Best Beach destinations near Bangalore, India: Weekend getaways

Dreaming about a beach vacation?

No place can relax you better than a beach. The magical sound of waves, the warm sunlight, salty air, and soft sand is therapeutic.

Being in Bangalore is a blessing for somebody like me who is so fond of beaches. There are many beautiful beach locations around Garden city, which can be explored even during weekends.

If you are also a beach lover and sunshine seeker, read further and know about the best beach locations around Bangalore.

By the way, whether you like mountains or beaches or historical places, Bangalore has umpteen options. Read my blog, Hill stations near Bangalore for a perfect weekend getaway, and day trip options from Bangalore to know more.

Best Beaches near Bangalore for a perfect weekend getaway

Kannur, Kerala

Distance: 310 km approx.

How to reach Kannur

The best way to reach Kannur is via road. Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport

The first memory I have of Kannur is to mistake it for Coonoor and realizing it’s a coastal town and not a hill station only after landing there. But the place proved worth it. Kannur is an ancient trading port in Kerala and had a significant contribution in the spice trade. Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur is the longest drive-in beach in Asia. It is also featured as one of the World’s top 6 drive-in Beaches in BBC article for Autos. Apart from popular beaches like Payyambalam beach, Thottada beach, and Muzhappilangad beach, Kannur also has historical monuments and temples like the16th Century St. Angelo Fort, Sundareswara temple, Taliparamba, Arrakal Museum, and Peralassery. If you are looking for some fun, do visit Vismaya water park.

Best beach destinations near Bangalore
Muzhappilangad Beach, Kannur

Puducherry

Distance: 310 km approx

How to reach Puducherry

By road: the best way to reach is by road. Direct trains are also available from Bangalore. Nearest airport: Chennai Airport

French colonial establishments preserved to date, beautiful streets lined with trees, white and mustard French houses, awesome cafes, and a unique blend of French and Indian culture. Pondicherry is like no other city in India.

Not just a beautiful beach, Pondicherry has much more to offer. The union territory finds its place on the world map for the unique idea of peaceful co-existence. Auroville international township and Aurobindo Ashram receives visitors from across the world. Read more about Puducherry here.

Some of the popular beaches in Pondicherry are Auroville Beach, Promenade Beach, Paradise, Serenity, and Mahe Beach.

Kalapet Beach Pondicherry
Kalapet Beach, Puducherry
Best beach destinations near Bangalore
Sunrise, Puducherry

Chennai, Tamilnadu

Distance: 350 km approx.

How to reach Chennai

Chennai is very well-connected by road, train, and Air by Bangalore. Travel by road is convenient as the road conditions are very good.

Looking for a hassle-free and quick weekend getaway, Chennai can be an option. One of the metro cities in India, Chennai is a crowded city unlike serene beach destinations, but you can still have a good time in one of the beach resorts. Marina beach, Thiruvalluvar Nagar beach, thiruvanmiyur beach, ECR Beach, Edward Elliot’s Beach, Gandhi beach are some of the popular beaches in Chennai.

Popularly known as the “gateway to South India”, Chennai is a cultural hub too. Other attractions in Chennai include Fort St. George, Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Government museum, Ashtalakshmi temple Chennai, Mylapore, Kapaleeswar temple, etc.

Best beach destinations
Chennai, Tamilnadu

Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu

Distance: 350 km approx.

How to reach Mahabalipuram

By Road: Most convenient option is by road. The nearest railway station and Airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai.

Around 56 km from Chennai is another beautiful gem, Mahabalipuram. Known for its 7th & 8th Century rock-carved temples situated on the shore of Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers an architectural retreat in the form of beautiful cave temples, marvelous sculptures, and much more. Some of the popular beaches are Mahabalipuram beach, Sadras Beach, Covelong beach and wide beach. You can relax and enjoy a lovely weekend at many of the beach resorts

Mangalore, Karnataka

Distance: 352 km approx.

How to reach Mangalore

Mangalore is well-connected to major cities via Bus, trains, and flights

The second-largest city in Karnataka, Mangalore is famous for its serene beaches, temple architecture, and beautiful churches. Situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the port city is also the commercial and business hub for Dakshin Karnataka.

The city offers a perfect blend of tranquility, culture, and modern vibes. When you are in Mangalore, do try the mouthwatering Mangalorean cuisine. Some of the popular beaches in Mangalore are Panambur, Tannibhavi, Someshwara, Ullal, Surathkal beach, etc.

Other attractions in Mangalore include kudroli temple, St Aloysius Chapel, Magaladevi Temple, Rosario Cathedral, and New Mangalore Port.

best beach destinations near Bangalore
Mangalore

Calicut/ Kozhikode, Kerala

Distance: 353 km approx.

Calicut is well-connected with road and train. Calicut has its own International Airport.

One of the popular cities in Kerala, Calicut/Kozhikode is blessed with nature, scenic beaches, lush green surroundings, and rich cultural history. Kozhikode is a perfect getaway for a peaceful and relaxing weekend. This coastal city was once a significant spice trade center in India. Some of the popular beaches in Kozhikode are kappad beach, Beypore beach, Kozhikode beach, Payyoli beach, and parappally beach. You can also visit the thikkoti lighthouse, mananchira square, thali temple, Kozhippara falls, and sweet street.

Best beach destinations in Bangalore
Beypore Beach, Calicut

Bekal, Kerala

Distance: 363 km approx.

How to reach Bekal

There are no direct trains, buses, or flights available to Bekal. The most convenient way is to drive a car or hire a cab. An offbeat destination in Kerala, Bekal is home to some of the plush resorts where you can taste the luxury and serenity of this tranquil place.

Bekal is famous for its beautiful coastline, a unique keyhole-shaped Bekal fort overlooking the Arabian sea. Bekal Fort is also featured in Movies like Bombay.

Popular beaches in Bekal are Kapil beach, Bekal beach, Pallikere beach, and Hosdurg beach. Some other attractions are Valiyaparamba backwaters, Our lady of Sorrows Church, Nityanandashram caves, and Bekal Hole Aquapark.

Bekal, Kerala
Bekal Fort

Udupi, Karnataka

Distance: 404 km approx.

How to reach Udupi

Direct buses and trains are available from Bangalore. Nearest Airport: Mangalore

Situated just 55 km away from Mangalore, Udupi is another beautiful beach location in Karnataka. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on the east and Sahyadri mountain range on the west, Udupi is a perfect getaway for both sea and mountain lovers alike. In addition to breathtaking scenic vistas, Udupi is also a popular pilgrimage and Cultural hub. 13th century, Sri Krishna Matt, the famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is the main attraction among the devotees. kapu, Kodi, Mattu, and Padubidri are some of the beaches you must visit while visiting this beautiful district.

Other attractions in Udupi include Ananteshwar temple, Anegudde vinakaya temple, Kudlu theertha falls, Stella Maris Church, etc.

Udupi
Udupi, Karnataka

Gokarna, Karnataka

Distance: 484 km approx.

How to Reach Gokarna

By Road: The road from Bangalore to Gokarna is in good condition.Nearest Airport: Dabolim airport in Goa is about 140 km away.

A small town in Karnataka, Gokarna is popular among international tourists for its palm-fringed secluded beaches, wilderness, and natural beauty. On the other hand, it is also a popular pilgrimage among Hindus. Sacred sites like Mahabaleshwar Temple,  Koti Teertha holy water tank attracts many devotees every year. If a peaceful & secluded getaway surrounded by nature is what you are looking for, then head to Gokarna. Some of the popular beaches in Gokarna are Om Beach, Paradise beach, Half-moon Beach, Nirvana Beach, and Kudle beach.Other attractions in Gokarna include Mirjan fort, Koti tirtha water tank, Mahabaleshwara temple, and Shiva cave.

Best beaches
Om Beach, Gokarna

Murudeshwar, Karnataka

Distance: 500 km approx.

How to reach Murudeshwar

By road is the most convenient way to reach Murudeshwar. Nearest railway station and Airport with connectivity to Bangalore is Mangalore

Magnificent Lord Shiva idol radiating tranquility, in the backdrop of glistening Arabian sea is a magical sight to behold. A breathtaking view, that’s what Murudeshwar is best known for. At 123 ft, the Lord Shiva idol here is the second tallest Shiva idol in the world.

Murudeshwar is a popular picnic spot and weekend getaway for travelers from Karnataka and neighboring states. Murudeshwar temple and fort are the most visited spots. Popular beaches in Murudeshwar are Murudeshwar beach, Alvekodi beach, Bailur Beach, Manki, and Nakhuda beach.

Murudeshwar, Karnataka
World’s second tallest Shiva idol, Murudeshwar

Karwar, Karnataka

Distance: 525 Kms approx.

How to reach Karwar

By Road: Bus services are available. You can drive also.By train: Karwar has its railway station. There are some direct trains from Bangalore to Karwar.Nearest Airport: Dabolim airport in Goa is the nearest airport

With picturesque mountains of Western Ghats on one side and Arabian sea on the other, Karwar is a scenic town with ample historic sights, beaches, and magnificent mountains. Situated on Karnataka and Maharashtra border, Karwar reflects cultural influences from both the states. The city is just 15 km away from Goa, which is a major tourist hub. Rabindranath Tagore, Majali, Devbagh, and Tilmati are the popular beaches in Karwar.Other attractions include Kurumgad island, Kali Bridge, Narasimha temple, and Warship Museum.

Karwar beach, Karnataka
Karwar, Karnataka

Kochi, Kerala

Distance: 550 km approx.

How to reach Kochi

Direct Flights, trains, and buses are available from Bangalore to Kochi.

An ancient port city with a rich past and strong influence of cultures from across the world, Kochi is unique in many ways. The city has been a port for Chinese, Arab and European merchants since 1341.Some of the major attractions in Kochi include picturesque Chinese finishing nets, Mattancherry palace, St. Francis CSI Church, the Synagogue, Indo Portuguese museum, and many other historical churches and temples. The beaches that you should visit, while in Kochi are Cherai, Puthuvype, Kuzhupilly, Fort Kochi, Munambam, and Veeranpuzha beaches.

Kochi
Chinese fishing net, Kochi

Goa

Distance: 562 km approx.

How to reach Goa

By Air: Direct flights from Bangalore to Goa are available. It takes around 1 hour by flight. Direct trains are available and frequent buses are also available

One of the most happening beach destinations in India, Goa is equally popular between the Indian and international tourists. The best part is Goa is just a few hours away from Bangalore. Ok, not a few hours, it’s around 10 -11 hours, but it’s very much possible to drive to Goa from Bangalore.

Goa was a Portuguese colony till 1961 and reflects a strong influence of Portuguese culture in its lifestyle, food, and historical monuments. From the art and architecture point of view, major attractions in Goa include Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Chapora fort, Fort Aguada, Immaculate Conception church, Fontainhas, Shree Mangesh Temple and Shree Shantadurga Mandir.

When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to choose as Goa has a treasure of beautiful beaches right from popular ones to hidden gems. You can choose the beaches you want to visit based on which part of Goa you choose to stay. Check out the best beaches in North Goa.

Goa
Vagator Beach, Goa

These are some of the best beach locations in and around Bangalore, where you can spend a relaxing weekend or a safe staycation. The best part is, all these destinations are a few hours’ drive from Bangalore, and you can plan a road trip as it seems like the safest option these days.

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Best beaches near Bangalore


24 thoughts on “Best Beach destinations near Bangalore, India: Weekend getaways

  1. Love this!! I traveled to Bangalore a couple years ago and had no idea so many beaches were nearby. Saving this for the next time I’m in the area!

  2. I was in India when COVID hit and was planning to go to Nepal then back to India to hit some beaches – so sad I didn’t make it. I will bookmark this post for when I can travel to India again.

  3. out of all the calming beaches you mentioned, i have had my spirit left in Gokarna. More so because there is lot more available than mere sea or see. Being a pilgrimage the energy here magnetic and can be felt amongst locals. Thank you Madhu.

  4. Nice post, Madhu. I would just like to add here that people should avoid reaching Kannur airport in the wee hours, as there is no lounge facility there. And the taxi charges exorbitantly during wee hours.

  5. I spent a couple of days in Bangalore in 2019 for a friend’s wedding. Our time was super limited so we couldn’t go to the beach unfortunately. It’s a great list! 🙂

  6. This part of India looks beautiful. I have only been to the north, I can’t wait to explore the south when it’s safe to travel again 🙂

  7. I just had to drop by and say that your blog is seriously impressive. There’s something here for everyone, and the insights you offer are really valuable. Discover our handpicked luxury accommodations, offering personalized service, stunning locations, and exceptional amenities. Choose Coorg Resorts for a remarkable vacation in Coorg. Visit us at : https://www.coorgresorts.co.in/ Contact us : +91 6366366971/ 972/ 973

  8. hi from Bali. I have never been come to India. I check on this site is very interesting to visit, Nice to know about India. Hope one day i can go this country

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