Surfing is one water sport that is loved by most beach bums. Indian couples should not feel left out if they cannot go to Hawaii just yet, as there are plenty of beaches in India that will make the surfer in you jump with joy. Not many people know this, but the land of spirituality holds a large number of secret surfing destinations that draws crowds from all over the world. These surfing destinations are ideal for adventure loving young couples as well as the seasoned surfers.
So, all you surf-loving couples get ready to read about 10 mind-blowing surfing havens of India.
#1. Shivas, Karnataka
Image Courtesy: Holiday IQ
The first spot on the list is named after a God who, according to mythology, let the great Ganges flow from his locks onto our planet. The beach over here is surrounded by awesome green forests. This is a popular place of worship for Shaivites. It is situated on a small peninsula at Murudeshwara in the Arabian Sea. On either side of the peninsula, there are large sheltered bays that make for ideal surfing conditions even during onshore NW (North West) or SW (South West) winds. The waves at this place break from one foot to ten feet depending on the time of the year. It is a haven for photographers also as the waves and the scenery is amazing.
#2. Kodi Bengre, Karnataka
Image Courtesy: Shaka Surf Club Facebook Page
Kodi Bengre, in Karnataka, is where India’s first female surfer Ishita Malvia has set up a beautiful surfing club called the ‘Shaka Surf Club’. It is a great place to learn surfing. Lucky couples can also spot dolphins in the waters out here! How cool is that?
Image Courtesy: RajivC Food Travel Life
One side overlooks river Swarna and the other side overlooks the Arabian sea. This place has waves of three to five feet in height and in the pre-monsoon season, it goes up to 10-15 feet. This place surely is a heaven sent for beginner surfers.
#3. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
The southernmost tip of India is a place with the greatest of winds all year round. The waves can get pretty big here, which is an attraction for seasoned surfers. One can even spot a great big statue of Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar here.
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The water is clean and the waves are aplenty. Kanyakumari is not widely famous for being a surfing haven, but with the proper management it can very well be India’s best surfing area. Nevertheless, this would make a perfect place for couples.
#4. Kovalam beach, Kerala
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This is probably the best known spot out of the lot. It offers inexpensive accommodation and food, hence it attracts tourists in large numbers. The waves are not as massive as the ones in Shivas or Kanyakumari but the surf is good.
Image Courtesy: Reach Kerala
A local surf club rents out surfing boards and also teaches local kids in return for their attendance in school. Who knew that surfing could do such good in society?
#5. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Image Courtesy: Thrillophilia
For surf lovers and Francophiles, Pondicherry is the place to be. A mix of French and Indian cultures, Pondicherry offers some of the best waves for surfers. The currents are strong, and hence there is more scope for barrelling.
Image Courtesy: Kallialay Surf School Facebook Page
The 'Kallialay Surf School' offers courses and rented boards for the avid surfers. Head to this place as soon as you can. The locations are breathtaking. If you are the kind of couple who likes peace, serenity and quietness then Pondicherry is just for you.
#6. Alwars, Tamil Nadu
Image Courtesy: Surfer Today
According to some, this is the best available spot for surfing in India located on the South-East coast at Manapad point. The waves extend 400 meters into the sea, and therefore must not be taken lightly. The surf here is extraordinary.
Image Courtesy: Travel India
Surfers keep coming back to this place. They say that it resembles Hawaii in parts. Since it is quite deserted, the wave-loving people come in droves and do their own thing. And, there are a lot of unique delicacies available around this area. So, snacks will always be around the corner!
#7. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
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This ancient city is known for its temples. Lord Ram, according to the Ramayana, took refuge in this place before marching to Lanka. Hence, this place is a pilgrim destination for his worshippers. However, they are not the only pilgrims that make it a must to come here. Surfers also take this place quite seriously. This otherwise calm stretch has the best surfs during autumn and winter.
#8. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Image Courtesy: Surfing India
Mahabalipuram has quite a name among the surfers in India. Located in Tamil Nadu, this spot is a regularly visited by surfers. Shore temple has some of the most awesome waves even though they are not that big in size. The wind speeds are crazy therefore, the waves are much faster than at other surf spots. To add to these natural gifts, there are many surf clubs and shops present. So, you do not need to carry all your accessories while visiting here. A ticket and a roof are all that you are going to need!
#9. Vizag, Andhra Pradesh
Image Courtesy: Trip Advisor
Located on the east coast of India at Vishakhapatnam, this place was recently discovered as a great surfing spot by a surfer Anthony Yep Colas and his photographer friend, John Callahan. The waves over here are above average in height. The place is inexpensive and filled with great views wherever you go making it ideal for couples on a budget!
#10. Goa
Image Courtesy: Klompen via India Mike
The party destination of India also doubles up as a surfing haven between May and June. The waves can get pretty big with sizes that range from five to ten feet. Not many people know of this and therefore, it is relatively less crowded during the surfing season than other surfing spots. The waves are high enough for surfing at the end of May or beginning of June.
India has many places for those who love surfing. We have only mentioned the 10 most famous surfing destinations of India. Surfing is picking up pace in India very fast. So, all you crazy surf-loving couples can pack your boards and get ready to hit the waves in full gusto!
