Activities:
Sunbathing, snorkeling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach, swimming
There’s a beach for almost all temperaments in Kerala. You may conveniently settle upon the long stretches of a clean beach for fulfilling diverse cravings such as fishing, lazying about etc. or eagerly hang out with your loved one at one of its lesser known beaches with easily available resorts and bungalows. Flanked by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, all are beautiful, captivating, and ethereal. Come to realize your paradise in God’s own country.
Kovalam Beach
Situated at a distance of 10 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram, this beach claims to be the most famous in Kerala owing to its shallow waters and an otherwise relaxed ambiance. What was originally a mere fishing village turned into a thriving tourist destination mainly due to the efforts of Prince, G. V Raja, who, having recognized it’s incredible lure, invited state guests like Thomas Cook & Sons- UK to develop it. Regular banquets at the Kovalam Haylcon Palace were also hosted by the Maharaja of Travancore to extend its popularity. Today, with three major beaches – Light House, Hawah, and Crescent, Kovalam is indisputably the one most sought after beach. Unwind beneath the mellow rays of the sun in any of these to savor some unforgettable moments.
Bekal Beach
Along with basking on the golden sands, here you may enlighten yourself with a bit of historical insights. At 16km south of Kasaragod town, this beach near Mysore houses the largest fort in Kerala. Take random snaps, let your kids have a ball at the play area or zoo, meditate on any of the rocks surrounding the fort – make this beach your ever cherished haven. Just remember not to take a dip in its water, for it’s not safe at all. Also, make sure that you comply with the rules of effectively maintaining its cleanliness. After all, why spoil such a precious gift of nature in careless habits?
Activities:
Sunset viewing, cycling, fort exploring
Varkala Beach
For relishing tempting preparations of fishes within cool but non-air conditioned huts by serene stretches of sand, this neighboring beach of Kovalam in south Kerala, ought to be your ideal stop. With rocky cliffs serving as a fitting backdrop, it features two main beaches, Papanasam and Black. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kappil, peep into Ponnumthuruthu Island or just lie and count the stars. This exotic beach is not going to disappoint you in any way.
Activities:
Seeing the Arabian Sea from a cliff, cycling, enjoying snacks
Alappuzha Beach
Cruising on the placid, laid back waters of Alappuzha would undoubtedly bestow you with an unforgettable experience of exploring the untamed beauty of Kerala countryside. Avail it readily and also don’t miss multiple other attractions such as feasting your eyes on a 140-year-old ancient pier or mounting a bewitching lighthouse. You may also refresh yourself in any of the Ayurveda centers nearby or ransack Mullakkal Street vigorously for collecting your desired souvenir. And, if there’s a sports bug deep inside you, the perfect time for your visit ought to be August, for it’s when the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held every year.
Activities:
Surfing, swimming, parasailing, boat races, etc.
Cherai Beach
At a distance of 45 km from Ernakulam city, this beach near Kochi and Coimbatore has a high stone wall that prevents high currents from entering the civilian areas as well as roads. If you are a newlywed couple, there can be nothing more gratifying than celebrating your honeymoon in a quaint little cottage on this romantic beach surrounded by thick coconut grooves and lone paddy fields. Lay your eyes on the dolphins that are occasional visitors here and have your hoard of seashells to remind you of these moments after they have long passed.
Activities:
Boating, swimming, sightseeing
Kappad Beach
This uncrowded and calm beach at about 16 km from the town of Calicut is reminiscent of an important historical event – on 27th May 1498, the Portuguese navigator, Vasco Da Gama landed here with 170 men, thereby laying the foundation of a significant socio-political relationship between Europe and India. Today, the only remnant of such great times is a small stone monument on the beach. Opt for a pleasant ride down the backwater of Kozhikode River to get to the beach, enjoy its unspoiled ambiance and step into an ancient temple that claims to be 800 years old.
Activities:
Boat riding, playing beach games, sightseeing etc.
Kannur Beach
Get your hammock ready on reaching a group of 5 beaches namely the Payyambalam, Meenkunnu, Adiakadalai, Baby, and Thayyil, that make up this beach if your jumbled nerves crave for a day of long 24 hours uninterrupted relaxation. Being not much-known and quiet, they are bound to grant your private solace that you have yearned for so long. For an activity filled day, drop in at Arakkal Museum, Kannur Fort, take a round of the desolate Thottada beach or drive on the Muzhappilangad Drive-in to revel in the soft breeze of the sea.
Activities:
Boating, sightseeing, digging into the cultural food “theyyam”
Kollam Beach
With panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, this beach is a hot favorite of thousands of tourists that flock to secure a space here every year. Once an active harbor allowing Chinese trade, it is a storehouse of Chinese fishing nets, sampan like boats and water pots. Go for the numerous beach thrills for an exciting day.
Activities:
Boating, surfing, sightseeing, playing beach games etc.
Marari Beach
Taking its name from “Mararikulum”, meaning a local village on the Arabian Sea coast, this sleepy beach with white sand, in north Kerala ought to make you fall in love with its traditional fishing villages, representing a simple and harmonious way of life. Take your family and friends along with you for deriving loads of pleasure out of its host of charms such as viewing traditional coir-making units, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala backwater canals, Mararikulam Shiva Temple, St. Thomas Church, etc.
Activities:
Sightseeing, swimming, boat riding, cycling
Beypore Beach
This can be comfortably tagged as “the beach with a view”; on the sea, there’s a 2 km stone pathway that is just perfect for having a fantastic maritime experience. Take a brisk walk, soak in the fresh air and indulge in spotting birds like egrets, kites, cranes, and curlew, etc. Search for souvenirs at shops such as “Asha Handicraft Emporium” and dig into the very famous “Kozhikodan Halwa” available in plenty in any of the stores.
Activities:
Visiting Beypore Port and Harbour, swimming, sightseeing etc.
Apart from these, you may also check into some other beaches such as Nattika, Chowara, Munnar, Kappil, Mahe that are equally fascinating and easily reachable. Just have enough time in hand.
With an impressive 580 km coastline, Kerala is visited by over 2.5 million tourists every year. The appeal is perhaps inescapable, and the fondness, incalculable. So, pack your bags promptly to be a guest of these internationally recognized beaches to celebrate serenity as never before.
Last reviewedSeptember 15th 2017
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