12 Indian Beaches That Rival Goa (But Cost About Half)

3. Pondicherry (Promenade & Auroville beaches), Tamil Nadu

Pondicherry brings a distinct colonial charm to the shoreline, mixing French architecture with Tamil coastal culture. The Promenade and nearby beaches offer calm walks, cafés with coastal views and affordable guesthouses in the French quarter. Meals in local bakeries and Tamil seafood joints typically cost less than equivalent beachside restaurants in Goa, and many travellers enjoy long, budget-friendly stays because daily expenses remain modest. Auroville—just outside Pondicherry—adds a quieter, community-oriented beach experience with meditation centres and crafts markets. For North American visitors, Pondicherry’s proximity to Chennai simplifies international connections: trains and short flights link the two cities, and onward road transfers are economical. The blend of culture, beach life and lower-cost stays makes Pondicherry a smart pick for those who like a touch of Europe’s cafe culture without higher Goan prices.