What Is The Longest Beach In India? (Along With The Other Longest Beaches In The Country)
Marina Beach in Chennai is the longest beach in India. It is also the second-longest beach in the world.
Currently, this beach is undergoing major transformation under the Blue Flag Initiative. So, the beach zone of 50 acres will now have the following amenities.
- Bamboo entryways
- Wheel-chair-friendly paths
- Cemented walking paths
- Upgraded bath zones
- Child-friendly play areas
- High-density polyurethane platforms
- Bamboo recliners
Furthermore, this blue flag initiative in Marina Beach, Chennai, can be a benchmark in the sustainable coastal tourism development.
Moreover, when the beach becomes cleaner and safer, its global recognition as a shoreline and the realization of the ambition of international tourists will be possible.
Do you want to know more about the longest beach in India? In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will talk about Marina Beach and the other longest beaches in the country.
What Is The Longest Beach In India? Know The Top 10 Names
Beach tourism is important for the overall tourism landscape of India. Recently, we have seen the Suryalanka beach of Andhra Pradesh getting ₹97.53 crore in central funds for development.
This beach in the Bapatla district will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
“This funding is in addition to the ₹172. 34 crore already sanctioned for the Akhanda Godavari and Gandikota projects. With this approval, the total funds allocated for tourism projects in Andhra Pradesh now stand at ₹269.86 crore.”
Kandula Durgesh, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister.
However, it’s not just about the development of the Suryalanka beach. The entire beach tourism industry in the country is under the spotlight because of its consistent growth and increasing popularity among international visitors.
In fact, the beach tourism industry in the country is expected to reach USD 364.95 billion by 2032.
This time, we will talk about the top 10 longest beach in India, with Marina Beach topping the chart.
1. Marina Beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, The Longest Beach In India
- Marina Beach Length: 13 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: Currently Undergoing Developments by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to Receive Blue Flag Certification
- Hours Open: 24/7
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, has shimmering water and golden sand. The water here dances to a rhythmic symphony, allowing you to relax.
Furthermore, the history of the beach goes back to the British Colonial Era. Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff developed it into a public promenade and named it Madras Marina in the 19th century.
The beach also has associations with the independence day struggles of the country, and today, the Mahatma Gandhi and the Triumph of Labour figures remind us of its rich history.
Other notable statues on the beach are of:
- Swami Sivananda
- Thanthai Periyar
- Avaaiyar
- Dr. Annie Beasant
- Tiruvalluvar
- Sir Thomas Munro
- G.U. Pope
- Kamarajar
- Subramaniya Bharathiyar
- Kannagi
- Robert Caldwell
- M.G. Ramachandran
- Kamarajar
- Shivaji Ganesan
Moreover, the Ice House and the aquarium are the biggest attractions on the Marina Beach. Also, as mentioned before, the beach is getting upgraded for better resilience against natural forces.
Community involvement and regular maintenance will be the two other important elements for the sustainable development of the beach.
How To Reach Marina Beach, Chennai?
The easiest way to reach Marina Beach is to take the Chennai Blue Line Metro to the Government Estate.
Then, take a short taxi or auto ride for 25-30 minutes to reach the beach.
2. Varkala Beach Or Papanasam Beach, Varkala, Kerala: Cleansing One’s Soul
- Varkala Beach Length: 10 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: Not Yet
- Hours Open: 24/7
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Famous for the Janardana Swamy Temple, Varkala Beach has great spiritual significance, and taking a bath here is believed to cleanse one’s soul or destroy (Nasa) the sins (Paap).
Furthermore, the beach stands out thanks to its distinct geological features, such as mineral springs and red laterite cliffs.
Also, for its unique charm and beauty, the beach is called the “Pearl of the Arabian Sea.” Moreover, it is the second longest beach in India.
How To Reach Varkala Beach Or Papanasam Beach?
The Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is closest to the Varkala Beach. You can travel the 41 km distance by bus or a taxi.
However, the easiest way to reach Varkala Beach is to travel to Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, the nearest railway station, at a distance of 10 km.
And from there, you can take auto rickshaws to reach the beach.
Moreover, Varkala is well-connected to other cities in Kerala and the nearby states through inter-city bus services and state-run bus services.
3. Puri Golden Beach, Puri, Odisha: A Coastal Getaway With Spiritual Significance
- Puri Beach Length: 7 Km
- Blug Flag Certification: Yes
- Hours Open: 5 AM to 10 PM
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
Puri, one of the most important destinations for spiritual tourism in India, also has the 3rd longest beach in India.
Currently, with the Rath Yatra 2025 fervor in full swing, the Puri Beach has come under the spotlight as Sudarsan Pattnaik, the renowned sand artist, created a stunning sand sculpture featuring 101 Jagannath idols.
The message behind this unique creation is “Jai Jagannath- A Journey of Faith and Unity.”
Nevertheless, Puri has always been a favorite beach destination for people in Eastern India, and the long stretches of golden sand look stunning in both sunlight and moonlight.
Also, the food stalls and souvenir shops on the beach are a delight to explore.
How To Reach Puri Golden Beach?
Puri Golden Beach is just 2 km away from the Puri Railway Station. You will get taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cars to travel the distance.
Further, the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the airport closest to the Puri Beach. The distance is around 61 km.
4. Benaulim Beach, Goa, A Quiet Beach For Watching The Sunset
- Benaulim Beach Length: 7 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: Proposed for Blue Flag Certification
- Hours Open: 24/7
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
A joint entry at the third spot is the Benaulim Beach of Goa. It is a working fishing beach, and it’s an experience to see the fishing community and their unique way of living here.
The place is peaceful and ideal for you if you just want to unwind and relax.
However, this beach surrounded by palm trees is also loved for water activities such as:
- Banana boat rides
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
Moreover, don’t try to gorge on seafood delicacies here while enjoying the Sunset magic.
How To Reach Benaulim Beach, Goa?
Madgaon Railway Station is around 5 km away from the beach. You can take a cab, local bus, or auto-rickshaw to reach the beach.
Furthermore, the nearest airport, Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport), is just 30 km away from the beach.
5. Digha Beach, West Bengal: A Coastal Gateaway With Shallow Waters
- Digha Beach Length: 7 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: Not Yet
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Hours Open: 24/7
Digha Beach in West Bengal also holds the position of the 3rd longest beach in India. A popular destination for 2 days trip from Kolkata, the beach is further set to welcome more footfall thanks to the newly opened Jagannath Temple here.
Opening the doors on 30th April, 2025, the Digha Jagannath Temple already had 10 lakh visitors within the first 5 days.
Nevertheless, Digha Beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation. It is also a popular weekend getaway, and don’t forget to try the seafood dishes here.
How To Reach Digha Beach?
Digha Beach is closest to the Digha Railway Station. The distance between these two places is 10 km. You will get rickshaws, tuk-tuks, and autos to reach the beach from the station.
Additionally, buses operate from the Esplanade and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Airport) bus stop in Kolkata to Digha.
However, you can also plan a road trip from Kolkata to Digha, and the distance between these two places is 181 km.
6. Juhu Beach, Mumbai, Maharashtra: The Best Beach In India For The Ultimate Bollywood Vibe
- Juhu Beach Length: 6 Kilometers
- Blue Flag Certification: Yet to Receive
- Hours Open: 24/7
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
Juhu Beach recently became the destination for a smart brand collaboration and promotion for Lakmé Sun Expert and Zepto.
You can now clearly see the “Lakmé Sun Expert Delivered in 10 Minutes” message when the Sun is shining over you, and you can’t do without sunscreen.
“Our aim at Lakmé goes beyond selling sunscreen—we want to drive widespread adoption and awareness of daily sun protection. Through Zepto’s 10-minute delivery, we’re ensuring that staying sun-safe is as easy as reaching for your phone.”
Pratik Ved, Vice-President, Skincare, Hindustan Unilever, on this Campaign at Juhu Beach.
Nevertheless, Juhu Chowpatty or Juhu Beach has always been a favorite destination for gorging on street foods, spotting Bollywood celebrities, and enjoying the beautiful view of the Arabian Sea.
How To Reach Juhu Beach?
Juhu Beach is just 5 km away from the nearest airport, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. You can take a cab from the airport to reach the beach within 25 minutes.
Also, the beach is well connected to the following railway stations.
- Santa Cruz Railway Station – 6 Km
- Vile Parle Railway Station – 2.5 Km
- Andheri Railway Station – 4 Km
7. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach, Kannur, Kerala: A Swimmer’s Paradise
- Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach Length: 3.8 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: No
- Hours Open: 24/7
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
The only drive-in beach in India and the longest drive-in beach in Asia, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach offers you the most mesmerizing view of the Malabar Coast.
Further, it is a swimmer’s paradise with the black rocks along the beach protecting it from the strongest ocean currents. It is also a birdwatching hotspot, with the rocky shoreline being a haven for migratory birds.
Did you know that you could spot around 30 species of migratory birds at this beach during winter?
Also, it’s an experience to walk to the lush green Dharmadam Island.
Moreover, for an adrenaline rush, you can take part in the following adventurous activities on the beach.
- Parasailing
- Paragliding
- Catamaran Ride
- Microlight Flights
And once you are tired from all the beach fun, you can try authentic Malabar cuisine from the local shacks. Taste the perfect blend of sweet and sour with a touch of coconut and spices.
Also, the beach shows its full glory during the beach festival every April.
How To Reach Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach?
Thalassery Railway Station is the closest major railway station to the beach and is located at a distance of 10 km. The Kannur Railway Station is also at a distance of 15 km.
You can take a bus, taxi, or cab from the railway stations to reach the beach.
Cabs to the beach are also available from the Kannur International Airport (CNN), at a distance of 27 km.
8. Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: A Scenic Beach In The Bay Of Bengal
- Ramakrishna Beach Length: 3.7 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: Suspended
- Hours Open: 24/7
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
One of the most popular beaches near Hyderabad, Ramakrishna Beach, is located in Visakhapatnam, one of the best weekend getaways from Hyderabad.
The beach gets its name from the Ramakrishna Ashram located nearby. Also, today, it is known for the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum.
Other notable attractions near the beach include the Victory at Sea War Memorial and a Kali Temple, which resembles the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.
Moreover, this beach has a vibrant atmosphere as you can sunbathe and swim here. For more fun, play beach volleyball or surf the water.
How To Reach Ramakrishna Beach?
The Ramakrishna Beach is very close to the Visakhapatnam Railway Station. The distance is just 5 km.
You can take local buses and taxis to reach the beach.
Visakhapatnam Airport is also close to the beach, and the distance between these two places is 16 km.
9. Colva Beach, South Goa: A Beach Surrounded By Coconut Palm Trees
- Colva Beach Length: 2.4 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: Yet to Receive
- Hours Open: 24/7
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
Colva is one of the most famous beaches in Goa. Stretching to the Bogmalo Beach on the north and to the Cabo de Rama Beach on the south, Colva Beach, Goa, is surrounded by coconut palm trees.
Colva Beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Furthermore, you can take part in adventure sports or host beach parties to soak in the lively spirit of the beach.
Moreover, Colva beach is one of the best places to visit in South Goa to try authentic Goanese cuisine. The beach is surrounded by small huts and eateries offering the best food.
How To Reach Colva Beach, South Goa?
Colva Beach is well-connected to the Madgaon Station, the nearest railway station. The distance between these two places is just 8 km.
You can take KTC buses from Madgaon to Colva Beach, and the journey just takes 15 minutes. You will also get options such as two-wheelers, autos, and cars on rent.
Furthermore, the beach is just 21 km away from Dabolim Airport (GOI). Take a car rental to travel the distance by road.
10. Radhanagar Beach, The Andaman And Nicobar Islands: The Best Beach In Asia
- Radhanagar Beach Length: 2 Km
- Blue Flag Certification: Yes
- Hours Open: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
Time Magazine named Radhanagar Beach the “Best Beach in Asia” in 2004.
Also, the Radhanagar Beach at Swaraj Dweep acts as an inspiration as the five more beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are about to get evaluated for Blue Flag certification.
“Five additional beaches have recently been evaluated, aiming to draw more environmentally conscious visitors. We hope to get five more Blue Flag-certified beaches in the islands.”
Chandra Bhushan, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Furthermore, with turquoise waters and pristine white sands, it is a crown jewel of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the cheapest islands in the world.
The beach looks all the more beautiful with the lush green surroundings. The atmosphere here is relaxing. However, it is also ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
However, the most striking experience here is watching the sunset. You never knew that the sky could be painted so beautifully!
It is no wonder that the beach has a place in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2025 list.
How To Reach Radhanagar Beach?
Radhanagar Beach is located on Havelock Island, also known as Swaraj Dweep. You can take a ferry from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Havelock jetty is just 12 km away from the Radhangar Beach. You can take a taxi, scooter, or auto rickshaw on rent to reach the beach.
Longest Beach In India Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the longest beach in India.
Marina Beach in Chennai is the first longest beach in India. Its length is 13 km, and currently the beach is undergoing renovation works for Blue Flag certification.
Cox’s Bazar Beach in Bangladesh is the largest beach in Asia. It stretches for around 120 km along the Bay of Bengal.
Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the number one beach in Asia.
It has a pristine ambiance, and it is recognized by names such as Time Magazine and TripAdvisor.
No, Baga Beach is not the longest beach in India. However, it is a part of the longest contiguous stretch of beaches, spanning 30 kms.
Other notable beaches which are part of that continuous stretch are Candolim Beach, Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Vagator Beach, Chapora Beach, and Fort.
Muzhappilangad Beach in Kerala is the biggest driving beach in Asia. It has a length of 4 km and it is also famous for its annual beach festival in April.
The beaches in Goa, the beach capital of the country, are the most popular beaches in India. From Palolem Beach to the Baga Beach, Goa offers endless varieties with its seas.
Colva Beach is the longest beach in Goa. Its length is 2.4 km, and it is the best beach to try authentic Goanese cuisine.
Praia do Cassino in Brazil, with its close to 254 km stretch, is the longest beach in the world. It is also the longest uninterrupted sandy seashore.
However, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh is the longest natural sea beach in the world.
Marina Beach in Chennai is the 2nd longest beach in the world. It is a 13 km stretch and a beautiful place with a history going back to the British Colonial era.
