What comes to your mind when you talk about beaches in India? Goa’s Baga, Odisha’s Puri, Mumbai’s Juhu or Kerala’s Kovalam? While these are a few popular ones, there are a wide number of shorelines in the country that are profoundly captivating yet untouched by many. As these beaches are less visited, they are perfect for someone who desires to spend some time in solitude, listening to the sounds of the mighty waves. Also, if you’re looking for safe travel options after lockdown, these empty beaches can be great options as you won’t have to put much efforts to maintain social distancing from others. Here we are going to tell y’all about 10 such magical, offbeat Indian coasts. Read on!
Also read: Elgin Hall In Himachal Is Inviting You To Work Amidst The Serene Hills Of Dalhousie
1. Astaranga Beach, Odisha
Astaranga is a fishing village in the proximity of Puri, Odisha. This lesser-known beach is the destination for spectacular sunsets. In fact, Astaranga is formed by two words ‘Asta’ and ‘Ranga’ meaning ‘sunset’ and ‘colour’ respectively. The two words combine to mean ‘colourful sunset’. The coastline of Astaranga lies around 60 kilometres east of Puri along the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular picnic spot among the locals.
2. Henry’s Island, West Bengal
This deltaic island is about 15 minutes away from Bakkhali, in the South 24 Parganas of West Bengal. The vast stretch of white sand on this virgin beach, studded with rocks at places, contrasts beautifully with the crystal clear blue waters. The shore overlooks dense mangrove forests and is home to millions of red crabs. The serenity of the place will leave you awestruck and mesmerized. Henry’s Island is about 130 kilometres away from Kolkata.
3. Butterfly Beach, Goa
You can visit this hidden gem in South Goa only by taking a ferry from Goa’s Palolem and Agonda beaches. True to its name, the semi-circular beach, locked by hills, is full of beautiful butterflies. Not everyone who visited Goa will tell you about the Butterfly beach. But the ones who’ve gone there have experienced tranquillity at its peak. If lucky, you might even end up spotting some dolphins here.
4. Om Beach, Karnataka
The Om Beach in Karnataka’s Gokarna town borders the Arabian Sea in two semi-crescent shapes, resembling the Om symbol. If you’re looking for water sport activities like surfing, water-skiing and parasailing, then this is the right spot for you. It is about 6 kilometres away from the Gokarna bus terminal.
5. Kizhunna Ezhara Beach, Kannur
The twin beaches Kizhunna and Ezhara are collectively called Kizhunna Ezhara. The marvellous crimson beach is about 12 kilometres away from the Kannur town of Kerala. Noteworthy attractions at this stunning rocky shore are the shallow natural coves, good for swimming. The coast is interspersed by a line-up of towering coconut trees. Very few locals visit these twin coasts, and it is almost untouched by foreign tourists. We Found India’s Only Drive In Beach And Here Are The Deets.
Learn more about #Kannur’s hidden tropical treasure. #Kizhunna pic.twitter.com/L7ylXsoDhP
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) February 15, 2018
6. Ottinene Beach, Karnataka
This is one of the most photogenic secluded beaches in coastal Karnataka and lies between Byndoor and Bhatkal. You need to walk down the steps of the hillock near the Someshwara Temple to catch the glimpse of the rare, yet striking shoreline, abound by lush greenery. At this beach, you can also treat your eyes on the estuary, where the Sumana river beautifully merges into the Arabian Sea.
7. Chorwad Beach, Gujarat
The Chorwad beach is located around 37 kilometres away from Somnath in Gujarat. If you love history, you will be fascinated by the ruins of the royal palace of the Nawab of Junagadh near the coastline. There are no accommodation facilities at this far-off beach, but it is an ideal option for unwinding and enjoying the ocean breeze.
8. Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep
The southernmost and the last Indian Island on the Lakswadeep archipelago is the Minicoy island. The picturesque island is locally known as Maliki. The pristine coastline along with the clear blue waters of the Arabian sea makes Minicoy a dream island. One can also enjoy the panoramic view of the sprawling coastline from the Minicoy Lighthouse at this island.
Once the lockdown is over and the travel bans are lifted, you can rush to these hidden beaches to satiate your wanderlust soul. However, avoid public transport as much as possible and try to take a private car. Also, wear your face masks and keep your sanitizers handy.