South India is blessed with a long stretch of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. This region offers some of the most scenic beaches where you can relax, enjoy water activities, and witness spectacular sunrises or sunsets. Each state has its own collection of beaches that highlight the culture, lifestyle, and natural beauty of the region. In this article, we will look at the best beaches in South India, their locations, how to reach them, and the ideal time to plan your visit.
Best Beaches in South India
Beaches in Tamil Nadu
Marina Beach – Chennai
Marina Beach is one of the longest natural urban beaches in India, stretching for about 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. The wide sandy expanse makes it perfect for morning and evening walks. The beach is also known for its golden sand, strong waves, and breathtaking sunrise views. Major attractions include statues of historical figures, the Triumph of Labour monument, and the proximity to famous landmarks such as Fort St. George and the Santhome Basilica.
- Best time to visit: November to February, when the climate is cooler.
- Location: Chennai city, Tamil Nadu.
- How to reach: Chennai International Airport is about 18 km away. The beach is well-connected by local buses, autos, and metro stations.
Mahabalipuram Beach – Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram Beach stretches for about 20 km along the coast and is known for its clean sandy shore. The beauty of this beach lies in the calm blue sea paired with the ancient temples and rock sculptures nearby. Tourists can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and photography while exploring attractions like Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and Pancha Rathas.
- Best time to visit: December to March.
- Location: Mahabalipuram, about 60 km south of Chennai.
- How to reach: Accessible by road from Chennai. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, and the closest railway station is Chengalpattu.
Covelong Beach – Kovalam (Near Chennai)
Covelong Beach is about 1.5 km long and has a picturesque setting with palm trees and fishing villages around. The beach is well-known for its peaceful waters and opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing and surfing. Tourists can also visit the 18th-century Dutch fort ruins located nearby.
- Best time to visit: November to February.
- Location: About 40 km from Chennai.
- How to reach: Chennai International Airport is the nearest. It can also be reached by car or taxi via East Coast Road.
Beaches in Kerala
Kovalam Beach – Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam Beach covers a coastline stretch of about 17 km and is divided into Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. Lighthouse Beach is famous for its red-and-white striped lighthouse, which gives panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Hawa Beach offers a lively atmosphere, while Samudra Beach is quieter. The natural beauty of crescent-shaped shores lined with coconut trees makes it one of Kerala’s most photographed beaches.
- Best time to visit: September to March.
- Location: About 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
- How to reach: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 15 km away. The city has good connectivity through buses, taxis, and trains.
Varkala Beach – Varkala
Varkala Beach stretches for around 2 km and is characterized by steep cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The beach is popular for its natural spring believed to have healing properties. Visitors can enjoy the scenic sunset, Ayurvedic massages, yoga centers, and nearby attractions like Janardanaswamy Temple.
- Best time to visit: November to February.
- Location: Varkala town, about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
- How to reach: Varkala has its own railway station, and the nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Marari Beach – Alappuzha
Marari Beach stretches for about 5 km and is lined with tall palm trees. Known for its calmness and beauty, it offers an unspoiled atmosphere compared to more crowded beaches. Tourists can explore nearby backwaters, traditional fishing villages, and enjoy houseboat cruises.
- Best time to visit: September to March.
- Location: About 11 km from Alappuzha.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (75 km away). Alappuzha has a railway station connected to major cities.
Beaches in Karnataka
Gokarna Beach – Gokarna
Gokarna Beach stretches for about 2 km and combines religious importance with scenic views. Located near the Mahabaleshwar Temple, it attracts both pilgrims and tourists. The beach is known for trekking trails leading to Om Beach and Kudle Beach. Its mix of spirituality and natural beauty is the main attraction.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
- Location: Gokarna town, Uttara Kannada district.
- How to reach: Dabolim Airport in Goa is about 140 km away. Gokarna Road railway station is the nearest, 10 km from the town.
Om Beach – Gokarna
Om Beach extends for about 2 km and is shaped like the Sanskrit symbol “Om.” The natural beauty of its two crescent-shaped shores makes it a popular site for photography. Adventure seekers can enjoy water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Small beachside shacks and cafes add to the attraction.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
- Location: About 8 km from Gokarna town.
- How to reach: Easily accessible by auto-rickshaws or taxis from Gokarna. The nearest airport is in Goa.
Malpe Beach – Udupi
Malpe Beach stretches for about 6 km and is known for its clean golden sand. The beach is famous for water sports such as speed boating and parasailing. The nearby St. Mary’s Island with its basalt rock formations is the main attraction. Fishing harbor and seafood stalls add to the experience.
- Best time to visit: October to January.
- Location: About 6 km from Udupi, Karnataka.
- How to reach: Mangalore International Airport is about 60 km away. Udupi has a well-connected railway station.
Beaches in Andhra Pradesh
Rishikonda Beach – Visakhapatnam
Rishikonda Beach is about 1 km long and is well-known for its soft golden sand and clear blue waters. It is surrounded by lush green hills that add to its natural beauty. Popular attractions include water sports like windsurfing, jet skiing, and kayaking.
- Best time to visit: October to February.
- Location: About 8 km from Visakhapatnam.
- How to reach: Visakhapatnam International Airport is around 15 km away. The city also has a major railway station and good road connectivity.
Yarada Beach – Visakhapatnam
Yarada Beach is spread across 2 km and is enclosed by hills on three sides. The quiet surroundings and the scenic setting make it one of the cleanest beaches near Visakhapatnam. Tourists often visit Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint located nearby.
- Best time to visit: November to February.
- Location: About 15 km from Visakhapatnam city.
- How to reach: Easily accessible by local transport or private taxis from Visakhapatnam. The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport.
Bheemunipatnam Beach – Bheemili
Bheemunipatnam Beach extends along the mouth of the Gosthani River and is about 4 km long. The calm waves, colonial-era Dutch structures, and the Buddhist ruins at Pavurallakonda nearby are major attractions. The scenic setting makes it ideal for long walks.
- Best time to visit: November to February.
- Location: About 25 km from Visakhapatnam.
- How to reach: Can be reached by road from Visakhapatnam. The nearest airport and railway station are in Visakhapatnam.
Beaches in Puducherry
Promenade Beach – Puducherry
Promenade Beach, also known as Rock Beach, stretches for about 1.5 km. It is famous for its rocky shoreline and open walkway along the sea. Key attractions include the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the French War Memorial, and the old lighthouse nearby. It is best enjoyed during early mornings or evenings.
- Best time to visit: October to March.
- Location: White Town area, Puducherry.
- How to reach: Puducherry Airport is about 6 km away. The nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport (135 km away). Puducherry also has a railway station with good connectivity.
Paradise Beach – Chunnambar
Paradise Beach stretches for about 1.2 km and is accessible only by boat. Its golden sandy shoreline and calm waters make it an attractive destination for families. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and photography. The backwaters near Chunnambar Boat House are also worth exploring.
- Best time to visit: November to March.
- Location: About 8 km from Puducherry town.
- How to reach: Accessible via boat rides from Chunnambar, which is connected by road. Puducherry Airport and railway station are the nearest transit points.
Beaches in Lakshadweep
Agatti Island Beach – Lakshadweep
Agatti Island Beach stretches across a 7 km long island with clear turquoise waters and white sandy shores. The coral reefs and marine life make it ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The lagoon provides a beautiful setting for swimming.
- Best time to visit: October to May.
- Location: Agatti Island, Lakshadweep.
- How to reach: Agatti Airport has direct flights from Kochi. Boat transfers are also available to nearby islands.
Bangaram Beach – Bangaram Island
Bangaram Beach is located on an uninhabited island surrounded by a lagoon. Its stretch covers nearly the entire island with soft sandy shores. The beach is known for scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin spotting. Its rich coral reefs are the main attraction for divers.
- Best time to visit: October to May.
- Location: Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep.
- How to reach: Accessible from Agatti Island via speedboat. The nearest airport is Agatti Airport.