Kerala Beaches - A Heaven's Send

The 900 Kms long shoreline of Kerala is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered covers. Kerala is renowned all over the world for having most of India's finest beaches. Beaches in Kerala are one of the most important tourist attractions. Thousands of travellers from all over the world arrive these palm fringed beaches in search of peace. Kerala beaches are famous for the gentle surf, sun bathe, azure blue waters and other leisure activities. In addition the delicious seafoods like lobsters, the shining sun and tranquil surroundings make the vacation an unforgettable one.

Popular Beaches of Kerala

Kerala is dotted with several beaches, among the popular beaches are the Kovalam Beach and Varkala Beach. Apart there are many other beaches which are equally impressive.

Kovalam Beach Kovalam BeachKovalam is small village located 16 Kms south of Thiruvanathpuram. The world famous beach is situated on the Malabar Coast, along the Kerala shoreline. Kovalam suddenly caught the attention of tourists from all over the world, when its amazing beaches were discovered in 1930s. The foreign tourists throng Ayurvedic parlors, Yoga and meditation centers situated close to beaches. Kovalam beach consists of three small crescent beaches ; the southern most is Lighthouse Beach, the middle beach is Hawah and the northern most beach is Samudra.

Alappuzha Beach Situated in the Alappuzha district, the spectacular beach is famous as a tourist spot as well as a relaxation spot. The pier, extending into the sea here, is believed to be around 140 years old. The natural greenery , lagoons, vast lakes and many fresh water rivers make Alappuzha a natural wonderland of Kerala. Another attraction is adjacent Vijaya beach park which offers entertainment facilities like boating facility, picnic spot and children's park.

Varkala Beach Varkala lies 54 Kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is known for its beaches. Varkala beach is a seaside resort and spa, which is popular for fantastic massage and rich mineral springs. The message technique used here is very old, but it is good revival for the tourists. The two main attractions of Verkala beach are the 2,000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre.

Marari Beach (Mararikulam) This beach is located close to Cochin and Alleppey in the heart of the 'spice coast.' The beautiful stretch of soft sandy beach with palm fringe is an ideal spot for relaxing. The beach originates from Mararikulam, a local fishing village, where people still spend an old lifestyle as it was hundred years ago. In Marari beach one can experience the local charm and traditional Keralan hospitality at its best.

Beypore Beach Situted 10 Kms south of Kozhikode, Beypore lies at the mouth of Chliyar river. The beach is one of the popular beaches of Kerala. Once Beypore was one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of Kerala, when the state was an important trade and maritime centre.

Shanghumukham Beach Shanghumugham BeachLocated 8 Kms from Thiruvanathapuram, Shanghukhan is a favourite destination for sunset viewers. The major attractions here are an indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka and a restaurant shaped like a starfish.

Cherai Beach The lovely beach situated 45 Kms away from the Ernakulam city is ideal for swimming. Bordering the Vypeen Island, Cherai is a typical Kerala village. Dolphins can be spotted here occasionally, other attractions are paddy fields and coconut groves.

Fort Kochi Beach The town shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British lies at a distance of 12 Kms from Ernakulam city. A leisurely walk through the city lanes is the best way to explore the historic Fort Kochi. One can see the remains of the Indo-Eurpoean architecture here.

Kappad Beach The historic beach located 16 Kms from Kozhikode, is known as the site where Vasco-da-Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. Locally known as Kappakadavu the interesting feature of this beach is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The calm beach also houses a temple on the rock believed to be 800 years old.

Dharmadam Beach The beautiful beach is situated at a distance of 17 Kms from Kannur. The beach offers the breathtaking views of the small 5 -acre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes. The tourists need the prior permission to enter this privately owned island.

Ezhimala Beach Situated 55 Kms from Kannur, the picturesque beach is lies in the backdrop of a 286 metre high hillock. The major attractions here include carved stone pillars, an ancient burial chamber and an ancient cave at the foot of the hills. The hills are quite popular for its rare medicinal herbs.

Bekal Beach Bekal BeachThe beautiful beach is known for having best preserved fort in Kerala. The Bekal fort is situated between two picturesque palm fringed beaches.

Thangassery Beach The picturesque beach located just 5 Kms from Kollam, is a sea side village of historic significance. It houses the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and Churches built in the 18 th century. Another attraction is the 144 foot high Thangasseri Lighthouse, open to visitors from 1530-1730 hrs every day.

Thirumullavaram Beach Situated 6 Kms from Kollam, this beach is a beautiful picnic spot. This beach is dotted with coconut palms grooves is ideal for an early morning walk. The beach has good bathing facilities.