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People may visit Bengaluru for business opportunities or work, however very few know that this city can also be considered as an ideal holiday destination.
Bengaluru beaches are in great proximity to both the Eastern and Western Coast of India, and make for the perfect destinations for long, romantic and sun-kissed getaways.
Whether you want to travel to the French town of India, Pondicherry, or the beach capital - Goa, the breathtaking destination of Gokarna or the coastal marvel - Mangalore, all these beautiful towns near Bengaluru also have the most beautiful beaches.
There are various such beaches near Bengaluru that will give you the rejuvenation and relaxation that a perfect holiday deems.
Take some respite from all the stress at these five best beaches near Bengaluru that make for the perfect place to spend a weekend with your friends, partner or family:
1. Gokarna beach
Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka comprising ancient temples, pilgrimage sites and serene, breathtaking beaches.
It’s one of the closest beaches near Bengaluru. Here are some popular beaches in Gokarna visited by a lot of locals, tourists from other states and international travellers. The main Gokarna beach is the highlight. Other beaches include Paradise Beach and Om Beach. If you are in Bengaluru, you can definitely go to Gokarna by car with your friends or family. Gokarna is one of the best beaches near Bengaluru.
When you’re at Gokarna, you can indulge in water sports, camping and other adventure activities available.
Location: Belehittal Rd, Dandebagh, Gokarna, Karnataka
Distance from Bangalore: 480 km (8 hour drive)
How to travel from Bengaluru: By car or bus from Bengaluru, by flight to Goa (nearest airport is Dabolim airport which is 3.5 hours away from Gokarna)
2. Auroville beach, Pondicherry
Pondicherry is popularly known as the French town of India, and houses some gorgeous, serene beaches that are closest to Bengaluru. One of the best beaches in Pondicherry is the Auroville Beach, also known as the Auro Beach. It is a part of the Auroville Ashram which is situated approximately 10 kilometres away from Pondicherry. Auro Beach is also one of the popular beaches near Bengaluru.
This popular public beach is flanked by a lot of locals who stay in and around Auroville and Pondicherry. It closes at 6.30pm.
You can eat and chill at the beach as it is surrounded by various shacks and small restaurants or cafes. You may also indulge in water sports like surfing.
Auroville has a famous surfing club -Kalilay Surf Club, where you can go to enjoy surfing and other fun adventure activities.
In case you want to see the lighthouse, you can also view it from Auro beach.
Location: 132, Subbaiah Salai, Pondicherry
Distance from Bangalore: 305 km (7-hour drive)
How to travel from Bengaluru: By car or bus from Bengaluru, by flight to Pondicherry
3. Mangalore beaches
Mangalore may be a busy city, but its beautiful coastline is a sight to behold. Beach-hopping in Mangalore is a fascinating experience. Start from Panambur Beach, where you can watch various ships sail from the port. Tannirbhavi beach is another picture-perfect beach in Mangalore where you can go for surfing and witness a beautiful sunset. The Ullal and Someshwar beaches are gorgeous, serene spots that are surrounded by palm groves. The views from both these beaches is breathtaking as you can watch the sunset.
Mangalore beaches are considered as one of the nearest beaches to Bengaluru.
Location: Mangalore
Distance from Bangalore: 352 km (approx 8-hour drive)
How to travel from Bengaluru: By car or bus from Bengaluru, by 1 hour flight to Mangaluru airport
4. Udupi
Udupi’s beaches are one of the best beaches near Bengaluru and make for the perfect vacation spot. One of Udupi’s famous beaches is Malpe beach, where you can indulge in surfing and other water sports. However, if you are seriously willing to learn surfing, hop to The Shaka Surf Club near Manipal. Udupi beaches comprise pristine white sand, supported by a pleasant weather, and a variety of delectable food shacks.
Do not forget to visit St. Mary’s Island at Udupi, from where you can enjoy mesmerising views of the ocean surrounding it.
Location: Udupi, Karnataka
Distance from Bangalore: 403 km (approx 8.5-hour drive)
How to travel from Bengaluru: By car or bus from Bengaluru, by flight to Mangaluru (Udupi is 2 hours 49 minutes from Mangaluru airport)
5. Varkala
Varkala Beach is situated in Kerala, and is a beautiful stretch of sand which is popular for the solitude vibes it exudes. It is also known as Papanasam beach, as the water of Varkala beach is known to possess medicinal and healing properties. A dip in this holy water at Papanasam beach is said to help the body get rid of impurities and sins. Varkala beach is one of the best beaches near Bengaluru. The southern part of the beach leads to the legendary 2000 year old Janardhana Swamy Temple, which is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus. The northern part of this beach is renowned for natural mineral springs known to have medicinal properties.
Location: Varkala Town, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala
Distance from Bangalore: 683 km
How to travel from Bengaluru: By car or bus from Bengaluru, by flight to Trivandrum International airport (Varkala is 2 hours 43 minutes from Trivandrum International airport)
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