37 Beaches in South India that you should know about!

The beaches in South India are places where we can watch the vastness of the oceans and the infinite expanse of azure skies come together to form beautiful horizons. But apart from the scenic panoramas, these beaches are an open playground for innumerable activities.

Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, and the Lakshadweep Islands have some of the most incredible beaches in India.

37 Beaches in South India that every Indian Must Know About

1. Promenade Beach, Pondicherry

The most popular beach in Pondicherry, Promenade Beach is all fun and entertainment to visitors. The beach is dotted with historic monuments and statues. You can play beach games, eat at restaurants, shop for souvenirs, or just relax on the beach.

• Location: Pondicherry
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Shopping, Sightseeing, Cuisine, Beach Games

2. Serenity Beach, Pondicherry

This beach in Pondicherry is best for surfing and swimming. There are swaying palm trees on the shore and some greenery too, and quite a few fishing trawlers nearby. Great for long walks, and for beach games, you can bring your kids along for a fun time.

• Location: Pondicherry
• Things to do: Surfing, Picnics, Boating, Kayaking, Sunbathing

3. Covelong Beach, Chennai

A clean and beautiful beach in Chennai, Covelong Beach is great for swimming or sightseeing. You can see ruins of forts or go fishing in the sea. You can take your surfboard and do surfing here. This beach is filled with seashells, so get busy collecting them!!

• Location: Chennai
• Things to do: Water Sports, Sightseeing, Swimming, Fishing

4. Mypadu Beach, Nellore

This fascinating beach in Andhra Pradesh is a wide expanse of golden sands and the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is clean and you can lie down and enjoy sunbathing, play games, or watch fabulous sunsets.

• Location: Nellore
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Sunbathing

5. Auroville Beach, Pondicherry

One of the famous beaches of Tamil Nadu, Auroville Beach is best to enjoy scenic sunrise and sunset views. The sands are very soft, so walking is a pleasure here. You can play games, enjoy water sports, or just lie relaxed and enjoy the landscapes.

• Location: Pondicherry
• Things to do: Water Sports, Beach Walks, Sightseeing

6. Alappuzha Beach

The beach in Alleppey is as famous as its backwaters. The beach is a vast area of pristine sandy shores on the Arabian Sea. Have long beach walks, or visit the old pier extending to the sea, or have fun at Vijaya Beach Park.

• Location: Alappuzha
• Things to do: Recreation, Water Sports, Beach Walks

7. Varkala Beach

The extremely beautiful Varkala Beach in Kerala is surrounded by cliffs and is a sandy stretch of land where you can spend an entire day just relaxing and engaging in many activities. There are sightseeing places nearby, and beach sports to keep you energized.

• Location: Kerala
• Things to do: Water Sports, Ayurvedic Spa, Sunbathing, Sightseeing, Yoga, Shopping, Cuisine

8. Gokarna Beach

This beach in Karnataka is known for its serene tranquillity and picturesque beauty. Gokarna is immensely holy town and its beaches are its top attractions, apart from the temples. There are 5 beaches in Gokarna, where you can do a number of beach activities and also meditate in front of the wide blue sea.

• Location: Gokarna
• Things to do: Surfing, Yoga, Water Sports, Boating, Shopping, Ayurvedic Massage, Worship, Photography, Cuisine

9. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

This beach in Pondicherry is bliss to walk on. Reaching this beach takes you through the green backwaters which are scenic in themselves. Though swimming is not advised on this beach, you can do a few water sports, and eat local food in the shacks on the beach.

• Location: Pondicherry
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Beach Games, Street Food, Water Sports, Amusement Rides, Boating, Fishing

10. Kanyakumari Beach

The beach is where three oceans meet, so you can expect stunning landscapes and great sunsets. Hop aboard a ferry and visit the Vivekananda Rock and Thiruvalluvar Statue. Swimming is not a good idea here due to the large rocks on the beach.

• Location: Kanyakumari
• Things to do: Shopping, Heritage, Photography

11. Mahabalipuram Beach

This beach in Tamil Nadu is famous not only for its scenic beauty but also for its ancient rock-cut temples that can be found close to the shores. You can play beach games, indulge in water sports, lie on the soft sands and admire the views and take leisurely walks.

• Location: Mahabalipuram
• Things to do: Surfing, Beach Games, Heritage, Boating

12. Marina Beach, Chennai

Marina Beach in Chennai is the second largest beach in the world. It offers many activities for kids and adults and gives you incredible sunset views. You can indulge in water sports, eat snacks, and have a relaxed time walking on the beach.

• Location: Chennai
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Horse Rides, Go Karting, Street Food, Shopping, Water Sports, Heritage

13. Elliott Beach, Chennai

The clean sandy stretch of Elliott Beach in Chennai is a delight for sunbathing and beach games. You can walk for hours on the soft sands and enjoy some local snacks. There are heritage monuments, temples, and many restaurants nearby.

• Location: Chennai
• Things to do: Street Food, Beach Walks, Beach Games, Heritage

14. Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam

This beach in Vishakhapatnam is quite long and is ideal for viewing spectacular sunsets and peaceful beach walks. Gently rolling cliffs and coconut palms bordering the beach make it extremely scenic. You can enjoy local sightseeing too, and engage in water-based activities like angling and boating.

• Location: Vishakhapatnam
• Things to do: Sunbathing, Water Sports, Beach Games, Cuisine, Sightseeing

15. Cherai Beach, Cochin

This beach on the Vypin Island in Cochin is ideal for swimming and water sports. You can do boating and also spot dolphins in the sea. You can always collect sea shells or sit lazily admiring the views. But do visit the backwaters, which are just minutes away from the beach.

• Location: Cochin
• Things to do: Beach Games, Water Sports, Dolphin-spotting, Backwater Cruise, Boating

16. Karaikal Beach, Pondicherry

This beach in Pondicherry is perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can play beach games like volleyball or indulge in water sports like canoeing. There are a few sightseeing opportunities here.

• Location: Pondicherry
• Things to do: Water Sports, Beach Games, Sightseeing, Beach Walks

17. Rishikonda Beach, Visakhapatnam

The beach is a pure thrill for adventure seekers. Take a speedboat, or do surfing on its waves, take a walk, or simply lie down on the golden sands. The beach is very clean, so you can enjoy sunbathing as well. And there is an ancient temple nearby, and a museum too!!

• Location: Vishakhapatnam
• Things to do: Water Sports, Sunbathing, Sightseeing, Beach Walks

18. Bekal Beach, Kerala

The beach gives you magnificent views of the Bekal Fort and the vast Arabian Sea. Dotted by palm trees and acres of greenery and golden sands, the beach is pure bliss to walk on and enjoy bathing in the waves.

• Location: Kerala
• Things to do: Sightseeing, Recreation

19. Kappad Beach, Kerala

The very clean and scenic Kappad Beach in Kerala was discovered by none other than the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.

The beach has vast shoreline dotted with rocks and sands. Come to this beach through the backwaters for added thrill!! There is an ancient temple nearby, and beach shacks along the shore to taste the local delicacies.

• Location: Kerala
• Things to do: Beach Games, Boat Ride, Swimming, Backwater Cruise, Bird Watching, Cuisine

20. Shankumugham Beach, Kerala

Among the most scenic beaches of Kerala, this beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is also very popular with locals as they come here to pray for the departed souls.

The festival procession of Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram is held on this beach which sees lakhs of devotees throng here.

• Location: Kerala
• Things to do: Recreation, Shopping, Cuisines, Boating, Water Sports, Bathing

21. Payyambalam Beach, Kerala

This scenic beach in Kerala is so famous that it features in South Indian movies!! It is clean, unspoiled and very beautiful. The vast shore lined up with coconut palms and greenery adds to the beauty of the beach.

You can enjoy water sports on this beach, and also family picnics. There are beach shacks to taste the delicious seafood.

• Location: Kerala
• Things to do: Surfing, Swimming, Boating, Recreation, Swimming, Sunbathing, Water Sports

22. Muttom Beach, Kanyakumari

Huge rocks and sands make up Muttom Beach in Kanyakumari. The crashing waves on the rocks and the golden sandy stretch of the beach make it most scenic. You can come here for solitary walks and for some romantic time with your beloved. Don’t try swimming here as it is dangerous.

• Location: Kanyakumari
• Things to do: Picnics, Heritage, Beach Walks

23. Agatti Beach, Lakshadweep

This island on Agatti Island is a pristine stretch of white sands and turquoise blue waters. The underwater world is full of colorful fishes and coral reefs. You can lie down on the soft sands and see the visual panoramas all day long.

• Location: Lakshadweep
• Things to do: Water Sports, Beach Walks, Cuisine, Sunbathing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling

24. Mahe Beach, Pondicherry

It’s one of those unspoiled beaches where you can collect seashells at your heart’s content and also watch scenic sunsets. You can watch swaying palm trees, or the fishermen going about doing their daily chores from the beach. If you like bathing and swimming, you can do so on this beach.

• Location: Pondicherry
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Swimming, Fishing

25. Om Beach, Gokarna

One of the most spectacular beaches of Gokarna, Om beach is a wide expanse of white sands dotted by rich greenery. There are hillocks surrounding this beach and a rocky terrain which only adds to the scenic charm.

Engage in beach games and water sports on this beach, and also go on long walks and view amazing sunsets. Look out for dolphins as you may catch sight of some, playing about in the waters.

• Location: Gokarna
• Things to do: Take a stroll, watch dolphins

26. Dhanushkodi Beach, Rameshwaram

The endearing beauty of Dhabushkodi Beach makes it a top beach in South India. The beach has great mythological and historical significance. You can visit the ruins of Dhanushkodi town, which was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964.

• Location: Rameshwaram
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Recreation, Surfing, Beach Games

27. Marari Beach, Alappuzha

A beach walk on the soft sands is the most pleasant thing to do in Marari Beach in Alleppey. The beach is dotted with coconut palms and water-based activities. Those seeking tranquility and adventure can find both these in Marari Beach.

• Location: Alappuzha
• Things to do: Water Sports, Beach Walks, Beach Games, Sightseeing, Ayurvedic Spa

28. Malpe Beach, Karnataka

Malpe Beach is the most scenic beach in Karnataka. It has white sands and huge rocks on which you can sit and enjoy sunsets. You can bathe in the waves, or play beach games and water sports. You can hop on a camel’s back and enjoy a camel ride too.

• Location: Karnataka
• Things to do: Water Sports, Camel Rides, Sightseeing, Beach Walks

29. Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam

The lighthouse on a hill is what gives this beach a picturesque appeal. Painted in red and white, the lighthouse can be spotted for miles. The beach itself is very beautiful and one of the best in Kerala. Swim, laze around, go for some water sports, or eat at restaurants and cafes on the shore.

• Location: Kovalam
• Things to do: Water Sports, Swimming, Sightseeing, Cuisines, Beach Walks

30. Bangaram Beach, Lakshadweep

You feel like arriving in an aquatic paradise in Bangaram Beach. This beach on Bangaram Island is a world of turquoise blue waters and pristine white sands. If you know snorkeling, then this is the perfect place to see the underwater world.

• Location: Lakshadweep
• Things to do: Water Sports, Sunbathing, Cuisine, Scuba Diving

31. St Mary’s Beach, Karnataka

St. Marys Island, off the Karnataka coast, is a geological wonder. Apart from the sandy stretches of coastline, there are basalt rock formations on this island. The island is uninhabited and is a visual delight. Don’t swim or laze around, though you can collect sea shells and capture beautiful images of this beach.

• Location: Karnataka
• Things to do: Sightseeing, Bird Watching, Beach Trekking

32. Yarada Beach, Vishakhapatnam

This beach in Vishakhapatnam is spectacularly clean and untouched by commercialization. It is less crowded with visitors, but you will be able to see some aquatic life on the beach itself. It is best for leisurely walks and beautiful sunsets.

• Location: Vishakhapatnam
• Things to do: Picnics, Beach Walks, Sightseeing

33. Muzhappilangad Beach, Kerala

Asia’s only beach where you can actually drive your vehicle on the beach itself is in Kerala. You can bring your vehicle and drive on this beach without worrying about getting the tires getting stuck in the sands. There are quite a few rocks on which you can sit and watch the waves as they gently caress the shore.

• Location: Kerala
• Things to do: Beach Drive, Swimming, Water Sports, Boating

34. Tharangambadi Beach, Tamil Nadu

This clean and unspoiled beach in Tamil Nadu is famous for its Danish Fort, which overlooks the sea. You can spot fishermen colonies around, and many historic churches, temples, and colonial buildings along the beach.

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• Things to do: Heritage, History, Swimming, Water Sports

35. Maravanthe Beach, Karnataka

Among the cleanest beaches of Karnataka, Maravanthe Beach is also one of the most scenic ones. NH17 runs close to this beach, and you can just stop your vehicle and go to the beach for a quiet walk.

On the other side of the highway, there is a flowing river which makes this beach a very special one indeed!! You can take long walks on the golden sandy shore and also go for some water sport like scuba diving.

• Location: Karnataka
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Water Sports, Picnics, Meditation, Yoga

36. Kudle Beach, Gokarna

One of the most secluded beaches of Gokarna, Kudle Beach is very tranquil, making it perfect for meditation and yoga. Go for morning walks on this beach and watch fabulous sunsets in the evenings.

There are rocks here along with the sands, and hillocks from which you can see the awesome beauty of this beach. If you know how to swim or surf, then this is the beach to go for in Gokarna.

• Location: Gokarna
• Things to do: Beach Walks, Beach Trekking, Surfing

37. Kaup Beach, Karnataka

This beach lies close to Udupi and is among the most scenic beaches of Karnataka. The unspoiled beach has a century-old lighthouse, from where you can have panoramic views of the seashore. There is an ancient temple nearby and a fort built by Tipu Sultan.

• Location: Karnataka
• Things to do: Sightseeing, Beach Games

If you love beaches, then you will love these beaches in South India. If you have visited these beaches, or know of some that we don’t then write your comments in the box below.