Kiss the last days of singlehood goodbye head out for a final fling in India with your BFFs amid mesmerising shades of blue, flaming sunsets, stellar sundowners, and sandy shores. By Pallavi Pasricha
Check out these bachelorette destinations in India:
Goa
The glimmering allure of the sun, sand, and sea never dims in Goa as, behind its sandy shores, lies a hip and happening party vibe. If you want to live it up for your bachelorette, consider staying near the Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, or Candolim beaches of North Goa. Here, buzzing nightclubs lend an extra sparkle to an evening of dancing. Antares and Titlie in Vagator, located on this side of Goa, are two of the best restaurant-bars in the sunshine state. Those seeking a quieter bonding time should head further north to Arambol, Ashwem, and Morjim. Goa, however, is not just about beaches and bars. Adventurous souls can opt for scuba diving and bungee jumping; while history buffs can take heritage walks in the historic districts of Fontainhas and Old Goa. If you would rather simply laze on the beach and sip on cocktails, then the almost-deserted beaches of Colva, Benaulim, and Palolem in South Goa fit the bill perfectly.
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Puducherry
A scenic drive on the East Coast Road from Chennai to Puducherry will bring you to this charming, erstwhile French colony whose colonial aura, combined with beachfront attractions, make for a perfect bachelorette destination. Think French-architecture residences, quaint walkways, restaurants with sensational food, chic cafés, and a chilled-out vibe. Take early-morning strolls to enjoy the vast blue expanse of the sea at Promenade Beach, go surfing or scuba diving at Serenity or Bodhi Beach, or take a boat to the pristine Paradise Beach. For a break from the seascape, spend time cycling and roaming around the cobbled lanes of White Town, with relaxing stops for nibbles at Café des Arts and Villa Shanti. At sundown, let down your hair and party at one of the bars. Bay of Buddha is a great rooftop venue with stunning views of the sea. Head to Auroville for a day trip and savour breakfast at Bread & Chocolate.
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Diu
This former Portuguese colony with its spectacular beaches might just be the calm you need before the hectic madness of the wedding. The secluded spaces at Diu are ideal for you and your gang to unwind. You can also consider cycling around the old city, home to quaint Portuguese buildings. Since the main Nagaon Beach is usually crowded, head to Jalandhar Beach—with a rocky landscape, it doesn’t attract too many people. Watch the sun submerge into the distant horizon at the aptly named Sunset Point Beach. Just outside Diu town is another peaceful stretch of sand at Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach. If history interests you, visit the 16th-century Diu Fort, one of the most well-preserved Portuguese forts, with an impressive double moat. The views here are truly stunning. St. Paul’s Church is a splendid sight, too, standing tall in its Baroque architectural style.
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Swaraj Dweep
Powder-white-sand beaches, azure waters, delicious seafood, and the best diving spot in the country—Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) has all the right ingredients for a memorable bachelorette. A heady mix of activities will keep you busy here. Go snorkelling at Elephant Beach, which can be reached by a 40-minute boat ride (tip: hire a glass-bottom boat), or consider diving to venture into a magical undersea world. In the evening, get ready to chill with your friends at a café or bar, organise a beachside party, take in a flaming sunset at Radhanagar Beach, or go kayaking under a moonlit sky. Experienced divers can try night diving, too.
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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa; Barefoot at Havelock
Kovalam
The 17-kilometre crescent-shaped, palm-tree-lined sandy stretch at Kovalam represents the best of tropical seaside destinations—iridescent-blue waters, great stay options, and plenty of nightlife venues to enjoy with your besties after the sun sets over the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. Here, you can party at your own pace. Spend the afternoon dipping your toes in the waters and sipping margaritas by the beach, or have an adrenaline-packed day as you go parasailing, kayaking, surfing, or take a speedboat safari. Climb up the nearby bright-red-and-white Vizhinjam Lighthouse, situated atop a hillock to get a spectacular view of the horizon. Or, if you prefer a more hedonistic pastime, enjoy an indulgent massage at an Ayurvedic spa. The famed backwaters of Kerala are not too far away, either, in case you want to check them out. A few days in Kovalam and you are certain to head back recharged and refreshed for the big day.
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Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa Kovalam; The Raviz Kovalam
Alibag
Alibag is action-packed. Think beach hopping, water sports, dreamy sunsets, an ancient fort, and scrumptious seafood. Skip the crowded Alibag Beach and head to the serene Akshi and Nagaon beaches, instead. While the latter is popular for water sports like jet-skiing, banana-boat rides, and more; the former is quieter and scenic. Kasturi and Sanman are great restaurants for basic yet delicious seafood. If you want something fancier, head to Bohemyan Blue for Lebanese and Italian fare or Boardwalk by Flamboyante for great meals, drinks, and views.
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Karwar
It is at this seaside city that Rabindranath Tagore wrote ‘Prakritir Pratisodh’, a poem about Karwar’s beauty. Hence, there is a beach—more peaceful than the others—named after him. Seeking adventure? Go on a fun dolphin-spotting ride; take a boat to an uninhabited island and climb to the top of the 19th-century Oyster Rock Lighthouse, built by the British; or hike up to Guddalli Peak for spectacular views of the sea and the hills. The seafood at Amrut, a local restaurant, is a must-try.
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Lakshadweep
Crystal-clear waters, palm-fringed islands, white-sand beaches, and colourful corals—Lakshadweep’s seaside landscape is a picturesque backdrop for your bachelorette trip. Not all islands of this secluded Union Territory, however, are open to tourists. Head to Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Minicoy, Bangaram, and Agatti. The diverse marine life is the star attraction here. At Kavaratti, Lakshadweep’s capital, dive 12 metres below the sea with your friends for a face-to-face encounter with the Wall of Wonder—a stunning underwater cliff made of corals. Minicoy—famous for shipwreck diving—houses the archipelago’s oldest lighthouse; while Agatti boasts large lagoons and stunning beaches. Kadmat, from where you can venture 40 metres deep into the sea, also has a gorgeous beach.
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Kadmat Island Beach Resort, Kavaratti Island Beach Resort, Minicoy Island Beach Resort, Agatti Island Beach Resort
Covelong
This hidden seaside gem along Coromandel Coast, just 40 kilometres from Chennai, is a dream come true if you want to ride the waves. The gentle sea along this part of the Bay of Bengal is a surfer’s paradise; even beginners in your group can venture into the sea. Jet-skiing or boat rides in the backwaters will keep you busy in the day. In the evenings, relax at Surf Turf, a great beachside café that is also a surf school.
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Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
Mandarmani
About a four-hour drive from Kolkata, Mandarmani is a quiet beach-town that’s perfect for socially distanced getaways. There is little to distract from endless hours of beachcombing along the white sands framed by swaying trees. Go for long walks or indulge in water sports. Digha and Shankarpur are the relatively cleaner beaches in the neighbourhood.
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Related: Our Experts Guide You On How To Plan The Perfect Bachelorette Trip In India