Top 5 Best Nudist Beaches in India Today
Top 5 Best Nudist Beaches in India Today
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Although Indian law doesn't permit nudity in public places, there are some secluded spots across the country where one can embrace their body without being shy or being disturbed by prying eyes. Thanks to their isolated location, these spots have a charm of their own. If you have been waiting to visit a nude beach, you don’t have to think of international destinations.

Here are some spots closer to home, which will offer you all the privacy and isolation that you want to get that nice suntan.

Is nudity allowed in India?

Photo: India.com
Photo: India.com

Clothing laws vary considerably around the world. In most countries, there are no laws which prescribe what clothing is required to be worn. However, the community standards of clothing are set indirectly by way of prosecution of those who wear something that is not socially approved. Those people who wear insufficient clothing can be prosecuted in many countries under various offences termed indecent exposure, public indecency, nudity or other descriptions. Generally, these offences do not themselves define what is and what is not acceptable clothing to constitute the offence, and leave it to a judge to determine in each case.

Most clothing laws concern which parts of the body must not be exposed to view; there are exceptions. Some countries have strict clothing laws, such as in some Islamic countries. Other countries are more tolerant of non-conventional attire and are relaxed about nudity. Many countries have different laws and customs for men and women, what may be allowed or perceived often varies by gender.

In India, different acts such as "indecent exposure", "public indecency", and so on, that involve exposure of a specific body part (genitals, buttocks, anus, nipples on women), a specific intention or effect (being sexually suggestive, offending or annoying observers) are illegal.

People in India have the right to wear any dress they like. The Constitution of India gives their citizens the right to wear anything as per their comfort.

What is the measure of ‘obscenity’ in India?

Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes obscene acts or words in a public place. To be considered a crime, the obscenity must cause “annoyance to others”. A person convicted under this law can face up to three months imprisonment.

Obscene books are similarly criminalised under Section 292.

The law on obscenity has evolved with the advent of the Internet and social media. Under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, anyone who publishes or transmits obscene material in electronic form can be punished.

What is considered ‘obscene’?

The Oxford dictionary defines obscene as ‘offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency’. But for lawyers, the meaning of ‘obscene’ is not as easy to settle on. For a book or object to be obscene, Section 292 of the IPC says it must be lascivious or prurient or have the effect of depraving or corrupting someone. The terms ‘lascivious’, ‘prurient’, ‘deprave’ and ‘corrupt’ have not been clearly defined, leaving room for interpretation by courts.

The courts, for their part, have developed tests to determine whether something is ‘obscene’.

In 1965, the landmark Ranjit Udeshi judgment of the Supreme Court adopted the Victorian-era Hicklin test. The test assessed obscenity by the standard of someone who was open to immoral influences and was likely to be corrupted or depraved by the material in question. When approached from this angle, a wide range of material could be ‘obscene’.

Over the years, the judiciary has narrowed the scope of obscenity. In the Aveek Sarkar case of 2014, the Supreme Court did away with the British Hicklin test and adopted the American Roth test, instead. As per this test, obscenity was to be evaluated like an average person would, applying contemporary community standards.

The contemporary community standards test takes into account the changing values in society. What was obscene a century or even a decade ago, need not be obscene now.

What about freedom of expression?

The right to freedom of speech and expression is not absolute. Article 19 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right also provides for reasonable restrictions on various grounds, including that of decency and morality. This means that free speech has to be balanced against the contemporary community standards of morality when it comes to penalising obscene acts or content.

Indian courts have often settled the debate between morality and freedom in favour of artistic freedom, such as in the M F Hussain judgment of 2008 and the Perumal Murugan judgment of 2016. In the latter, the Supreme Court held that “art is often provocative and is not meant for everyone”— material cannot be labelled as obscene simply because it is unpalatable to one section of society.

The court which granted bail to Poonam Pandey on November 6 seems to have been of a similar view. It observed that content perceived as obscene by some and artistic by others cannot be a ground to jail a person.

Who has been prosecuted for ‘obscenity’ before?

Obscenity laws in India predate Independence. They have been used in colonial India against writers such as Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai whose works traversed themes of sexuality, including female sexuality.

From novels like Lady Chatterley’s Lover and paintings like ‘Bharat Mata’ to biopics like Bandit Queen and comedy shows like All India Bakchod, there have been allegations of obscenity against all kinds of art and popular culture. Hollywood actor Richard Gere faced an arrest warrant after he kissed Shilpa Shetty on her cheeks during an AIDS awareness programme in 2007.

The Kiss of Love campaign, which was launched in 2014 in Kerala to protest moral policing by kissing in public, faced backlash from the same right-wing groups that it was trying to counter. The campaign was dropped after the government threatened action under obscenity laws.

What about public nudity like in Soman’s case?

Protima Bedi courted controversy in 1974 when she ran naked on a Mumbai beach for a magazine photoshoot.

Soman himself has faced obscenity charges for nudity before—he and model Madhu Sapre posed naked with a python wrapped around them for an advertisement in 1995. They were acquitted after a 14-year-long trial.

Top 5 best nude beaches in India

1. Ozran Beach In Goa

Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock

Ozran shoreline is a standout amongst the most picturesque Goan Beaches. This beach is particularly a hotspot for foreign sightseers and boasts of a postcard perfect view of the coastline. Because of its confined area, frequently voyagers come here to make an escape from the whole murmur drum around them and go back revived and upbeat.

Ozran Beach is an extension of the Vagator Beach the same way Calangute Beach is an extension of Baga. It is about 8 km from Mapusa, and 22 km from Panaji. Down the slope of Ozran Beach, you will often encounter tourists biking the rocky terrain towards the beach.

The geography of Ozran Beach is interspersed with rocky terrains that are sponge-like in appearance. You can see the seawater plunge out of the pores of these rocks like lava erupting out of volcanoes. The seashore is flanked by palm trees that serve as popular picnic spots for families and tourists alike.

During your sojourn, you will encounter many hawkers persistently pestering tourists to buy their products like hair extensions and neon bracelets. Apart from that, Ozran Beach is a popular tourist destination with its laid out shacks and bars. Here is a detailed guide on Ozran Beach to make your journey convenient.

How To Reach

From Panaji- Ozran Beach is a part of the Vagator Beach, which in turn is connected to Panaji via Mapusa and Calangute. You can easily catch a bus from the Panaji Bus Stand or drive by yourself to Ozran Beach.

From Airport- There are buses that commute to Panaji Bus Stand from the Goa International Airport. Panaji is connected to Mapusa and Calangute that lead to Vagator Beach, which is more or less a part of Ozran Beach. The easiest way to commute here is via a cab.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Ozran Beach is from October to February. For a more detailed guide, here is a season-wise description of the place.

In summer (March – June): Summers are hot and humid in Goa, but the beach site makes up for it with various water sport activities.

In monsoon (July – September): Ozran Beach receives unpredictable rainfall, and all the watersport activities stay shut due to high tides.

In winter (October – February): The rain showers leave the beach clean during winters. The weather is pleasant, and all the watersport activities are open for the season.

Ozran Beach is a safe place to explore and wander about, but there are certain things you should keep in mind:

1. Take care of your belongings when you are inside the ocean. In fact, it is best to carry as little as possible with you if you are going for a dip.

2. Try not to carry phones, silver or gold chains, and other ornaments to the beach.

3. If you are going for water sport activities and are pre-booking a packaged deal, then ensure the credibility of the operator you are hiring.

2. Agatti Island Beach, Lakshadweep

Photo: Times of India
Photo: Times of India

Agatti Island is a 7.6 km long island, situated on a coral atoll called Agatti atoll in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. It is 459 km (285 mi) west of the city of Kochi.

Also popularly known as the Topless Beach, the highlight of this island is coconut and palm trees, coral reefs, and white sand. This spot is ideal for those seeking privacy amid nature. You will find several nudists when you visit this spot. However, take note that everyone cannot just simply visit this beach; one needs to get special permission to visit the spot.

Agatti is located about 364 km off Kannur, 394 km off Kozhikode, and 459 km (285 mi) off Kochi in the mainland and 7 km to the southwest of Bangaram, the nearest island. Agatti is 531 km away from Kollam (Quilon) and 529 km away from Kollam Port. Kavaratti, the closest inhabited island, lies 54 km to the SE and Suheli Par atoll 76 km to the south. Agatti Atoll's total land area is 3.226 km2 (1.246 sq mi) (of it, The main island 3.141 km2 (1.213 sq mi) and the small Kalpatti Island has 0.085 km2 (0.033 sq mi). Kalpatti is located at the southern end on the same reef. The lagoon area is 24.84 km2 (9.59 sq mi).

Its population in the 2011 census was 7,560, and Islam is the main religion of the islanders. Islamic religion is said to have been brought by Arab traveller Ibn Batuta. Most people speak Malayalam, English and Tamil. Agatti has its own 100 kW powerhouse which uses fuel to generate electricity. There is a desalination unit which provides desalinated water to the islanders.

Agatti is one of the Lakshadweep islands open to tourism. Visitors, however, are allowed to the Island under certain restrictions. They are required to obtain Entry Permit from the Lakshadweep Administration for entering or visiting the island. Entry Permit is issued based on the visitor having a confirmed place to stay. There are only two hotels or resorts in Agatti: Agatti Island Beach Resort (AIBER) and the other is Sea Shells Beach Resort. A road runs through the island, which can be best enjoyed by hiring a bicycle available at many places.

Dining

There is a specialized restaurant at the beach resort. Guests are served continental, Chinese and local cuisine. Jain food is also served at the restaurant. Guests are given the option of indoor or outdoor dining. Special arrangements are made for guests who wish to have the food outside, under the cool shade of the tall coconut trees. Moreover, barbeques are arranged for guests who catch fish from the lagoon.

Sailing

A gentle and relaxing activity where the only noise is the wind, the sails and the water lapping against the hull. It ca also be a fast active sport where a gust of wind will catch the sail driving you forward with an acceleration which you would not have expected.

Kayaking

The resort offers free kayaks for the use of guests. The kayak is an excellent way to have fun on the water. It not only provides exercise but also fun in racing with friends or family. Traditionally kayaks are used for short distance transportation. The kayak is propelled by a double bladed paddle. The kayak and its paddle are made of fiber.

Snorkelling

Snorkeling is a common form of diving on the surface or just below the surface of the water. The best way to explore under water life without the hassles of scuba diving. Discover the diversity of marine life of these beautiful islands. Explore the underwater world, enjoy the sublime seascapes. The lagoons here are vast and shallow, leaving a lot of space for a good swim. Snorkel trips are organized to nearby island reefs.

Fishing

The thrilling sport of fishing is all the more exciting at Agatti Island Beach Resort. The waters off these islands abound with sport fish like Tuna, Kingfish, Barracuda, Shark, Snappers, and Stonefish. Guests can try the Pole and Line method of fishing, which is unique to Lakshadweep. The best part is that guests can barbeque what they catch.

Water Skiing

Waterskiing is a sport where an individual (or more than one individual) is pulled behind a motor boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water. The skier can either wear one (slalom) or two (double) skis. The calm lagoon of Agatti is an ideal location for water skiing.

3. Om Beach, Karnataka

Photo: Kanatarka Tourism
Photo: Kanatarka Tourism

Om Beach is a major tourist attraction in the coastal city of Gokarna, located in North Canara district. One of the acclaimed beaches in the country, Om Beach takes the shape of an ‘Om’, a Hindu spiritual symbol. In the shape of two crescents joined together to form an Om, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. The long stretch of white sandy beach adjoining the rocky terrain appeals to travellers from around the world.

Home to two freshwater springs, this beach gets its name for being shaped like the Om symbol. This absolutely stunning beach attracts many visitors, who seek to get a nice suntan, unhindered.

Activities to try at Om Beach

  • Sunset watching: Sunset in the Arabian Sea is always spectacular to watch. Gokarna’s Om beach offers excellent sunset views.
  • Water sports: Jet Ski ride, banana boat rides, parasailing and surfing are some of the activities to try in Gokarna’s Om beach. Activities are offered by private operators and not all activities may be available at all times.
  • Hiking: Hills around Gokarna offer good hiking opportunities. Hike to Om Beach viewpoint, Om Beach Rock View and Rock of Peace near Om Beach for a great view of the beach and ocean.

Best Time To Visit Om Beach: The best time to visit Om beach and the nearby places is from the month of October until March. The temperature reached to about 32 degrees and the weather is pleasant throughout the day.

Places to visit near Om Beach, Gokarna: Yana rocks (53 kms), Murudeshwara (80 kms) and Karwar (65 kms) are the nearby attractions that can be visited along with Gokarna.

How to reach Om Beach,Gokarna: Om beach is 6 kms from Gokarna city centre. Gokarna is 500 kms from Bengaluru and 230 kms from Mangaluru. Goa is the nearest airport (150 kms from Gokarna). Ankola is the nearest railway station (19 kms). From Gokarna city, auto or taxi can be hired to reach Om Beach.

Places to stay near Om Beach Gokarná: Jungle Lodges & Resorts operate Om Beach Resort right next to Om Beach in Gokarna. Gokarna town has multiple hotels, beach side resorts and homestays.

Travelers' Tip Before Visiting Om Beach, Gokarna:

- If you are travelling to Om Beach during the off-season, make sure to carry sufficient packaged food with you. You won’t find many food stalls to enjoy your favorite food.

- There are possibilities that the sand on the shore might contain some broken glass pieces. While walking, make sure that you do not step on it.

- Om Beach is all about walking under the open sun. It is therefore advisable to pack your bag with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.

Things to Carry while going to Om Beach, Gokarna:

You just need to bring a few things listed here while visiting Om Beach –

- Packaged drinking water (if you are uncomfortable with the local water)

- Sunscreen – to protect you from sun damage

- Sunglasses – to protect your eyes from sun damage

- Hats – to shield your head from the sun's rays

- Ball - to enjoy beach activities with a ball

- A mat to relax

- Mosquito repellent creams and nets

4. Marari Beach, Kerala

Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images

You might be surprised to know that Kerala, God’s Own Country, welcomes everyone with open arms. And yes, nudists too are welcome at the Marari Beach. This secluded and untouched beauty offers you a chance to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature, ditch your clothes, sunbathe in clear waters, and indulge in some adventure too. Quite isolated, you will not find many people visiting the spot; thus, Marari Beach offers the ideal hideaway for those seeking to get away from prying eyes.

Marari Beach, a secluded little known beach destination in the Alappuzha, is located about 11 km from Alappuzha town.The fisherfolk of Mararikulam and their gentle ways of life are some of the attractions here. An evening stroll is one of the best hangouts here.

A serene and beautiful Marari Beach is located at the close proximity to Alleppey in Kerala. It's an ideal place for someone who wants to explore the backwaters of Kerala and relax amidst peaceful environment. Nestled in the picturesque fishing village of Mararikulam, Marari beach is verged by unlimited lines of coconut palms. Tourists can indulge themselves with Ayurvedic treats which are offered by Ayurvedic Massage Centre.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

December to March is the best time to visit Marari when the weather is dry and sunny.

Accommodations Around Marari Beach

Accommodations at Marari beach include resorts and homestays. "Marari Beach Resort" is one of the luxurious resorts that are extremely admired by tourists. It is enlivened by local fishing villages, which aims to bewitch the heart and soul of the beach. Ayurveda treatments and yoga classes are plus point of this resort. "A Beach Symphony" that includes four cottages on the beach is also the gemstone of Marari.

Things to Do on Marari Beach

Marari is a peaceful place to relax and chill out. If you wanna visit Marari, you must soak up and enjoy the serenity on the deserted sandy beaches. To make your trip interesting, you may roam around the beach as there are plenty of sightseeing places where you can spend some quality time with your loved ones. If you are there in the month of August, you may also try and enjoy Snake Boat Races. Adventure freaks can also choose for sea surfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep sea fishing.

Places to Visit in and around Marari Beach

Marari beach is a peaceful place in Kerala where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. If you are looking for serenity on the deserted sandy beaches, then do visit here. Along with this, you can take a short trip all around the area that includes traditional coir-making units, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala backwater canals, and many more.

How to Reach Marari Beach?

By AIR

Kochi is the nearest airport to reach Marari beach. From the airport, you can hire car or taxi to reach the beach.

BY RAIL

The nearest railheads are at Alleppey (16 kms), Kottayam (42kms), and Cochin (Ernakulam) (55 kms).

BY ROAD

Cochin is easily accessible by road, which is at the distance of 60 km. NH 47 is situated at the distance of approx. 1 km from Marari village.

5. Paradise Beach

Photo: Times of India
Photo: Times of India

The final beach along the Gokarna town is the beautiful Paradise beach. Also known as the Full Moon beach, it is 150 meters long and has about 70% of it covered in hard rocks. The remaining part of the beach is covered in pristine white sand.

Until a few years, the sandy beach was used as a hippie location frequented by liberal souls from around the world. The beach is loved by foreigners and till date, many travellers from outside visit here. It is also touted that early foreigners did not like the idea of Indians visiting the beach and used to restrict them.

The beach is a perfect place to camp and spend your night cooking and gazing at the stars and moon. There is freshwater well at the beach which makes camping a great option for travellers. The water currents at the beach are believed to be very strong and not advisable to be used for swimming. Hiking back to the Half Moon beach can be a huge risk after sunset because of the presence of rough rocks that might prove to be fatal.

If you are looking to spend some time in isolation, then this beach in the state of Karnataka is a great escape from the routine. You can spend quality time with your loved ones, and find the peace you have been craving for.

How To Reach Paradise Beach Gokarna

The beach is inaccessible by road and can be arrived at through another beach, which is the Half Moon Beach and the Om Beach. Visitors can hire motor boats from these beaches to safely land at the Paradise beach. If you are not up for a motorboat ride, you can also reach here after a small hike from the Half-moon beach. The hike usually takes between 20 – 30 minutes.

By Bus:

If you happen to come from Bengaluru then you can directly reach the Gokarna Village. There are many direct buses available from Bengaluru which usually takes close to 10 hours to reach.

By Train:

You can also reach Gokarna by train which runs 4 times a week to Gokarna road station. The entire journey will take 16 hours.

By Road:

Although you cannot reach the beach by road directly, you can easily reach Gokarna by road which will take less than 7 hours from Bengaluru. The border of Goa also is only an hour away, so if you are in the border, the drive from Bardez will take you Gokarna in less than 3 hours.

Best Time To Visit Paradise Beach Gokarna

Gokarna experiences southwest monsoon from June to August. Keeping this in mind, the best season to visit here is between October and March. During this period the weather is pleasant and not too hot and sticky. The temperatures during this time vary between 32 degree Celsius and 35 degrees. The months of April and May are extremely hot and can get extremely unpleasant. The temperature goes up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it very humid.

The monsoon season is a bit unpredictable and is unfit for a beach visit. The ideal time that we have recommended is the best because you experience neither rains nor the excessive heat of the coast.

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