Marari, Kerala

I found this one while staying in Alleppey. It’s not “Instagram-perfect” in the usual sense, but that’s exactly the charm. Just a wide, clean stretch of sand, fishermen fixing nets, coconut trees leaning in. Early morning here is magic, barely anyone around.

Tarkarli, Maharashtra

Goa’s cousin that nobody visits. The water is crazy clear (you can actually see your feet when you stand waist-deep). People do scuba diving here, which I didn’t expect outside the Andamans. Still quiet, still raw.

Yarada, Andhra Pradesh

If you’re in Vizag, take a drive. The city beaches are crowded, but Yarada is like a secret corner. Hills behind you, sea in front, and just a couple of locals. Best sunrise I’ve ever caught on the east coast.

Serenity, Puducherry

Surfers like it, but otherwise the name says it all. Quiet cafés, fishing boats, golden sand. Much calmer than Pondy’s main beach.

Mandarmani, West Bengal

One of the longest driveable beaches I’ve seen. You can actually take a car along the sand. Hundreds of tiny red crabs rush back into holes when you walk by.

Radhanagar, Andamans

Okay, this one’s famous among Andaman regulars, but compared to mainland beaches it still feels untouched. Soft white sand, blue-green water, and jungle right behind.

Gokarna, Karnataka

Feels like Goa twenty years ago. Om Beach, Half Moon, Kudle- all chilled out, plenty of space, fewer crowds. Backpacker vibe, not party vibe.

That’s seven. Different corners of India, same thing in common: peace, space, and no fight for a beach chair.