Surfing in India – Best Surf Towns, Spots, Surf Stays

India is still pretty untrodden territory in the world of surfing. Look at it on the map and you can see it’s got potential in an instant. Poking out of South Asia into the Indian Ocean, it clocks up a coastline of more than 4,600 miles.

What’s more, it’s super close to some of the region’s mainstay surf meccas – especially Sri Lanka, which sits just 16 miles from the south coast of Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost province.

However, having a long shoreline isn’t the only ticket to glory for surf destinations. You also need the geography and the swells. That’s where India falters a little.

It’s mainly S-SW and SE swell directions that power up the beaches, and there are few big ocean trenches to give the same walloping walls as, say, Bali. We’d say the most defining spots in India are rivermouths and sandbank breaks.

They excel when things are around chest high, when mellow, cruisy waves are the name of the game. There are some gnarlier spots, but India rarely gives barrels and beasty walls to rip – it’s sort of a beginner’s mecca.

Of course, one of the most fantastic things about surfing in India is the basic fact that you’re surfing in India! Spice-infused curries and centuries-old Mughal culture makes this a place for those looking for a real adventure.

Then you’ve got the wild Western Ghat mountains (often not too far from the west coast beaches) and uber-cool resorts in Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. It’s cracking stuff.

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Surfing in India at a glance

Where to surf in India?

As we’ve already said, there’s not an overload of surfing in India.

The scene is growing but it’s still limited to just a few beaches and beach towns.

We’ve listed the best of them below, but remember that this country is all about adventure – there’s still bound to be countless secret spots (we’re not going to be the ones to tell all) in hiding for those willing to do the legwork.

When to surf in India?

India’s monsoon and dry season both have surf but are quite different. If in doubt, I’d pick the dry season, since it’s a better all-round time to travel here, though it does mean you risk having little to no swell.

Surf camps in India

Surfing in India is starting to take off. In fact, we think we’re spotting a new surf camp almost every year in hotspots like Gokarna and Goa.

So, here are just a few of the ones worth considering if you’re looking to explore the subcontinent via its waves…

• Mantra Surf Club – A bargain 5-day surf camp that offers teaching in one of the oldest surf schools in India. They have some real nice bungalow rooms overlooking a river and offer teaching for beginners up to advancing intermediates, though remember that waves here tend to be more beginner-level than anything else. They’re based in Mulki, Karnataka.
• Tattvaashram Yogshala – These guys run a combined yoga-surf retreat across 2 weeks in Varkala, what I’d call India’s main surf town now. It’s aimed at people who already know how to surf to a fairly okay level but want to seek out local spots with guides (not surf teachers) while completing quite intense yoga programs.

What to do when you aren’t surfing in India

I actually adore India beyond the waves. It’s one of my all-time favorite countries and could be explored a lifetime without giving up its secrets.

From the Himalaya in the north to the gorgeous romantic towns of Rajhastan, the misty heights of the Western Ghats to the stirring streets of Varanasi and Agra, there’s shed loads to see.

My bucket list would start something like this…

• Udaipur – One of the undisputed highlights of any trip to India is the Golden Triangle area of the north. Just outside of that is the uber-charming town of Udaipur. We wouldn’t miss it for the world. The sunsets over the City Palace and the shimmering lakes are something totally special. In addition, it’s got some seriously romantic hotels – surf honeymoon anyone?
• Amritsar’s Golden Temple – I cannot tell you the peace you get when you step into the Golden Temple. People yak on about special places all the time, but this one really is special. Gotta visit it to get it. After, do this boss street food tour to eat so much you won’t move for the rest of the day.
• Agra – Come here to see the Taj Mahal, obviously. It’s kinda 101 if this is going to be your first time in India. Access is easy from Delhi and there’s a long-distance train station in Agra that can help you get to places like Goa for surf.
• Yoga in Rishikesh – While there are tons of yoga camps in surf spots like Varkala, the mountain town of Rishikesh remains the undisputed capital of it in India. It’s a really fun place, filled with yoga people from all over. Also you get to see the place where The Beatles lived when they were in India.
• Go hiking in the Himalaya – The Himalaya can’t be ignored. This mountain range runs all the way across the northern top of India. The foothills are good for seeing tea villages and old hill stations dating from the Raj. However, for real adventures, go as far as Leh and Ladakh, which is a trekker’s mecca.
• Hike in the Western Ghats – We did this back in 2013 and wow! This ancient mountain range strings the whole way up the west coast of the country. That means they should be pretty easy to get to if you’re coming straight off the surf beaches of Goa or Karnataka. We’d also say the best peaks are around Munnar, which you get to via Kochi. They have fascinating tea fields, waterfalls, and even wild elephants!