Also known as Puri Beach, the Golden Beach in Odisha holds religious importance to the devotees who visit the revered Jagannath Temple nearby. Only 2 km away from the Puri station, the beach gets its name due to the vast stretch of golden sand that is peppered with a few stalls selling sumptuous seafood and knick-knacks for visitors and tourists. The best time to visit this beach is in November during the Puri Beach Festival when you can see incredible sand art displays, including that of Sudarshan Pattnaik–an award-winning sand artist.
4. Kasarkod Beach, Karnataka
Despite boasting of a Blue Flag certification, this beach in Uttara Kannada is one of the less crowded beaches in Karnataka. Also known as Dhareshwar Beach, the eco-friendly beach was created from a huge park in the village that was later redeveloped by the forest committee of Kasarkod village, the forest department, and the tourism department of India. All the facilities here are solar-powered, along with waste and greywater treatment plants.
5. Padubidri Beach, Karnataka
If coastal tranquillity is on your mind, then Karnataka’s Padubidri Beach is exactly what your soul needs. The area itself is steeped in historical influences of dynasties such as the Alupas, the Vijayanagar Empire and the Portuguese. Apart from the serene setting of the beach, you can explore the remnants of ancient temples, centuries-old monuments, and traditional architecture, including the iconic Padubidri Mahalingeshwara Temple. For those who seek a dash of adventure, you can indulge in some water sports like jet skiing, surfing, banana boat rides and sunset cruise.
6. Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
Speaking of sports, if water sports is something that you are interested in, then Rushikonda Beach is one of the best beaches to go to in Vizag. From jet-skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides, this beach offers a lot of activities, apart from being picturesque. If you’re looking for an alternate beach destination instead of Goa or Gokarna, then consider this one as an option that is less crowded and equally stunning.
7. Kappad Beach, Kerala
