Don’t like clichéd? Visit these 8 beach towns instead of Goa, for a peaceful getaway!

Surrounded by serene hills on three sides, this beach is perfect for anybody looking for some solitude to contemplate life. It is situated in a village called yarada, 15 kms from the coastal city of Visakhapatnam.

2) Mandvi, Gujarat

Mandvi possesses a majestic view of the Arabian Sea. The beach is a curving stretch of white sand fringed by blue waters, with windmills on one side. Camel and horse rides on the beach dunes are the speciality here.

3) Varkala, Kerala

One hour north of Kerala’s capital Trivandrum lies the Varkala beach, which provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. With a long paved stretch of cliff bordered by shacks, this beach is a good place to rest and rejuvenate.

4) Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Once voted Asia's Best Beach by TIME Magazine, Radhanagar Beach is situated on Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Fringed by jungles and with a mountainous backdrop, Radhanagar boasts white sands and blue waters.

5) Diu

Picturesque and infused with Portuguese history, Diu is perfect for siesta lovers. The fact that it is an island cut off from mainland India helps to reduce the crowd here.

6) Agatti, Lakshadweep Islands

This island is just as beautiful under water as it is above the water. Every diver would love to go here because of the white sand skirting the coral islands.

7) Rishikonda, Andhra Pradesh

Located close to Visakhapatnam, Rishikonda offers travellers a 180 degree view of white sands dotted with palm trees and mangroves. Dolphin spotting is a famous activity here.

8) Marari Beach, Kerala

Located not very far from Alleppey, this beach is known for its serenity. It is perfect for those who'd like to spend some time at the beach in between going on a houseboat trip along the backwaters.