Love Goa? Check Out These 5 Alternate Destinations For A Similar Vibe

This coastal gem in Karnataka has everything you’d expect from a perfect coastal getaway. However, it’s a place for you only if you’re seeking a quieter and relaxed beach vacation as compared to the lively and party-focused one you get to experience in Goa. It’s as laid-back as Goa but with a side of minimalism and spirituality. 

We are sure you must have heard someone or the other talking about how Gokarna is better than Goa. That’s because the destination has earned a lot of popularity amongst travellers and backpackers alike who are looking for tranquility and pristine beaches. Regardless of its growing popularity, Gokarna holds on to its rustic charm. It offers stunning beaches like Om Beach, Half Moon, and Kudle, which are ideal for peaceful sunbathing and beach treks. The fun part? Thanks to its growing popularity, Gokarna is leveling up its cafe culture.

There’s a spiritual side to Gokarna too. You can explore centuries old temples here like Mahabaleshwar Temple. For those looking for yoga retreats, you’ll find plenty here along with affordable stays. All in all, a wholesome and soulful alternative to Goa

Best Time To Visit: October to March (November to February offer the best experience)

Top Attractions: Paradise Beach, Om Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple and Half-moon Beach

Must-Do Things/Activities: Water sports, yoga and meditation, yana caves

Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (GOI), 

Best Suited For: People seeking some quiet and peace, nature lovers, explorers looking for off-beat destinations, and spiritually inclined people

Pro-Tip: The Only Ultimate 48-Hour Gokarna Guide You Need When You Visit The Beach Town

Anybody who has ever been to Andaman and Nicobar Islands vouched for it like their life depended on it and hence, it has made it to our list here. A general understanding of this destination is that it is far more adventurous and beautiful than Goa. If pristine turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and water adventures are your reason to head to Goa, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer all that — only on a much grander, tropical scale. You can fulfill your peaceful beachfront hammock dreams here and even get a few Insta-worthy clicks.

Places like Havelock and Neil Island have diverse marine life and exotic vibes. They almost look and feel heavenly and offer world-class diving and snorkelling experiences. In terms of cafe culture, the Island is evolving and while it may not be as extensive as you find in Goa, it does have beachfront cafes, cosy art cafes, and even rooftop lounges. Coffee lovers can rejoice as Andaman has a surprisingly good coffee culture too! The only drawbacks we could find are: cost and nightlife. 

Andaman and Nicobar Island are a bit more remote than Goa in terms of location, and reaching there would require some planning and a few more bucks (you’ll need a flight, a car, and a ferry). However, the location justifies the time and effort put into travelling. The accommodations here are also towards the higher end. And night-life? Consider it very limited almost, non-existent. 

Best Time To Visit: November to March 

Top Attractions: Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Elephant Beach, Kala Pathar Beach

Must-Do Things: Lava stream trek through dense tropical forest, scuba diving, sunset at Radhanagar Beach and sunrise at Kala Pathar Beach, light and sound show at Cellular Jail

Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

Best Suited For: People looking for better water sports, pristine beaches, and fewer crowds.

Pro-Tip: The Ultimate Guide To The Andamans For The Perfect 2025 Vacay

Want the beach and boho vibe without the Goa hustle bustle? Varkala in Kerala is your go-to. Dubbed ‘next Goa’ or ‘mini Goa’ by many tourists and travellers, it is a beautiful city in Kerala. While it may be much smaller than Goa, it gives the destination good competition when it comes to beauty, tourist footfall, and activities.

With its stunning red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala Beach is a visual treat. The cliffside has many quirky cafés, yoga studios, tattoo parlours, and handicraft shops, and once you visit the place, you will know why it’s called ‘mini Goa.’ 

One thing that truly sets apart Varkala from Goa is its clifftops. Unlike Goa’s flat coastline, the clifftops at Varkala add more charm to sunsets here. If you're a yoga enthusiast, you can indulge in yoga, Ayurveda, or spiritual practices here — a different experience from Goa’s lively party scenes. In terms of adventure and activities, Varkala offers a more relaxed vibe with a focus on surfing and other adventure activities.

You can basically consider Varkala as Goa’s more spiritual and scenic cousin, perfect for travellers who want to unwind and reconnect with themselves and nature.

Best Time To Visit: October to Feb/March 

Top Attractions: Varkala Beach and Cliff, Asparagus, Kappil Beach, 

Must-Do Things/ Activities: Walking tour, kayaking to the Black Devil Snail Sandbar, and visiting Janardhana Swami Temple.

Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

Best Suited For: People seeking less crowded beaches, a relaxed vibe, and individuals interested in spiritual experiences or wellness retreats.

Pro-Tip: Check out these best beaches in Kerala.

I honestly think Pondicherry is the closest we can come to when replicating Goa’s colonial charm and cafe-hopping scenes. A former French colony, it has a very relaxed vibe with colourful buildings everywhere that serve as great backdrops for Instagram photos (guilty!) and cobbled streets. 

Compared to Goa, Pondicherry has a slower-paced life and fewer tourists. However, the Promenade Beach, Rock Beach, and French Quarter all lend themselves to a very different, yet equally relaxed beach experience. It’s perfect for those who love the coastal lifestyle but want a dose of culture, heritage, and European café aesthetics.

The best part about Pondicherry was definitely the food experience. There are tons of French bakeries, seafood restaurants, and cafes that rival those in Goa. My favourite has to be the Coromandel Cafe, Cafe Des Arts, and Le Cafe. Most cafes and restaurants close by 1 AM, however, the city has a rich nightlife with several clubs, bars, and pubs, in case you miss the Goan nightlife. 

Tucked a few kilometers away from Pondicherry is Auroville, a small township and beautiful concept that highlights unity in diversity. It is a UNESCO-approved project and has been attracting tourists from around the globe who are interested in its unique concept and practices. Going to Auroville will be a one-day trip affair and you can indulge in guided tours and meditation retreats. 

Best Time To Visit: October to February

Top Attractions: Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach and Auroville

Must-Do Things: City bike tour, a day trip to Auroville, exploring the French Quarter, and visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Nearest Airport: Puducherry Airport, You can also fly to Chennai and do a car/bus drive from there

Best Suited For: People who want a relaxed vacation, history and cultural enthusiasts, spiritual seekers and foodies

Pro-Tip: 12 Best Beaches In Pondicherry To Get Your Dose Of Vitamin Sea

Daman and Diu might not be on everyone's radar but they should be. Located on India's western coast, it's a former Portuguese colony like Goa and has a similar old-world charm. With Portuguese architecture, fort ruins, and quiet churches, this underrated coastal gem is perfect for anyone looking for a blend of scenic beaches, colonial heritage, and a laid-back vibe. Of course, it goes without saying that you get to experience all of this without the crowd and chaos of Goa. 

Both Daman and Diu have a vibe but Diu, in particular, has lesser-known beaches and a truly relaxed vibe that you crave on a vacation. Its beaches are also the cleanest! Ghogla and Nagao Beach are two such beaches that are perfect for sunset walks, quiet picnics, or some water sports without the noise.

You'll also find some amazing seafood joints and beach shacks that serve fresh catch. If that wasn't convincing enough for you, wait till you read the next line. Since Daman and Diu is a union territory, it has lower tax rates on alcohol and you can get your favourite beers or cocktails here for cheaper rates than most tourist hotspots. 

Best time to Visit: October to March

Top Attractions: Diu Fort, Ghogla Beach, Gangeshwar Temple, Naida Caves and Nagoa Beach

Must-Do Things/Activities: Gangeshwar Temple, Diu Fort, Ghogla and Nagoa Beaches, Cultural Tours

Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (DIU)

Best Suited For: People seeking a more relaxed, peaceful and less crowded experience, history lovers