Discover Indian coastal wonders: Stunning alternatives to Goa

Matri mandir in Auroville is one of many attractions in Puducherry

While envisioning a beach getaway in India, Goa is a name that often comes to mind with its scenic palm-fringed beaches, rugged cliffs, and vibrant atmosphere. However, India nestles a treasure trove of equally stunning and captivating cities beyond Goa which boast a plethora of unique attractions and charm.

Here are some of the numerous Indian destinations that offer more than just an ideal beach vacation, filled with parties, cocktails, seafood and sandy beaches. These cities also offer tourists, opportunities for spiritual enrichment, historical exploration, and a deep dive into diverse cultures and Indian heritage – all at an affordable cost. 

These coastal cities are well worth exploring and provide you an equally fun and enriching experience, if not more, than the celebrated coastal state of Goa.

Gokarna, Karnataka 

Gokarna is one of the destinations increasingly becoming a staple of every travellers bucket list

The city of pristine beaches and ancient Hindu shrines, Gokarna is one of the destinations increasingly becoming a staple of every travellers bucket list. 

Despite attracting a rapidly growing number of tourists every year, Gokarna has managed to maintain its calm and peaceful atmosphere. The quaint temple town is not only known for its 10 picture-perfect and sandy beaches, some of them being, Kundale Beach, Om Beach, Half-Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach but is also home to lush green forests and hills offering adventure enthusiasts a chance to participate in various activities such as trekking, hiking, rock climbing, surfing and more.

Located on the western coast, close to Goa, Mengaluru and Hubli, Gokarna also houses ancient Hindu temples such as Maha Ganpati Temple, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Bhadrakali Temple and Mahalassa Temple which are of great significance to pilgrims and devotees visiting the city. 

Along with its tourist attractions, Gokarna also boasts a range scrumptious of local delicacies such as Todadevu, a pancake made from the juice of Konana Katte cane, a type of sugarcane native to the region, Squid Sukka, tender and squishy squid cooked in rich spices, and Patrode, a savoury snack made with colocasia leaves, jaggery and gram floor. 

Gopalpur, Odisha

Chilka Lake is the largest brackish-water lake in Asia (MIG photos)

A well-kept secret in Odisha, Gopalpur is a tiny town located just 15 km from Behrampur, and 170 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, boasts one of the most stunning and unspoiled beaches on the eastern coast of India, owing to the city’s obscurity and location. 

This offbeat destination, away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities is perfect for travellers seeking an escape from the noise, and who just want to relax and immerse themselves in the nature. Apart from the beaches, there is a lot to do in and around the city with tourist attractions including the Gopalpur Lighthouse, the Taran Tarini Temple, located atop a hill, is an important pilgrimage site which also offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Chilka Lake, which is the largest brackish-water lake in Asia, the natural hot springs of Taptapani and Rushikulya Muhana, a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. 

One can also savour the fresh catches of prawns, crabs and different fishes prepared in local flavours; and mouthwatering local dishes like Chingudi Jhola, prawn curry and Machha Besara, fish curry.

Kochi, Kerala 

Kochi is known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ (MIG photos)

Located between the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east, Kochi is a lot more than its beaches and scenic landscape. Known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, this city is a beautiful amalgamation of old-world charm and modernity. 

One can simply not get bored of its interesting monuments, peculiar geographical landscape and vibrant nature. Some notable tourist attractions of the city include, the Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, Willingdon Island, Princess Street and Paradesi Synagogue. 

It is also home to one of the busiest ports in India and stunning beaches, namely, Cherai Beach, Fort Kochi, Puthuvype Beach and Vipin Beach. Besides its historical significance and attractive landscapes, Kochi’s local cuisine is another aspect that makes it unique and worth a visit.

Food enthusiasts can relish a piping hot plate of Pazham Pori, made from ripe Nendran bananas and beef curry, Thattu Dosa, Kappa Boti, mashed tapioca and goat’s gizzards and Ellum Kappayum, a dish made from tapioca and beef. 

Diu, Daman and Diu

The island boasts a plethora of attractions including the Diu fort

Linked by a bridge to the southern coast of Gujarat, Diu is tiny island immersed in Portuguese culture, and remnants of its colonial history. The beautiful union territory is surrounding by the Arabian Sea on three sides making it full of stunning beaches. 

The island boasts a plethora of attractions including the Diu fort, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Gangeswar Temple, Nagar Seth Haveli and Zampa Gateway. Some of its most renowned beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and parasailing are Jallandhar Beach, Nagoa Beach, Ghogla Beach and Gomptimata Beach. 

The cuisine of Diu is an interesting blend of several flavours including Gujarati, Portuguese and even African due to its long history of being a Portuguese colony, and geographical location. Some of the mouth-watering dishes include, Bangda fish fry, Parotha, fried bread mixed with spices typical to Diu, Crab Masala, and Daal Dhokli, a Gujarati delicacy made with pieces of seasoned dough cooked in lentils. 

Puducherry

Matrimandir is a gold metallic sphere which is not only a meditation centre but is also considered to be the soul of the city (MIG photos)

Located on the southeastern coast of India, this former French colonial settlement is an impeccable tourist destination for travellers seeking to experience the French culture, on a budget.

Apart from its sandy beaches, this union territory, also offers tourists a chance to walk on stunning promenades along the Bay of Bengal, and streets filled with bougainvillea, witness stunning 18th century architectural marvels, and relish delightful dishes in its charming cafes. Some notable attractions of Puducherry are Paradise Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Chunnambar Boat House, Seaside promenade and Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges. 

The ‘mini-France’ in South India is also an abode for travellers seeking a spiritual experience. Visit  Auroville, or City of Dawn, located 12 km north of Puducherry is an international community for people devoted to raising human consciousness. At the centre of Auroville lies the Matrimandir, Sanskrit for Temple of the Mother, a gold metallic sphere which is not only a meditation centre but is also considered to be the soul of the city. Here, visitors can explore its serene landscapes and innovative architecture while experiencing a harmonious and experimental way of living.