Pink Sand Beaches in India: Where and How to Visit

Not every stunning beach in India has ordinary white or golden sand. If you're looking for that dreamy pink-tinted shoreline, you’ve probably Googled it—do they even exist here? Turns out, yes, but these eye-catching shores are rare finds.

The most buzzed-about pink sand beach in India? It's definitely the one on Ross and Smith Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Some travelers also notice pink hues on select corners of the Beaches in Odisha and Gujarat after certain seasons. It’s not Photoshop—it happens when crushed red coral mixes with the natural sand. The color pops even more right after a storm, when new coral fragments are washed ashore.

• What Makes a Beach Pink?
• Where to Find Pink Sand in India
• How to Plan Your Trip
• Tips for Visiting Pink Beaches

What Makes a Beach Pink?

When you hear about a pink sand beach, it’s not a camera trick—the color change is real, but it’s not magic either. The secret is tiny bits of broken red or pink coral, shell fragments, and sometimes a kind of single-celled organism called Foraminifera. When enough of these mix with the regular sand, the beach gets its pink shade.

People don’t realize just how rare these beaches are. The pink tint isn’t super bold; it’s more of a blush that you notice best in the sunlight or when the tide is right. This makes every visit a little different. In India, the pink isn’t everywhere—mainly where there’s a lot of coral offshore, like in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Sometimes, after a storm, new coral washes up and brightens the shoreline, so timing matters.

Here’s exactly why some Indian beach destinations show off that rosy sand:

• Red coral breaks down and mixes with normal sand particles.
• Some algae and tiny marine life also add pink tones.
• The beach color appears stronger after monsoon tides or storms bring in fresh debris from the sea.

It’s pretty wild, but not really something you’ll see on every trip. If you want to spot those pink sand beaches in India, you need to be a little lucky—and watch the tide charts.

Where to Find Pink Sand in India

You won’t find pink sand beaches in every corner of India. They’re pretty rare, but they do exist—and they’re worth the mission if you want memories (and pics) that aren’t the usual travel fodder.

The most well-known spot for pink sand beaches is Ross and Smith Islands, just north of Diglipur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The sand here sometimes glows pink, especially when it rains or after a storm, because tiny red coral fragments mix with regular sand. These islands are only about 30 minutes by boat from Diglipur, and you need a permit to visit. The good news? Getting the permit is straightforward at the Aerial Bay Jetty.

Gharam Beach, also in the Andamans, has been getting attention too. The sand here isn’t always pink, but during certain seasons when the coral gets churned up, you’ll see that soft rosy tinge. It’s best to check locally before heading out, since it really depends on the sea conditions that week.

Moving over to the west, Gujarat has a not-so-secret gem—along the shorelines of Bet Dwarka. After storms, locals sometimes spot a pinkish cast on some beaches because of a surge of micro-organisms and coral debris. But honestly, don’t count on hot pink sand every time. It’s usually subtle, and you’ve got to catch it at just the right time.

Odisha pops up often in travel forums, especially talking about Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark. While it's mostly known for golden sand, travelers have posted about rare days when a reddish-pink hue appears, also due to coral dust after tides or storms. If you’re chasing that pink, talk to local guides or fishermen—you’ll get the best tips from those who know the sea best.

One thing to keep in mind: Pink sand is moody. It doesn’t show up every day, and the best time to spot it is right after heavy rains or strong tides. If you’re making a trip specifically for this, keep your plans flexible.

How to Plan Your Trip

If you want to tick a pink sand beach off your bucket list, you’ll have to plan smart. First, know that the most famous pink sand beaches in India are on the Ross and Smith Islands, part of the Andaman archipelago. This area is remote, and you can’t just show up without a plan.

Start by booking a flight to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. From there, you’ll need a ferry or flight to Diglipur, which is the jump-off point for the Ross and Smith Islands.

• Flights to Port Blair run daily from major Indian cities like Kolkata and Chennai. These spots are far, so flights can take around 2 to 3 hours.
• From Port Blair to Diglipur, you can choose between a short local flight, a 12-hour ferry, or a long road trip by bus or car (which isn’t the smoothest, but some people like the adventure).
• Once in Diglipur, head to the Aerial Bay jetty to catch a local boat to Ross and Smith Islands. Boats typically leave in the morning; tickets are best booked the day before, especially during peak season (December to April).

You’ll need a permit to visit these islands (even if you’re Indian), which you get in Diglipur at the forestry office or sometimes right at the jetty for a small fee. Foreigners should double-check visa requirements and local restrictions—rules change without much warning in this region.

Speaking of seasons, timing matters. The Andaman s are best between November and April. Monsoon season (late May to September) means choppy waters and many boats stay docked. Missing the season means fewer ferries and, honestly, the pink beaches don’t look their best after heavy rain.

ATMs and internet access are sketchy in Diglipur and even less reliable on the islands. Bring enough cash, and keep digital copies of your travel docs. For accommodation, basic guesthouses are available in Diglipur. Don’t expect luxury, but you’ll find clean places close to the main jetty.

Don’t forget: pack reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good hat—the sun on India beaches is relentless! Comfort over style for shoes, and bring mosquito repellent. Lastly, have plenty of patience. A trip to the Andaman beach destinations is always an adventure.

Tips for Visiting Pink Beaches

Want to see pink sand beaches for yourself? Here’s stuff nobody tells you, but you’ll be glad you know before heading to those rare, rosy shores.

• Pick the season carefully: If you’re heading out to the Andaman Islands, aim for November to May. That’s when you’ll get the best weather and the sea is calmer, making boat rides much smoother.
• Pack smart: Bring reef-safe sunscreen so you don’t harm the delicate coral that makes the sand pink. Leave plastic behind—these places are fragile. Carry a hat, sunglasses, and enough water. There aren’t always shops nearby, especially on Ross and Smith Islands.
• Plan permits early: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands require a special permit for entry, especially to remote spots. It’s not a big hassle, but don’t try to wing it on arrival. Sort it ahead with your travel agent or apply online.
• Check the tide timings: The pink shades look their best during low tide when the sand is most exposed. Ask locals or your hotel for daily tide charts. Snapping photos at the wrong time? You’ll just see regular beige.
• Don’t expect food shacks: On less-visited pink sand beaches, facilities are bare bones. Pack snacks and maybe a packed meal—nobody wants to trek miles for a can of juice.
• Keep it clean: The unique color comes from living coral and shell fragments. Pick up after yourself, and don’t collect sand or shells to take home. It’s tempting, but it hurts the ecosystem.

Lastly, don’t trust filters or drone shots too much—India beaches are naturally beautiful, but the pink hue is subtle in real life. Look for it at the shoreline early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is just right and crowds are thin. That’s when nature shows off best.