From the undulating golden beaches that make for an ideal vantage point to watch the sun dipping into the sea, to the sandy expanses that see the hatching of a thousand Olive Ridley Turtles, beaches stroke both the eastern and western coasts of the Indian peninsula. The tail of India, Kanyakumari, boasts some of the calmest and cleanest beaches in the country, like the Sanguthurai Beach. One can also witness the breathtaking sight of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea merging into one another at the Kanyakumari Beach that is located in the heart of the city.

The beaches of the country also act as sentinels of the rich cultural heritage of India and host many temples, memorials and monuments. The Eliott Beach in Chennai is a fine example that boasts many memorials, while Fort Kochi Beach in Kochi houses spiritually significant sites.

While talking of beaches, it would be hard to ignore Goa, the hub of sand and sea in the country. With glorious sandy expanses to its name, the place invites tourists for its relaxed vibes. From pristine white sands fringed by swaying palms of Colva Beach to the crescent-shaped Vagator Beach that plays host to the numerous parties that light up Goa every night, Goa has much to offer a traveller. Most beaches here have the facility of water sports, and one can satiate the adventurer in them by trying water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing and windsurfing. Some of the popular beaches to avail these opportunities are the Calangute Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach etc. Another splendid feature of beaches here is the shacks lining them, which invite visitors to breathe in the spectacular views and revel in the laid-back zeal of Goa. 

India's coastal line lures many migratory birds and aquatic life to come and nestle on the sun-kissed shores. Amongst these, the most popular is the Velas Beach in Maharashtra, known for the Olive Ridley Turtles that have been coming here for a few years to lay eggs during the breeding season. Each year, the tiny village of Velas sees thousands of newly-hatched turtles take their first steps towards the blue sea. The villagers celebrate the Turtle Festival annually after ensuring the safety of these eggs. The Gahirmatha Beach in Odisha is also an important nesting site for Olive Ridley Turtles. This beach is a part of the larger Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary. The Chandrabhaga Beach in Puri is another popular site to spot the baby Olive Ridley Turtles. Meanwhile, a popular haunt for migratory birds is the Pingleshwar Beach in Bhuj.

While the western coast of India sees much tourist hopping, the eastern coast is lesser known, however, it is no less beautiful. Puri, in Odisha, boasts some of the most awe-inspiring beaches in the country. For a lap or two in the sea, the deep and clear blue waters of Gopalpur Beach are exquisite. White surf splashing on the golden sand makes Gopalpur-on-sea as one of the finest beaches on the eastern coast. White surf and fine sand offer great opportunities for visitors to indulge in water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides.Visakhapatnam, in Andhra Pradesh is noted for its sublime beaches. Possibly the most popular spot in the city is the beautiful Ramakrishna Beach. Popularly known as the RK beach, it attracts locals and tourists alike. Visit the beach to witness ethereal views of sunsets amidst its bustling yet calming environment.

While beach-hopping, tourists can also get the chance to witness some of the local cultures like the India Surf Festival in Odisha that sees displays of Stand-up Paddle (SUP) surfing. At the International Sand Art Festival at the Chandrabhaga Beach in Puri, one can see the talented artists of the country and even abroad make gorgeous arts.