Some places stay with you long after the trip ends. For me, it’s always the beaches. Not the crowded, picture-perfect ones you see in brochures—but the long, open stretches where the wind smells like salt and stories float on the waves.
India is full of those kinds of places. With a coastline that stretches more than 7,500 kilometers, it’s home to some of the longest beaches in the world—many of them hiding in plain sight. The kind of beaches where time slows down. Where early mornings begin with fishermen pulling in their nets, and evenings wrap up with kids playing cricket in the golden light.
This article isn’t just a list of pretty places to sunbathe. It’s a walk through the top 10 longest beaches in India—from the iconic ones everyone talks about to those offbeat coastal gems you stumble upon and never want to leave.
And these beaches? They’re not just long—they’re alive. Each one has a rhythm of its own. A community, a culture, a quiet kind of chaos that feels surprisingly soothing once you’re in it.
Here’s why these long beaches matter more than they get credit for:
- They offer space—real, breathing space. In a country that’s often described as “crowded,” these beaches are generous with room to roam.
- They hold memories. Think school picnics, family holidays, that one quiet sunrise walk you never forgot.
- They connect land and livelihood. These shores feed families, host festivals, and cradle entire fishing communities.
For me, walking on a beach that goes on for miles is more than just a workout. It’s therapy. You don’t need music. The waves talk. You don’t need company. The breeze wraps around you like an old friend. Whether you’re someone who chases sunsets, writes poems in the sand, or simply wants to sit and breathe without checking your phone, these places invite you in—and let you stay a while.
So here it is: an honest, heart-first look at the top 10 longest beaches in India. The sand is warm, the waves are calling, and the journey is just beginning.
1. Marina Beach, Chennai – 13 km
When people talk about long beaches in India, Marina Beach almost always comes up first—and with good reason. Stretching over 13 kilometers, it’s not just India’s longest urban beach but also one of the longest in the world.
But Marina isn’t just about length. It’s about life. Every morning, the promenade buzzes with joggers, food vendors setting up shop, and chai stalls brewing for the early risers. Come evening, the beach transforms—families arrive in waves, kids fly kites, and the salty air fills with the aroma of roasted corn and spicy sundal.
Sure, it’s not the cleanest beach in India. The crowds can be intense, and some parts feel a little too commercial. But there’s something incredibly real about it. It’s not curated for Instagram. It’s lived in, loved, and layered with stories. If you want to experience Chennai’s heartbeat, walk its shore at sunrise. The city breathes differently there.
What to expect:
- Local snacks, street performers, pony rides
- Sunrise views that feel sacred
- Statues and colonial-era architecture lining the promenade
2. Colva Beach, Goa – 10 km
Goa is known for its party beaches, but Colva offers something else entirely—a 10-kilometer stretch of calm, silver sand, lined with palm trees and a soft sense of nostalgia. It’s one of South Goa’s oldest and most beloved beaches, often skipped by party-hoppers but cherished by those who crave space and stillness.
Colva has this laid-back charm. Mornings are quiet, often interrupted only by the soft hum of fishermen returning with their catch. The afternoons are perfect for a nap under a beach umbrella or a slow walk collecting shells. And the sunsets? They’re slow and golden, like the beach knows you needed a pause.
Unlike North Goa’s vibrant chaos, Colva gives you room to think. To breathe. To be. And maybe that’s why it’s stayed special all these years.
What to expect:
- Long walks without interruption
- Less commercial vibe than Baga or Calangute
- Traditional Goan food at local beach shacks
3. Chandipur Beach, Odisha – 8-10 km (with a twist)
Chandipur doesn’t just make the list for its length—it earns a spot for its otherworldly magic. Located in Odisha, this beach spans around 8 to 10 kilometers, depending on the tide. And that’s the twist. During low tide, the sea recedes up to 5 kilometers, revealing a wide stretch of exposed sea bed you can literally walk on.
Imagine this: the sea disappears, crabs skitter across the wet sand, and you find yourself standing where waves once crashed just hours before. It’s eerie, exciting, and strangely peaceful all at once.
Chandipur isn’t flashy. It’s not polished or full of resorts. But if you’re someone who’s drawn to strange beauty—things that shift and change—it’s worth every step.
What to expect:
- Tidal phenomenon unlike any other in India
- Peaceful, quiet environment with few tourists
- Local fish curry that’s rich and full of character
These three beaches don’t just top the list in length—they each offer a distinct mood, a different way to experience the coastline. Marina is alive and loud. Colva is soothing and soft. Chandipur? It’s a secret waiting to be uncovered.
Muzhappilangad, Ramakrishna, and Puri – Where the Shore Meets Story
4. Muzhappilangad Beach, Kerala – 7 km
Some places feel like hidden chapters in a travel book. Muzhappilangad Beach, tucked away in Kerala’s Kannur district, is one of them. It stretches for 7 kilometers, but what makes it truly special? You can drive on it.
Yes—this is India’s only drive-in beach, and the packed sand lets you cruise along the coastline with the waves beside your wheels. There’s a rush to it, but also a kind of childlike joy. Imagine playing your favorite song, windows down, salty wind in your hair, and nothing but the open beach ahead.
But Muzhappilangad is more than a novelty. It’s scenic, surrounded by casuarina trees and flanked by calm waters, making it perfect for safe swimming. Local families picnic here, and in the evenings, the beach feels golden—almost surreal.
What to expect:
- Drive-in beach experience like no other
- Great for long walks and gentle dips
- Local snacks like banana chips and pazham pori (fried banana) sold by vendors
5. Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam – 6 km
Locally known as RK Beach, this stretch in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) offers around 6 kilometers of coastline, culture, and cityscape wrapped into one. It’s a place where mornings start with yoga, joggers, and fishermen; by noon, families arrive for picnics, and by night, lights from nearby cafés reflect softly on the sea.
RK Beach is not exactly quiet, but there’s a rhythm here—a balance. You’ll find the INS Kursura Submarine Museum parked right on the beach road, which adds a unique touch of history to your visit. Kids build sandcastles, teenagers take selfies near sculptures, and street vendors serve fresh coconut water and spicy muri mixture.
It’s a beach that belongs to the people. Everyday life happens here, and that makes it feel honest.
What to expect:
- Blend of nature, city buzz, and maritime history
- Long, walkable promenade
- Excellent street food and panoramic ocean views
6. Puri Beach, Odisha – 5 km
Spiritual energy and sea breeze don’t always come together, but Puri Beach manages to blend them beautifully. Located near the sacred Jagannath Temple, this 5-kilometer-long beach is more than a tourist spot—it’s a pilgrimage for the soul.
Every morning, the beach fills with a mix of devotees, locals, and travelers. Priests perform rituals on the sand, and the rhythmic crash of waves seems to echo centuries of tradition. Yet, it’s also incredibly grounded—camel rides, shell sellers, and children running toward the surf are just as much a part of the scene.
The beach is known for its rough waves, so swimming isn’t always recommended, but the energy of this place? You feel it in your chest. It’s not calm. It’s alive.
What to expect:
- Rich blend of spirituality and seaside culture
- Strong surf and wide golden sands
- Markets nearby for handicrafts and traditional sweets like khaja
These three beaches—each so different—remind us that a long shoreline isn’t just about distance. It’s about the stories that unfold along the way. One lets you drive. Another mixes modern life with sea air. And one carries the weight of centuries in the spray of every wave.
7. Gopalpur Beach, Odisha – 5 km
There’s a quiet elegance to Gopalpur Beach. Located in southern Odisha, this 5-kilometer stretch once thrived as a bustling port during British colonial rule. Today, it’s more relaxed—fewer crowds, softer sounds, and a coastline that feels deeply personal.
You won’t find flashy beach parties here. What you will find are long walks along a clean, wind-swept shore, with gentle waves brushing your ankles and fishing boats resting on the sand like old storytellers. The town nearby is slow-paced, with old colonial buildings and warm, curious locals.
This beach isn’t trying to impress. It just is. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
What to expect:
- Peaceful setting, great for solitude seekers
- Local seafood stalls serving prawns and crabs
- Fewer tourists, more untouched charm
8. Digha Beach, West Bengal – 4.5 km
Digha is a name that resonates with generations of Bengalis. For many, it’s their first beach holiday memory. Stretching across 4.5 kilometers, Digha Beach in West Bengal isn’t just long—it’s wide, rough-edged, and deeply loved.
This beach has character. The sea here is untamed, the waves dramatic. On weekends, it gets lively with families, honeymooners, and groups of friends—all chasing the sea breeze and plates of fried fish from nearby stalls. During quieter weekdays, you’ll spot local vendors selling seashell jewelry and children squealing as the surf nips at their toes.
Is it overly commercial in parts? Yes. But it’s also warm, familiar, and full of life. There’s something comforting about a place that doesn’t pretend to be perfect.
What to expect:
- Bustling atmosphere, especially on holidays
- Plenty of food and budget lodging options
- Lively sea with occasional strong currents
9. Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal – 13 km (yes, really!)
Many are surprised to learn that Mandarmani Beach quietly matches Marina in length, stretching over 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. But where Marina is urban, Mandarmani feels more like an unrolled canvas—quiet, wild, and vastly open.
Once considered a hidden gem, it’s now slowly gaining popularity, but it still hasn’t lost its peaceful soul. The beach is flat and wide, allowing even cars to drive on the sand in some areas. When the tide is low, you can walk endlessly, watching red crabs scuttle across your path like tiny beach guardians.
There aren’t flashy resorts lining every corner, which adds to its raw charm. Sunrises here are something else—the sky turns soft pink and gold, and you can hear nothing but the hush of waves and your own breath.
What to expect:
- One of the longest driveable beaches in India
- Minimal crowd during weekdays
- Sunrise views that feel like poetry
Gopalpur whispers. Digha speaks with a laugh. Mandarmani stretches into silence. These beaches remind us that length isn’t just a measure—it’s a feeling. A longer shore means more space for moments, more time to slow down, more room to simply exist.
10. Kovalam Beach, Kerala – 3.5–4 km (curved and classic)
Kovalam isn’t the longest beach in numbers, but it deserves its spot for one reason: it feels endless.
Set against the backdrop of coconut groves and red-and-white striped lighthouses, Kovalam’s main beach—split into Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach—stretches in a gentle curve for around 4 kilometers. It may not be the straight, uninterrupted kind of long, but it flows from one bay to the next in a way that pulls you in and makes you stay.
There’s something cinematic about Kovalam. The warm sands, the rhythmic waves, the fishermen pushing boats into the water. It’s lively without being overwhelming. Popular with both Indian and international travelers, the beach balances local life with tourist comfort in a way that feels just right.
What to expect:
- Gently sloped beach perfect for swimming
- Lighthouse climbs for panoramic views
- A mix of Ayurvedic massage centers, yoga huts, and seafood cafés
Honorable Mentions: Worth Walking a Bit More
A few other beaches just missed the top 10 but are worth your time if you’re the kind of traveler who values peace and long strolls:
- Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra – Clean, calm, and perfect for scuba diving. Around 2 km but feels longer thanks to its serenity.
- Karwar Beach, Karnataka – Gentle waves, golden sands, and a view of the Kali River meeting the sea.
- Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island (Andamans) – Not long, but wide, pristine, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
These may not match Marina or Mandarmani in kilometers, but they offer the same spacious feel that long beaches give—without the crowds.
Final Reflections
When we talk about the top 10 longest beaches in India, it’s easy to focus on numbers. 13 kilometers here, 10 kilometers there. But standing on these beaches, you don’t count the distance in kilometers. You count it in footsteps, memories, moments.
You remember the coconut you sipped at Colva. The red crabs at Mandarmani. The foggy morning walk in Chandipur where the sea had vanished. The lighthouse climb at Kovalam with your heart pounding—not just from the stairs, but from the view.
Each beach on this list tells its own story. Some are bustling with life. Some are quiet and reflective. But they all offer something rare—the luxury of space in a world that often feels too fast, too loud, too full.
So if you ever feel like you need to stretch your legs—and maybe your soul—head to the coast. Pick a beach. Start walking. Let the waves talk. Let the wind listen. The sand will remember every step.
Ready to plan your next coastal escape? Whether you’re looking for the longest beach to explore or just a quiet stretch of sand to call your own, India’s shores have more to offer than most guidebooks will ever tell you.
