There is no other destination than a beach that can give you complete relaxation and rejuvenation. So, if you are at somewhere in the eastern India and are looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, you can pick from any of these top 10 beaches. These beaches are not only known for their natural beauty and charm but are also known to be perfect destinations to unwind. As you bask in the glory of a moderate sun here, the golden sand beaches leave you still asking for more. Lovingly embraced by the Eastern Ghats at the eastern coast of India, there are some most beautiful beaches in Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Digha Beach, West Bengal
Digha is West Bengal’s most popular sea resort. This beach is considered one of the most romantic spots of the region and is also one of the biggest tourist attractions of West Bengal. Every year thousands of tourists simply flock to the Digha Beach to spend some relaxing time in this beautiful pristine beach. The Degha beach is also one of the oldest beaches of West Bengal. It is located 187 KM south west of Kolkata. Digha has a low gradient with a shallow sand beach extending upto 7KM in length and has gentle rolling waves. The scenic beauty of this place is charming and alluring. The beach is girdled with Casuarina plantations along the coast enhancing its beauty. These trees apart from beautifying also aid in reducing erosion of the dunes. One can view both sunrise and sunset at the Digha sea beach. The sunset and sunrise reflecting the salty waters of the Bay of Bengal is something straight off an artist’s canvas. The sea at Digha is calm and shallow for about a mile from the beach making it quite safe for swimming. Digha, originally known as Beerkul during Warren Hasting’s time was discovered in the late 18th century by the British. It is mentioned as the ‘Brighton of the East’ in one of Hastings’ letters (1780AD) to his wife. In 1923, an English tourist named John Frank Smith was charmed by the beauty of Digha and started living here.His writings about Digha slowly gave exposure to this place. After independence, he convinced Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was the erstwhile chief minister of West Bengal to develop Digha as a beach resort.
Getting there
Digha is accessible from Kolkata by road and by train. Bus Service: There is frequent bus service to Digha from Dharmatala bus stand of Kolkata and many other parts of West Bengal. It is almost a five hour journey from Kolkata. Bus service is also available from towns across West Bengal such as Midnapore, Bankura, Asansol, Bardhaman, Howrah, and, also from Orissa via Balasore (Baleswar). Train Service: In 2004, train services have started for Digha. There is one DMU service from Santragachhi railway station and there are three trains from Howrah Station too. Travel through train takes almost three and half hours. Kolkata is the nearest Airport.
Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal
Mandarmani is a large and rapidly developing seaside resort village in the state of West Bengal, India. It lies in East Midnapore district and at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal. Mandarmani is connected to Kolkata/Howrah by a highway. From Contai this can be travelled through a place called Chaulkhola. Mandarmani boasts of a 13 km long motorable beach, probably the longest motorable beach road in India. This is a drive-in beach. It is an ideal place to relax, far away from the hustle and bustle of Kolkata. The sunrise and sunset are a treat to the eyes. The peaceful atmosphere brings a sense of relief to one’s soul. There are numerous resorts and hotels along the coastline, which offer a picturesque backdrop of the ocean and the delta. It is interesting to note that while on one side is the fishing village on the other side there are dense jhau trees, and when one goes a bit further on the other side of the bank there is more dense vegetation. While the forest region might appear close, it is rather far and it is unadvisable to attempt going there.
Shankarpur Beach, West Bengal
Shankarpur is a beach village in East Medinipur district of West Bengal. Shankarpur is about 185 km from Kolkata and is touted to have the best beach In Eastern India. Shankarpur, a virgin beach as yet, is a recent discovery. It is a twin beach of Digha, around 14 km from Digha, along the Digha-Contai Road. Shankarpur has to its credit all the advantages of Digha, minus the crowd. Casuarina groves by the side of a gentle sea and good climate round the year make it a popular beach destination. Shankarpur beach is known for its cool mornings, and there even is great number of fishermen in the region, who are seen hauling their nets in the morning. The region is perfect for numerous photographic opportunities, thanks to the clear waters that simply reflect the rising sun, and the local boats that dot the coastline. Shankarpur is a part of the Kosi Basin, thus making it a very fertile land, and the region is known for its flat alluvial plain. There are numerous temples as well in and around the region.
Chandipur Beach, Odisha
With the sea water receding approximately 5 kms during low tide and advancing to the shore during high tide every day, the Chandipur Beach at Odisha (Orissa) offers a truly unique and captivating sight. Easily accessible via train, the beach is merely 16 kms from the Balasore Railway Station on Howrah-Madras line of South Eastern Railways. Watching the sea vanish right in front of your eyes and then observing its return is a very rare site. And to add more to this hide and seek of water, the Casuarina trees and creeper sand dunes seem to be swaying on a melodious musical note. The bbeach is also in close proximity to certain other places of tourist interest namely Remuna, Panchalingeswar, Aradi and Chandaneswar. The seaside resort of Chandipur, 16 km east of Balasore, is one of Odisha (Orissa)’s finest beaches. The musical sway of the casuarinas trees and creepered white sand dunes add to its seductive beauty. Chandipur is one of the few beaches of the world where the sea recedes up to 5 km daily at low tide and chasing the waves in a jeep, when the sea retreats is unforgettable. When the tide is in, locals trawl for small fish along the coast. The serene and peaceful landscape of Chandipur captivates the visitor.. Enjoy your stay at Chandipur Beach, Odisha (Orissa).
Getting there
Chandipur beach is easily reachable by auto rickshaw or taxi from Balasore. There are plentiful accommodations at Chandipur for different pockets and needs.
Gopalpur on Sea, Odisha
Serene environment, immense sailing opportunities and loads of fun and frolic awaits you at one of the most pristine beaches of Odisha (Orissa) namely Gopalpur on Sea. Located at a mere distance of 16 kms from Berhampur, this humming seaport can be a real retreat to the sea worshippers. Despite the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, that are a witness to a past glory of commercial activity; the beach offers peaceful ambience conducive to introspection and conviviality. Ideal for both sailing and surfing, the beach is fairly isolated and remains undisturbed by the day trippers. Avid beach combers have time and again declared the beach as one of the finest ones at the Eastern Coast. The alluring capability of the beach has pressurized the authorities to revitalize the port again and make it fit for modern ships. May the pleasures of the beach with her backwaters continue to spread its aquatic magic! Gopalpur-on-sea is a popular beautiful sandy beach. Clusters of coconut and palm trees, white sand dunes overgrown with casuarinas plantation separate the beach from the blue waters of the sea. During the days of Kalingas it was known as the port of Paloura from which traders sailed as far as Java, Bali and Sumatra and piled up wealth dealing in silk and pearl. Later it was a transit point to export sugar and cheap labourers for the tea gardens of Assam in north eastern India. The crumbling walls and the pillars of an ancient jetty together with some crumbling bungalows are witness to its swinging maritime past. The beach with its golden sand of the blue sea has its own sleepy charm. The beach is a very quite and comparatively clean place to swim and sun bathe, but take precautions because of treacherous undercurrents. Watching Gopalpur’s endless empty shoreline getting swarmed with fishermen with their hand-nets full of catch is interesting and enjoyable to while away time in the stunning stillness. Whether it is the rising Sun over the azure waters or the rhythmic lapping of waves shimmering in the bright moonlight, it is an enduring experience. The old lighthouse open to visitors each afternoon, but for a very short duration, offers good views.
Getting there
Nearest big city and rail-head Berhampur is just 16 kilometres from beach. Thus it is very easily accessible from Berhampur. It has plenty of accommodation options (advisable to book in advance during the high season, November-January; for the rest of the year, it is just idle).
Rushi Konda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
Located just 8 kilometres from the port city of Visakhapatnam, Rushi Konda Beach is known as the Jewel of the East Coast. The unspoiled beauty of the beach is its main attraction and offers a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the golden sands and gentle ocean currents. The beach is a haven for water sports lovers and is popular among windsurfers and jet skiers. However, it is the scenic beauty of the beach that lures visitors throughout the year, who come to enjoy spending time amidst greenery, golden sands and azure waters. The day the city celebrates the festival of colours, Holi, the beach gets transformed to a hue of vibrant colours, with people splashing color and water on each other. Picture a 180-degree view of the white sand beach, dotted with palm and mango grooves on a warm breezy evening, as the rush of waves against the shore can be heard. Picture a quiet afternoon at the beach with only you and your friends and no one else. Picture sitting at an open air restaurant, as you listen to the soothing music and marvel at the stunning sunset. This is just Rushikonda Beach. Here you can venture in to the beach or you can take boat ride (avoid country boats) and adventurous activities like parasailing and surfing are planned. You can opt to gaze around with a cup of coffee and look at the vast spaces changing hues during the day and night.
Getting there
Rushi Konda can be reached by Bus or own hired vehicle and is 8 km from the city of Visakhapatnam.
Mahabalipurm beach, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram beach (or Mamallapuram as it’s otherwise called) is the pick of the beaches on India’s east coast. It’s got a thriving backpacker scene, but is also popular with tourists who come to relax at the resorts there. Mahabalipuram is located around 50 kilometers south of Chennai, on the east coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu. It’s 95 kilometers north of Pondicherry. Mahabalipuram beach itself isn’t particularly special, but the town is full of interesting temples, including the windswept Shore Temple right on the water’s edge. Mahabalipuram is also known for its stone sculpture industry and rock cut caves. Two of the main attractions are the Five Rathas (sculptured temples in the shape of chariots), and Arjuna’s Penance (a huge carving on the face of a rock depicting scenes from the Mahabharatha).
Getting there
Mahabalipuram is around one hour’s drive from Chennai. It’s possible to get there by local bus, taxi, or auto rickshaw. The nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram is at Chengalpattu (Chingleput), 29 kilometers northwest. It’s also an hours drive away. Mahabalipuram doesn’t have a wide range of hotels to choose from, but there are hotels to suit all budgets from inexpensive to luxury. The beach resorts are generally located to the north of the town center, where the beach is better. However, if you want to stay closer to the action, you’ll find a number of reasonably priced options in town.
Marina Beach, Tamil Nadu
One of those few beaches located in the heart of city. It is the longest beach of India and one of the longest in Asia. It comprises of golden sand, good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea. This beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia. Its 12-km long stretch was made beautiful by the wonderful facelift given by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880’s, and is Chennai’s major tourist attraction today. Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is a fascinating experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous, as the undercurrent is very strong, even then people come for swimming here. In the evenings, the beach is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach. With its natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade and beautiful gardens, the Marina beach is a major attraction for tourists visiting Chennai. One can even shop around the beach, with local vendors hawking wares ranging from shell and glass baubles to kites and fruit juices. The Marina, however, is large enough to accommodate all visitors as well as the hawkers and is often the venue for important state functions. There are also facilities of pony rides at the beach site, which attract the children’s interest the most.
Getting there
Chennai is international Airport, major railway terminal and a big sea port. It is easily accessible from all corners of country with direct services. Chennai has all sort of hotels, resorts, guest houses for every requirement and budget.
Paradise, Puducherry
Puducherry has four main beaches which are fairly popular with tourists and locals alike. As opposed to the rest of India, the beaches here are relatively clean and not as crowded. Most of the beaches are a little away from the town except for small stretch of sand behind Seagulls restaurant on Goubert Avenue. Located 8 kms from the town, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed from the APTDC’s Chunnambar Resort which lies on the Cuddalore Main Road in Puducherry. Flanked by a quiet flowing creek on one side, the beach can only be accessed by boat. Paradise Beach, also known by the name of Plage Paradiso, is mainly created on a small island of sorts, which separates the backwater area from the actual sea. You can take a boat to reach the beach from morning till 3 pm. The boat ride across the backwaters to the beach takes about 15 min and can be a lot of fun. The boats may not be of world class standards but the anticipation of reaching the beach and calmly moving through the backwater on the boat is in itself a satisfying experience. Once on the beach, you are allowed an hours time to soak in the sun and the sea water. Swimming is strictly prohibited but you can go near the water and get drenched by the in-coming waves. Since each boat trip is allowed only an hrs stay, the beach is mostly silent and offers you a calm environment. Just relax in the sand or get wet by the waves, with the sound of water splashing on the shores adding to your soothing stay on the beach.
Getting there
The closest airport is in Chennai, which is around 135 kms from puducherry (approx. 2 ½ hrs. journey). Chennai has excellent connections with almost all cities in India and direct connection to Europe, USA, Middle East and South East Asia. Trichy airport is 220 kms away. Bangalore (320 kms) and Madurai are the other nearby airports. Though puducherry is on the rail map journey by train to and from puducherry is not very popular. Villupuram is the nearest junction, it is fairly well connected to places like Chennai, Madurai and Trichy. Puducherry is well connected to all districts and major towns of various states like Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andra Pradesh via good roads.
Chandrabhaga, Odisha
Many call it also as Konark beach as it is right close to Sun temple of Konark. Most of the tourists visiting Sun temple mark the end of their day long trip with a sunset view at Chandrabhaga, but it can easily by vice-versa. Few tourists even stay at Konark in night to have a sunrise view at Chandrbhaga. The beach, known for its beauty and solitude, has long served as a counterfoil to the exquisite and intricate sculptures on the Sun Temple, where visitors would let the simple lines of the sea wash away all their worries and refresh them. It is said that at one point of time, the sea used to kiss the foot of the architectural marvel of Konark. However it has now receded almost 2 km back. This place holds mythological significance as it is believed that Sambha, the son of lord Krishna carried out penance here and ultimately got cured of leprosy. The water of this place is thus believed by the pilgrims to contain medicinal properties that can cure certain diseases. The Chandrabhaga Beach is usually a quiet retreat into nature’s inviting arms and is popular with tourists looking for solitude to reflect upon their sojourn so far. During the annual Chandrabhaga Fair, however, it is a completely different beach as compared to its established image. The annual Chandrabhaga Fair, however, turns the beach into a huge motley of life color and activity. A light house, close by Chandrabhaga is an added histronic to the splendour of the place. A climb to its top gives a magnificent view around. A natural deer park is recent additions to the riches of Chandrabhaga.
Getting there
Closest airport is Bhubaneshwar and closest railhead is Puri. Chandrabhaga is 30 kms from Puri on way to Konark. Actually road from Puri to Chandrabhaga is a coastal road along the Bay of Bengal and is often called as marine drive for its sheer beauty.