5 black sand beaches in India that look surreal and are worth discovering

Want to know a surprising fact? India has black sand beaches, which are a rare sight to witness! These black sand beaches offer a unique and mesmerizing coastal experience. Most of these have dark-coloured sand because of ancient volcanic activity, heavy mineral deposits, as well as erosion of basaltic rocks.

Let’s look at these captivating black beaches:

This black sand beach is a serene escape from the crowded areas and is located near the northern cliffs of Varkala, Kerala. The beach lies along the Arabian Sea and offers calm waters for swimming and relaxation. It is a perfect destination for those who are looking for that secluded spot where they can spend time in peace and silence. The Varkala cliffs are around the beach, making it the only beach in southern Kerala with cliffs beside the sea. The beach also has great spiritual and cultural significance as it is close to ancient temples. The perfect time to visit this beach is from November to February when the climate is pleasant along with a cool breeze.

Located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka in Karwar is a black sand beach that looks like black sesame, which gives it the name Tilmati, ‘tillu’ which means sesame seeds and ‘matti’ which means soil. One might spot fishermen, locals, and foreigners on the beach, but it is a quite underrated beach. It offers spectacular views of the sunset and sunrise. The sand is believed to be naturally black as this beach is surrounded by basaltic rock. One can visit Tilmati to spend some peaceful time with their loved ones and enjoy amazing views. The natural beauty and serene environment add to the beauty of the beach.

Located in the Raigad district, this beach has dark black sands with calm and clear waters. One will find coconut palms here and can also visit the Revdanda Fort, a historic fortification built by the Portuguese, providing a mix of natural and historical appeal. The best time to visit Revdanda Beach is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. This is also a place where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea and indulge in various water sports activities. Since it is less commercialised, it offers the tranquility one is looking for away from the hustle of city life. It is a place that you should not miss if you are travelling in Maharashtra.

This beach is known for its black sand beach and a serene environment. One can visit this beach through the ferry from Mumbai’s Gateway of India. This is the perfect spot for a day out with your loved ones. Since it is located in close proximity to Maharashtra and Pune, it makes for a quick getaway for those visiting these places. The natural coastal landscape with rocks and boats is ideal for photography. You can also get a dose of adrenaline rush with water sports activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, banana tube rides, and water scooters, among others, at the beach.

This beach located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a black sand beach that is also famous for being a turtle nesting beach. One can find four rare species of sea turtles—Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Green Turtles which come here to nest their eggs. The beach looks beautiful when the tide is low as it is scattered with corals. This beach has clear waters, which makes it perfect for swimming and snorkelling as well. Kalipur Beach is a blend of sand and rock shores with a fishing village nearby.