India's Out of the Way Beaches
The Best Beaches off the Beaten Track in India
To experience the beauty of India's beaches away from the crowds, head to these lesser known beaches.
The states on India's west coast all offer something different in terms of beaches. Here's a pick of one beach from each of these states to whet your appetite for exploring them away from the commercialization.
Maharastra - Aksa Beach
If you’re spending time in Mumbai but would like to unwind away from the chaos, Aksa beach provides a tranquil escape. This beach is located only 40 km north of the centre of Mumbai, near the up and coming suburb of Malad. It offers such serenity that you’ll find it hard to believe you’re still so close to the city, especially if you come during the week.
Refreshingly, there’s an absence of annoying touts. In fact there’s not much here, apart from a couple of resorts and the usual selection of snack stalls. If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty you can’t beat a chilled glass of freshly squeezed nimbu pani (lemon water) served sweet or sour, accompanied by one of Mumbai’s delicacies – the vada pav (spicy fried mashed potato in a bun with chutney), from one of the vendors. Both will cost you only Rs 20 (50 cents).
Goa – Keri Beach and Tiracol Fort
Most of Goa’s beaches have been well and truly discovered. However at the top of the northern most stretch of coastline, around 40 miles from Goa’s capital Panjim, you’ll find pristine Keri (Querim) beach. To really get away from it all, head to this rarely visited, serene beach that’s edged with Casurina trees.
Across the river and accessible by ferry, the 16th Century Tiracol (Terekhol) Fort overlooks Keri beach from the hilltop. The Fort has been converted into a boutique heritage hotel that has majestic views from its rooms. Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, it’s worth coming just to have a meal or classy drink and experience the history.
If the tranquility of Keri beach is too much, take a walk south over the hillside to Arambol beach. This laid-back beach has a fast growing hippy culture, and here you’ll find the usual staple of yoga and meditation schools, health food shops and chill out cafes.
Karnataka – Gokarna beaches
Four of India’s most secluded beaches are located near Gokarna, in northern Karnataka. Gokarna is a small and remote holy town, with pristine beaches. Come here to get a feel for what Goa was like in its heyday, although time is limited as developers are already seeing the potential of this area.
Om beach is the only one of the four beaches reachable by car or rickshaw. Head here upon arrival and find a quaint beach hut to stay in. Accommodation is basic but preferable to the often dirty places town, and what could be more appealing than staying right on the beach?
From Om beach, hike through the hills to the other beaches (Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise) while enjoying the panoramic views. Kudle is the closest beach to town and is popular with day trippers, whereas the other beaches are much more isolated. Contrary to its name, Paradise beach is probably the least like paradise as it’s small and the water isn’t the clearest. However, some travelers prefer it as it’s the most inaccessible.
Kerala – Varkala Beach
Around 50km north of Trivandrum is the village of Varkala. Its stunningly picturesque beach, which is situated a small rickshaw ride away from the non-descript main town, provides a peaceful alternative to the commercialised Kovalam. The setting of this beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with a kilometer long stretch of cliff and views extending over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks and bungalows.
To feel truly enlivened, take in the sunset at one of the beach shacks while the warm sea breeze brushes your skin and the waves crash below. For a real culinary treat and laid back atmosphere with a reggae feel, head to Johnny Cool café located on the back street near the Preeth Hotel. The food is hearty and mouthwatering, and if you feel like something that’s not on the menu, all you have to do is ask. Varkala is also known for its yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, and mineral spring. Just a few days spent at this blissful beach will be sure to leave you feeling refreshed for the rest of your journey.
