Skip Sri Lanka, Head to Islands and Beaches in South India

When most people dream of a tropical beach holiday, their minds drift towards Sri Lanka. Palm trees, sun-soaked shores, a hint of spice in the air. But here’s a thought: what if some of the best beaches in South India not only match but outshine that usual fantasy? Skip Sri Lanka. It’s time to explore the unsung coastlines of South India.

Unlike the overtouristed southern neighbour, South India’s coastline has a way of sneaking up on you. It doesn’t scream for attention, it’s more of a knowing smile. This is not a blog filled with generic recommendations; there’ll be no mention of the usual suspects like Kovalam or Marina Beach. Instead, it takes readers off-script, down winding roads and ferry rides, into places where feet get sandy before the suitcase hits the floor.

Why South India Over Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka, in recent years, has faced a bit of an identity crisis. In trying to be everything, spiritual, hip, heritage-rich, beachy, wild, it’s become expensive and somewhat diluted. Many beaches have turned into Instagram sets, dotted with overpriced resorts and smoothie bowls. Meanwhile, across the Palk Strait, the beaches in South India are still delightfully real. It’s raw but rich, eccentric but endearing. And cheaper.

More importantly, South India isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s comfortable in its skin, coconut oil, sand-stuck-to-your-ankles, fish curry kind of skin. For those looking for alternatives to Sri Lanka beaches that still feel fresh and unspoilt, this coastline delivers.

Here’s a South India coastal travel guide featuring handpicked beaches that might just make travellers forget Sri Lanka was ever on the list.

Maravanthe, Karnataka – Where the Road Meets the Sea

Ever driven on a highway with the sea on one side and a river on the other? That’s Maravanthe Beach. It’s not flashy, but it’s unforgettable. The NH-66 slices right between the Arabian Sea and the Souparnika River, creating a surreal experience that feels like a drive through a postcard.

Staying in a local villa in Maravanthe means waking up to fishermen hauling in the morning catch just metres away. No curated experiences, no souvenir stalls—just the sea doing its thing.

Varkala’s North Cliff, Kerala – The Bit They Don’t Tell You About

Varkala Beach is no secret. But its quieter sibling, North Cliff, often gets forgotten. This stretch has fewer cafes, fewer dreadlocks, and far more soul. Think homestays with grandmothers who serve appam with warmth, not a menu.

Instead of joining 40 tourists at a yoga class, travelers can meet local fishermen at dawn. One such fisherman, Thomas, once took a guest along and served sardines right on the boat at sunrise. No brochure can match that. For peace and salty breeze, a villa north of Varkala Beach is the way to go.

Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu – The Town That Was Swallowed by the Sea

Dhanushkodi is ghostly in the best possible way. Once a thriving town, it was devastated by a cyclone in 1964. What remains are skeletal ruins, vast untouched beaches, and a surreal sense of calm.

Getting there involves a 20km stretch that feels like a journey into another realm. On clear days, Sri Lanka is visible across the water, an ironic reminder of what’s being skipped. No vendors, no deck chairs, just wind, waves, and whispers of what once was.

Paradise Beach, Chunnambar (Near Pondicherry) – The Ferry-Ride Secret

This one is a cheat code. Paradise Beach isn’t accessible by car; it requires a ferry ride through Chunnambar’s lush backwaters. That ride alone is half the magic—serene, green, and teeming with birds.

What waits on the other side is a long stretch of golden sand, clean surf, and surprisingly few people. It feels like a private beach that nobody else remembered. Shacks are few, so snacks should be packed. On lucky days, a fisherman might even grill fresh catch right on the beach.

Staying in a villa in Pondicherry completes the experience.

St. Mary’s Islands, Karnataka – Nature’s Own Lego Blocks

The rock formations at St. Mary’s Islands genuinely resemble stacked hexagonal Lego blocks. Accessible only by boat from Malpe, trips are dependent on sea conditions, adding to the sense of adventure.

There’s no accommodation on the islands, so Malpe or Udupi makes for a convenient base. These islands are a standout among alternatives to Sri Lanka beaches, not for white sand, but for geological oddity and quiet charm. A picnic, a paddle, and sturdy sandals are all it takes.

Poovar, Kerala – The Golden Sand Whisper

Technically not a secret, Poovar is still overlooked in favour of Kovalam.. Mistake. Here, the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea, forming a golden sandbar that literally squeaks underfoot.

The place exists in an in-between state—not quite river, not quite sea. The light plays tricks on the water, and birds flit around like they’re choreographed. It’s cinematic but never trying too hard. Floating villa in Kerala offer a gentle, watery lullaby to end the day.

Tharangambadi (Tranquebar), Tamil Nadu – Denmark’s Lost Beach

History meets surf in Tharangambadi. Once a Danish colony in the 17th century, the beach still wears its past on its sleeve—forts, churches, and crumbling old walls.

This isn’t the place for turquoise water and cabanas. The beach is moody, rugged, almost like a faded photograph brought to life. A walk along the old ramparts followed by sitting on the dark sand watching waves hit history—it’s a different kind of beach day, and a deeply rewarding one.

Why You Should Really Skip Sri Lanka This Year

A beach holiday doesn’t need a passport stamp to feel exotic. Sometimes, what’s needed is a place that doesn’t try to impress but simply exists—wild, wonderful, and welcoming. The best beaches in South India offer just that: space, stories, and salt in the air, minus the inflated price tag or filtered pretense.

From highway-sea drives in Maravanthe to walking through the ghostly elegance of Dhanushkodi, these coastal gems linger in memory long after the tan fades. And they’re closer than people think—quietly waiting while the rest of the world chases the next trending island.

So go. Trace the coast. Skip the obvious. And the next time someone asks, “Why not Sri Lanka?”, the answer is simple, “Because South India offered something better.”

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Banner Image Credit: Anand S via Unsplash

Written by: Ruben Saha

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