East Coast vs West Coast

Published in the Sunday Mumbai Samachar on 23 March 2025

The West enchants with its laid-back charm, stunning beaches, and lush landscapes, while the East captivates with its spiritual depth, rich history, and cultural grandeur. 

When you hear the phrase ‘East Coast vs West Coast,’ your mind might immediately travel to the United States, where contrasts between the two coasts spark endless debates. From the glamour of Los Angeles to the historic charm of New York, the U.S. coasts offer distinct travel experiences. 

But what about India? Rarely do we think of the Indian subcontinent in the same coastal context. Yet, India too boasts two dramatically different coastlines – the West Coast, bordered by the Arabian Sea, and the East Coast, meeting the Bay of Bengal. Each has its own character, rhythm, and set of travel treasures. 

Let’s explore the striking contrasts between India’s two great shorelines, highlighting the unique experiences, cultural gems, and hidden wonders that make each coast a world of its own. 

Geographical & Cultural Divide 

The Arabian Sea hugs the western coastline, where rolling hills, coconut groves, and cliffs add character to the shoreline. Facing the Bay of Bengal, the eastern coastline is a region of deep-rooted traditions, ancient temple towns, and colonial influences. Flatter than the West, it features uninterrupted sandy stretches and unique ecosystems like the Sundarbans' mangrove forests. 

The West Coast enjoys a tropical, humid climate with heavy monsoons that nourish its lush greenery. The East Coast, exposed to the Bay of Bengal, often faces cyclones, shaping its coastal geography. While the western side boasts misty hill stations along its beaches, the eastern shore is home to expansive plains that extend seamlessly into the ocean. 

Beach Towns 

The beaches of the West Coast dominate India’s beach holiday scene. Goa’s golden sands, Gokarna’s palm-fringed shores, and Kerala’s serene Varkala define leisure and relaxation. These social hubs buzz with shacks, seafood stalls, and music drifting in the salty air. 

The East Coast offers a more introspective charm, where beaches exude history and spirituality. Puducherry’s Promenade Beach, lined with French colonial remnants, contrasts sharply with Goa’s lively vibe. Puri’s golden beach is sacred to pilgrims visiting the Jagannath Temple. Tamil Nadu’s Mahabalipuram is famous for ancient rock-cut temples merging history with the beauty of the sea. 

History & Heritage 

The East Coast boasts some of India’s greatest historical treasures, like Mahabalipuram’s temples and the Konark Sun Temple. The West Coast, however, carries an equally rich legacy of battles, maritime trade, and empire-building. 

Maharashtra alone has over 350 forts built during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign, standing as testaments to his military genius. Some, like Sindhudurg and Murud-Janjira, offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, blending history with nature. 

Trade and exploration have long defined the West Coast. Kerala’s spice ports once bustled with traders from Europe and the Middle East. Goa’s Portuguese-era churches and forts stand as enduring colonial reminders, influencing its traditions and festivals. 

The East Coast’s history is tied to powerful empires that left behind architectural marvels. Tamil Nadu’s Chola temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, showcase advanced engineering and artistic grandeur. These towering gopurams symbolize Tamil heritage and ingenuity. 

Further north, Kolkata’s colonial past is evident in landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Fort William. Odisha, beyond Konark, houses the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, ancient rock-cut shelters reflecting India’s spiritual and artistic evolution. 

Together, these landmarks make the East Coast a treasure trove for history lovers, spanning centuries of art, architecture, and conquest. 

Food 

Both coasts offer a seafood-rich culinary journey, but preparation styles and influences vary widely. 

Malvani cuisine from Maharashtra features bold flavours with coconut, kokum, and fiery spices in dishes like Bangda (Mackerel) Fry and Surmai (Kingfish) Curry. Goa blends Portuguese and Indian flavours, serving Prawn Balchão, Goan Chorizo, and the famous Bebinca dessert. 

Karnataka’s coastal delicacies include Mangalorean Fish Curry and the soft, delicate Neer Dosa, while Kerala shines with Meen Moilee (fish in coconut gravy) and the legendary Kerala Sadya, a vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. 

The East Coast, equally delightful for seafood lovers, is influenced by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Bengal. Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad cuisine is famous for its intricate spice blends, especially in dishes like Chettinad Crab Masala. 

Andhra Pradesh’s cuisine is known for its spice-laden Royyala Iguru (prawn curry) and legendary Hyderabadi Biryani. Bengal, with its deep love for mustard, offers dishes like Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard gravy) and the comforting Machher Jhol (fish curry). Odisha, known for its temple cuisine, features the Mahaprasad of Jagannath Temple, cooked without onions or garlic yet bursting with flavours. 

Adventure & Nature 

The West Coast is a haven for adventure lovers who enjoy the open sea and rugged landscapes. Goa’s beaches are synonymous with high-energy water sports—parasailing over the Arabian Sea, jet skiing at Baga Beach, or windsurfing in Palolem. 

For underwater explorers, scuba diving at Netrani Island in Karnataka offers stunning marine biodiversity, where divers swim alongside reef sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral fish. 

The Western Ghats, running parallel to the coastline, are a trekker’s paradise. Monsoons transform this lush stretch into a magical land of waterfalls, misty hills, and dense forests. Kerala’s Meesapulimala trek, winding through tea plantations, rewards hikers with an ethereal sunrise. 

For wildlife enthusiasts, Karnataka’s Kabini and Bandipur reserves offer thrilling tiger safaris. Kerala’s Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary provides a unique boat safari experience, where visitors can spot elephants and exotic birds as they glide through tranquil backwaters. 

The East Coast, by contrast, offers raw and untamed adventure. The Bay of Bengal’s waves have made Mahabalipuram India’s surfing capital, attracting surfers of all levels. Similarly, Rushikonda Beach in Andhra Pradesh is fast becoming a hotspot for wave riders. 

The real jewel of the East lies in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Unlike traditional safaris, visitors navigate a maze of waterways by boat, keeping a sharp eye out for crocodiles and tigers lurking in the undergrowth. 

For trekkers, the Eastern Ghats remain an underexplored frontier. Unlike the lush Western Ghats, they offer rugged terrain and dramatic cliffs. Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by coffee plantations and waterfalls, is a trekker’s delight. Deomali Hill, Odisha’s highest peak, offers sweeping views of rolling hills and pristine forests. 

Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, provides a different kind of adventure. Visitors can take a boat to Kalijai Island, home to an ancient temple, or witness thousands of migratory birds arriving from Siberia. The lake is also home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, a delight for nature lovers. 

Conclusion 

India’s coasts are two sides of the same vibrant story. The West enchants with its laid-back charm, stunning beaches, and lush landscapes, while the East captivates with its spiritual depth, rich history, and cultural grandeur. Choosing between them isn’t just about picking a destination—it’s about deciding what kind of experience you seek. So why not do it all, one weekend at a time?