17 Best Beaches in South India

Beach | Lake & Backwater

Popularly known as the 'Venice of the East, Alappuzha or Alleppey is one of the best Kerala tourist places, and among the popular attraction not to miss in your honeymoon tour to Kerala. 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 the must include places in Alleppey tour packages. 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 kerala tour packages.

Beach | City

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 ...

Beach

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 as part of Kerala Tour Packages.

Often called the 'Paradise of the South', Kovalam is one of the wonderful Kerala beach destinations. 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.

Light House Beach, Vizhinjam Mosque, Samudra Beach, Eve's Beach are the must include places inKovalam tour 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.

Historical & Heritage | Beach

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.

Pilgrimage | Beach | Nature & Scenic

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.

Pilgrimage | Beach

Gokarna is a famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the top Karnataka Tourist Places. It is about 514 km from Bangalore.

Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga is the must-visit places as part of Gokarna tour 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.

Beach | City

Often referred to as 'The Queen of the Arabian Sea', Kochi or Cochin is the financial capital of Kerala and one of the prime tourist places to visit in Kerala. It is situated about 190 km from Coimbatore, and 204 km from Trivandrum.

The tourism in Kochi is admired for its scenic beauty, traditional architecture, and cultural diversity. Attracting tourists from all around the world, Fort Kochi, Bolghatty Palace, Marine Drive, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, St. George Ferona Church - Edappally, Matancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Fort Kochi Beach are the must include places in Kochi tour packages.

Kochi is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is one of the major places you must visit in Kerala tour packages. This city is home to Cochin Jewish Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, as well as numerous old churches and temples.

Beach | City | Nature & Scenic

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, ...

Pilgrimage | Beach

Murudeshwar is one of the most famous places to visit in Karnataka and among the popular places of Pilgrimage in India. 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 tour 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. Explore our Murudeshwar Travel Guide for complete details on the beautiful and sacred placce. Murudeshwar can also be visited along with Gokarna tour packages.

Pilgrimage | Beach

Udupi is one of the most famous Pilgrimage Sites in Karnataka and well known for it's beautiful beaches. Located between the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is the land of breathtaking beauty. It is about 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 tour 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. Udupi can also be visited along with Murudeshwar tour packages.

Beach

At a distance of 59 km from Gokarna, 70 km from Kumta, 108 km from Panjim, 114 km from Murudeshwar, 167 km from Hubli and 517 km from Bangalore, Karwar is a town and the administrative headquarters of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. It lies on the west coast of South India at the mouth of the Kali River near Goa - Karnataka Border. Karwar is one of the top beach destinations in Karnataka and also one of the must visit places as part of Goa trip.

Karwar derived its name from the nearby village of Kadwad. Kade means last and wado means area. Before Indian independence, the name Karwar was spelt Carwar. This is an ancient city majorly used for the sea trade, visited by the Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese, French and later the British. During the 18th century, this city was part of the Maratha Empire and became a British territory after the defeat of the Marathas in the third Anglo-Maratha War. Until 1950, it was a part of the Bombay Presidency.

Karwar's tranquil ambience had inspired the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore and he has dedicated a chapter of his biography to this town. It is regarded as one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka. The town has lovely beaches, beautiful temples and Forts attracting large number of tourists. Various attractions in Karwar are Karwar ...

Beach | City

Located at the confluence of Nethravathi and Gurupura Rivers, the port city of Mangalore is one of the popular tourist places in Karnataka. It is about 251 km from Mysore, and 345 km from Bangalore. It is one of the stunning places to visit near Bangalore.

Lying between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Mangalore is a scenic place dotted with coconut palms, hills, and streams, and is known for its temples and beaches. The Mangaladevi temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, St Aloysius Chapel, the Rosario Cathedral, the Jama Masjid, Mukka Beach, Someshwara Beach, Tannirbavi Beach, and Panambur beach are the
must include places in Mangalore tour packages.

Mangalore is the starting point of many Udupi tour packages., Dharmasthala, and Gokarna Tour Packages.

Beach | Lake & Backwater

Kollam, also known as Quilon, is the southern gateway to the southern gateway to Backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination. About 69 km from Trivandrum and 135 km from Kochi, the town of Kollam lies between the Ashtamudi Lake and Lakshadweep Sea.

Kollam attracts travelers all-round the year with its wide variety of sightseeing options. Kollam Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach, Thangasseri Beach, Munroe Island, Ashtamudi Lake, Sasthamkotta Lake, Neendakara Port, and Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard are the must-visit places as part of Kollam tour packages. Rameshwara Temple, Achencoil and Mayyanad, Amritapuri Ashram, Aryankavu, Chavara, Kottarakkara, Oachira, and Karunagappally are the prominent cultural as well as religious centers of the region.

The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the best way to explore the Kerala backwaters. It is also very famous for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. Kallada Boat race is one of the famous festival events of Kollam. This boat race attracts a large number of tourists and is usually held on the 19th of January along with the great elephant march simultaneously.

Beach | Lake & Backwater

Earlier known as Cannanore, Kannur is one of the top beach destinations in Kerala, as it is famed for its vibrant culture and pristine white beaches that are relatively undiscovered. It It is about 113 km from Madikeri, 138 km from Mangalore, 270 km from Kochi, and 311 km from Bangalore. It is one among the best places to visit during Kerala Trip.

Cradled in the lap of nature, the beautiful town of Kannur has a plethora of sightseeing options in the form of beaches, historical monuments, and ancient temples. St. Angelos Fort, Thalassery Fort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Parassinikkadavu Snake Park, Arakkal Museum, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Payyambalam Beach, Madayipara, Valiyaparamba Island and Kottappuram are the top places to visit as part of Kannur tour packages.

Also, Kannur is well known for its handlooms and is often described as the land of 'loom and lore'. Besides, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many colorful folk arts and folk music of Kerala. Apart from being culturally rich, Kannur is a valuable asset to the country as it is having Indian Naval Academy, Asia's largest Naval Academy.

Historical & Heritage | Beach


Kasargod is a coastal town in Kerala. About 48 km from Mangalore, 110 km from Coorg, and 369 km from Bangalore, it is one of the less explored tourist places in Kerala.

Kasargod is blessed with majestic forts, lofty hills, meandering rivers, and golden beaches. Bekal Fort, among the popular places of heritage in Kerala, Bekal Fort Beach, Pallikere Beach, Kappil Beach, and Kanwatheertha Beach are the popular attractions of Kasaragod tour packages.

Besides, Kasargod is also blessed with a dozen estuaries as 14 rivers crisscross the district that nourishing the verdant landscape. It can also be visited as part of Coorg tour packages.

Beach | City

At a distance of 179 km from Kochi, 124 km from Palakkad, 176 km from Coimbatore, 113 km from Thrissur, 158 km from Ooty, 241 km from Mangalore, 352 from Bangalore, 376 km from Trivandrum and 213 km from Mysore, Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) is a city in the state of Kerala. It is the 3rd largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode District.

The name Kozhikode is said to be derived from Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort). This is known by various names, for the Arabs it was Kalikat, for the Chinese it was Kalifo. Tipu Sultan, during the conquest of Malabar, unsuccessfully attempted to change the name of the city to Firozabad. Malayalis have always preferred to call it Kozhikode. With the Arabian Sea on the west and Wayanad Hills on the east, Kozhikode is a popular places to visit in Kerala.

According to history, Kozhikode was under the Chera rulers until 1122 AD. The city of Calicut came into existence in the 13th century when the Ernad King Udaiyavar conquered the area around Ponniankar and built a fort at a place called Velapuram, now known as Calicut. The Europeans called him Zamorin. Interestingly, the name Calicut is derived from 'calico,' the fine variety of hand-woven cotton cloth said to have originated from this place. Vasco Da Gama landed at the Kappad sea shore with three vessels and 170 men in 1498. A monument ...

Beach

At a distance 130 km from Pondicherry, 285 km from Chennai, 66 km from Chidambaram, 283 km from Rameswaram, 274 km from Madurai, 96 km from Thanjavur & 154 km from Trichy, Karaikal is an important port town and district headquarters under the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Karaikal was a French colony until its merger with Indian Union in 1954. Karaikal is one of the best places to include in your Pondicherry tour packages.

French acquired Karaikal in 1674 and converted that into a major commercial port, primarily trading spices. French acquired trading rights in Karaikal by then Tanjore rulers. In 1739, the current town of Karaikal along with its adjacent villages were transferred to French East India Company by the king of Tanjore, Sahuji. This territory was surrendered to the British in 1761. The control changed between French and British few times until it was finally handed over to French in 1816 until the Treaty of Paris, 1814.

Karaikal has rich heritage and it still holds the old charm. Thirunallar, Karaikal Beach, Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple and Tantondreeswara Temple are few important places to visit around Karaikal. Nagore Dargah (14 km), Nagapattinam (20 km) and Velankanni Church (31 km) are other major attractions in the vicinity of the town.

Nearest Airport to Karaikal is Tiruchirapally ...

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