Sunkissed sands, clear blue sea, exotic drinks and the ever-magical warm temps for a lazy afternoon by the infinity pool, and yes, some great food! Well, when it comes to a tropical vacation the bliss list sure is endless. But we sure know the infinite possibilities it offers to put your best fashion foot forward, would be making you giddy with anticipation. Well, don’t we all love outfit planning and shopping! We know you’re already halfway through your splurge list for the vacation. Can’t blame you! The tropics are every fashionista’s favourite choice of destinations. Well, no other destination gives you so much free rein to explore and reinvent your sartorial choices?!
And it doesn’t really matter whether you’re planning the usual summer vacation or trying to escape the monsoons or the winter blues of the hills, we’ve made you a list of our top favourite Indian beach destinations to head out to rest, unwind and well, put on your glad rags! So here you go…
Go Go Goa!
Gorgeous beaches, magical sunsets, vibrant nightlife and a gastronome’s delight, Goa has quite a lot to offer for any kind of traveller. But it’s not only a party paradise but also a popular cove to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. And with beach resorts in Goa offering so many activities for tourists, there’s no dearth of fun in this tropical destination. There’s never a dull moment here and Goa’s best beach resorts make sure they keep you charmed. Be it parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides or if you’re looking for some quiet time by the beach or planning to dance away the night with some fun folks for company, the beach resorts in Goa can make it happen! But if you’re a first timer, here’s our list of things and places to visit in this enchanting coastal paradise.
Must-Visit Spots: Baga Beach and Anjuna Beach for its bustling party scene. Vagator Beach that draws huge crowds annually for the Sunburn Festival, boasts of some entertaining trance parties at the HillTop nightclub. And for those looking for a laid-back holiday, beach resorts in Goa’s Calangute are the ideal place to be. If you’re looking for beach resorts in Goa that offer the most luxurious, high-end facilities then Candolim, Baga, Calangute, and Morjim should be your pick. And the best budget-friendly beach resorts options are in North Goa.
What to Pack: Well, the best beach and resort wear is what you should pack for your trip to this picturesque location. From cover-up for your swimwear to summer dresses, shorts, linen trousers, your spaghetti tops and sundresses are a must. Also carry a sarong, some scarves, a tote bag, maxis and flowy skirts, and the ever-popular kaftans. Goa’s resort wear fashion is all about comfort, eco-friendly and sustainable, and you can shop for them right here.
Kerala
From Kappad, one of the world’s cleanest beaches to the vibrant and energetic Kovalam or the rocky Varkala beach, God’s own country has quite a few well-known seaside destinations you could explore. From the popular water sports for adventure junkies to a quieter tranquil beach holiday, Kerala’s beach resorts offer a wide range of options. Be it the mesmerising view of the ocean from atop the lighthouse at the famous lighthouse beach in Kovalam to enjoying a relaxing yoga and ayurvedic wellness holiday at a luxe beach resort in Varkala, you can do it all ! Whether you’re craving a holiday bustling with activities or a fun-filled family vacation or a secluded beach retreat for a romantic escape, the beach resorts in Kovalam and Varkala present the best of options. So, if you're looking to enjoy miles of a glorious coastline and some magnificent food, Kerala is where you should be heading.
Must-Visit Spots: The famous lighthouse beach and the arts and crafts village in Kovalam is a must-visit. While Varkala does offer some lively entertainment, it’s also a much quieter beach destination. The resorts in the place are well-known for their curated tranquil vacation options that’s perfect for some rejuvenating me-time. In Varkala you could also visit some popular nearby tourist attractions, such as the Jatayu Nature Park or take a boat ride through the backwaters in Ponnumthuruthu island.
What to Pack: Varkala and Kovalam beaches can be hot and humid, so pack light breathable clothes. Relaxed fit linen trousers, strappy dresses and tops can be worn with a scarf. Lightweight cotton dresses, knee-length skirts and dresses and casual tees are good all year round. Ballerina flats, flip-flops, your sunglasses and an oversized tote for your shopping is a must.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Pristine waters, white sand beaches, tall coconut palms and dense forests for a backdrop, the magic of the Anadaman islands needs no explanation. Brimming with marine life, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been a favourite destination for scuba divers for years. Now with several luxe beach resorts cropping up in the islands, it definitely makes for a great place to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you’re looking for luxe forests, pristine beaches, intriguing stories from the colonial era, or planning to scuba dive, snorkel, jet-ski or cycle through the postcard perfect lanes, the islands offer several amazing hidden treasures to explore. So, if tropical forests and cute cafes along the stunning beaches are your thing, then it’s the islands you should be heading to.
Must-Visit Spots: From the limestone caves at Baratang, or a ferry ride to Barren Island to look at the only active volcano in South Asia to night kayaking to witness the bioluminescence at Port Blair or paddle to revel in the beauty of the mangroves, there’s a lot to be done here. If you’re in the mood to island hop then make sure you visit Port Blair, Havelock Island, Neil Island, and the Ross Island to look at the old ruins or head to North Andaman for a quiet holiday surrounded by untouched beauty.
What to Pack: It’s a beach destination so your swimsuits are a must. Make sure you also carry your stylish cover-ups to relax after a dip. Sunblock, flip flops, hats, totes and slings are needed. Your floral dresses will be perfect for your insta photo sessions and do carry cotton or linen clothes to swing on your hammock. Sarongs, kaftans, your off-shoulder tops and dresses and certainly some stunning necklaces and bracelets to add some glam to your candlelight dinners watching the stunning island sunset.
Gokarna
From a quaint temple town steeped in mythology to a popular beach holiday destination, Gokarna has seamlessly made the transition, thanks to the many luxe and budget beach resorts cropping up in this laidback town in Karnataka. No longer just a pilgrimage town, Gokarna offers a mix of both worlds. Be it the happy sounds of drums and guitars on the beach to the birds chirping as you trek to Paradise or Half Moon beach, you can enjoy the harmonious blend of modernity and old-world charm in this idyllic beach paradise. Whether you’re planning to visit the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple or parasail, snorkel or scuba dive, there’s something for everyone here.
Must-Visit Spots: The spiritually inclined would want to visit the Mahabaleswar temple. If you’re looking for a historical place, then the Mirjan fort for its breathtaking view of the Arabian sea should certainly be on your list. The spectacular Yana caves, which is about an hour’s drive from Gokarna is also a must-visit. For the beach lovers Om beach and Kudle beach are good. Dotted with cafes and some street shopping the beaches in Gokarna are great for strolling along the pristine blue waters. There are many nature resorts in Gokarna that offer some adventure activities for those craving a fun-filled holiday.
What to Pack: Definitely your flip flops, a sarong, your swimwear and cover-up. Since it can be a bit warm at times, carry a scarf, which can also be used as a stylish head gear. Your kaftans, floral dresses, skirts and tees are certainly a given.
Calypso - A-line Dress
₹4,200
₹4,200
Balmy beaches and lush greenery, there’s a lot you could enjoy in the tropical beach resorts in India. From outdoor picnics to a dip in the infinity pool, beach parties to private beach access offered by some luxe beach resorts in Goa and Varkala, you can rest assured that there will never be a dull moment.
And when it comes to a tropical beach holiday there’s an abundance of colour and styles you could try. From flaunting your eco-trousers to schiffli dresses in white to intricate, playful accessories that add some bling to colourful slings and totes and clutch bags, and silky soft scarves to make a stylish head band, pick your options to go from casual chic to glamorous by blending in different pieces. Need help? We’ve got some perfect choices for making your beach holiday fashion runway worthy. Shop here.