Which is the cleanest beach in India?

Radhanagar in the Andamans and Bangaram in Lakshadweep are consistently the cleanest. Kalapathar and Agonda are runners-up.

Can I visit beaches in India during monsoon?

Most West Coast beaches are rough and unsafe June-September. The East Coast (Odisha, Puri) is better in monsoon.

Do I need a permit for Lakshadweep?

Yes — an entry permit is required for all non-residents, booked via the SPORTS (Lakshadweep Tourism) portal.

Are Andamans expensive?

Flights are the main cost. Stay and food are comparable to Goa. Budget ₹35,000-₹50,000 for a 5-day trip.

15 Best Beaches in India (2025 Traveller's Guide)

From Goa's crowded classics to Andamans' pristine whites and Gokarna's hippie coves — the 15 best beaches in India you should visit in 2025, with season, cost, and stay tips.

The 15 Best Beaches in India

Andamans: Radhanagar, Elephant, Kalapathar
Goa: Palolem, Agonda, Ashwem
Karnataka: Om Beach, Paradise Beach (Gokarna)
Kerala: Varkala, Marari
Tamil Nadu: Rameswaram, Kovalam (Chennai)
Maharashtra: Tarkarli, Ganpatipule
Odisha: Puri, Chandrabhaga
Lakshadweep: Bangaram

Detailed Picks

1. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock, Andamans

Consistently in Asia's top-10 lists. 2km of white sand, turquoise water, and near-zero crowds post-5pm. Best time: October-May. Budget: ₹35,000-₹50,000 for 5 days from mainland India.

2. Palolem Beach, Goa

South Goa's crescent-shaped icon. Best for couples, swimming, and kayaking to Butterfly Island. Budget: ₹15,000-₹22,000 for 4 days from Mumbai/Bangalore.

3. Agonda Beach, Goa

Even quieter than Palolem. Sea turtles nest here. Beautiful bamboo huts at ₹2,000-₹4,000/night.

4. Varkala Beach, Kerala

Cliff-top beach with yoga cafes and paragliding. Black sand at Papanasam Beach is believed to be sacred. Budget: ₹14,000-₹20,000 for 4 days.

5. Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka

Shaped like the Om symbol. Short trek between 4 beaches — Om, Half-Moon, Paradise, Kudle. Hippie culture, cheap shacks, zero commercialisation compared to Goa.

6. Marari Beach, Kerala

Fishing village vibe 30 minutes from Alleppey. Pair with backwaters for the ultimate Kerala trip.

7. Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra

Scuba, snorkelling, and dolphin spotting at 1/3 the Andaman cost. Best 4-hour drive from Goa.

8. Elephant Beach, Havelock

Shallow coral reefs, ideal for first-time snorkelling. Reach via 20-minute boat from Havelock jetty.

9. Kalapathar Beach, Havelock

Black rocks and golden sand — Instagram gold. 20-minute scooter from Havelock main market.

10. Ashwem Beach, Goa

North Goa's quieter alternative to Vagator. Mid-range luxury resorts and great seafood shacks.

11. Chandrabhaga Beach, Odisha

Konark temple + clean golden sand. Less crowded than Puri. Sunrise here is spectacular.

12. Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep

India's Maldives. Accessible only through permit + SPORTS booking. Budget: ₹60,000+ for 4 days.

13. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Historical + pristine. The Dhanushkodi beach is India's southern tip.

14. Ganpatipule, Maharashtra

Temple town + clean beach, 6-hour drive from Mumbai. MTDC resort is the best stay.

15. Paradise Beach, Gokarna

Reachable only by trek or boat. Camping allowed (subject to forest department rules).

Best Time by Region

Region	Best Months	Avoid
West Coast (Goa, Konkan)	Nov-Feb	June-Sept (monsoon)
South (Kerala, TN)	Nov-Mar	June-Aug
Andamans	Oct-May	June-Sept
Odisha	Oct-Feb	April-June (heatwave)
Lakshadweep	Oct-May	June-Sept

Final Verdict

For pristine and luxurious, Andamans or Lakshadweep. For budget and vibes, Gokarna or South Goa. For culture + beach, Varkala or Rameswaram. For a quick weekend, Tarkarli or Ganpatipule.