6 Best Beaches in India for Surfing
Last Updated: October, 2026
India has approximately 7,517 km of coastline but only a handful of consistent surf breaks. The two coasts work on opposite seasonal rhythms: west coast (Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra) gets its biggest monsoon swells (June to September — experienced surfers only) and settles into clean post-monsoon surf October to March. East coast (Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra) carries the north-east monsoon from October to December and runs clean swells January to May. India’s two biggest surf competitions are the Indian Open of Surfing (Sasihithlu, Karnataka, approximately May) and the Covelong Point Classic (Chennai, approximately August). This guide covers 10 of India’s best surf beaches with surf school names and skill-level fit.
The beaches in India are well known for their serenity, parties, lip-smacking food and scenic views. Although surfing in India may not be as popular as other countries, there are many beaches in India with watersports and adventure offerings. With over 7,000 km of coastline, surfing on the beaches of India is a rather niche and unexplored thing to do on a beach in India. Often considered as an offbeat thing to do on beaches in India, surfing in India has now picked up popularity.
Beaches in India for Surfing
Quick Info:
| # | Beach | State / UT | Skill level | Season | Signature surf school |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Varkala | Kerala | Beginner-Intermediate | Oct-Mar | Soul & Surf, Varkala |
| 2 | Kovalam (Lighthouse Beach) | Kerala | All levels | Oct-Mar | Kovalam Surf Club |
| 3 | Mulki | Karnataka | All levels | Oct-Mar | Mantra Surf Club (India’s oldest, 2004) |
| 4 | Sasihithlu | Karnataka | All levels | Oct-Mar | Hosts Indian Open of Surfing |
| 5 | Serenity Beach | Puducherry (UT) | Beginner-Intermediate | Jan-May | Kallialay Surf School |
| 6 | Covelong Point | Tamil Nadu | All levels | Jan-May | Hosts Covelong Point Classic; Bay of Life |
| 7 | Agonda | Goa (not Kerala — fix) | Intermediate-Advanced | Oct-Mar | Agonda Surf School |
| 8 | Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | Beginner-Intermediate | Jan-May | Local operators at Shore Temple beach |
| 9 | Gokarna | Karnataka | Beginner | Oct-Mar | Beach-side operators (Kudle, Om) |
| 10 | Little Andaman | Andaman and Nicobar (UT) | Experienced | Nov-Apr | Limited; book through Port Blair |
Types of Surfing in India
Wave Surfing
Surfing is the classic wave-riding adventure that lures water enthusiasts from all corners of the world to the beaches in India. It’s all about finding the perfect balance on your board and harnessing the power of the ocean to glide gracefully along the water’s surface.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is an adrenaline-pumping sport that is a mix of surfing and sailing. Windsurfing involves using a board with a sail to catch the wind as it moves across waves and allow for interesting moves to be made.
Best Season for Surfing in India
The best season for surfing is during the summer months, from May to September. During summers in India, the waves swell from eight to fifteen feet on beaches such as Mahabalipuram, Varkala and Little Andamans.
Though surfers might witness rain or heavy storms during this season but perhaps, what’s the fun in surfing during low tides? The tides are low during the season of October to April, making it the best time for beginners to learn surfing in India.
Pack your bags, grab some sunscreen and pick up your surfboards as we explore the best beaches for surfing in India.
Best Surfing Spots in India
Adventure sports in India like rafting, skiing, kayaking and sailing are quite popular in India. One such upcoming sport is surfing in India that has been picked up by many people. The western coast is known for the safest beaches in India which is ideal for beginners to learn surfing in India. The eastern coast on the other hand is known for high tides and currents which are perfect for experienced surfers in India.
1. Varkala Beach, Kerala
Varkala in Kerala is one of the most laid-back and peaceful beaches in India. The crystal sands with low tides make it the perfect spot for beginners to learn surfing in India. There are many surfing ride lessons provided in Varkala and this let alone makes it the top surfing spots in India for beginners.
Travelling to Varkala in Kerala is quite easy as the nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram Airport that is located nearly 45 kms. From there, you can easily head to Varkala by train or road using public transport, and enjoy the bliss of surfing in Varkala.
2. Little Andaman
If you’re looking for a good time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Little Andaman is your calling. With plenty of aquatic activities and watersports, Little Andaman is one of the top beach destinations in India and among the best places to learn surfing in India.
This tropical paradise is amongst the must-visit beaches in India and offers plenty of surfing spots. The beaches of Little Andaman boast plenty of spots that are ideal for beginners to learn surfing in India. There are plenty of surfing schools in Little Andaman where you can rent surf boards and learn surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Little Andaman’s stunning beaches promise you an unforgettable adventure.
3. Serenity Beach, Pondicherry
Surfing in Pondicherry is one of the most popular things to do in Pondicherry. Beyond its French cafes and restaurants, surfing at Serenity Beach in Pondicherry should be added to your list of offbeat things to do in Pondicherry.
What really makes Serenity Beach in Pondicherry stand out from others beaches for surfing in India are the amount of surfing schools in Serenity Beach. These surfing schools charge around Rs. 1500 and get you ready for the mighty waves. Apart from these, there are many shacks and restaurants that one can enjoy during their stay in Pondicherry.
Stay in Pondicherry
Now that must’ve pumped up your adrenaline? If you’re already booking your tickets to Pondicherry, make sure to check out these villas in Pondicherry by StayVista. Even if you’re on a solo-trip to Pondicherry, you can book a single unit for yourself while enjoying the facilities of the entire villa in Pondicherry.
4. Agonda Beach, Goa
This blog would be incomplete without the mention of the pristine beaches of Goa. Agonda Beach in Goa is located just a stone’s throw away from Palolem and is one of the best beaches for surfing in India. This beach in Goa is known for its big waves and is preferred by seasoned surfers in India.
Right from the first waves of this beach in Goa, it calls you for a challenge to face it. Compared to other beaches, Agonda Beach has many tiny surfboard rentals and the best surfing schools in Goa where you can rent and learn surfing in Goa. The best part about Agonda Beach in Kerala is that as the sun dips in the horizon, the nightlife begins and goes on till the very next morning. The coconut trees surrounding the coastline makes it a perfect instagrammable spot in Goa.
Stay in Goa
While there are many beaches in Goa on the beach, check out StayVista’s collection of luxury villas in Goa. These private pool villas in Goa make sure that not only you wake up to serene shores, but also jump and enjoy surfing in Goa.
5. Mahabalipuram Beach, Tamil Nadu
Down the coast of Tamil Nadu, sixty kilometres away from Chennai is Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) which has right-hand point breaks near the ancient Shore Temple. The boulders piled around the temple and projecting into the Bay of Bengal keep it from being washed into the sea. The Mahabalipuram beach is a rather laid-back beach and lets you learn and enjoy surfing in India.
Be aware that waves depend on how much sand is on a given place and sometimes they fail to reach in October or November. Until May there is no point break since most of the sand from the beach washes away forming a bank. June and July have good waves and they last well till late September.
Stay In Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is a year round destination that is not frequented by tourists during peak seasons. If you’re planning to embark on a solo-trip to Mahabalipuram, check out these villas in Mahabalipuram where you can book a unit and enjoy your stay in Mahabalipuram.
6. Gokarna Beach, Karnataka
Gokarna Beach, chilled as it can be, is surrounded by a circle of green hills on the north coast of Karnataka. It has a hippy town kind of image. Gokarna in Karnataka is a place that lies on the northern side of Karnataka State. Almost at the middle point down India’s western seaboard from its far south end , reaching the tourist Mecca and surf capital of Goa is within approximate reach.
Gokarna beach has many sandbanks and easy waves that are ideal for surfing and learning how to surf. The southernmost part of the beach is the best, and occasionally you can find a left-handed wave peeling off rocks which makes surfing in Gokarna challenging.
7. Mulki Beach, Karnataka
Home to Mantra Surf Club, founded in 2004 — one of India’s first dedicated surf schools. Mulki is on the Nethravathi river estuary near Mangalore and offers all skill levels. The Mantra Surf Club offers 7-day beginner courses and advanced technique coaching. Season October to March. Direct trains from Mangalore (10 km) and Bengaluru (355 km).
8. Sasihithlu Beach, Karnataka
Hosts the Indian Open of Surfing — India’s national surf championship held annually (approximately May) at the Sasihithlu Nethravathi river mouth. The three-day competition brings surfers from across India and international pro-am surfers. Beach access via Mangalore (28 km). Season October to March for consumer surf tourism.
9. Kovalam Lighthouse Beach, Kerala
Classic Kerala surf hub with Kovalam Surf Club and multiple beach-based operators. Lighthouse Beach’s point-break works well for intermediates. Easier access than Varkala (closer to Trivandrum airport, ~15 km). Season October to March.
10. Covelong Point, Tamil Nadu
Fishing village and surf destination approximately 40 km south of Chennai. Hosts the annual Covelong Point Classic (international surf competition since 2014, approximately August). Home to Covelong Point Surf School, Bay of Life, and others. Season January to May.
However, monsoon time is what makes surfing in India the most challenging thing to do. Getting hit by hard onshore winds and huge rising waves, be warned that might be the best and the most dangerous beaches for surfing in India.
Now that we’ve covered the beaches for surfing in India, we’re sure you’ve got plenty of ideas about surfing in India. In case you want to explore more adventure sports in India, make sure to check out Rishikesh for white river rafting, among other adventure activities in India.
Surf Safety and Equipment
Wetsuits: India’s warm water (24 to 29 degrees most of the year) does not require wetsuits. A rash guard is sufficient on most beaches. Winter mornings in January-February at Kovalam, Mulki, and Covelong may call for a short-sleeve rash top.
Board rental: Available at all beaches with established surf schools. Rates vary by board type and duration — confirm with the operator.
Lessons: Standard beginner course is 7 days. Shorter 2 to 3 hour trial lessons available at most schools.
Insurance: International travellers should carry travel insurance covering adventure sports. Indian travellers should consider operator-specific coverage.
Riptide safety: Always surf with a buddy. Learn to recognise rip currents. Beginner lessons should always be in school-supervised areas only.
Monsoon surfing warning: June-September west coast conditions are dangerous — surf schools close for safety reasons. Do not attempt independent monsoon surfing.
FAQs about Surfing in India
Varkala (Soul & Surf), Mulki (Mantra Surf Club), and Serenity Beach Pondicherry (Kallialay Surf School) are the three most beginner-friendly options with established surf school programmes.
The two biggest competitions: Indian Open of Surfing at Sasihithlu (approximately May) and Covelong Point Classic at Chennai (approximately August).
On the west coast, monsoon (June to September) brings the biggest swells but is dangerous for recreational surfing — most schools close. Experienced surfers only. The east coast is flat during monsoon.
No. All established surf beaches have board rental through local schools.
Mantra Surf Club at Mulki, Karnataka, founded in 2004. Among the oldest continuously operating surf schools in India.
Yes. Varkala pairs with Kovalam cliff walks and Alleppey backwaters. Pondicherry pairs with Auroville and the French Quarter. Mahabalipuram pairs with the UNESCO Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas visits.
