Thousands of sun-deprived tourists visit India because it incredibly has the most diverse varieties of beaches anywhere in the world. Placid backwaters and lagoons, bays and rough lava-rocked seas, marine estuaries with fish, crashing surf, powdery golden sand or palm fringed shores - Incredible India has them all.

West Coast with the Arabian Sea and the East Coast with the Bay of Bengal offer many a verdant vistas to the traveler. The coasts of India have their own seafood cuisine, relaxing spas, diving and water sports and great places to stay for a balmy holiday

Kovalam undoubtedly is one of India's best sea resorts. The long coastline lined with swaying coconut palm trees dotted with an occasional fishing hamlet is fast developing into one of the world's finest string of beaches. The sea applauds the beach temple in Mahabalipuram, gloriously silhouetted against the spectrum of the seven colors in the sky. Puri, on the East Coast, is surely one of the world's most picturesque beaches. And then there is Digha, a three-hour drive out of Kolkata, a beautiful beach, splendid in its isolation

The beach holiday to beat them all is in the Isles of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshwadeep, where you can see the myriad colors of the flashy fish in the coral reefs from above the green waters

Now fully developed as an international beach resort, Goa offers the best holiday villages on its beaches. Everything about Goa is spellbinding from the landscape dotted with Portuguese architecture, to the way of life that exudes an irresistible Old World charm. Anjuna or Calangute Beach, and Miramar Bay in Panjim are quieter. Beach vendors sell all manner of kitsch in Anjuna and Calangute. You can rent beach mats and mattresses, sunglasses, and the usual tourist paraphernalia. You can even get all sorts of spaghetti, German bread and Italian food. The beach at Calangute is rocky. At Anjuna the waters are gentle and offer opportunities for boat rides, sea scooter rides, spot-the-dolphins rides, and motorboat rides. Colva and Benaulim are quieter and less crowded than Anjuna. The Fort Aguada beach offers gorgeous views that merit a visit. Sinquerim and Candolim are also quiet beaches that afford anonymity.

Lakshadweep Islands is known as the ultimate exotic diving location. 36 islands scattered like emerald green jewels in a sea popularly known as the Lakshadweep Island Group are also called "the Laccadives". They are located 400-kms away from the state of Kerala on the Indian mainland

The beaches of Lakshadweep are a paradise for divers, but out of Lakshadweep's 36 Arabian Sea coral islands and islets, ten islands are inhabited, and just two, Bangaram and Kadmat, are open to visitors

The most romantic feature of an island beach is the quiet and uninhabited atmosphere and that's where the beaches of Lakshadweep come into the picture. The palm-fringed beaches of Lakshadweep provide coolness even at in the hottest summer months, making this island region as a destination that can be travelled throughout the year

The world famous beaches of Goa are the highlights of travel in this state, making Goa the premier beach vacation destination. The first beach stop over in Goa is Anjuna beach also famous for its flea market and rave parties, then the Baga and Dona Paula beaches that can make any beach holiday a memorable one. 100-km long coastline gives an enthusiastic beach lover an opportunity to discover new secluded beach sites every day.

Anjuna Beach - fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties, 8 km west of Mapusa, most "alternative", the dancing and lying on the beach, famous flea market.

Baga Beach - watch the sun go down in isolation, 10-km west of Mapusa, basically an extension of Calangute wooded headland.

Dona Paula - fine view of the Marmagao Harbour nestled on the south side of the headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, former fishing village, and today’s commercialised beach resort, idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe.

Calangute Beach - Goa's busiest and most commercialized resort. During the 70's and 80's this peaceful fishing village became the favorite haunt of the hippies Benaulim Beach - sea is safe for swimming generally jellyfish-free, village area near beach side boasts a few serviceable bars and restaurants, various culinary delights of the seafood, most succulent, competitively priced seafood in Goa

Cavelosim Beach - last major settlement in southwest Salcete, visit to Mabor, South Goa largest, and most obtrusive, package tourist enclave

Bogmolo Beach - a small-scale beach resort, reasonably safer site for swimming, quite good eating joints and shopping options

Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting

Kovalam Beach - small village along the shoreline, fabulous beaches, most popular is the Lighthouse Beach, the northern most Samudra beach, least affected

Marari Beach - one of the local fishing villages, completely new to the holidaymaker, endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory, local charm and traditional Kerala

Beypore Beach - prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, also known for its ancient ship building industry