India has some of the most varied and underappreciated beach destinations in the world. From the developed coastline of Goa to the remote islands of the Andamans, from the laid-back shores of Pondicherry to the rugged cliffs of Gokarna, the range of beach experiences available within the country is genuinely extraordinary.
Each destination has a different character, a different kind of light, and a different backdrop. Here is a guide to our favourites and how to think about dressing for each one.
Goa
Goa is the most developed Indian beach destination and the one most aligned with a resort fashion aesthetic. The north beaches, Anjuna, Vagator, and Morjim, are more bohemian and relaxed. The south, Palolem, Agonda, and Colva, tends toward quieter settings with a calmer atmosphere.
Goa's fashion culture is relaxed and visually expressive. Oversized ombre shirts, flowing maxi dresses, bright co-ord sets: all of these work here without looking overdressed. The warm golden light in the early morning and late afternoon is particularly good for photographing naturally dyed cotton. If you are going to Goa and want good photos, this is where to wear your most colourful pieces.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry has a very different character from Goa. The French Quarter architecture, the clean promenade, and the café culture create a setting that calls for slightly more put-together outfits than pure beach wear. A co-ord set or a fitted maxi dress reads better here than a fully open beach shirt.
The light in Pondicherry is beautiful and consistent. The town faces east, which means morning light on the promenade is clear and warm. Pastels and lighter gradients photograph particularly well against the painted colonial architecture. The Midnight Mykonos or Laguna Love dress worn near the white and yellow buildings of the French Quarter creates a colour contrast that photographs very well.
Andaman Islands
The Andamans are the most spectacular Indian beach destination in terms of natural environment. The water at Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is a blue-green that looks almost artificially perfect. The sand is among the finest in Asia.
In this environment, the setting does most of the visual work. Colours that complement the water rather than compete with it photograph best: blues, teals, and aquas that echo the lagoon, or clean whites and creams that contrast with it clearly. The Teal Oasis or Frosty Sky shirts look particularly good against this backdrop.
Gokarna
Gokarna in Karnataka is a quieter, more rugged alternative to Goa. The beaches, Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach, require some walking to reach and reward you with relative isolation. The setting is more dramatically scenic: rocky headlands, deep blue water, cliffs and jungle.
The fashion here can be more casual and practical than at Goa. The focus tends to be on the landscape and experience rather than the social scene. Simple, well-made pieces in natural fabrics work well. An oversized cotton shirt and linen shorts is genuinely the right outfit for Gokarna.
Tarkarli and Malvan
Tarkarli on the Konkan coast has exceptionally clear water and is one of the best spots in India for snorkelling. The setting is quieter than Goa and the local culture more conservative. Cover-ups that are also genuinely stylish work well here. An oversized ombre shirt as a cover-up is respectful of the local context without compromising on the look.
The fishing village aesthetic of Tarkarli is quite beautiful on its own terms: white and blue buildings against the coastline, fishing boats, morning activity at the jetty. Photographs taken here tend to have a natural documentary quality that more tourist-heavy destinations lack.
A note on packing for Indian beaches
Whatever the destination, the practical requirements are the same: breathable natural fabrics that handle heat and humidity, colours that work in strong outdoor light, and silhouettes that can go from beach to restaurant without a complete change. Organic cotton satisfies all three requirements. It breathes in heat, holds colour well in outdoor light, and packs without wrinkling in ways that make the transition from beach bag to dinner table easy.