From Bollywood celebrities to budget travelers, the Maldives has remained a go-to vacation destination for thousands of Indians. And why wouldn’t it be? Pristine white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean – imagine waking up every morning to these views in the Maldives. However, if you’re on a tight budget and can’t make it to the Maldives, worry not! Team unstumbled has got you covered with the 7 best budget beach destinations in India that will give the Maldives a run for its money! Hop on, it’s time to set sail and explore India’s own Maldives-like beach destinations!
Maldives On A Budget: 7 Budget Beach Destinations In India That Feel Like The Maldives
Varkala
While Kerala is more famous for its backwaters than its beaches, it is no doubt that Varkala is one of the best beach destinations in India. This small beachside town boasts of clean white sand beaches, scenic cliffs, vibrant temples, as well as quaint cafes and restaurants.
Varkala is extremely popular among backpackers and those looking for a quiet solace by the sea. So, worry not about burning a hole in your pocket – there are plenty of affordable accommodation options in Varkala. Plus, the food here is diverse yet reasonably priced!
What Makes Varkala Special:
- Budget hostels and homestays and reasonably priced cafes and restaurants. Plus, you save on transport costs as most of Varkala can be explored on foot or reasonably-priced bicycle or motorbike rentals.
- Meditation and yoga workshops by the sea to unwind and rejuvenate.
- Adventurous activities like surfing, kayaking, or boating.
- Perfect even for a spiritual retreat thanks to the presence of temples.
- Family-friendly, solo traveler-friendly, and women-friendly destination.
Closest major airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (41 km)
Average cost for a 5-day Varkala trip: INR 10,000 to INR 30,000 per person
Tarkarli
Maharashtra’s coastlines are blessed with plenty of budget-friendly beach destinations but if there’s one that stands out from the rest, it has to be Tarkarli! This small beachside town in the Konkan region of Maharashtra is home to gorgeous beaches, vibrant markets, and temples. Not just that, Tarkarli has upped its game when it comes to adventure activities!
The seaside town has plenty of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers. From affordable dorms and guesthouses to family-owned homestays and mid-range hotels, Tarkarli is perfect when you’re planning a beach vacation within a tight budget. Plus, the Malvani-style seafood deserves brownie points – do give it a try when in Tarkarli and you’ll know why we’re hyping it up!
What Makes Tarkarli Special:
- Budget hostels, hotels, and homestays.
- Local, home-style seafood eateries, restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall spots are famous among locals.
- Vibrant markets where you can get everything from dried fish and spices to wooden toys and handcrafted ornaments!
- Plenty of water sports, adventure sports, and adrenaline-pumping activities. Take scuba diving, snorkeling, banana boat riding, and parasailing for example.
- Chances of stargazing are high on a clear, spotless day.
- A beach destination suitable for all kinds of travelers – families, couples, as well as backpackers and solo female travelers.
Closest major airport: Manohar International Airport (87 km)
Average cost for a 5-day Varkala trip: INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per person
Radhanagar Beach
Do you know that Radhanagar Beach in the Andaman Islands is often considered to be the cleanest beach in Asia? This beach on Havelock Island is famous for its pristine white sand, calming turquoise waters, and a vibe that’ll instantly remind you of the Maldives. However, you need not splurge on activities, hotel, and flights like you’d have to do for the Maldives.
Radhanagar Beach has budget and mid-range hotels as well as high-end hotels, suitable for travelers of all kinds. Plus, the restaurants here offer diverse cuisines at reasonable prices. What also makes Radhanagar Beach the perfect place to holiday is the solitude and peace that the place offers you here! Enough to even rival the Maldives!
What Makes Radhanagar Beach Special:
- Reasonably priced mid-range hotels and high-end hotels and resorts
- Clean and picturesque beach views, especially during the sunrise.
- Lush green forests on the island make it perfect even for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
- Option of exploring other big and small islands in the Andaman Island archipelago.
- One of the quieter, relaxing, and calming beach destinations compared to others on this list.
- A beach destination suitable for all kinds of travelers – families, couples, as well as backpackers and solo female travelers.
Closest major airport: Port Blair International Airport (77 km)
Average cost for a 5-day Varkala trip: INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 per person
Gokarna
Karnataka’s beach destinations are quite underrated, we must say, with Gokarna being one of them. This beachside town is the perfect place when you’re in a dire need of a digital detox – thanks to plenty of yoga schools, meditation schools, and workshops. The town is small yet is buzzing with both Indian and foreign travelers who’re here to escape the chaos of the city.
The beachside town is a haven for those looking for a mix of everything. While you have temples and meditation schools for your spiritual retreat, you also have exciting adventure sports like surfing and kayaking. Plus, what also makes it a budget beach destination is the affordable cafe culture. Overall, Gokarna is an enjoyable place to soak in some good vibes by the sea, and that too on a budget!
What Makes Gokarna Special:
- Reasonably priced hostels, dorms, homestays, and hotels.
- Affordable cafes and restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
- Go swimming in the sea or hiking in the lush green trails – whether you’re a beach person or a mountain person, there’s something for you!
- Unmatched sunset views and adrenaline-pumping water adventure sports.
- Plenty of yoga schools, meditation schools, yoga retreats, and workshops to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul
Closest major airport: Dabolim International Airport (135 km)
Average cost for a 5-day Varkala trip: INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per person
Alibag
If you’re looking for a budget alternative to Maldives and that too near Mumbai, why not visit Alibag? This quaint coastal town is slowly developing into a bustling weekend hub as more and more hotels and restaurants rise up. But the coastal town has remained a budget destination for many travelers thanks to affordable hotels, restaurants, and fun activities.
Alibag has accommodation options for travelers on all kinds of budget. Be it a backpacker, a family, or a traveler that likes to splurge, Alibag offers hotels in all price ranges. Plus, you can get a diverse range of food here – from authentic Maharashtrian-style seafood to full English breakfasts. Overall, if you’re looking for budget beach destinations in India that feel like the Maldives, you must consider this destination near Mumbai!
What Makes Alibag Special:
- Hostels, mid-range hotels, homestays, and luxurious villas and hotels, Alibag has got it all!
- Reasonably priced food available in local restaurants as well as high-end restaurants.
- Accessibility to Mumbai is a major plus point that makes it a top choice for weekend getaways.
- Plenty of untouched and unexplored beaches as well as exciting adventure sports to try!
Closest major airport: Mumbai International Airport (98 km)
Average cost for a 5-day Alibag trip: INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per person
Agonda
How can we talk about budget beach destinations and not mention anything about Goa? As the ultimate destination in India for a beach getaway, Goa has plenty of beachside towns and cities where you can relax and rejuvenate on a budget way less than the Maldives. One of them is the seaside town of Agonda.
This beachside town is located in South Goa, the part of Goa famous for its quaint coastal towns, laidback life, and a generally more peaceful vibe than North Goa’s. Agonda has plenty of accommodation options for almost all kinds of travelers, budget-friendly eateries and restaurants, as well as access to some of Goa’s most picture-worthy places. From Agonda, you can easily take day trips to nearby places like Cabo De Rama, Butterfly Beach, Palolem Beach, as well as nearby temples, waterfalls, and lush forests.
What Makes Agonda Special:
- Affordable accommodation options for all kinds of travelers
- Close to many popular destinations in South Goa.
- Picturesque beaches and seaside cliffs to get the best sunset views.
- Reasonably priced cafes, local eateries, and bars and restaurants.
Closest major airport: Dabolim International Airport (61 km)
Average cost for a 5-day Agonda trip: INR 10,000 to INR 25,000 per person
Puri
If there’s one underrated state in terms of tourism, it has to be Odisha without any doubt! Its beaches are drop-dead gorgeous, it is home to breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries, as well as has an interesting cultural heritage unlike any other state in India. Amongst the beach destinations in Odisha, Puri is undoubtedly the most developed.
The city is home to the revered Puri Jagannath Temple as well as other big and small temples and historical sites. Plus, the city caters to a diverse group of travelers — whether you are a backpacker or a family visiting Puri, you’ll have plenty of things to do here. Puri’s beaches are comparatively less explored, but that also means that you’ll be blessed with clean beaches, turquoise blue waters, and a calm vibe that many other beaches in India won’t rival. Plus, the city is extremely budget-friendly thanks to affordable stay options, restaurants, and activities.
What Makes Puri Special:
- Affordable hostels, homestays, and mid-range hotels.
- Less crowded beaches and vibrant markets.
- A growing culinary scene with the rise of new restaurants and cafes.
- A quieter, more relaxing beach destination compared to many others on the list.
- Home to the iconic Jagannath Temple, believed to be one of the four original Char Dham temples as well as the Konark Sun Temple.
Closest major airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (68 km)
Average cost for a 5-day Alibag trip: INR 10,000 to INR 25,000 per person
Summing Up
Here we reach the end of the ‘best budget beach destinations in India’ – and we’re sure they’ll even rival the beauty of the Maldives. From Tarkarli to Gokarna and Varkala to Puri, these 7 destinations in India promise great seaside views, delicious food, and exciting activities, all in a compact, pocket-friendly budget! So, which one among these are you the most excited to visit?
