What is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that causes living organisms to produce and emit light in the dark. This glow-in-the-dark phenomenon has always captured the attention of marine biologists and nature lovers. The beautiful spectacle is worth watching at least once in a lifetime. The process of Bioluminescence occurs when a chemical reaction (chemiluminescence) takes place in an organism. This chemical reaction takes place primarily due to the presence of luciferin and photoprotein. Luciferin when reacts with oxygen, emits light. Some organisms also have luciferase which acts like a catalyst that speeds up the reaction. There are some organisms in nature that can even choose the colour and intensity of light they want to emit based on photoprotein content in them.
The marine organisms that are bioluminescent include fish, algae, bacteria, jellyfish, planktons, etc. Speaking of bioluminescence seen around beaches, these are formed by dinoflagellates. These are tiny microorganisms that wash up against the shores and emit the sparkly bluish-green colour. In fact, most marine organisms emit bluish-green light in the dark. Their light emission is also a way for these organisms to attract prey or defend themselves against predators.
India has many beaches that emit light in the dark due to the presence of bioluminescence organisms. They shine bright when the sea and ocean waves gently ruffle against the shores. Scroll down to know about the top 10 bioluminescent beaches of India.
10 Best Bioluminescent Beaches in India
- Radhangar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra
- Mattu Beach, Karnataka
- Kavaratti Beach, Lakshadweep
- Chandipur Beach, Odisha
- Banagram Beach, Lakshadweep
- Juhu Beach, Maharashtra
- Morjim Beach, Goa
- Mandvi Beach, Gujarat
- Vypin Beach, Kerala
1. Radhangar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Andaman & Nicobar islands, along with Lakshadweep are the island groups that are home to the most beautiful beaches in India. And one such beach is Radhangar Beach in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). Recognised as one of the best beaches in Asia, and the number beach in India. Radhangar Beach gives a surreal opportunity to watch the bioluminescent waters at night. Most Andaman tour packages include a trip to Swaraj Dweep, hence you can easily plan a visit to Radhanagar Beach. The abundant planktons around the beach light up and produce bright blue light when a boat or kayak touches them. You can also go on a guided bioluminescent kayaking tour in Swaraj Deep.
2. Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra
Takarali is a small village and one of Maharashtra's most popular beach destinations. The famous beach, called Tarkarli Beach is called the “queen of beaches” in the Konkan Region. The presence of dinoflagellates around the waters of Tarkarli beach undergoes a chemical reaction that causes them to reflect blue light. If you want to witness the beauty of this beach and the presence of shiny blue light around the waves, visit this beach on a new moon night. The best time to visit Tarkarli beach to witness this ethereal phenomenon is from October to February.
3. Mattu Beach, Karnataka
The tranquil ambiance and laid-back vibes of Mattu Beach pulls many beach lovers who like peaceful stroll and scenic sunsets. It is one of the rare places in Udupi, Karnataka where you can spot the bioluminescent “glow-in-the-dark” waters. You can plan a visit here after sunset and talk to locals about the best spots to watch the iridescent blue light. The best time to visit Mattu Beach to observe the bioluminescent phenomenon is the post monsoon season. It’s a time when there is an increase in the population of microorganisms emitting light.
4. Kavaratti Beach, Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep Island is located in the majestic Arabian Sea. The island is home to several beaches, Kavaratti Beach being one of them. Take a trip to this beach at night and you will spot bioluminescent planktons emitting a warm blue glow. This enchanting spectacle is too beautiful to ignore. Take a camera along with you to click photos and if possible, visit on the darkest of night.
5. Chandipur Beach, Odisha
Chandipur Beach is famous for its receding waters during low tides that recede up to 5 kms. It’s a biodiversity hotspot when the waters on the beach recede. You will find hundreds of ghost red crabs crawling on the beach. The various flora and fauna around the beach is responsible for creating an iridescent bluish effect at night. The beauty of this beach is remarkable during the day, but exceptional at night. After sunset, as the darkness falls the beach glows up, making a visually gorgeous spectacle.
6. Banagram Beach, Lakshadweep
An uninhabited island of Lakshadweep, Banagram Beach is a part of Banagram Island. It is surrounded by shallow lagoons and bright coloured coral reefs. The beach is an underrated gem and is not visited by tourists due to which it still exists in pristine condition. The beach is full of algae that emits iridescent blue colour at night, creating the bioluminescent effect. Banagram Beach is perfect for going on a stroll or doing some night photography.
7. Juhu Beach, Maharashtra
One wouldn’t expect a bustling beach like Juhu in Mumbai to have an iridescent effect, at night, but it does! On rare occasions, the waves caressing the shores of Juhu beach reveal a beautiful bioluminescent glow. The plankton and algae, particularly during the monsoon season emit blue lights when the waves hit the shores. On rare occasions, on new moon light when there isn’t any external light, the bioluminescent light can be spotted. Locals suggest that the best time to spot this phenomenon is to visit Juhu beach after 9:30 PM.
8. Morjim Beach, Goa
Famous for turtle nesting of Olive Ridley turtles, Morjim beach in Goa offers a spectacular display of bioluminescence. This is caused by the glowing planktons at night when the waves are ruffled either by reaching the shores or by human intervention. The tiny marine organisms produce light when slightly disturbed.
9. Mandvi Beach, Gujarat
The beautiful shoreline of Mandvi beach displays an ethereal blue glow that looks like a galaxy of stars on the waters. During the day, you can have typical beach fun at Mandvi like paragliding, boating, surfing, etc. But as the darkness descends, the beach turns to a beautiful spectacle of illuminated waves. Make sure to not have any artificial lighting, this may cause disruption in microorganisms that emit the blue light.
10. Vypin Beach, Kerala
Last but not least, Vypin Beach in Kerala is known for its bioluminescent waters. It attracts both nature lovers and photographers. The presence of planktons emitting light looks as though blue coloured fishes are moving underwater creating a blue light on a dark night. It’s a fascinating sight to capture in one’s camera. Make sure you don't miss it!
Bioluminescence is truly one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. And the above destinations in India are the best bioluminescent beaches to experience the enchanting wonder of mother nature.
Comments