Glowing Beaches of India: 7 Spots Where the Sea Lights Up – Yes, Even in Maharashtra!
Glowing Beaches of India: 7 Spots Where the Sea Lights Up – Yes, Even in Maharashtra!
Have you ever walked along a beach that sparkles under your feet? Imagine waves glowing with magical blue light, lighting up the shoreline like stars on the sea. This rare natural wonder, known as bioluminescence, is visible on only a handful of beaches across India
Glow-in-the-dark waters is caused by bioluminescent phytoplankton, microscopic marine organisms that emit light when disturbed. As waves crash and tides shift, these beaches begin to shimmer like a scene from a dream.
India’s 7 Glowing Beaches:
- Malvaan Beach, Maharashtra
– Remote and pristine, this is Maharashtra’s only glowing beach. A rare gem in the Konkan. - Palolem Beach, Goa
– A tourist favorite, this beach offers magical nighttime views and a laid-back atmosphere. - Mandarmani Beach, West Bengal
– Sparkling sands in East Midnapore district draw crowds every monsoon. - Varkala (Papanasham) Beach, Kerala
– Famous for cliffs and sunsets — and now, nighttime bioluminescence too. - Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar
– The blue-green glow here is unforgettable and best viewed on moonless nights. - Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
– The turquoise glow over calm waters is a kayaker’s paradise. - Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Tamil Nadu (lesser-known but reported)
– Infrequent glows have been reported after specific weather conditions.
Why do these beaches glow?
The glow is created by dinoflagellates, a type of plankton that lights up when stirred by movement — waves, footsteps, or boats. The best time to witness this is during warm, humid nights, often after monsoon showers.
