The best beaches in west India is an overview of beaches to visit when you are travelling to India. I’m well aware there are many other beaches to discover but these are the ones I can highly recommend in Goa and Kerala. Goa is a crowded tourist destination with large beaches, many bars & restaurants, water- and sport activities, parties and music festivals. The beaches in Kerala are smaller and more laid back.
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Candolim & Calangute Beach, North-Goa
Calangute is located in the north-Goa district. Calangute Beach is a crowded beach and popular among Indian- and international tourists. It’s the largest beach in Goa and a perfect spot to go parasailing. Or to watch the sunset. High season is from November until the end of March. Because of the strong currents during the monsoon swimming is not recommended. Monsoon is usually from June until September.
Another popular beach in north-Goa is Candolim. The town is located south of Calangute and less crowded than the other beaches in north-Goa. It can be busy on holidays and weekends. On the southern end of Candolim Beach is Fort Aguada. In 1612 Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese to defend against the Dutch and the Maratha invaders. The fort, the lighthouse and the church are open to visit. The fort is a popular spot to watch the sunset or enjoy the view of the Arabian Sea.
Arambol beach, North Goa
In the northern region of Goa is Arambol, a traditional fisherman village. Arambol beach is very popular among international tourists. There is much to do on the beach such as several water- and sport activities, night parties and music festivals. Many tourists like the area because of the bohemian vibe.
Palolem Beach, South Goa
Palolem is a town in Canacona in southern Goa. It is considered to be the most laid back and beautiful beach of Goa. You can sleep in a shack on the beach. The better the view of the beach the higher the prices of the shack. The golden sand beach is huge and you can do all kinds of activities like yoga classes, play volleyball, make a boat trip or go for an Ayurvedic massage. If you don’t like the beach that much, Palolem isn’t the place for you. Everything happens at or close to the beach. It’s also a great place to meet people especially when you are travelling around in India. The backpackers are walking-travel-guides and they can tell you all about the places you should (or should not) visit.
Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is small temple village in the state of Karnataka. The main temple of Gokarna is devoted to Shiva. Gokarna used to be an important pilgrimage village with seven Hindu pilgrimage centres. It is a laid back town surrounded by a green/boulder landscape. Gokarna Beach is located in the centre of the village and can be crowded. From here you can walk to the quieter Kudle Beach, Om Beach and the small but secluded Moon Beach. Follow the coast and hiking trail and walk to all three beaches starting from the Kudle Hilltop parking lot (next to the Shiva Cave).
Varkala, Kerala
One of best beaches in west India is Varkala, my personal favorite. Varkala is located in the south Indian state of Kerala. Varkala beach is popular because of the golden sand beach, blue waters and red cliff. The view of Arabian Sea from the cliff is stunning. South of Varkala is Papanasam Beach and it’s believed to have holy waters. The word ‘papanasham’ means to wash away sins. The Janardanaswamy Temple is a Hindu pilgrim temple and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
I can personally recommend to stay at an eco-friendly bungalow in Varkala. It’s a 20- minute walk from Varkala Beach but ideal if you prefer a quieter place. Satta Beach Residence is located at Odayam Beach. At the beach is a restaurant and it’s the perfect spot to see the sunset and eat at the same time.
Kovalam, Kerala
Kovalam is a coastal village located 25km south of Trivandrum in the southern state of Kerala. The town became popular in de ’70s with hippies visiting the area who were on their way to Ceylon, (now Sri Lanka) following the Hippie Trail. The members of the hippie subculture travelled as cheaply as possible overland from Europe to south Asia, via Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal. Kovalam transformed from a traditional fishing village into a popular tourist destination. At Kovalam Beach, close to Edakkallu Rock Garden, you can still see the fisherman hauling in the fishing nets. The most iconic landmark is the Kovalam Lighthouse.
In the world’s jungle Travel blog
Are you planning to travel around in India? Read other India-related articles such as most interesting cities to visit in Rajasthan. It’s an overview of historical places to visit in the desert-state Rajasthan. Do you need inspiration about other places to visit in India? Explore the historical city and ruins in Hampi, admire the colonial architecture in Kochi, visit the capital city of India, Delhi, or go east and travel to the UNESCO- village of Mahabalipuram.
Are you going to India for the first time? Read the Beginners Travel Guide India and start your travel research. The Beginners Guide to Indian Culture and Hinduism is a good read when you like to know more about the Indian culture.
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