6 Black Sand Beaches in India to Visit in 2025 for a Unique Escape

Tired of the postcard-perfect white sand beaches? It’s time to step off the beaten path and explore the moody, mystical charm of India’s black sand beaches. 

These rare coastal gems, shaped by volcanic activity and rich minerals, offer a striking visual contrast with their dark, glistening sands and deep blue waters. Far less crowded than mainstream shores, these offbeat beach destinations are perfect for curious travellers, photographers, and those seeking quiet coastal escapes. 

With Club Mahindra beach resorts located near several of these hidden spots, planning your next unique seaside getaway just got easier.

In this blog, you will learn:

• What makes a beach “black”? (And why India has them)
• The Best Black Sand Beaches in India 

What makes a beach “black”? (And why India has them)

Black sand beaches are formed through a fascinating mix of geology and time. Unlike golden or white sand coasts, these darker shores owe their appearance to volcanic rocks, heavy minerals like magnetite and ilmenite, and the constant force of waves breaking them down into fine particles. Some black sands also result from the erosion of mineral-rich cliffs or ancient lava flows. In India, such beaches can be found where nature has laid down a complex tapestry of volcanic origins and coastal currents. From the southern mineral belts to isolated island arcs, these beaches are both beautiful and geologically significant.

6 Black Sand Beaches in India 

Thiruvambadi Black Sand Beach, Varkala, Kerala

Thiruvambadi is a quiet, lesser-known beach located just north of Varkala’s main stretch. What makes it stand out is the deep black sand that contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by cliffs and coconut palms, this beach offers a refreshing change from the busier tourist spots.

What to do there:

• Take a morning walk along the shoreline and watch the sunrise light up the black sand
• Visit cliffside cafés for breakfast or coffee with a view
• Relax by the waves with a book or just enjoy the quiet
• Join a yoga session or explore Ayurvedic wellness centres on Varkala Cliff
• Observe local fishermen heading out in traditional boats

How to reach:

The distance from Thiruvananthapuram to Thiruvambadi Black Sand Beach is approximately 50 km and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach by car. From Varkala railway station, it’s about 4 km and can be reached in 10–15 minutes by auto or taxi.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Thiruvambadi Black Sand Beach is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.

Nearest Club Mahindra stays:

Resorts in Poovar or Kollam make an excellent base. Club Mahindra Poovar offers a blend of beach and backwater landscapes, while Club Mahindra Ashtamudi in Kollam gives you easy access to the beach along with beautiful lake views and comfortable stays.

Alappad- Chavara Black Sand Strip, Kollam, Kerala

The Alappad–Chavara stretch is a striking black sand coastline located between the Arabian Sea and Ashtamudi Lake. Known for its mineral-rich dark sands and narrow landform, this region showcases a rare coastal formation in Kerala. 

What to do there:

• Walk along the shoreline where the black sand meets gentle waves
• Visit traditional fishing villages and local markets
• Take a backwater cruise on Ashtamudi Lake
• Watch the sunset for dramatic views and photography
• Explore local coir-making units and handicrafts

How to reach:

The distance from Kollam to Alappad–Chavara Black Sand Strip is approximately 20 km and takes around 40 minutes to reach by car or auto.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Alappad–Chavara Black Sand Strip is from November to March, when the skies are clear and the weather is comfortable for exploring.

Nearest Club Mahindra stays:

Resorts in Kerala like Club Mahindra Ashtamudi offer lakefront stays and are perfectly positioned for visiting the beach, enjoying backwater cruises, and experiencing Kerala’s village life.

Manavalakurichi & Surrounding Black Sand Beaches, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu

Manavalakurichi and its nearby coastal stretches in Kanyakumari district are known for their naturally dark, mineral-rich sands. These beaches lie along one of India’s most prominent heavy mineral belts, where the sands shimmer with a mix of black and reddish hues. Unlike typical tourist beaches, these shores feel raw and open, surrounded by casuarina groves, fishing boats, and uninterrupted views of the sea. 

What to do there:

• Drive along the coastal roads with sea views on one side
• Catch a stunning sunrise at the southern tip of India
• Visit ancient temples and the Kanyakumari Lighthouse
• Walk on the beach and observe the unique sand patterns
• Explore quiet coastal villages with local eateries

How to reach:

The distance from Nagercoil to Manavalakurichi is approximately 25 km and takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. It is also around 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram, taking nearly 2 hours to reach.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Manavalakurichi and nearby beaches is from November to February, when the climate is cooler and ideal for sightseeing.

Nearest Club Mahindra stays:

Resorts in Poovar, Kerala, like Club Mahindra Poovar, are about 1.5 hours away and offer a relaxed beachside stay near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. 

Tilmati Beach, Karwar (near Gokarna), Karnataka

Tilmati Beach is a hidden gem tucked away near Karwar, close to the Goa–Karnataka border. This small beach is known for its coarse, black pebbly sand, created from the erosion of surrounding basalt rocks. Accessible only by a short trek, it offers a peaceful and raw beach experience far removed from the crowded coastal hubs. 

What to do there:

• Trek to the beach from Majali village through scenic coastal trails
• Enjoy a quiet picnic by the sea
• Explore tide pools along the rocky patches
• Watch the waves crash against the cliffs during golden hour
• Capture wide-angle photos of the shoreline

How to reach:

The distance from Karwar to Tilmati Beach is approximately 15 km and takes about 30 minutes to reach. From Majali village, a 1 km trek is required to access the beach.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Tilmati Beach is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and suitable for trekking and beach walks.

Nearest Club Mahindra stays:

Resorts in South Goa work best as Club Mahindra Varca and Club Mahindra Emerald Palms, which are just 50km away and take 1-1.5 hrs to reach along the coastal route of the Goa-Karnataka border.

Jampore Beach, Daman

Jampore Beach, located in the union territory of Daman, is a broad, flat shoreline with dark brown to blackish sand. The beach is known for its long stretches of shallow water, making it safe for families and ideal for long walks. While not pitch-black like some southern beaches, Jampore’s darker sand, peaceful setting, and sea breeze offer a relaxed break from city life.

What to do there:

• Walk along the beach during low tide
• Try local seafood from beachfront stalls
• Enjoy horseback or camel rides for kids
• Watch the sunset with uninterrupted views of the horizon
• Explore the nearby Moti Daman Fort and markets

How to reach:

The distance from Vapi to Jampore Beach is approximately 14 km and takes around 30 minutes to reach by car. It’s also about 170 km from Mumbai, taking nearly 3.5 hours via NH48.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Jampore Beach is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the beach is more accessible.

Nearest Club Mahindra stays:

Resorts in Daman make the most suitable base, and Praveg Beach Resort Lighthouse, Daman – A Club Mahindra Associate, offers a comfortable stay close to Jampore Beach, with easy access to Daman’s key attractions.

Kalipur & Lamiya Bay Beaches, Diglipur, North Andaman

Kalipur and Lamiya Bay are two lesser-explored beaches located in Diglipur, North Andaman. These shores are known for their grey-to-black sands, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and mineral deposits. Unlike the more commercial beaches of Havelock and Neil, these beaches are quiet and rugged, with coral-studded shores and forested backdrops. 

What to do there:

• Visit during turtle nesting season for guided viewing
• Explore Saddle Peak National Park nearby
• Walk along the curved shoreline of Lamiya Bay
• Go for island-hopping to Ross and Smith Islands
• Watch the sky turn gold during sunset with minimal crowds

How to reach:

The distance from Diglipur town to Kalipur Beach is approximately 8 km and takes around 20 minutes by car. Diglipur is accessible from Port Blair by a 12-hour road journey or by sea and air (to nearby airstrips or via ferry).

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Kalipur and Lamiya Bay Beaches is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sea conditions are ideal for island visits and nature treks.

Nearest Club Mahindra stays:

Resorts in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, like Symphony Palms Beach Resort Havelok, a Club Mahindra Associate, offer a comfortable stay from where you can plan your onward trip to Diglipur and nearby volcanic shores.

Practical Tips: Black sand = hotter feet & brighter photos

• Wear footwear: Black sand gets very hot during the day. Always wear sandals or shoes while walking on the beach.
• Visit during cooler hours: Plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy better lighting for photos.
• Carry sun protection: Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to stay comfortable under the sun.
• Respect nature zones: Some beaches are near protected areas. Do not enter restricted zones or disturb local ecosystems.
• Be eco-friendly: Carry reusable water bottles, bags, and avoid littering. Facilities are limited in remote areas.
• Follow drone rules: Check if drone photography is allowed. Avoid flying near wildlife or villages.
• No flash near turtles: If visiting during nesting season, never use flash photography around turtles.
• Pack snacks and essentials: Some black sand beaches are in remote areas with no shops or restaurants nearby.

Conclusion: Go dark, go different

India’s black sand beaches offer a unique escape from the usual coastal crowds. From the cliffs of Varkala to the hidden shores of Karwar and Diglipur, each destination promises raw beauty and quiet charm. Make the most of your journey by staying at Club Mahindra resorts, including scenic backwater resorts in Kerala, peaceful beach resorts in Goa, and coastal resorts in Daman and the Andamans. 

With a Club Mahindra Membership, you can explore 140+ stunning destinations year after year in comfort in India and abroad.