Goa Done! Now Try These Beach Towns That Aren’t in the Brochure
Unlike Goa, many of these spots don’t rely on alcohol-fuelled nightlife to charm you. Instead, they offer quiet mornings, cultural surprises, and beaches you can sometimes have all to yourself.
Goa might be the poster child for Indian beach vacations, but for every party-slicked Baga or boutique-lined Ashwem, there’s a quieter, lesser-known beach town waiting to surprise you. These destinations aren’t just alternatives to Goa—they're refreshingly different experiences, complete with their own rhythms, cultures, and coastlines. Whether you're looking for solitude, surf, or scenery, here are five beach towns that might just redefine your idea of a coastal getaway.
1. Gokarna, Karnataka – Where Hippie Vibes Meet Temple Town
Often dubbed the ‘laid-back Goa,’ Gokarna offers pristine beaches like Om, Kudle, and Paradise without the club noise. It blends spirituality with backpacker charm—think pilgrims and yogis sharing beach space with surfers and seekers. Bonus: it’s ideal for scenic beach treks and early-morning chai with sea views.
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2. Varkala, Kerala – Cliffside Cafés and Natural Springs
Unlike anything else on the Indian coast, Varkala’s beaches sit below dramatic red cliffs lined with cafés, yoga studios, and tattoo parlours. Take a dip in its natural mineral springs or indulge in an Ayurvedic massage while watching the sun slip into the Arabian Sea.
3. Kaup, Karnataka – A Lighthouse in the Mist
Tucked between Mangaluru and Udupi, Kaup is home to an old lighthouse that stands guard over its windswept shores. Fewer tourists, dramatic monsoon views, and easy access to coastal cuisine make it a true hidden gem.
4. Mandvi, Gujarat – Camel Rides and Colonial Relics
Off the tourist radar, Mandvi beach offers camel rides, flamingo sightings, and the surreal sight of windmills against sunset skies. Its 400-year-old shipbuilding yard and the stately Vijay Vilas Palace give it more historical depth than your average beach town.
5. Chandipur, Odisha – The Sea That Disappears
Yes, literally. At low tide, the sea at Chandipur recedes up to 5 km, leaving vast rippling sands and tide pools behind. It’s an otherworldly experience—one where you can walk “into” the ocean. Add local seafood and nearby heritage sites, and you've got a coastal escape like no other.
Unlike Goa, many of these spots don’t rely on alcohol-fuelled nightlife to charm you. Instead, they offer quiet mornings, cultural surprises, and beaches you can sometimes have all to yourself.
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