Best Beaches in India like Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is India’s smallest union territory with a cluster of tiny serene islands in India that feature many water sports activities and the best beach spots in India. Beaches like Agatti Island Beach, Bangaram Beach, and Kadmat Beach make Lakshadweep one of the best islands in India. Situated off the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a beautiful display of pristine white beaches, colorful sea life, and coral reefs!
With the surge in Lakshadweep tourism, the island is developing itself and preparing to open its doors to tourists. While the wait for a holiday in Lakshadweep will be worth it, there are many other places to visit in India that can be serene, and isolated while offering a handful of experiences just like the beaches of Lakshadweep. In this blog, let’s discover the best beach destinations in India like Lakshadweep.
In this Blog
1. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
Tucked in the southern edge of India, Dhanushkodi is one of the best hidden gems of India that showcases a slice of paradise away from the crowds. Just like the beaches of Lakshadweep, Dhanshkodi is quite isolated from the rest of the mainland. The variety of marine life and exploring the tip of India is a must-do thing at Dhanushkodi.
But perhaps the most captivating feature of Dhanushkodi is its crystal-clear waters that resonate similar vibes to beaches in Lakshadweep. Additionally, it is also the spot from where the Ram Setu begins and stretches to Sri Lanka. Due to its isolation, vast marine life, and history, Dhanushkodi is the best beach destination in India like Lakshadweep.
How to visit Dhanushkodi
The nearest major city to Dhanushkodi is Madurai, which is about 198 km from Dhanushkodi. Madurai is well connected to major cities with airways as well as railways. From there, one needs to travel to Rameshwaram which has regular bus and cab services to Dhanushkodi.
2. Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a scenic coastal town in Tamil Nadu that resonates with the old-world charm of French and Portuguese towns. Fringed by the swaying palms with crystal clear waters, the beaches in Pondicherry are quite identical to the beaches of Lakshadweep. Serenity Beach in Pondicherry is one such place that is quite isolated from the city and has a flea market adjoining it.
Apart from this Serenity Beach in Pondicherry is also an amazing place to witness the sunrise as it’s located in the outskirts of the city, offering an uninterrupted and solitude-filled experience. What makes this one of the best beach spots in India is its medium tides that are best suited for adventure sports. There are many little surf schools dotted across the beach that teach surfing at a very nominal cost.
How to visit Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
The nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Puducherry Airport which is located 10 kilometres away from the city centre. Similarly, Pondicherry is well-connected to major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi. From there, one can opt for a cab or taxi service that will take approximately 30 mins to reach Serenity Beach in Pondicherry as it is 20 km away from the city centre.
Stay In Pondicherry
If you’ve already planned a trip to Pondicherry, let us make it easier for you by filtering out some of the best stays in Pondicherry. Check out Chitrita Bhavan by StayVista which has exteriors inspired by traditional South Indian architecture and has luxurious amenities.
3. Om Beach, Gokarna
One of the most alluring beach destinations in India, Om Beach in Gokarna is a mix of traditional heritage and scenic coasts. The clear turquoise waters surrounded by mountains are unique and exude a sense of tranquillity. The beach serves as an ideal alternative to the beaches of Lakshadweep as its soothing embrace provides a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Apart from Om Beach, Gokarna also has many other beaches such as Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach that let one beach hop just like the beaches of Lakshadweep. Another place to visit is Jog Falls in Gokarna, which is pretty close to the city centre. Many homestays near Jog Falls let one enjoy the mist from the falls and the beauty of nature.
How to visit Om Beach, Gokarna
Among the best beach spots in India, the access to Om Beach is mainly through roadways and railways as Gokarna does not have an airport. The closest airport to Gokarna is the Dabolim Airport in Goa which is approximately 140 km away. You can then take a train to the Gokarna Road railway station or go by road through the NH 66 which is an extremely scenic road trip route amongst bikers.
4. Puri, Odisha
You might remember Puri for its famous Jagannath temple in Puri, but the next time you visit, you’ll love it for the Puri beach. Regarded as one of the best beaches in India, the golden sands have been known for the peace and tranquillity that they offer, especially during the mornings when it’s less crowded. Despite being a short stretch, the beach is perfect for idling after visiting the Jagannath temple in Puri.
We recommend visiting during November as the Puri Beach Festival is hosted by the city during this month. It is a brilliant showcase of the culture of Odisha along with a display of its lip-smacking food. Similar to the marine life of the beaches in Lakshadweep, one can witness the Olive Ridley Turtle at the Puri beach that occurs only during these months for laying their eggs.
How to visit Puri, Odisha
Although Puri is currently building its airport, the closest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, located approximately 60 kilometers away. The Puri railway station is well connected to major cities and also a Vande Bharat Express runs through. Puri is easily accessible by road, with well-maintained highways such as the NH 16.
5. Daman
A town similar to Pondicherry, Daman is a tiny union territory that was formerly a Portuguese colony. Daman has many beaches like Jampore Beach and Devka Beach that are quiet and isolated like the beaches of Lakshadweep. Daman is a great beach in India that has preserved many architectural marvels like St Jerome Fort, Dominican Monastery, and the Cathedral of Bom Jesus.
The beaches in Daman are lined with shacks and eateries that resonate with the beaches of Lakshadweep and Goa. Despite not being a popular tourist destination like Goa or Pondicherry, Daman has its own charm due to its proximity to major cities like Mumbai or Surat. With its pleasant cold weather throughout the year, Daman is one of the best beach destinations in India like Lakshadweep.
How to visit Daman
Daman is quite close to cities such as Mumbai in Maharashtra and Surat in Gujarat which have their own international airports. The closest railway station to Daman is Vapi, which is well-connected to major railway stations and also has a Vande Bharat Express connecting to it. To reach by road, one can take the Western Express Highway (NH 48).
6. Cherai Beach, Kochi
One of the most unexplored beach spots in South India is Cherai Beach in Kochi. Located just a short distance from Kochi, Cherai Beach offers tons of activities. Cherai Beach is regarded as one of the cleanest beaches in India, with an abundance of nature and greenery, Cherai Beach plants a picture of a perfect evening.
The beach is also regarded as one of the must-visit places in Kochi, which also includes Marari Beach and Kuzhupilly Beach. Being one of the cleanest beaches in India, Cherai Beach is great for swimming and trying out new adventure sports similar to the beaches of Lakshadweep.
How to visit Cherai Beach, Kochi
Being located in one of the busiest cities in Kerala, the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport. The nearest major railway station to Cherai Beach is Ernakulam Junction (also known as Kochi Junction), located about 25 kilometers away. You can take the NH66 for traveling by road.
Stay in Cherai Beach, Kochi
Check out Cheppanam House and Aqua Vista by StayVista. These are some of the finest homestays near Cherai Beach in Kochi.
7. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If there’s any tourist destination in India that gives a feeling of spending a vacation on the Islands in India while being close, it has to be Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Situated in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Nicobar Islands are an archipelago of Islands in India that offer plenty of adventure sports and scenic viewpoints.
An escape from the ordinary, Radhanagar Beach is known as the best beach in India due to its soft, powdery sands that are unique to this region. The panorama of these turquoise waters is only offered to these Islands in India and undoubtedly makes Andaman Nicobar one of the best spots in India.
How to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Being one of the few Islands in India, reaching Andaman and Nicobar Islands is fairly easy. The only two ways to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands is through air and water. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is connected to major international and national airports. With the rise in Lakshadweep tourism, airfares have been significantly reduced. Alternatively, Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam operate cruise lines that take nearly 70-80 hours to reach with the addition of beautiful scenery.
From the tranquil shores of Gokarna to the vibrant coastline of Pondicherry, these beach spots in India have something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking solitude or adventure, these best beach destinations in India like Lakshadweep promise endless delights.
