Best Beaches in South India

The beaches in South India are a treasure trove for any beach lover. Along the coastlines of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh lie dozens of pristine beaches that will make your heart skip a beat with their beauty. 

Kerala is a dream destination for travelers from across the world. The tropical vibe and luxurious beaches of Kerala make it the most popular tourist destination in India.

Varkala, Vizag, Velankanni, and Kovalam are other must-visit beaches to add to your list. The serenity and natural charm of these beaches make them perfect for a relaxing trip. Lakshadweep Islands and Andaman & Nicobar Islands also boast of their unexplored picturesque beaches.

The beaches in South India are perfect for all types of travelers, from vacationers to honeymooners. You can spend your day basking on the shore and watching the sunset with your loved ones.

Water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving are also available along the coast. Adventure lovers can indulge in water sports such as jet-skiing, parasailing, surfing, and kitesurfing to add some excitement to their trip. The best beaches in South India are:

Varkala

Varkala Beach in Kerala is a beautiful stretch of sand riddled with solitude, unlike any other commercial beach in Thiruvananthapuram. The backdrop to this pristine beach along the Arabian Sea are ancient sedimentary formations. The beach lies along the road leading up to Janardhana Swamy Temple and is also renowned as the Papanasam Beach.

Hindus regard it to be sacred and a nearby natural mineral spring water is believed to have medicinal properties. The exquisite views of sunsets from the Varkala beach will leave you feeling calm. One can indulge in water sports such as swimming, surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing.

Varkala beach is perfect for soaking in the sun and admiring the stunning view. Watching the sunset with your loved ones is a fun activity to indulge in at the Varkala beach. You can also enjoy fresh seafood at the restaurants nearby.

Kovalam

Kovalam has been a favorite beach town for tourists visiting Kerala for an exciting beach vacation. The sun-kissed beaches of Pozhikkara Beach, Vizhinjam Beach, Chowara Beach, and Samudra Beach are among the best beaches in South India. Their glittering sand and tall lighthouses attract beach lovers from across the globe. A huge rocky promontory on the secluded shoreline has created a calm water bay for enjoying water activities such as sunbathing and swimming. 

The beach offers picturesque views and a tropical vibe perfect for a beachside vacation. You can spend a day soaking in the refreshing waters or indulge in a therapeutic body massage at the beach. The vibrant nightlife keeps visitors hanging around till late.

Surrounded by luxury hotels, Kovalam beach is the perfect destination for an exotic holiday. Water sports such as surfing, sailing, catamaran cruising, and diving are also available at Kovalam Beach.

Gokarna

Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and it has recently become the new hotspot for beach lovers. The Half Moon Beach, Kudle Beach, Paradise Beach, and Om Beaches provide an escape from life within this bustling city, while also bringing together people with different backgrounds. 

The rock walls that surround Gokarna offer breathtaking scenery making it one of the most popular beaches in South India. Gokarna is a perfect getaway for anyone looking to relax on a beachside vacation. Gokarna is also a popular surfing site. Adventure lovers can indulge in water sports such as surfing, diving, jet-skiing, snorkeling, as well as trekking at the beaches in Gokarna.

Vizag

Vizag is considered a paradise for beach lovers. Devarim Beach, Bheemili Beach, Yarada Beach, RK Beach, Lawson’s Bay Beach, Rushikonda Beach, and Gangavaram are the popular beaches of Vizag. The serene haven offers tourists pristine white sand beaches lined by crystal clear water. It has a tropical vibe making it the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation with family and friends. 

The steady waves and pleasant wind at Bheemili beach make it perfect for swimmers. You can catch a pleasant view of the sunset at Lawson’s Bay. Yarada and Rushikonda are popular picnic spots with several water activities on offer. Speed boating, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming, and sea kayaking are popular water sports to enjoy in the region. Lip-smacking seafood and local delicacies are served at the numerous hill-top restaurants offering astounding views of the beachside.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry is not just a city of churches and museums. It is also home to some of the best beaches in South India, where you can relax on the sand and party all day long. The coastal charm of Pondicherry can be explored at Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, and Karaikal Beach. Reppo Beach is a hidden gem tucked away from the bustle of the city. You can enjoy the surreal views of the sun setting over the sea at Veerampattinam Beach. 

For fun activities such as fishing and swimming, you can visit Mahe Beach. Other water sports such as surfing and canoeing can be enjoyed at Auroville Beach. Paradise Beach offers backwater boating and kayaking at the Chunnambar boathouse.

Beyond the thrilling experience at the beach, you can hang out at the vibrant beach cafés and the beachside flea markets. They offer local delicacies, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Beaches in Pondicherry are also perfect for honeymooners. Couples can stroll along Quiet Beach and spend some time birdwatching at Plage Paradiso Beach.