When you dream of a tropical getaway in India, the first place that comes to mind is Goa, a former Portuguese colony about an hour's flight south of Mumbai.
But this popular seaside resort is far from the only sandy stretch in India worth visiting on your travels.
Every sun-soaked shoreline offers something different: from family-friendly water sports to raucous full-moon parties, secluded coves, and some of the finest diving spots in Asia.
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We've combed the coastline to uncover 11 of the best beaches in India:
Gokarna, Karnataka
Perhaps the only strip of sand in India that could knock Goa off its top spot, Gokarna serves up the same irresistible mix of beach life and spirituality, all set against azure waters.
In fact, the area is home to several separate beaches, each with its own powder-white sand.
A favorite among backpackers who love the lively vibe and pop-up cafes, the standouts here are coconut-lined Kudle and Om, blessed with picturesque coves.
A short walk or boat ride away lies the ultra-secluded Half Moon beach. Further along is Paradise, a spot with hammocks slung low over the sand, fresh seafood in beach shacks, and welcoming homestays owned by locals.
Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Since Goa's beaches stay packed year-round, the southern coast of Maharashtra, a few hours' drive to the northwest, makes a wonderful alternative.
Beyond its fine white sand, the Tarkarli region is also known for its calm bays, lively villages, and ancient sea forts.
Travelers can soak up the laid-back way of life or dive into a host of water activities, such as scuba diving, parasailing, and snorkeling right off the beach.
Just off the Malvan coast (about 45 minutes northwest of Tarkarli) stands Sindhudurg Fort, the area's most beautiful landmark, promising sweeping views of the Arabian Sea from atop its 17th-century stone walls.
Kaup, Karnataka
Not far from the temple town of Udupi, in the southern state of Karnataka, Kaup (known to locals as Kapu) sits along the estuaries of the Netravati River.
It's a vision of blue and green, framed by groves of needle-like casuarina trees.
Along the spacious golden beach, travelers will find a century-old lighthouse that offers gorgeous sunset views from the top of its tower.
Once you've had your fill of strolls along the shore and banana boat rides, we recommend a side trip to St. Mary's Islands, just off the coast.
A national geological monument, this archipelago of four islands is famous for its striking hexagonal basalt lava columns, thought to date back millions of years.
It's also believed that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed on the island in the 1490s on his way to Kerala.
Tharangambadi, Tamil Nadu
Meaning "Land of the Singing Waves" in the local Tamil language, Tharangambadi was a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845.
Now better known by its anglicized name, Tranquebar, this quiet little town sits on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in southern India.
Aside from its inviting beach, the town is an architecturally fascinating place to explore, filled with old churches and monuments from the Danish and, later, British eras.
One of the most striking buildings in the area is the sand-colored Dansborg Fort, overlooking the sea.
Once a hub of trade and commerce, today this impressive building houses a museum dedicated to artifacts from the Danish period.
Radhanagar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Located on Havelock Island, in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands between India and Thailand, Radhanagar (known to locals as Beach No. 7) is often named one of the best beaches in Asia.
Travelers who make it out to this isolated shore will quickly appreciate its appeal: picture tranquil waters and fine sand fringed by a lush canopy.
Despite the remote setting, there's actually plenty to keep you busy. Visitors can fill their days with water sports, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and rainforest treks, and that's just a taste of what's on offer.
Scuba diving is one of the best ways to explore the underwater worlds and colorful coral reefs, with sessions for both beginners and experienced divers.
Bekal, Kerala
On the northwestern edge of the Kerala region in southwestern India, the shallow-water Bekal beach sits next to the majestic Bekal Fort, which is shaped like a giant keyhole.
The area drew attention a couple of decades ago after the popular Bollywood film "Bombay" used the 17th-century fort as the backdrop for its main song sequence.
With its long stretch of sand, the beach is popular with locals and visitors alike thanks to its lush gardens and art installations, including reddish laterite sculptures depicting theyyam (a traditional dance).
Puri, Odisha
The faithful visit Puri, a city south of Kolkata on the east coast, to see the 11th-century Jagannath Temple. But this famous Hindu temple isn't the only thing the area is known for.
The main beach draws crowds looking for a party atmosphere and plenty of bhang, an edible form of marijuana that's legal in India.
Travelers who prefer a more pristine patch of sand can slip away from the main beach in favor of quieter shores, such as Balighai and Chandrabhaga to the north.
Puri is also perfectly placed for excursions to Konark (about an hour's drive to the northeast) to see the 13th-century Sun Temple, and to the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur (about 20 minutes to the north), where travelers can marvel at intricate pattachitras, traditional painted scrolls.
Palolem, Goa
Even though it gets crowded, we'd be remiss not to include Goa: it's the country's uncrowned coastal capital, famous for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
The state's popularity with both Indian and foreign tourists has meant a steady rise in visitors over the years.
Meanwhile, seasoned Goa lovers know to skip the packed northern beaches and head south to the picturesque Palolem.
Here you're guaranteed a good night's sleep thanks to a ban on live music after 10 p.m.
If they wish, night owls can grab a pair of headphones and dance the night away at the area's famous "Silent Noise" parties.
Surrounded by a coconut palm forest, the area offers plenty of relaxing treatments, such as Ayurvedic massages and yoga sessions right on the shore.
If you feel like a day out, popular day trips include dolphin-watching tours in the Arabian Sea.
Heading in the opposite direction, travelers can explore various wildlife sanctuaries for the chance to spot tigers, leopards, monkeys, and deer.
Mandarmani, West Bengal
This unspoiled beach lies in the eastern part of the country, about four hours' drive south of Kolkata.
A sleepy fishing village has grown into a fast-developing resort town, thanks in part to its popular eight-mile stretch of sand, often dotted with tiny red crabs.
Nearby, travelers can enjoy postcard-worthy beaches such as Digha and Shankarpur, known for their stunning sunrises and calm waters.
Minicoy, Lakshadweep
Despite its misleading name, Lakshadweep (which means "100,000 islands," though there are really only 36) promises breathtaking tropical scenery and secluded sands.
Most of the archipelago's beaches offer sheltered coves and a variety of water activities, but Minicoy, on the southernmost atoll, earns extra points with those seeking absolute isolation.
Most travelers spend their mornings snorkeling or diving among the shimmering coral reefs.
The tiny island, covering just 1.8 square miles (with around 10,000 residents), is easy to explore. You can plan a visit to the local village or climb the island's namesake white lighthouse, built by the British in 1885.
Rushikonda, Andhra Pradesh
Set in eastern India, this clean and secluded beach, far from the bustle of the city of Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is a favorite picnic spot among locals, despite the strong currents.
More adventurous travelers can rent surfboards and kayaks and head out into the water, but the challenging conditions mean this spot isn't for beginners.
Rushikonda also offers easy access to tourist attractions such as the rocky outcrop known as Dolphin's Nose, and the 4th-century Venkateswara Temple, said to welcome 40 million people every year.
