Top Beaches near Bangalore (2024) within 400km, 500km

Happiness means different things to different people. From friends, food, and a cozy bed to weekend parties, Netflix binging, and a purring cat, it comes in many forms. For some people, however, happiness comes in waves; nothing makes them happier than the sand between their toes and the tan on their nose. If you too are a member of the sea-and-sand-loving pack, then the word B.E.A.C.H means only one thing to you – Best Escape Anyone Can Have!

And, do you know what the worst nightmare of every beach lover is? Having to live in a place with no beaches! If you live in Bangalore, you most likely have nightmares every night because unlike Mumbai or Chennai, this otherwise-wonderful city doesn’t have any beaches. Despair not my dear Bangalorean or temporary-Bangalorean, for you are never very far off from some of the most spectacular beaches in this country. Pack your bags and hit the road and voila…there is sun and sand and waves, all waiting for you at just a few hours’ drive from the city.

All packed and ready? Here’s a handpicked list of some of the most bewitching beaches near Bangalore that will leave you excited and captivated at the same time. 

Beaches near Bangalore within 400 km:

1. Auroville Beach (302 km)

Auroville Beach

A drive of around 6 hours from Bangalore will take you to the charming Auroville Beach located in the vicinity of Puducherry town. Also known as Auro Beach, it lies on the shoreline of the Bay of Bengal. The small waves and the shallow waters of the beach offer you the perfect excuse for indulging in swimming. If you love collecting colorful shells, you will have a great time here. It is a popular spot that often gets crowded during the weekends. So, if you want to enjoy a rush-free visit, plan your trip on weekdays. 

• Location: Off ECR, Puducherry
• Activities: Swimming, taking a stroll, surfing

2. Paradise Beach (312 km)

Paradise Beach

True to its name, Paradise Beach in Puducherry (also known as Plage Paradiso) is a haven for beach lovers. The pristine beach borders crystal clear waters, making it one of the best places to spend some time marveling at the wonders nature has in store for you. You will have to cross the Chunnambar backwaters via boat to reach this beach. Once at the beach, you see palm trees swaying in the wind. The beach also has shelters that offer shade to visitors from the scorching rays of the sun. 

• Location: Chunnambar, Puducherry
• Activities: Lazing around on the beach, swimming in the cool waters, enjoying local delicacies, water sports

3. Marina Beach (350 km)

Marina Beach

Dazzling golden sand and the blissful blue sea come together to form the gorgeous Marina Beach. It is famed as one of the top beaches in the country and it certainly lives up to the reputation. Running along the Bay of Bengal, Marina Beach extends over a distance of 6 km, which makes it the longest natural urban beach in India. This sandy beach entices visitors with visual delights and adventurous activities. If you are a nature lover, the captivating views of the sunset will lift up your spirits. Though bathing and swimming are prohibited at the beach due to the strong undercurrents, other attractions will sufficiently compensate for this. And the best part? Every evening, the entire area is filled with vendors selling mouth-watering food items. Take time and indulge! 

• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Activities: Walking among the palm trees, horse riding, kite flying, beach cricket, beach volleyball

4. Elliot’s Beach (350 km)

Elliot’s Beach

Watching the sun-kissed Bay of Bengal from the scenic Elliot Beach (also known as Besant Nagar Beach) can be an experience in itself. The clean golden sands of the beach beckon locals and tourists alike to spend countless hours amidst the scenic surroundings. At the heart of the beach stands the Karl Schmidt Memorial, built to commemorate a Dutch sailor, Karl Schmidt, who gave up his life to save others from drowning. Since the tranquil beach doesn’t offer many activities, it is ideal for enjoying a long walk, especially in the early hours of the day. Watch the sun rise, allow your feet to dip into the soft sand, and feel the cool waters of the Bay of Bengal. Heavenly! 

• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Activities: Enjoying the sunrise and sunset, walking on the beach

5. Bekal Beach (350 km)

Bekal Beach

Remember the song Uyire (Tu Hi Re) from the cult classic Bombay, which shows Manisha Koirala nimble-footedly running to the craggy cliffs to meet Arvind Swami, as the sea roars and waves crash in the background? Take a trip to that very same beach – Bekal Beach – where Shaila Banu and Shekhar, two evergreen characters of Indian cinema, pined for each other. Situated on the Malabar coast, Bekal is one of the most scenic beaches near Bangalore within 400 km; you can easily reach here under eight hours if you are driving from Bangalore. If the drive sounds a bit too much, then wait till you set your feet on the beach.

The beautiful beach stands against the backdrop of the huge Bekal Fort while the Arabian Sea spreads in its front. Take one look at this panoramic view and you will surely forget the tiredness of the long journey. No wonder, Bekal Beach with its matchless appeal is one of the most visited places in Kerala. 

• Location: Kasaragod, Kerala
• Activities: Exploring Bekal Fort, visiting the rock garden, photography

6. Panambur Beach (357 km)

Panambur Beach

Located to the north of the Mangalore Port, Panambur Beach is credited as one of the best maintained beaches in India. It has also earned a place among the most visited beaches in coastal Karnataka. If you are an adventure seeker, you will have much to explore here. Starting with watersports and other adventure activities, you can go on to enjoy buggy rides, horse rides, and even camel rides! The beach definitely makes for a great destination for a fun-filled time with your family and friends. As the day slips into the embrace of the evening and the setting sun paints the sea and the surrounding area in mesmerizing hues, you will witness a spell-binding sunset. Don’t forget to take your camera, shutterbug. You don’t get to click postcard-worthy pictures every other day! 

• Location: Mangalore, Karnataka
• Activities: Jet skiing, parasailing, water scooter, boating, surfing

7. Surathkal Beach (359 km)

Surathkal Beach

Flanking the shores of the Arabian Sea, Surathkal Beach is located in a quiet suburb of Mangalore. The gorgeous beach is like a hidden gem that is yet to attract the attention of tourists. If you want to spend a relaxing day near the sea, but away from the noisy crowds, you can always count on Surathkal. The beach houses a lighthouse on a rocky hillock which you can visit in the evening to get a glimpse of the beautiful countryside and the sea. How about watching village fishermen starting their journey on their fishing boats? Visit the beach at dawn and you can witness fishermen in action. If you have extra time on hand, consider visiting some of the key attractions in the village, including the ancient Sadashiva Temple and Sacred Heart Church. 

• Location: Mangalore, Karnataka
• Activities: Visiting the lighthouse, enjoying the sunrise and sunset, sightseeing

8. Kapu Beach (384 km)

Kapu Beach

Lining the shores of the Arabian Sea, Kaup Beach aka Kapu Beach near Udupi is a paradise that boasts of white sands, utter calm, and palm trees. An around 89-feet high black and white lighthouse dating back to 1901 adds an old-world charm of the area and is one of the main attractions of the beach. Built by the colonial rulers of India, this lighthouse has guided thousands of sailors safely to the shores. Want to break a sweat? Climb up to the top of the lighthouse, and you will be amply rewarded by the breath-taking vistas of the never-ending sea and the picturesque coast that girdles it. Apart from the lighthouse, you can explore the ruins of an ancient fort built by Tipu Sultan and the three Mariamman temples located in the vicinity. Kapu may not fall into the category of your hip and happening beaches, but it certainly scores high on beauty and serenity. 

• Location: Udupi, Karnataka
• Activities: Exploring the lighthouse, walking on the beach, enjoying the sunrise and sunset, visiting the fort and Mariamman temples

Beaches near Bangalore within 500 km:

9. Malpe Beach (407 km)

Malpe Beach

It won’t be wrong to introduce Malpe as one of the least-explored beaches in India. The virgin shore is located just 6 km from Udupi. An unending coastline, long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea, swaying palm trees, and the blue sky, all come together to make Malpe Beach a one-of-its-kind destination. An interesting fact to note is that it is the first Indian beach that boasts 24×7 Wi-Fi. But who needs Wi-Fi when you are in the vicinity of such exceptional vistas, right? 

• Location: Udupi, Karnataka
• Activities: Boating, swimming

10. Maravanthe Beach (411 km)

Maravanthe Beach

It’s for a reason that Maravanthe Beach is included in the list of the most picturesque beaches in Karnataka. It is perhaps the only beach in India that has a national highway (NH-66) running along it and a river flanking the other side. With the Arabian Sea on one side and the Suparnika River on the other, this 10 km long stretch offers you a drive you will cherish forever. Once you get down to the sandy white shore, its blue water, and pristine surroundings will offer you an unforgettable visual treat. Now, whether you decide to simply laze around or get going with watersports activities, you will never be short of options. What’s more? You can even get a glimpse of the coral reefs and marine life underwater! 

• Location: Kundapura, Karnataka
• Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming

11. Om Beach (463 km)

Om Beach

Om Beach derives its name from the Hindu religious symbol, Om, since the natural shape of the beach mimics it. As such, the place holds attraction both for tourists and travelers with a religious bent of mind. For those of you, who are looking for a fun-filled beach destination, Om Beach can be your perfect answer. You can indulge in a bunch of water-based activities, including surfing, riding on speedboats and dolphin spotting. You can even try your hand at fishing! 

• Location: Gokarna, Karnataka
• Activities: Jet skiing, fishing trips, speed boating, banana boat riding, parasailing, surfing

12. Gokarna Beach (467 km)

Gokarna Beach

Gokarna is all about a peaceful beach holiday. A favorite among Indian and foreign tourists, this beach bordering the sleepy temple town of Gokarna has a soul of its own. The drive from your hotel in Bangalore to this beach will lead you through scenic surroundings, with the Arabian Sea on one side and the lofty Western Ghats on the other. Upon reaching the beach, you can simply decide to sit back and enjoy the view or indulge in activities that offer you the ultimate fun.  

• Location: Gokarna, Karnataka
• Activities: Trekking, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, banana boat riding

Now that you know where to get your share of sun and sand, how about planning your next trip to one of these beaches? Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses, sunscreens, and other essentials. That crazy little ‘sun of a beach’ is waiting for you!