14 Best Beaches in India

Popularly known as the 'Venice of the East, Alappuzha or Alleppey is one of the best places to visit near Kochi, and among the must-include places in Kerala tour packages. It is about 63 km from Kochi, and 152 km from Trivandrum.

Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is among the most famous destination of Backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water, and long canals around Alappuzha make it a delightful destination.

Alappuzha Beach, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Arthunkal Church, Mannarasala Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Mullakkal Temple, Champakulam, Kuttanad, and Krishnapuram Palace are some of the famous tourist places in Alleppey.

Alappuzha is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on the Punnamada Lake on the second Saturday of August every year. This is the most popular of the boat races in India, and among the must-experience things to do as part of Alleppey tour.

At a distance of 170 km from Chennai, 204 km from Trichy, 233 km from Tirupati, 335 km from Madurai, 639 km from Trivandrum, 578 km from Kanyakumari, 96 km from Mahabalipuram, 368 km from Bangalore and 564 km from Kochi, Pondicherry or Puducherry is a city and capital of the Union Territory of Pondicherry and is one of the most popular tourist destinations you must include in honeymoon packages. It is among top 2 day trip from Bangalore and Chennai. Pondicherry is located along the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal.

The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises of four coastal regions namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala.

According to legend, Pondicherry was known by the name Vedapuri and this place is also believed to be the abode of the revered sage, Saint Agasthya. Pondicherry had trade relations with Rome during 1st century AD. Roman pottery excavated from Arikamedu near Pondicherry dates back to 1st century AD. Pondicherry was ruled by the Pallava dynasty in 4th century AD followed by different southern dynasties ...

Gokarna is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is about 514 km from Bangalore.

Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga is one of the must-visit places as part of Gokarna holiday packages. Gokarna is considered to be the Mukti Stala, where Hindus perform funeral rites. Gokarna is also home to some of the best beaches in Karnataka including Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach.

Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om Beach is extremely popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol. Explore our Gokarna Travel Guide for complete details on Gokarna. Gokarna can also be visited along with Dandeli tour packages.

Murudeshwar is one of the most famous places to visit in Karnataka and among the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. It is about 162 km from Mangalore & 497 km from Bangalore.

Murudeshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple town is famous for the world's second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 feet). The sea on three sides surrounds the Murudeshwar Temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset. Murdeshwar Beach, Kollur Temple are popular sites to visit as part of Murudeshwar holiday packages. Gokarna, Karwar, Kollur, Udupi, Jog Falls, Sirsi & Sringeri are the nearby attractions.

Maha Shivaratri during February is the important festival celebrated here with much devotion and religious rituals. The best time to visit Murudeshwar is from November to February. Murudeshwar can also be visited along with Gokarna packages.

Explore our Murudeshwar Travel Guide for complete details on the beautiful and sacred placce.

Udupi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mangalore. Located between the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is the land of breathtaking beauty. It is about 59 km from Mangalore, and 403 km from the city of Bangalore.

Udupi is famous for Sri Krishna Temple which attracts pilgrims from all over India. This temple has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels. Apart from the temple, Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach & St Mary's Island are the top places to visit as part of Udupi holiday packages.

Udupi can also be visited along with Murudeshwar packages. It is also the source of renowned Udupi cuisine, which is served all over India in the efficiently-run Udupi restaurants, famous for dosas, idlis and other snacks. The tradition of this cuisine started in the great kitchens of the Krishna Temple which serve meals in the form of prasad to the thousands of devotees who come to pray at the holy shrine.

Explore our Udupi Travel Guide for complete details on the holy shrine.

Kovalam is a coastal town on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kerala. About13 km from Trivandrum, and 212 km from Kochi, it is one of the most famous places to visit in Kerala. It can be visited along with Trivandrum tour packages.

Kovalam means 'A grove of coconut trees' and the whole area beyond the shores around Kovalam is filled with the endless sight of coconut trees offering magnificent views while approaching the beach. Often called the 'Paradise of the South', Kovalam is one of the wonderful places to visit near Trivandrum.

Light House Beach, Vizhinjam Mosque, Samudra Beach, Eve's Beach are the must include places in Kovalam packages. There are several activities for tourists like sunbathing, swimming, catamaran cruising, herbal body massage, and cultural programs. Kovalam is also famous for its Ayurvedic massages and many yoga resorts.

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari is one of the famous pilgrimage places to visit as part of Tamilnadu tour. It is about 242 km from Madurai and 707 km from Chennai.

A place of great natural beauty, Kanyakumari is one of the popular href='/tamilnadu/best' target='_blank'>Tamilnadu Tourist Places. Swami Vivekananda is said to have been lived here for a while and meditated. Situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean, this is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. One of the main attractions in Kanyakumari is the Kumariamman Temple. Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram, Pechiparai Reservoir, Vattakottai Fort, St Xavier's Church and Udayagiri Fort are some of the top places to visit as part of Kanyakumari tour packages.

Kanyakumari is also known for its spectacular beaches. Thengapattinam Beach, Sanguthurai Beach, and Chothavilai Beach are the important beaches near Kanyakumari.

Alibaug, or Alibag is a coastal town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. About 75 km from Lonavala, & 102 km from Mumbai, it is one of the popular places for beaches in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Konkan Tour Packages.

Located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is well known for its beautiful beaches and ancient forts that are the most visited places as part of Alibaug packages. Alibaug Beach, Kihim Beach, Akshi Beach, Mandwa Beach, Kashid Beach, Varsoli Beach, Nagaon Beach, Murud Beach, Kolaba Fort, and Murud -Janjira Fort are the most popular places to visit in Alibaug.

It can also be visited along with Mahabaleshwar tour packages. Alibag is one of the must include places in Maharashtra Tour Packages, especially for beach lovers.

At a distance of 602 km from Hyderabad, 355 km from Vijayawada, 168 km from Kakinada, 203 km from Rajahmundry and 444 km from Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam (also called Vizag) is a coastal & port city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, located on the shores of Bay of Bengal. It is the headquarters of Visakhapatnam district and is the base for Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Vizag is also one of the top places to experience Andhra Pradesh tourism.

The city of Vizag, as Visakhapatnam is popularly called, derives its name from the Hindu God of valour, Visakha. The city is located beautifully among the hills of the Eastern Ghats with facing towards the Bay of Bengal. According to the Archaeological records, Visakhapatnam was built by Kulotunga Chola between the 11th and 12th centuries AD. Kailasagiri, Rama Krishna Beach and Rishikonda Beach are among the must include places in your Vizag tour packages.

The religious Hindu texts mention that the region of Visakhapatnam in the 5th century BC was part of the vast Kalinga territory which extended up to River Godavari. The relics found in the area also prove the existence of a Buddhist empire in the region. Kalinga later lost the territory to King Ashoka in the bloodiest battle of the time which prompted him to embrace Buddhism. The city was also under the rulers of Chalukya, Pallava,Vengi, ...

Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is one of the must-visit weekend getaways from Chennai for one day trip. About 57 km from Chennai, it is one of the UNESCO heritage site in Tamil Nadu and one of the best places to experience Tamilnadu Tourism.

Famous for its Shore Temple built in 7th century, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition. The famous Arjuna's Penance, the Krishna Mandapa, Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist's Village, Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave and Crocodile Bank are the must include places in Mahabalipuram tour packages.

One of the prominent festivals celebrated here is the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which is organized by the Department of Tourism every year from December - January. Mahabalipuram is one of the best places to include in your Pondicherry tour packages.