug

Nagaon is a popular weekend beach for people from Mumbai, with simple water sports and plenty of food stalls. Like Shrivardhan, it was reported as Blue Flag certified in 2025. Check certification and safety arrangements before you go.

Best for: weekend trips and families.

Best Beaches in Gujarat and Diu

14. Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat

Shivrajpur is a Blue Flag beach near Dwarka, known for clean sand and clear water. It makes an easy add-on to a Dwarka temple visit. Facilities have been built to the Blue Flag standard, but confirm the current certification year.

Best for: families and eco-conscious travellers.

15. Ghoghla Beach, Diu

Ghoghla is a wide sandy beach on Diu, a separate union territory, and another beach from the original Blue Flag list. Pair it with Diu town and Nagoa Beach.

Best for: families and peaceful holidays.

Best Beaches in Kerala

16. Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala sits below a high laterite cliff lined with cafes, yoga studios and Ayurveda centres. Papanasam Beach, the southern end, is a religious site, so dress modestly there. The cliff has steep, uneven steps, and erosion has led to safety advisories and temporary barriers on the North Cliff, so check the current situation locally.

Swimming: take care. There are strong currents and rip tides, so swim only between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty. Getting there: Trivandrum airport is about 45 km away, then take a train to Varkala Sivagiri and an auto-rickshaw to North Cliff (around 10 minutes).

Best for: couples, backpackers and wellness travellers. Best time: November to March.

17. Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam is made up of Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach, with resorts, restaurants and sheltered coves. It is busy and commercial, but very easy for first-time visitors. Do not confuse it with Kovalam near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, which is a different, Blue Flag beach.

Best for: honeymooners and families.

18. Kappad Beach, Kerala

Kappad, near Kozhikode, is a quieter beach with historical importance, and it was on the original Blue Flag pilot list. Check its current certification before travelling.

Best for: culture lovers and peaceful holidays.

Best Beaches in South and East India

The east coast faces the Bay of Bengal. It gets the northeast monsoon between October and December, with a risk of cyclones, so January to March is often the safest window. Plan carefully and check forecasts.

Best Beaches in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

19. Mahabalipuram Beach, Tamil Nadu

The beach sits beside the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, so it works best as a history stop with surfing and sightseeing. Check sea conditions before swimming.

Best for: history lovers and cultural travellers.

20. Eden Beach, Puducherry

Eden is a quiet, clean beach that has been listed among India’s Blue Flag beaches. It is a good escape from the busier Puducherry seafront. Confirm current status on the official Blue Flag list.

Best for: couples and eco-conscious travellers.

21. Paradise Beach, Puducherry

Paradise Beach is a sandy beach reached by boat, which makes it a popular day trip. Boat access and entry arrangements change, so check current details locally before you plan around it.

Best for: families and day trips.

Best Beaches in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

22. Golden Beach, Puri, Odisha

Golden Beach is a Blue Flag beach on the Puri coast, close to the Jagannath Temple, and known for sand art. Do not assume the sea here is safe. The US State Department names Puri among the places where strong currents cause drownings, so swim only where lifeguards allow.

Best for: families and cultural travellers. Best time: November to February.

23. Rushikonda Beach, Visakhapatnam

Rushikonda is a Blue Flag beach on the edge of Visakhapatnam with water sports and easy city access. Bay of Bengal conditions can change quickly, so follow lifeguard advice and be careful in the water.

Best for: adventure lovers and families.

Best Island Beaches in India: Andaman and Lakshadweep

Island beaches are the most beautiful in India, but they take more planning. You need flights, ferries, permits in some cases, and a flexible plan, because bad weather can cancel boats.

Best Beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

24. Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

Radhanagar has white sand, turquoise water and some of the best sunsets in India. It is on Incredible India’s list of top beach holidays and has been recognised as a Blue Flag beach. Swim in the marked zones during daylight, and follow lifeguard rules. Ferries can be cancelled in bad weather, and sandflies sometimes bother visitors near the tree line.

Getting there: fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, take a ferry to Swaraj Dweep (about 90 minutes by catamaran), then a taxi or scooter to the beach. Best time: October to April, with November to February the peak. Best for: honeymooners, families and nature lovers.

Elephant Beach, Swaraj Dweep

Elephant Beach is the place for snorkelling, coral and water activities such as sea walking. You normally reach it by boat, and operating conditions and marine-area rules change, so confirm with your hotel or operator. Do not touch or stand on the coral.

Best for: snorkelling and adventure.

Bangaram Beach, Lakshadweep: A Special Island Escape

Bangaram is an extra island pick rather than one of the 24 numbered beaches, because it is a very different kind of trip. It has coral lagoons, scuba diving and a quiet, luxury feel. Access is limited, and accommodation is small. A permit is required to enter Lakshadweep, and international visitors need to check the latest rules with the Lakshadweep Administration before booking. The best season is roughly October to May.

Best for: luxury travellers, divers and honeymooners.

Best Beaches in India by Travel Style

Here are the short lists. Each beach is described in full above.

Travel style	Best beaches
Couples and honeymooners	Radhanagar, Palolem, Kovalam, Bangaram
Families	Radhanagar, Palolem, Kovalam, Shivrajpur, Golden Beach (Puri)
Quiet and secluded	Agonda, Galgibaga, Kudle, Marari (Kerala), Bangaram
Water sports and scuba diving	Elephant Beach, Bangaram, Tarkarli, Rushikonda
Nightlife and parties	Vagator, plus Anjuna and Baga in North Goa
Solo travellers and backpackers	Kudle, Om Beach, Palolem, Varkala

Blue Flag Beaches in India: What Makes Them Special?

What Is a Blue Flag Beach?

Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). A certified beach must meet standards for:

• Clean bathing water
• Environmental management and waste disposal
• Safety, including lifeguard provision
• Public facilities and accessibility
• Environmental education

It is a sign of higher standards, not a promise that the sea is calm on any given day. A Blue Flag beach can still have strong currents, as Puri shows.

Blue Flag Beaches in India

The Blue Flag programme in India is run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Sources disagree on the national total. The government’s original list named 13 beaches, other sources count 12, and November 2026 reports say 18, including new Maharashtra additions. Certification is reviewed each season, so we are not quoting a single total. Check the official Blue Flag website before you book, and see the government’s Blue Flag announcement for the original pilot list.

These beaches in this guide are the ones most often reported as Blue Flag certified:

Beach	State / UT	Status note
Shivrajpur	Gujarat	Original list
Ghoghla	Diu	Original list
Padubidri and Kasarkod	Karnataka	Reported Nov 2026
Kappad	Kerala	Original list
Eden	Puducherry	Listed in recent reporting
Golden Beach	Odisha	Original list
Rushikonda	Andhra Pradesh	Original list
Radhanagar	Andaman and Nicobar	Original list
Shrivardhan and Nagaon	Maharashtra	Reported 2025, unofficial source

Best Time to Visit Beaches in India

There is no single best month, because India’s coasts get their rain at different times. The simple rule is November to February for most beaches. If you are planning a winter trip, our guide to the places to visit in India in winter shows how to combine beaches with other stops.

Best Months for a Beach Holiday in India

• November to February: the best choice for most beaches.
• March to April: hotter, and suitability depends on the destination. Still good for the Andamans.
• May to September: monsoon and rough seas on the west coast and islands. Many beach shacks and water sports close.
• October: a changing month. The west coast and islands improve, while the east coast starts to face the northeast monsoon.

Best Time by Coast

• West coast (Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Diu): November to March is dry and calm. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks in Goa, so book months ahead.
• East coast (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha): the northeast monsoon and cyclone risk affect October to December. January to March is often the safest window.
• Andaman and Lakshadweep: October to April or May is the usual window. Visibility for diving is best from November to April. Monsoon weather disrupts ferries between June and August.

Is It Safe to Swim at Beaches in India?

Sometimes, but not everywhere and not all year. No beach in India should be called “safe” without conditions. The US State Department warns that strong currents cause drownings in places such as Goa, Mumbai, Puri and the Bay of Bengal, and that trained lifeguards are rare on many Indian beaches. The sensible rule is: swim only in season, only where lifeguards are on duty, and only between the flags.

Understanding Beach Flags and Lifeguard Warnings

• Red flag: dangerous conditions; swimming is not allowed.
• Red-and-yellow flag: a supervised swimming zone, where the local authority has set one up.
• Always follow signs and lifeguard instructions. In Goa, Drishti Marine lifeguards cover many popular beaches.

What Are Rip Currents?

A rip current is a narrow, fast channel of water that pulls swimmers away from the shore. Warning signs include a patch of calmer-looking water, foam or debris moving out to sea, or a gap in the breaking waves. If you are caught in one, do not swim against it. Swim sideways along the beach until you are free, then head back to shore, and call or wave for help. Never swim alone.

Beaches Where Swimming Needs Extra Care

• Agonda: officially not recommended for swimming.
• Varkala: strong currents and rip tides.
• Om Beach: rocky coves and changing sea conditions.
• Rushikonda: Bay of Bengal conditions can change quickly.
• Puri and other exposed Bay of Bengal beaches: strong currents.

Swimming During the Monsoon

Monsoon seas are rough, with strong waves and swell surges. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) issues high-wave and swell-surge warnings. In August 2026 it warned of a swell surge for Kerala, south Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep and advised stopping beach and nearshore activity. Water sports are often suspended and beach shacks are taken down. A beach being open does not mean swimming is allowed. Check the INCOIS website before you go.

Beach Safety Tips for Families and Visitors

• Keep children within arm’s reach, even in shallow water.
• Do not swim after drinking alcohol or after dark.
• Wear reef-safe sun cream and a hat, and drink plenty of water.
• Buy travel insurance that covers water activities, and read the UK government’s India travel advice.
• Ask your hotel or a lifeguard about that day’s conditions.

How to Reach India’s Best Beach Destinations

Transport details are grouped by region here so they are not repeated in every beach entry.

Goa

Fly into Dabolim (Goa International) or Manohar International Airport at Mopa. The Konkan Railway serves Goa, and taxis, scooters and local buses connect the beaches. Canacona station is the nearest to Palolem.

Kerala

Use Trivandrum International Airport for Kovalam and Varkala, and Cochin International Airport for central Kerala. Trains connect the main towns, and autos and taxis cover the last stretch.

Karnataka and Maharashtra

Mangaluru and Goa airports are the usual gateways for Karnataka’s coast, with the Konkan Railway running along it. For Maharashtra’s Konkan beaches, use the railway or road, and Alibaug is easy to reach from Mumbai.

Gujarat, Diu, Odisha and the East Coast

For these regions, fly into the nearest city airport or use the railway, then continue by road. Dwarka, Diu town, Puri and Visakhapatnam all have rail links, and taxis or autos take you to the beach.

Andaman and Lakshadweep

For the Andamans, fly to Port Blair, then take a ferry to Swaraj Dweep. Direct flights run from cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru and Delhi. Lakshadweep has limited flights and authorised vessel arrangements, and bookings go through approved operators. Build in spare days in case weather changes your ferry or flight. If you want to put a beach stop into a longer trip, use our India travel itinerary as a base.

Visas, Permits and Beach Rules for UK Travellers

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for India?

Yes. UK citizens need an Indian e-Visa (e-Tourist Visa) before travel. Options are 30 days, one year or five years. Apply only on the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa, which the government says is the only official e-Visa site. The site advises applying at least four days before arrival, and your passport should have at least six months’ validity. An e-Arrival card can be completed online within 72 hours before you land. Fees and rules change, so check the live figures before you apply.

Do You Need a Permit for the Andaman Islands?

Sources differ here. Some say foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), usually issued on arrival at Port Blair. Other recent guidance says the RAP has been relaxed for the main tourist islands, including Havelock, until the end of 2027. Do not rely on either. Confirm with the Andaman administration or your tour operator before you book, and note that tribal and defence areas stay restricted.

Do You Need a Permit for Lakshadweep?

Yes. Entry permission is required, and visitors usually travel through authorised resorts or Lakshadweep Tourism. International eligibility and fees can change, so check the Lakshadweep Administration website before booking.

Beach Rules and Responsible Tourism

• Take your plastic and litter with you.
• Respect turtle nesting areas. No bonfires and no bright lights at night in nesting season.
• Do not touch or stand on coral.
• Follow local beach access rules and signs.

How Much Does an India Beach Holiday Cost?

Costs depend on where you stay. These are planning estimates for one person per day, based on regional hotel and tourism-board averages from November 2026, not guaranteed prices. Recheck exchange rates and prices before you book.

Travel style	Accommodation	Food and drinks	Transport and activities	Total per day
Budget / backpacker	£15 / ₹1,600	£10 / ₹1,100	£5 / ₹550	£30 / ₹3,250
Mid-range couple	£60 / ₹6,500	£35 / ₹3,800	£20 / ₹2,200	£115 / ₹12,500
Luxury resort	£220 / ₹24,000	£80 / ₹8,700	£50 / ₹5,500	£350 / ₹38,200

Accommodation Costs

Beach huts at Palolem start from around ₹1,500 a night. Varkala is roughly £20 to £80 (₹2,000 to ₹8,000), while Radhanagar and the Andamans run from about £60 to £250 (₹6,000 to ₹25,000) a night. Prices rise sharply at Christmas and New Year.

Food, Transport and Activities

Local restaurants and beach cafes are far cheaper than resort dining. Ferry tickets, scuba diving, snorkelling and guided trips are priced by operator and season, so compare quotes and check the latest prices before you book. We have not listed fixed prices for these.

Ways to Save Money

• Travel outside peak holiday weeks, such as Christmas and New Year.
• Book accommodation early.
• Compare flights, trains and ferries.
• Choose less commercial beaches, such as Kudle or Galgibaga.
• Check activity prices before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Beaches in India

Which is the most beautiful beach in India?

Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) in the Andamans is the most often named. It has white sand, turquoise water and strong sunsets, and it is on Incredible India’s list of top beach holidays. Palolem and Varkala are also popular picks.

Which is the cleanest beach in India?

Blue Flag beaches are the best bet for cleanliness. Shivrajpur, Radhanagar and Golden Beach (Puri) are often named. The label covers water quality, waste management and facilities, and it is reviewed each season, so check the current list.

What is the safest beach for swimming in India?

No beach is safe all the time. Palolem and Radhanagar are generally described as suitable for swimming in season, in marked zones with lifeguards. Always follow the flags and do not swim during the monsoon or after dark.

Which is the best beach in India for couples?

Radhanagar suits honeymooners who want scenery and privacy. Palolem is relaxed and easy to reach, Kovalam has resorts, and Bangaram is the luxury choice if you can manage the permit and travel.

Which are the best beaches in India for families?

Radhanagar, Palolem, Kovalam, Shivrajpur and Golden Beach (Puri) work well for families. Look for lifeguard cover, calm conditions and nearby facilities, and keep children close to you in the water.

Which Indian beach is best for scuba diving?

Bangaram in Lakshadweep and Elephant Beach in the Andamans are the top picks for coral and diving. Tarkarli in Maharashtra is a more affordable choice for snorkelling and diving on the mainland. Diving seasons are limited by the monsoon.

Which coast has better beaches, east or west India?

The west coast has more calm, well-serviced beaches, such as Goa and Kerala. The east coast has heritage and surf at places like Mahabalipuram and Puri, but stronger currents and cyclone risk. For most visitors, the west coast is easier.

What is the best month to visit beaches in India?

November to February is the best window for most beaches. It is dry and sunny on the west coast and in the Andamans. East coast beaches are safest from January to March.

Can you visit Indian beaches during the monsoon?

You can visit, but swimming is usually unsafe, and many shacks, water sports and ferries stop. Rough seas and swell warnings are common from June to September. Hotels are cheaper, but check INCOIS and local advice first.

Are India’s beaches suitable for international tourists?

Yes, especially in Goa, Kerala and the Andamans, which have long-established tourism. Follow flags, dress modestly away from tourist strips and near temples, and take out travel insurance that covers water activities.

Do UK citizens need a special permit for Andaman or Lakshadweep?

You need an India e-Visa first. Lakshadweep also needs entry permission. For the Andamans, sources differ on whether a Restricted Area Permit is needed for the main islands, so confirm before you book.

Which Indian beaches have Blue Flag certification?

Beaches often listed include Shivrajpur, Ghoghla, Padubidri, Kasarkod, Kappad, Eden, Golden Beach, Rushikonda and Radhanagar. The total is reported as 12, 13 or 18 depending on the source, so check the official Blue Flag list.

Final Thoughts: Which Indian Beach Should You Visit?

• Goa: the widest mix, from nightlife to quiet turtle beaches.
• Kerala: cliffs, relaxation and wellness.
• Karnataka: laid-back coves and certified clean beaches.
• Andaman: the best tropical island scenery.
• Lakshadweep: coral lagoons and diving.
• Odisha and Gujarat: culture and Blue Flag beaches.

Choose by travel dates first, then budget, activities and how much you want to swim. If you are still deciding on the rest of your trip, our guide to the top places to visit in India will help you fit a beach stop around cities, culture and mountains.

Last checked: 7 November 2026. Blue Flag status, permit rules, ferry schedules and prices change often. Confirm the details with official sources before you travel.