Bioluminescence Beach

We have all romanticised starry nights and the Northern Lights. Well, what if we brought this vibrant phenomenon a little closer to the ground and in India?

We are of course, referring to bioluminescent beaches. Bioluminescence is a phenomenon where organisms such as certain species of jellyfish, insects, fungi, bacteria, and algae emit light. Typically, these organisms are far into the sea; however, sometimes, the crashing waves bring them closer to the shore, and give beach-goers an opportunity to witness something magical.

So, if you are looking to go on a beach holiday or simply looking to experience a brilliant natural phenomenon, check out these six glowing beaches in India:

  • Juhu Beach, Mumbai
  • Betalbatim Beach, Goa
  • Mattu Beach, Udupi
  • Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Chennai
  • Bhangaram Beach, Lakshadweep
  • Havelock Beach, Andaman Islands

  • Juhu Beach, Mumbai

Juhu Beach, Mumbai

The most popular beach in the Maximum City, Juhu Beach first saw its first night of bioluminescence in 2016. Although it’s not an everyday phenomenon here at the vast beach, there are still a few days every year when visitors are surprised by the presence of striking electric blue ‘waters’! There are many restaurants along the beach from where you can see the light-emitting organisms glow up the beach! So, next time you hear that Mumbai’s famous Juhu Beach is playing host to the bioluminescent creatures, start up your car and head out there! 

Also Read: 6 Beaches in Udupi Famous for Their Ethereal Beauty

  • Betalbatim Beach, Goa

Betalbatim Beach, Goa

If Goa wasn’t an attractive holiday destination enough already, this glowing water beach is sure to catch your fancy. The best time to see the bioluminescent algae at the beach is during winter. This sun-kissed beach is famous not only for its glow, but also for the amazing sunrise and sunset views it offers. Betalbatim is nestled between two other popular beaches- Colva Beach and Majorda Beach. It’s easy to spend a whole day at the beach- indulge in some water sports, grab some local food at any of the shacks, and then spend the night lying down on the beach, appreciating the glowing waters against a peaceful horizon.

  • Mattu Beach, Udupi

Mattu Beach, Udupi

Just 60kms away from Mangalore International Airport lies this secluded beach, Mattu. With a 30km shoreline, Mattu Beach is a great place for picnics, walks, and swimming. On many nights, as you walk along the swaying coconut and palm trees, you will sea the ‘sea sparkles’! A relatively new phenomenon at Mattu, more and more people are heading to the beach for a glimpse of pure beauty along the Arabian Sea shore.

  • Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Chennai.

Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Chennai

On a lazy August night in Chennai in 2019, beach-goers were surprised to see something blue sparkle out in the sea. Soon enough, social media was abuzz with the news that bioluminescence has been observed for the first time at the Chennai Beach! Even though it is not a common occurrence at the Chennai Beach, it is a good idea to keep an eye out on the news when you are in the city, on the off chance that the water lights up again!

Also Read: 5 Untouched White Sand Beaches In India You Must Visit in June 2024

  • Bhangaram Beach, Lakshadweep

Bhangaram Beach, Lakshadweep

The beauty of the illuminated night-time beach waters of Bhangaram Beach is magnified when you realise how tranquil and unpopulated the area is. With nothing but the bioluminescent phytoplankton, algae, and jellyfish to keep you company, you are bound to have an amazing time getting lost in the prettiness of the glowing sea! 

  • Havelock Beach, Andaman Islands

Havelock Beach, Andaman Islands

Coming to the end of the list- if there is one glowing beach in India that will make you fall in love with the night-time sea, it is the Havelock Beach. The bright glow can be attributed to the phytoplankton which are found in abundance near the shore.

Also Read: 4 Best Beaches in India to Visit With Your Loved Ones

Since you will have to wait till the night sky emerges to see the glow, it is best to find some accommodation near the beach where you wish to witness the bioluminescent joy. Check out the resort in Andaman hosted by Club Mahindra such as Symphony Palms, Symphony Summer Sands, or Symphony Samudra at Port Blair where you can head back for a good night’s sleep after witnessing the spectacularly lit beach waters. The best time to visit this bioluminescent beach in India is November- January when the weather is pleasant and other activities at the island such as water sports are also available. 

Visiting one of the glowing beaches is definitely one of the best ways to appreciate how Nature functions. So, which glowing beach are you headed for?

About Club Mahindra

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 250,000 members , who can holiday at 100+ resorts in India and abroad.

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