Discover the best surf spots in India, where the waves whisper tales of adventure and the sea becomes your playground.
Do you know the word “SURF” came from India itself? The term ‘surf’ originated from the Indian word ‘suffe’, which refers to the coastline. In the 1600s, Portuguese sailors adopted this word, and ‘suffe’ evolved into ‘surf’.
India’s coast stretches over 7,000 kilometres (4,349 miles), and much of it hasn’t been checked out for surfing spots yet. Given its vast coastline along the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, and with no land between southern India and Antarctica, it’s almost certain there are amazing waves to be found when the weather’s right.
You can find 3 to 5-foot waves in India all year, but the best time for big waves (over 8 feet) is from May to September, during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Then, waves can hit 8 to 15 feet or more. Sometimes the sea is rough, but on good days, you’ll see some top-notch, smooth waves with winds blowing offshore.
The Indian coast is known for its long, straight beaches, where you can enjoy regular beach waves that are great on small days but close out in bigger swells. And there’s no shortage of bays, coves, and points along the coast, many of which have never been surfed.
From October to December, the large swells calm down to normal (3 to 5 feet). From January to April, there might be bigger swells on both coasts, sometimes reaching 6 to 7 feet, thanks to small storms.
Discover the following captivating surf spots in India for an exhilarating adventure:
Covelong/Kovalam Village, Tamil Nadu
Just an hour south of Chennai, you’ll find Covelong (also called Kovalam), a fishing village that has turned into a surfing hotspot. This place is known for its vibrant surfing community, some of India’s top surfers, and consistent waves. You can enjoy both beach and reef breaks here, with right-hand breakpoints that are probably the most reliable on the mainland.
Every August, Covelong hosts the Covelong Point Surf, Music & Yoga Festival, where you can even get free surfing lessons. It’s the most famous surf spot in India, not necessarily because it has the best waves, but because it offers affordable hotels and cool spots to chill if you’re on holiday. Plus, the surfing conditions are pretty good most of the time.
Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
This spot is named after a story from the Ramayana, where Sri Rama stopped here before heading to Lanka to defeat the demon king, Ravana. A long time ago, a stunning temple was constructed in this area. The water here is among the clearest and cleanest you can find in mainland India.
Rameshwaram is famous for having perfect winds for windsurfing. The winds are steady all year round, making it a great place for windsurfing lovers.
Goa
Goa is more famous for its parties than its surfing. But if we were to name the top surfing spot in India, Goa would be it. This small state is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches. When it comes to surfing, its west-facing coast catches regular 3 to 5-foot waves during the monsoon season.
The northern beaches are great for beginners and have lively nightlife too. Down south, places like Palolem attract bodyboarders who enjoy the gentle waves. There are also some quaint resort towns around. However, Goa is quite developed, with not many hidden spots left. For the best surfing experience, try the stretch from Ashwem to Arambol in the far north.
Little Andaman, Andaman Islands
Surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, and even though it’s a bit of a journey from the mainland, the Andaman Islands are a part of India. If you’re looking to escape the crowd and you’re good at surfing, the untouched Andaman Islands are perfect.
Most surf spots here are reached by boat. But, Little Andaman Island is starting to get noticed for its surfing, especially around Butler Bay, which has some top-notch left-hand waves. Since there are reef breaks, it’s a good idea to wear reef shoes to protect against cuts. The biggest waves, stirred up by far-off storms, happen from late March to early May.
Alwars, Tamil Nadu
Alwars, located on the southeast coast at Manapad Point, could be the top surf spot in India. It’s hidden away from the usual paths and can be tricky to find.
This point is unique because it was created by lava flows millions of years ago, stretching out into the sea. When the conditions are right, surfers can enjoy rides up to 400 meters long, so expect a bit of a trek back to the starting point after each wave.
Near the point, there are also excellent hollow left waves. And when the waves get really big, the scene resembles the famous spots on Hawaii’s north shore. Alwars usually experience a lot of south wind, but on days with offshore wind, the waves it produces are absolutely thrilling!
Dwaraka, Gujarat
Dwarka in Gujarat offers the ultimate Arabian Sea experience. Here, you’ll find some of the clearest waters by the Indian coast. It’s a very old town, believed to be around 5,000 years old. Some parts of the ancient city are even underwater now and can be explored through scuba diving.
Dwarka is well-known for its Sri Krishna temple, attracting millions of visitors every year. Right north of this temple, there’s a neat spot for surfing, especially when there’s a strong swell coming from the south, making for a great left-hand wave.
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Just a 20-minute drive along the coast from Tamil Nadu, you’ll find Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), famous for its right-hand point breaks near the Shore Temple. These waves are shaped by a bunch of boulders placed around the temple, which stick out into the Bay of Bengal to prevent the temple from falling into the sea. Mahabalipuram is also a hotspot for backpackers.
Keep in mind that the waves change with the sand’s position and tend to be flat in October and November. The real action starts in May when the beach sand shifts to form a sandbank, leading to no point break until then. June and July are prime times for perfect waves, which usually last until the end of September.
Jagannatha Puri, Orissa
The beach at Puri might seem quiet, but it’s actually quite lively thanks to the many pilgrims visiting each day to see the Jagannatha temple. This temple, the tallest in India, is thousands of years old. Puri’s beach has a long stretch of sand where you can catch some good waves, especially further out. On days when the waves are big, between 6 to 8 feet, dealing with the strong shore break and currents can be tough. But once you’re past that, you’ll find some great waves to ride, and the best part? You’ll have them all to yourself!
Beyond the surf, these spots are steeped in culture and history, inviting surfers to not just ride the waves but also immerse themselves in India’s rich coastal heritage. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-packed sessions or serene rides against stunning backdrops, India’s secret surf spots are waiting to be explored.
With its extensive shores touching three major bodies of water, India promises diverse surfing experiences, from gentle waves for beginners to challenging swells for the experienced. While the word “surf” itself has roots in the Indian language, the country’s surfing potential remains largely untapped.
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