“The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of the rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach.” – Henry Beston

While a good shower is a great setting for romance, it is hardly suitable for an extended honeymoon! But you can certainly enjoy the sounds of the ocean on a lovely beach honeymoon. And this is one area where India is blessed. With a coastline that stretches on for more than 7,000 km, there is no dearth of beaches here! The Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean are the close confidants of some picturesque beaches, complete with sandy shores and swaying palms. Yet, each one has a unique flavor of its own, and offers a different experience every time you visit.

With such an extensive coastline, it’s easy to get confused, so we’ve made things easier by short-listing the best of the lot. Here’s a look at the top 8 beach honeymoon destinations in India.

1. Goa

Talk about a beach destination in India and Goa is the first place that comes to mind. Yet, Goa is much, much more than just a tiny state full of beaches. Goa is the perfect place to toss all your tension into the ocean, let down your hair and have an unforgettable time with your partner.

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For honeymooners, opt for the more secluded beaches like Agonda that offer you enough privacy to walk hand in hand with your spouse or sit and watch the sunset together. If you’re up for some adventure, go to places like Benaulim where you have the option of watching dolphins or engaging in water sports.

2. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The islands of Andaman & Nicobar don’t feature much on popular travel lists, but if you’re looking for a beach honeymoon, you can’t afford to miss them! They are incredibly beautiful and haven’t been as commercialized as other popular beaches in India.

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Yet, they are in no means inferior – the Radhanagar beach on Havelock Island was even named the world’s seventh best beach by the Time magazine in 2007. Some beaches are a little more inaccessible than the others, but this is what makes them perfect for honeymooners! You can take your time to laze around on the lovely white sand or even go for a swim in the sea together.

3. Kovalam, Kerala

Kerala is already a popular hotspot for honeymooners, with many options to choose from. With nearly every district having its own coastline, Kerala is rife with beaches to visit. But none is as popular as Kovalam, near the southernmost tip of India.

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With a crescent shape, Kovalam is also a popular beach wedding destination, such is its charm! Being a popular tourist choice, there are many activities for honeymooners. Even if you don’t want to do any of them, you can wade in the water for quite a distance; it’s quite shallow.

4. Lakshadweep

If you’ve always looked at those beautiful calendar pictures of golden beaches flanked by turquoise waters and wondered if there really was a place like that, look no further – visit Lakshadweep! Lakshadweep is actually a group of unpolluted and virginal islands.

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If you and your spouse are nature lovers, you’ll adore the beaches here, which are full of rich flora and fauna. This is probably the least-crowded beach destination, and is even compared to the ‘Maldives, without the crowds.’ How’s that for complete privacy!!

5. Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a quaint little place, which still retains its old world charm left behind by the French. Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, but its beach makes it the complete honeymoon package. Auroville sees tourists from all over the world, and Auroville beach is not too far from it.

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This particular beach is beautiful even at night, as the harbor lights up and makes everything seem magical. The weekdays are a better option for honeymooners, as general crowds are fewer and you can soak in the beauty of the place in peace.

6. Tarkarli

Tarkarli is a beach destination in Maharashtra, albeit a little different from other beach destinations in the country. While most beaches feature sapphire or turquoise waters, Tarkarli deviates from it. Here, you find crystal clear water that lets you see right through to the sea bed, up to a depth of 20 feet!!

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Needless to say, this makes it the perfect place for couples to go scuba diving or snorkeling. If you want something less adventurous, the two of you can also go on a boat ride and try to spot dolphins or other sea life.

7. Maravanthe

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Karnataka, Maravanthe is truly spectacular. NH-66 straddles Maravanthe on one side and the River Suparnika on the other, making for a one of a kind scenic route that is not to be missed.

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Although the place lacks in tourist infrastructure, Maravanthe makes for a great place for honeymooners to watch the sunset together, go for boat rides, and visit nearby islands. The nearest town with good accommodation is Kundapura, which is about 17kms from the beach.

8. St. Mary’s Islands

Another gem of a beach in Karnataka for a beach honeymoon destination is the cluster of four islands in the Arabian Sea known as St. Mary’s Islands off the coast of Malpe, in Udupi district. The islands are famous for their distinctive pillar-like rock formations of basaltic lava.

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The islands are home to gulls, sandpipers, brahminy kites, and various types of egrets, that are a site to behold. This is a natural destination for the honeymooning couple, who can visit the cluster of islands from Mangalore, which is about 60kms away and is also the nearest airport.

Being by the sea always brings out something very primal in us, and it’s a great setting to open up your heart to your new partner. Get a shot of adrenaline with some water sports or feast on some fresh seafood. When you’re done with that, you can stand and look at the waves crashing on the shore. At the end of the day, walk barefoot in the sand, and watch your footprints moving forward together, indicative of the start of a lovely new life with each other.

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