7 Best Beach Destinations with Hotels in India
A honeymoon-focused guide — romantic stays, private beaches, spa escapes, and dreamy activities
Congratulations — you’re planning a honeymoon by the sea! India’s coastline and islands offer a surprising variety of romantic beach escapes: from palm-fringed coves and clifftop resorts to coral-lined islands with turquoise water. The alternate is to visit hill stations.
Below is a carefully chosen list of the best beach destinations in India for newlyweds, with hotel suggestions across budget tiers, why each place is romantic, what to do there, best time to visit, and practical tips for an effortless honeymoon.
1. Goa — South Goa for quiet romance; North Goa if you want a lively mix
Why it’s perfect: Goa is the classic Indian beach honeymoon: balmy evenings, seafood dinners under the stars, candlelit beach front shacks, Portuguese-era architecture, and lots of luxury resorts that cater to romantic packages.
Where to stay (luxury pick): Taj Exotica, Benaulim (South Goa) — a sprawling Mediterranean-style beach front resort set in lush gardens, with private villa options, couples’ spa treatments, and fine dining ideal for special-occasion dinners.
Romantic highlights: private candlelit beach dinners, sunset cruises on traditional Goan boats, couples’ Ayurvedic spa rituals, and slow mornings at quieter beaches like Palolem, Agonda and Benaulim. South Goa beaches are less crowded and better for privacy.
Best time: November to February (cooler evenings, clear seas). Shoulder seasons like late October and March can still be pleasant and less crowded.
Insider tip: Book a beach front room or villa with a private plunge pool if you want guaranteed privacy. Arrange spa treatments and a beach dinner with the hotel before arrival to secure the best slots.
2. Andaman & Nicobar Islands — Havelock (Swaraj) Island for picture-perfect seclusion
Why it’s perfect: If you imagine white-sand beaches, transparent turquoise water, palm groves, and world-class diving/snorkeling, the Andamans are India’s island dream — remote, lush, and intimate.
Where to stay (top options): Havelock offers a range from cozy eco-resorts to boutique luxury stays and beach villas near Radhanagar Beach (often ranked among Asia’s top beaches). Popular resort options and well-reviewed hotels cluster near the main beaches and provide excursions, diving, and private beach moments.
Romantic highlights: sunset walks on Radhanagar Beach, snorkeling/diving among coral gardens, private boat trips to uninhabited islets, and candlelit dinners with the sea as your soundtrack.
Best time: November to mid-May. Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rains and disrupted ferry services.
Insider tip: Ferries and flights to the Andamans fill up fast in peak season. Book inter-island transfers and any dive trips in advance, and choose resorts that can handle transfers for you so you don’t have to worry about logistics after landing.
3. Kerala — Varkala & Kovalam for clifftop sunsets and Ayurvedic pampering
Why it’s perfect: Kerala’s beaches combine soft sand, dramatic cliffs, calm backwaters nearby, and a wellness tradition that’s tailor-made for couples: Ayurvedic massages, slow boat rides, and serene seafood dinners.
Where to stay (clifftop luxury): The Leela Kovalam — a celebrated clifftop 5-star resort with sweeping sea views, elegant rooms, and the kind of privacy and hospitality many honeymooners want. Its clifftop location is especially romantic for sundowners and late-night walks.
Varkala alternative: Varkala’s cliff-front stretch is dotted with boutique hotels and cafes overlooking the sea — perfect for couples who want a bohemian-meets-romance vibe with good restaurants and sunset views.
Romantic highlights: couples’ Ayurvedic sessions, private houseboat rides in nearby backwaters, sunrise yoga for two, and cliffside candlelit dinners in Varkala.
Best time: October to March. Avoid the monsoon if you want safe swimming and clear skies.
Insider tip: Try a traditional Kerala-style massage together and follow it with a quiet coconut-based meal; schedule wellness treatments early in your stay so you feel relaxed for the rest of your trip.
4. Pondicherry (Puducherry) & Auroville — French-flavored romance with quiet promenades
Why it’s perfect: For couples who love a European feel — cobbled lanes, art cafés, and a breezy promenade by the Bay of Bengal — Pondicherry offers a unique mix of culture and coastal calm.
Where to stay (heritage charm): Palais de Mahe — a boutique resort in the French Quarter that blends colonial architecture, intimate gardens, and proximity to the promenade for moonlit walks.
Romantic highlights: strolls through the French Quarter, breakfast at courtyard cafés, a day trip to Auroville for its serene Matrimandir and community vibes, and quiet evenings on the seaside promenade.
Best time: October to March for pleasant weather and minimal humidity.
Insider tip: For dining, book a table at a rooftop or courtyard restaurant in advance during weekends. Auroville can be a calm retreat for a day of meditation and unusual handicraft shopping.
5. Gokarna — rustic, intimate beaches for couples who want low-key romance
Why it’s perfect: Gokarna is an unpolished counterpoint to Goa’s party scene — a series of pristine beaches connected by scenic walks, with boutique shacks and small beachfront resorts that feel private and relaxed.
Where to stay: Small luxury villas, eco-resorts, and beachfront cottages near Om Beach and Kudle Beach offer candlelit dinners and private nooks for couples.
Romantic highlights: boat rides between beaches, trekking along cliff paths between secluded coves, bonfires on quieter beaches (where allowed), and seafood dinners at sunset.
Best time: October to March.
Insider tip: Gokarna’s best spots require a little walking; if mobility is a concern, choose a property directly on the beach and ask about private transfers.
6. Tarkarli & Malvan (Maharashtra) — clear waters, houseboat stays, and diving
Why it’s perfect: Tarkarli is known for some of the clearest waters on India’s west coast, options for scuba and snorkeling, and relaxed beach resorts with cozy private rooms.
Where to stay: Beach resorts and private villas that offer water activities, sunset cruises, and local Malvani seafood cuisine.
Romantic highlights: glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling together over marine life, long beachfront dinners, and quieter stretches of sand away from crowds.
Best time: October to May.
Insider tip: For couples who love marine activity, schedule diving/snorkeling early in the trip — you’ll have time to relax after an active day.
7. Diu & Daman — island calm with Portuguese-era charm
Why it’s perfect: Diu’s beaches are clean and quiet, with a relaxed island vibe and Portuguese forts and heritage architecture nearby. Diu works well for couples wanting low-key luxury without long travel from Gujarat/Mumbai.
Where to stay: Boutique heritage hotels and comfortable coastal resorts offer privacy and long walks on nearly empty beaches.
Romantic highlights: sunset at the Diu fort, private beach walks, exploring Portuguese lanes, and local seafood feasts.
Best time: November to March.
Insider tip: Diu is small — a 2–3 day stay is perfect unless you want to move around the region.
How to Choose the Best Beach for Your Honeymoon (quick checklist)
- Privacy vs. Scene — Want complete seclusion? Choose Andamans, South Goa, or a private villa. Want lively dining and nightlife? Choose North Goa or Pondicherry.
- Activities — Diving/snorkeling (Andamans, Tarkarli), Ayurveda and wellness (Kerala), sightseeing and old-world charm (Pondicherry, Diu).
- Travel time & logistics — For shorter flights from major cities, Goa, Pondicherry, Kovalam, and Diu are straightforward; Andamans require a flight and inter-island transfer.
- Budget — India has options from budget beach cottages to lavish 5-star resorts; decide early to lock in deals and packages.
- Season — Avoid monsoons for water-based activities; peak season (Nov–Feb) offers best weather but higher rates.
Sample 7-days honeymoon itinerary (Goa — relaxed and romantic)
Day 1: Arrive, private transfer to a South Goa resort (unpack, spa for two).
Day 2: Beach morning + private beach lunch; leisurely afternoon by the pool.
Day 3: Cultural day — Old Goa churches or a spice plantation lunch; sunset cruise.
Day 4: Day trip to a secluded beach (Palolem or Agonda) with a candlelit dinner.
Day 5: Slow morning, couples’ cooking class or Portuguese wine dinner.
Day 6: Optional water sports or island hopping; evening couples’ massages.
Day 7: Breakfast on the terrace, checkout, fly home.
(Adjust for Andamans: swap in diving, island hopping, and Radhanagar Beach day; for Kerala: add houseboat night and Ayurvedic package.)
Budget tiers & what to expect
- Luxury (₹20,000+/night): Five-star resorts with private beaches, villas, private pools, in-house spas, and curated honeymoon packages. Example: Taj Exotica in Goa and clifftop properties like The Leela Kovalam.
- Mid-range (₹6,000–₹20,000/night): Boutique resorts, smaller luxury chains, private cottages with good service and add-on experiences (private dinners, day trips).
- Budget (₹2,000–₹6,000/night): Beach-facing guesthouses, small eco-resorts, and homestays. Excellent value if you prioritize days out exploring rather than hotel amenities.
Romantic extras to request from hotels
- Private beachfront/candlelit dinner
- In-room aromatherapy, petals, and champagne on arrival
- Couples’ spa and wellness packages (Ayurvedic treatments, hot-stone massages)
- Romantic room upgrades (sea-view, balcony, private plunge pool)
- Surprise excursions: sunrise boat rides, private island picnics, in-resort photographers for a honeymoon shoot
When you book, email the hotel ahead of time — they often have honeymoon packages and will help you plan surprises.
Practical travel tips for an effortless honeymoon
- Book transfers and any inter-island or inter-city flights early. Remote islands (Andamans) and small ferries can sell out.
- Carry copies of IDs and marriage proof — some hotels offer honeymoon perks if you show proof, and some islands require identity checks for ferries.
- Health & safety: Pack reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling/diving and any medications you might need. For Andamans and small islands, medical facilities are basic — travel insurance is recommended.
- Money: Many boutique spots are cash-friendly; confirm card acceptance in advance.
- Respect local rules: Some beaches (esp. in conservative coastal regions) are family-oriented — modest swimwear may be expected away from tourist zones.
Final thoughts — pick the vibe that fits you
A honeymoon should reflect what you love doing together. Want picture-perfect island seclusion? Choose the Andamans. Crave laughter, seafood, and laid-back luxury with easy flights?
Goa or Kerala will fit the bill. Longing for charming cafés, colonial lanes, and slower rhythms? Pondicherry’s French Quarter is made for dreamy strolls. Wherever you go, plan a mix of shared experiences (a spa day, a private dinner, a sunrise walk) and quiet time to simply enjoy being newly married.
