Why India’s Black Sand Beaches Might Just Outshine Iceland’s in 2025

Dreaming of Iceland’s iconic black sand beaches but not quite ready to cross continents? 

You don’t have to. India is home to some rare and equally breathtaking black sand beaches that promise the same raw beauty and picturesque scenery, minus the cold winds and long-haul flights. 

From the tropical cliffs of Kerala to the volcanic shores of the Andamans, these coastal gems are every bit as magical as Iceland’s Reynisfjara. So, if you're craving that moody aesthetic and offbeat charm, India’s best black sand beach is waiting, and no passport is required.

In this blog, you will learn:

• Why Are Black Sand Beaches So Fascinating?
• India’s 6 Most Beautiful Black Sand Beaches
• Iceland vs India: A Side-by-Side Black Sand Beaches Comparison
• Travel Tips for Black Sand Beaches
• Stay in Style: Club Mahindra Resorts Near These Beaches

Why Are Black Sand Beaches So Fascinating?

Black sand beaches are rare and visually striking, formed by volcanic activity or mineral-rich coastal erosion. Unlike typical golden shores, their dark sands contain minerals like magnetite or ilmenite. Found in select regions like Iceland, Hawaii, and parts of Asia, they stand out for their dramatic beauty. India, too, is home to a handful of these unique beaches, offering bold, natural landscapes shaped by diverse geological forces.

India’s 6 Most Beautiful Black Sand Beaches

Thiruvambadi Black Sand Beach, Varkala, Kerala

Location: Thiruvambadi Black Sand Beach is located just north of Varkala’s main beach in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.

Why it’s magical: This beach is known for its shimmering black sand, dramatic red cliffs, and swaying palm trees. The contrast between the dark shore and the turquoise water creates a striking coastal scene. Unlike Varkala’s busy central beach, Thiruvambadi offers quiet solitude and a more authentic local atmosphere. The beach feels raw and untouched, making it a perfect escape for those seeking serenity with a dramatic visual backdrop.

What to do:

• Start your morning with a walk along the black sands at sunrise
• Enjoy breakfast or coffee at one of the cliffside cafés
• Relax under the shade of coconut trees with a book
• Watch fishermen head out in traditional wooden boats
• Explore yoga classes or wellness centres nearby

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is October to March, when the skies are clear, the humidity is lower, and the sea is calm enough for beach activities.

Tilmati Beach, Karwar, Karnataka

• Location: Tilmati Beach is located near the village of Majali in the Uttara Kannada district, close to the Goa-Karnataka border and about 15 km from Karwar town.
• Why it’s magical: This hidden beach is unique for its coarse, black pebbly sand created from the erosion of nearby basalt rock formations. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and accessible only by a short forested trek, Tilmati offers a raw, untouched beach experience. It is one of the few places in India where the black sand appears more granular, lending it a rugged coastal charm.

What to do:

• Trek through a scenic trail from Majali to reach the beach
• Have a peaceful picnic away from the crowds
• Explore tide pools along the rocky shoreline
• Watch waves crash dramatically against the cliffs
• Capture panoramic photos of the unspoiled coastline

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from November to February, when the temperatures are cooler and the conditions are ideal for trekking and photography.

Manavalakurichi, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu

• Location: Manavalakurichi is a coastal town in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, located near India’s southernmost tip and approximately 25 km from Nagercoil.
• Why it’s magical: This stretch of coastline lies along one of India’s most prominent heavy mineral belts, giving the sand its dark, shimmering appearance. The beaches here are quiet and undeveloped, bordered by casuarina groves and dotted with fishing boats. The blend of black and reddish sand, along with wide, uninterrupted sea views, creates a striking and untouched landscape.

What to do:

• Drive along scenic coastal roads with views of the Arabian Sea
• Visit the Kanyakumari Lighthouse and the ancient temples nearby
• Catch the sunrise at India’s southern tip
• Walk along the beach and admire the unique colour patterns in the sand
• Explore local eateries and quiet coastal villages

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and ideal for sightseeing and long coastal drives.

Alappad- Chavara Black Sand Strip, Kollam, Kerala

• Location: The Alappad-Chavara Black Sand Strip is a narrow coastal stretch located in the Kollam district of Kerala, between the Arabian Sea and Ashtamudi Lake.
• Why it’s magical: This coastline is known for its rich black sand formed from heavy minerals and its rare geographical formation—where the sea and the lake run almost parallel, separated by a thin strip of land. The setting feels surreal, with calm backwaters on one side and the roaring sea on the other. It offers a peaceful, offbeat atmosphere with glimpses of traditional Kerala village life.

What to do:

• Walk along the narrow beach where the lake meets the sea
• Visit local fishing villages and observe daily life
• Take a backwater cruise on Ashtamudi Lake
• Watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea
• Explore local coir-making units and handicraft centres

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is comfortable and the skies are clear for exploration.

Kalipur and Lamiya Bay Beaches, Diglipur, North Andaman

• Location: Kalipur and Lamiya Bay Beaches are located in Diglipur, at the northern tip of North Andaman Island. Kalipur is about 8 km from Diglipur town and is accessible from Port Blair via road, sea, or air.
• Why it’s magical: These beaches are among the few in India with true volcanic origins. The black and grey sands here are the result of ancient lava flows and mineral-rich coastal erosion. Set against the backdrop of dense tropical forests and coral reefs, Kalipur and Lamiya Bay feel wild and secluded. They are also known for turtle nesting during certain months, adding a rare ecological charm.

What to do:

• Visit during nesting season to spot turtles under guided supervision
• Walk along the curved shoreline of Lamiya Bay
• Explore Saddle Peak National Park nearby
• Take a boat trip to Ross and Smith Islands
• Enjoy a sunset with minimal crowds and pristine surroundings

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from November to April, when the sea is calm and weather conditions are ideal for island-hopping and nature exploration.

Jampore Beach, Daman

• Location: Jampore Beach is located in the southern part of Daman, a coastal union territory on India’s western shoreline. It is about 14 km from Vapi in Gujarat and around 170 km from Mumbai.
• Why it’s magical: Jampore Beach features dark brown to blackish sand and a wide, flat shoreline that gently slopes into the Arabian Sea. While not as intensely black as volcanic beaches, its darker tones stand out against the pale skies and blue waters. Known for its calm waves and long low-tide stretches, this beach is peaceful, family-friendly, and ideal for slow walks along the shore.

What to do:

• Walk along the beach during low tide and enjoy the breeze
• Try local seafood from nearby beachside stalls
• Enjoy horse or camel rides, especially popular with children
• Watch the sunset with uninterrupted sea views
• Visit Moti Daman Fort and the nearby markets

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the tides are more favourable for beach activities.

Iceland vs India: A Side-by-Side Black Sand Beaches Comparison

India and Iceland may be worlds apart in geography and climate, but both countries are home to some of the most fascinating black sand beaches in the world. Below is a quick comparison that shows how India’s coastal treasures hold their own:

• Location: Reynisfjara is located near the town of Vik in southern Iceland. Thiruvambadi Beach, India’s closest equivalent in ambience, is located in Varkala, Kerala.
• Ambience: Iceland’s black beaches are wild, windy, and icy, offering a dramatic northern seascape. India’s black beaches are peaceful and tropical, with lush green backdrops and calmer waters.
• Weather: Reynisfjara sees sub-zero temperatures for much of the year. Indian black sand beaches offer warm, sunny weather that’s ideal for relaxed vacations, especially between October and March.
• Verdict: While Iceland’s black sand beaches are undoubtedly a world-class sight, India’s own versions offer stunning beauty with a very different kind of charm. With fewer crowds, softer weather, and scenic surroundings, beaches like Thiruvambadi and Kalipur make a strong case for choosing local over long-haul.

Travel Tips for Black Sand Beaches

• Wear sandals or beach footwear, as black sand absorbs heat and can become uncomfortably hot during the day.
• Plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon. These hours offer cooler temperatures and ideal lighting conditions for photography.
• Respect nature zones, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Andaman Islands. Follow local guidelines and avoid entering protected habitats.
• Carry sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the sun.
• Refrain from using flash photography if you visit during turtle nesting season, particularly at Kalipur Beach.
• Pack snacks and essentials when visiting remote beaches, as facilities may be limited or unavailable.
• Always dispose of waste responsibly or carry it back with you to help preserve these fragile natural environments.

Stay in Style: Club Mahindra Resorts Near Black Sand Beaches

Exploring black sand beaches is even more enjoyable when you have a comfortable and scenic place to return to. To add to your comfort,  can find many Club Mahindra resorts near the black sand beaches of India, making your exploration even more fun.

• Club Mahindra Poovar, Kerala: Club Mahindra Poovar is the perfect base for visiting Thiruvambadi Beach. This resort in Kerala is nestled between serene backwaters and the sea, offering a serene setting with lush surroundings. Guests can enjoy Ayurvedic spa therapies, boat rides, and traditional Kerala cuisine while staying close to the coastline.
• Club Mahindra Ashtamudi, Kollam, Kerala: For those exploring the Alappad-Chavara black sand strip, Club Mahindra Ashtamudi offers lakefront views and authentic Kerala experiences. This resort in Kerala sits along the scenic Ashtamudi Lake and provides easy access to both backwaters and the beach. It’s ideal for families and couples looking to unwind in a peaceful setting.
• Club Mahindra Varca, Goa: If you are heading towards Tilmati Beach near the Goa-Karnataka border, you can choose Club Mahindra Varca as a convenient base. Though located in South Goa, this beach resort in Goa offers access to Karwar’s quiet coastline with just a short drive. The resort features a large pool, spacious rooms, and beach access, combining comfort with proximity to hidden gems.
• Praveg Beach Resort Lighthouse, Daman - A Club Mahindra Associate: This beachfront resort in Daman is located close to Jampore Beach and offers a stylish and comfortable stay in Daman. Guests can enjoy local seafood, heritage sites, and calm sea views just a short walk from the property. It’s a great option for those looking to experience Daman’s coastal charm in a relaxed setting.
• Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Havelock - A Club Mahindra Associate: If you’re planning a trip to North Andaman to explore Kalipur and Lamiya Bay, Symphony Palms Beach Resort in Havelock is a convenient first stop. From this resort in Andaman, you can plan onward journeys to Diglipur while enjoying beachfront views, coral explorations, and laid-back island life.

Conclusion

India’s black sand beaches offer the same dramatic beauty and quiet escape that travellers seek in Iceland, but with warm weather and easy access. From Varkala to the Andamans, these hidden shores are unforgettable in their own right.

With a Club Mahindra Membership, you can explore these hidden coastal gems in comfort, while also unlocking holidays at over 140 destinations across India and abroad, including dream locations like Iceland. It’s the perfect way to enjoy unforgettable moments now and plan for iconic adventures later.