Islands, Beaches & Backwaters
Tropical paradises and coastal treasures
Islands
Andamans
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Over 570 islands scattered across the Bay of Bengal, the Andamans offer some of the world's most pristine underwater ecosystems. Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island has been ranked among Asia's finest. Snorkel through living coral reefs, dive with sea turtles, and discover a tropical paradise that feels genuinely untouched.
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep Islands
India's smallest Union Territory is a necklace of 36 coral atolls in the Arabian Sea, with lagoons so turquoise they look unreal. Lakshadweep sees relatively few tourists, making it one of the last truly unspoiled island destinations in the country. The coral reefs here are among the healthiest in the Indian Ocean.
Munroe Island
Kerala
A cluster of eight tiny islands in the Kollam district, Munroe Island is where the backwaters meet the Ashtamudi Lake. Glide through narrow canals by canoe at dawn, watch local fishermen cast their nets, and experience a way of life unchanged for generations — the backwaters, raw and unfiltered.
Cintacor Island
Karnataka (near Karwar)
A secluded gem near Karwar, Cintacor Island is only accessible by boat and sees very few visitors. With no commercial development, pristine white sand beaches, and exceptional snorkelling conditions, it is the ideal destination for travellers seeking a genuine island escape far from the crowds.
Poovar Island
Kerala
Tucked in the southernmost tip of Kerala, Poovar Island is where golden beach sands, the freshwater Neyyar River, and the sea meet in a rare natural confluence. The floating cottages here offer one of Kerala's most unique stays — waking up on the water, surrounded by mangroves and morning birdsong.
Beaches
Goa Beaches
Goa
From the lively shores of Baga and Calangute to the tranquil coves of Palolem and Agonda, Goa's beaches offer something for every traveller. The golden sand, swaying palms, fresh seafood, and legendary sunsets have made Goa India's most beloved coastal destination for decades.
Marari Beach
Kerala
One of Kerala's most serene beach villages, Marari remains blissfully underdeveloped. The wide, clean beach fringed with palms, the friendly fishing community, and the absence of loud shacks make it a genuine sanctuary — perfect for morning yoga, long walks, and total digital detox.
Cherai Beach
Kerala
Just 25 km from Kochi, Cherai is where the Arabian Sea meets the Vembanad Lake backwaters. Dolphins are frequently spotted offshore, and the rare combination of beach and backwater in one spot is magical. Fresh catch from morning boats, coconut toddy, and breathtaking sunsets complete the picture.
Pondicherry
Puducherry
The French Quarter of Pondicherry — with its colonial boulevards, mustard-yellow buildings, and sidewalk cafes — gives this coastal town a distinctly European flavour. The promenade beach at sunrise, the meditative ambience of Auroville, and the unique fusion cuisine make Pondicherry unlike anywhere else in India.
ECR Chennai
Tamil Nadu
The East Coast Road stretching south from Chennai along the Coromandel Coast is one of India's great scenic drives. Mahabalipuram's ancient shore temples, boutique beach resorts, fresh seafood, and calm beaches make ECR an ideal weekend escape from the city — or a spectacular road trip destination.
Karwar
Karnataka
At the northernmost tip of Karnataka's coast, Karwar sits where the Kali River meets the Arabian Sea. The beaches here are clean, uncrowded, and backed by the Western Ghats. The nearby Devbagh Beach and Kurumgad Island offer snorkelling and water sports in waters that rival Goa — without the crowds.
Varkala
Kerala
Varkala's dramatic laterite cliffs dropping straight into the Arabian Sea create one of India's most iconic beach settings. The cliff-top promenade is lined with yoga studios, ayurvedic spas, and fresh juice bars. A natural freshwater spring flows directly onto the beach — a unique blend of nature and spirituality.
Kovalam
Kerala
Three crescent-shaped beaches separated by rocky headlands, Kovalam near Thiruvananthapuram has been an international favourite since the 1970s. The Lighthouse Beach offers the classic Kovalam experience — palm trees, warm shallow waters, ayurvedic massage centres, and magnificent sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
Kannur
Kerala
Beyond its beautiful beaches, Kannur is the heartland of Theyyam — an extraordinary ritualistic art form where performers transform into deities through elaborate costumes, make-up, and music. Witnessing a Theyyam performance is one of the most viscerally powerful cultural experiences in all of India.
Backwaters
Alleppey
Kerala
Alleppey is where Kerala's legendary houseboat experience was born. Drift through a 900-km network of canals, lakes, and lagoons on a traditional kettuvallam, watching paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life unfold from the water. The backwater sunset here, viewed from a slow-moving houseboat, is extraordinary.
Kumarakom
Kerala
Spread across the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a mosaic of mangrove forests, paddy fields, and shimmering backwaters. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary draws rare migratory birds including the Siberian crane. Luxury houseboats, Ayurvedic retreats, and absolute tranquillity make this Kerala's most refined backwater escape.