If you are thinking of taking a leisurely vacation away from the hustle-bustle of city life, here is a list of top beaches in India you absolutely must visit
As summer approaches, people head to the beaches, to enjoy the beautiful seaside weather, the soft sand and to cool off in the sea.
India has a coastline of over 7,500 km, with some of the most stunning beaches, which are ideal holiday locations for sea lovers.u00a0
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So before you plan your next seaside vacation, check out the 10 must visit beach destinations in our country.u00a0
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Baga
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Baga beach. Photo: AFP
Baga Beach is located in North Goa, 16 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital.u00a0
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Thousands of tourists from India and around the world visit this popular destination every year. The beach shacks at Baga are ideal hangouts to unwind over drinks and exotic seafood. The beach also has attractions such as water sports and dolphin cruise for adventure lovers.
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Best time to visit: October to May
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Mandarmani
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Mandarmani
Mandarmani is an isolated beach located in East Medinipur, one of the southern districts of West Bengal. It is almost 180km from Kolkata airport.
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Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, this newly developed destination has become a tourist hotspot. This 13 km long sea-beach on the Bay of Bengal coast offers plenty of accommodation options for tourists with budget hotels, resorts and other lodging facilities.
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Best time to go: Anytime except the monsoon season
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Cherai
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Backwaters at Cherai
The lovely and shallow Cherai beach is located 25 kms from Kochi city in Kerala.
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The beach has become one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Kerala because of the unique blend of sea on one side and backwaters on the other side .The calm seawater makes it ideal for swimming and occasionally dolphins are also seen at Cherai. u00a0Tourists also enjoy boating on the beautiful backwaters, just a few minutes away from the beach.
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Best time to visit: September to March
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Kovalam
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Kovalam beach
Kovalam beach, located in south Kerala, comprises three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. It is 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city.
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There are plenty of leisure options for tourists such as Ayurvedic massage centres, catamaran cruises, shopping zones around the beach complex. The calm water is ideal for swimming and many foreign tourists frequent this popular destination.
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Best time to visit: Kovalam has a tropical dry climate and September to March is the best time to head there
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Tarkarli beach
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Tarkarli beach
The beach embracing the Arabian Sea is 546 km away from Mumbai, on the west coast of India.u00a0
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The long and narrow stretch of beach with clear blue waters has been attracting tourists in recent times. u00a0On a sunny day, one can see the seabed up to a depth of 20 feet u00a0 u00a0
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For adventure water sports lovers, snorkelling and scuba diving facilities are also available at Tarkarli.
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Best Time: November to April
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Radhanagar Beach
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Radhanagar beach
This beach also known, as Beach No. 7, is located on Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicober Islands. It has been voted as one of the most popular beaches in Asia by a popular travel magazine.
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The calm waters and the scenic surroundings make it the perfect gateway for relaxation. Nature lovers can also explore the wide range of flora and fauna around the beach.
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Best time: Anytime except monsoon
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Karaikal
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Karikal
The beautiful blue waters of Bay of Bengal at Karaikal, provides a fantastic view of the sea.
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u00a0Located in Pondicherry, Karaikal beach is frequented by tourists mainly because of the breathtaking view of the confluence of Arasalar River and the sea.
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The nearest airport is Trichy (Trichirapalli), nearest railway station is at Nagore.
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Best time: September to March
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Mandrem
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Mandrem
Mandrem is a beautiful isolated beach, located in North Goa.
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It is considered to be a haven for newly married couples because of its secluded location. Nearby Mandrem are Ashvim and Morjim beaches, famous for turtle nesting.
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For accommodation there are hut camps and hotels all around the beach
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Best time to go: October to April
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Palolem
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Palolem. Pic: Happyshopper
Palolem beach is located in south Goa, 76 kilometers from Panaji, the state's capital. The beach, surrounded by thick forest of coconut trees, is popular with tourists from India as well as abroad.u00a0
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Palolem offers plenty for tourists, including relaxation and adventure. There is a market just behind the beach that sells jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. Tourists can also visit Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, which is close by.
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Best time to go: September to May
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Murud
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Murud beach, which is 140 km away from Mumbai, is a popular summer destination for beach lovers.
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Nestled between palm trees on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, the beach is a sight to watch. Murud is also famous for its proximity to the Janjira Fort, a famous sea fort that has never been conquered. There is plenty on offer for seafood lovers at Murud. Hotels and resorts are available for lodging along the beach.
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Best time to visit:u00a0September to May
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