Set in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. From trekking to Everest Base Camp to exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, this mystical country captivates adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Nepal.
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- Laid-back, scenic, and bohemian
- beach huts
- kayak rentals
- seafood shacks
- dolphin-watching trips
- yoga classes
- silent disco
Palolem Beach
A crescent-shaped bay in South Goa lined with coconut palms and calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming. Palolem is quieter than North Goa's party beaches and is known for its silent discos, kayaking to nearby Butterfly Beach, and fresh seafood shacks along the shore.
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- Bustling, energetic, and tourist-friendly
- water sports
- parasailing
- jet skiing
- beach shacks
- nightclubs
- souvenir markets
Calangute Beach
Often called the 'Queen of Beaches,' Calangute is Goa's largest and most popular beach, stretching into neighbouring Baga. It offers a lively atmosphere with water sports, bustling markets, and a wide selection of restaurants and nightlife venues along the beachfront.
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- Relaxed, Ayurvedic wellness retreat
- Ayurvedic spas
- surf schools
- lighthouse viewpoint
- seafood restaurants
- yoga retreats
- swimming
Kovalam Beach
A cluster of three crescent beaches backed by rocky headlands on Kerala's southern tip, Kovalam has been a favourite with travellers since the 1970s. Lighthouse Beach is the most popular stretch, with consistent waves, Ayurvedic massage parlours, and sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
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- Cliffside charm with a spiritual edge
- cliff-top cafes
- mineral spring bathing
- Ayurvedic treatments
- surf lessons
- Janardhana Swamy Temple
- paragliding
Varkala Beach
Unique among Indian beaches, Varkala features dramatic red laterite cliffs dropping down to a long stretch of golden sand. The cliff-top path is lined with cafes, shops, and guesthouses offering panoramic ocean views, and the beach itself has natural mineral springs believed to have healing properties.
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- Pilgrimage town meets lively beach resort
- Jagannath Temple
- sand art displays
- beach walks
- seafood stalls
- surf clubs
- Chilika Lake day trips
Puri Beach
One of the closest major beaches to Nepal, Puri sits on the Bay of Bengal and is both a Hindu pilgrimage city and a popular seaside resort. The wide, flat beach stretches for kilometres, with colourful fishing boats, sand art festivals, and the iconic Jagannath Temple just inland.
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- Affordable, old-school Indian seaside charm
- wide flat beach
- fresh seafood markets
- marine aquarium
- New Digha promenade
- budget hotels
- Shankarpur fishing harbour
Digha Beach
The nearest significant sea beach to Nepal, Digha is a classic Bengali seaside town on the Bay of Bengal with a hard, flat shoreline that extends far at low tide. It is a popular weekend getaway from Kolkata and offers an affordable, no-frills coastal experience with fresh crab and prawn markets.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.