Planning to go for a beach holiday in India? The options are unlimited. More than 7500 km long Indian coastline provides number of options for the beach admirers. Visitors have options like Beaches of Goa or Beaches of Orissa, Beaches of TamilNadu or Beaches of Kerala, Beaches of Andaman or Beaches of Lakshadweep. White and golden beaches of India are all desperate to welcome you.

Indian beach destinations fulfill the desire of all kinds of tourists. You will find places just to relax and enjoy the beauty of the coastline. And for the water sports lovers, Indian beach destinations offer choices of water sports like Scuba diving, Surfing etc. From the beginner level scuba diving and other water sports facilities of Goa, to much tougher and much exciting options in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, you could never have better choices. For the families there are city beaches, which are good for short breaks and provide wholesome entertainment for the entire family. Major beach destinations of India are mentioned hereunder…

• Andaman & Nicobar

  Andaman & Nicobar is the most unique Island state of India and its because of this geographic location the beaches and coastal areas of these islands are still untouched and unspoilt, making it an ideal beach holiday destination. There are 362 volcanic islands of which only 37 are inhabited. The climate and isolation has given these islands a prominence among the best tropical beach islands and a paradise of exquisite marine life. The lush green islands have a colourful historical past, with strings of invasions by the French, Dutch, Japanese and British, setting off raging wars between the settlers and the native tribes.
  
  Beaches :
  The prominent beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Corbyn's Cove and Chirya Tapu, Radhnagar Beach, Harminder Bay Beach, Karmatang Beach, Ramnagar Beach.
  
  Places to see :
  Around Port Blair, the waters around Andaman have spectacular bio-diversity, and dive conditions that are ideal for an experienced diver.
  
  Cellular Jail :
  Built by the British in the early part of the century. Now a memorial to Indian prisoners. A son-et-lumiere is held here.
  
  Rutland Island :
  The shallow waters here have a good representation of smaller fish and coral, and a good place for training open water divers.
  
  Cinque Island :
  One of the best destinations for diving sport in the island, it has clear emerald water with a visibility of up to 80 feet. The deep dive offers a terrific variety of marine life including back coral and sightings of sharks.
  
  Havelock Island
  This Island is approximately 4 hours from the Port Blair airport by inter-island ferry. The dive centre located on the island offers a wide range of largely unexplored dive sites rich in underwater marine life.
  
  Snake Island :
  Has awesome rock faces and a spectacular dive landscape. Marine life includes Trigger fish, Grunts, Goatfish and Rays.
  
  Best Time to Visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands is between November and May.

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• Goa

  Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. Goa lies in Western Coast of India and is 594Kms (by road) away from Mumbai city. Goa is divided into two districts viz. North and South Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively. The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west of Goa forms the magnificent coastline. Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns.
  
  Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa. Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.
  
  The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.
  
  Beaches :
  North to South Querim, Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Vainguinim, Siridao Bogmalo, Velsao, Arossim, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Betul, Palolem.
  
  Places to see :
  The Beaches of Goa are no doubt the best among the Beaches in India but there's more to Goa than sun, sand and natural beauty.
  
  Mormugao Harbour :
  It is 34 Kms. from Panaji and 4 Kms. from Vasco-da-Gama. It is one of the fine natural anchorages on the West coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity.
  
  Panaji :
  The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small a charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid garden, statues and avenue's lined with Gulmohar, Acacia and other trees. Enchanted panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill Top).
  
  Pilar :
  It is 11 kms. from Panaji. It has important religious and educational centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and School atop hillock command a magnificent panorama of the country side around and a fine view of Mormugao Harbour & Zuari river.

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• Kerala

  With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. Moderate climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches and tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters make Kerala a perfect holiday destination. Beaches of Kerala are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never been so exciting before.
  
  Kovalam Beach :
  Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivendrum) city, Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. Kovalam Beach consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southernmost beach is known as Lighthouse Beach. This is the place where most of the visitors spend their time. The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala.
  
  Marari Beach :
  Just an hour drive from Cochin and even less to Alleppey is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an ideal location for those who want a perfect beach destination to enjoy at. Marari originates from "Mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience to local charm and traditional hospitality of Kerala at its best.
  
  Kappad Beach :
  This is the historic beach where Vasco-da-Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498; with 170 men in is just 15 kms from Kozhikode. A monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first brought the Arabs, the Phoenicans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to Kerala. Kappad Beach has witnessed many such landings. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old. To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad beach is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offer a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach.
  
  The other prominent beaches in Kerala are Alappuzha beach, Bekal beach, Cherai beach, Somatheeram Beach and many more.

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• Lakshadweep Islands

  Lakshadweep Islands is known as the ultimate exotic diving location that lies two hundred and fifty miles off the southwest coast of India in the Arabian Sea. This Island destination comprises of 36 Islands out of which only few are inhabited. Few of these Islands are Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Minicoy and Bangaram. The most romantic feature of this island beach destination is the quiet and uninhabited atmosphere. The palm-fringed beaches of Lakshadweep provide cool climate even at in the hottest summer months, making this region a destination that can be traveled throughout the year.
  
  Attractions :
  The major attractions of this beach destination are the dive sites.
  
  Kadmat Island :
  Surrounded on the eastern and western side by the lagoon, this Island is a haven of solitude. This little island, which was once a trading post for the ancient Romans, has an astonishing variety of marine flora and fauna. Some of the dive sites here defy description.
  
  The Wall :
  A wall of soft coral starting at 12 meters and cascading down to the deep blue. Dive amongst turtles as resplendent as their surroundings.
  
  Cross Currents :
  Located between the islands of Amini and Kadmat, drift dive along with schools of Snapper, Fusilier and Sharks at 15-21 meters.
  
  Jack Point :
  A drift dive between 21-30 meters with different types of fish like Jack Fish and King Fish.
  
  Sting Ray City :
  A 21 meter dive along the sand dunes, abundant with Sting Rays.
  
  Garden of Eden :
  An abundance of table coral at 12-25 meters along with varieties of small fishes.

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• Orissa

  The Beaches of Orissa are a perfect example of historic enlightenment and natural beauty. Here are some of the most popular Beaches of Orissa which will convey the real spirit of Orissa Beaches.
  
  Puri Beach :
  One of the holiest pilgrimage centers of India. It is gifted with many fine beaches. The beaches are wide and ideal for beach sports. But due to the violent sea waves, water sports are many a time not favoured.
  
  Gopalpur Beach :
  It is 170 kms from Bhubaneswar, and 15 kms from Behrampur. The beach is fairly isolated and undisturbed by day-trippers. Gopalpur-on-Sea is good for sailing and surfing as well. The hot springs of Taptapani are an hour's drive from here. It is known to be a splendid retreat for sea worshippers, located about 16-km from Behrampur. You can still see the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty which are witness to its past glory of commercial activity. With an increase in tourist trade in the late seventies, and the opening of luxury hotels, a slow revival began and today Gopalpur-On-Sea is one of the foremost beach resorts in India.
  
  Chandipur Beach :
  A divine beach resort of Orissa located 16 kms away from Balasore. A unique beach in which each day the waters recede about 5 kms during low tide and advances to the shoreline again during high tide.

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• Tamil Nadu

  Your beach vacation won’t be complete without visiting the beaches of Tamilnadu, India's last coastal destination for rides on motor boat or wind surfing. The beaches of Tamilnadu have got a charm of their own. This southernmost state of India is adorned with the finest beaches of the world.
  
  Marina Beach :
  One must visit to the second longest beach in the world, Marina Beach. Do not miss the fantastic joyride along vast stretches of sand lashed by the Bay of Bengal. The perfect place for relaxation and sun bathing, Marina Beach is now a favourite and shooting location for international and domestic tourists alike.
  
  Mamallapuram Beach :
  Golden sand, good surfing opportunities and shimmering clear blue sea water is enough to lure a beach lover to this place. 58 Kms from Chennai, Once a port and the second capital of the Pallava Dynasty, Mamallapuram flourished during 7th- 8th centuries. The monuments of Pallava, the proto type of the Dravidian Temple Architecture, lure every visitor to this town. The monuments, scooped out of natural rocks are of monolithic type. Mamallapuram has been declared by United Nations as one of the world Heritage centres. The Dance Festival from December to February is highly acclaimed. One of the monuments - Arjuna's penance - stands as a back drop for the stage. For over 1500 years this small town has awakened to the tune of hardened steel on stone as its craftsmen begin a new day. The pristine glory of the 8th century temple adds splendour to the beach here.
  
  Other important beaches of Tamilnadu include Rameshwaram beach, Kanniyakumari beach, Covelong beach and Elliot’s Beach.

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