Stretching approximately 7,500 kilometers, India's coastline features numerous pristine beaches and seaside resorts, along the shores of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. From Goa to Odisha through Kerala and Tamil Nadu: here are 10 of the most beautiful beaches in India where you can swim, enjoy water sports, and take walks along the shore…

1. Candolim Beach, Goa: India's Beach of the River Princess

Located in Goa, on the southwestern coast of India, Candolim Beach is highly popular for its beach bars and restaurants. Ideal for paddling and sunbathing, it is also renowned for its distinctive view of the River Princess—a Russian ship that ran ashore here in the 1990s…

Address: GQ98+83Q, Unnamed Road, Murrod Vaddo, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim,

2. Palolem Beach, Goa: The Beach of Silent Discotheques

A must-visit beach in Goa? Palolem Beach! Known as one of the best kayaking spots, this beach is also famous for its silent discotheques—designed to minimize noise pollution. The concept? You put on headphones and choose your DJ!

Best time to visit: if you want to experience a silent disco, head to Palolem on Saturday evening.

3. Agonda Beach, Goa: One of India's Most Beautiful Beaches

Goa's beaches are renowned for their vibrant atmospheres and eclectic landscapes. Among them, discover Agonda Beach, a small paradise where you can chat with local fishermen, observe herds of cattle, play beach volleyball or kayak. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins during a boat excursion!

Address: Agonda, Goa 403702, India

4. Bekal Beach, Kerala: The Beach at Bekal Port

Located in the southwestern region of the Indian peninsula, the state of Kerala is popular for its cycling trails, as well as for its cliff-lined beaches, such as Bekal Beach, situated just steps away from a magnificent medieval fort. Built in 1650 AD, the structure offers stunning views over the sea…

Beach address: 92QR+628, Pallikkara Beach Road, Pallikere, Kerala 671316

5. Varkala Beach, Kerala: The Ideal Beach for Water Sports

Looking for a beach perfect for water activities, away from the crowds? Head to Varkala Beach! You can enjoy jet-skiing, surfing, parasailing, horseback riding, and yoga… As for scenery, Varkala Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets.

Address: 1, Varkala Beach Rd, Varkala, Kerala 695141

6. Tharangambadi Beach, Tamil Nadu: The Beach of the Danish Fort

Located in the southern part of the country, the town of Tharangambadi is prized for its stunning wild beach with dark sand. Not ideal for swimming due to deep waters close to shore, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the open sea, and sits just steps away from the Danish Fort—which houses a maritime museum.

Practical info: the Danish Fort is open daily from 10:00-17:45 (Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu 609313).

7. Mamallapuram Beach, Tamil Nadu: The Beach of a UNESCO-Listed Village

Mamallapuram is considered one of Tamil Nadu's best beach resorts. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the town boasts several architectural treasures, including rock-cut sanctuaries. This fishing village is also popular for its beautiful beach, where you might spot turtles washed ashore due to the undertow.

Best time to visit: the beach is quite popular… if you want to capture beautiful photos, visit before 11 AM.

8. Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Gujarat: One of 14 Showcase Beaches

Located in Gujarat on the western coast, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is among the 14 beaches selected by the state to promote beach tourism. Increasingly popular, it remains relatively tranquil. You can enjoy water-skiing, surfing, or parasailing. It's also possible to take a stroll… on camelback!

Best time to visit: the best period to visit this part of the country (located in Junagarh District) is between October and March.

9. Puri Beach, Odisha: The Golden Sand Beach

In the eastern part of the country, in the state of Odisha, you'll find the expansive Puri Beach. Renowned for its golden sand, it regularly hosts sand sculptures by artist Sudarsan Pattnaik—who holds a world record set in 2017 for his famous 14.8-meter high sand castle! Puri Beach is also beloved for horseback riding…

Best time to visit: the ideal periods for swimming at Puri are January-February and November-December.

10. Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal: The Perfect Family Beach

Mandarmani Beach is located at the northern tip of the Bay of Bengal. With its serene atmosphere and long stretch of sand, it's perfect for beach games and an ideal choice for a family day out.

Best time to visit: the ideal period for swimming in West Bengal extends from March to June.