Kerala Beaches

Kovalam Beach
Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city, Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place.

Kovalam Beach consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.

The palm-fringed bays of Kovalam in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The unforgettable image of Kovalam is that of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters.

In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala

Marari Beach (Mararikulam) :
Right in the heart of the "spice coast" just an hour from Cochin and even less to Alleppey(also Known as Alpuzzha) is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an idyllic retreat for those who want to "get away from it all". Marari originates from "mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience to local charm and traditional keralan hospitality at its best.

Kappad Beach
16 kms from Kozhikode (Calicut) (Calicut), this is the historic beach where Vasco-da-Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.

Alappuzha Beach :
Alappuzha beach is quite a popular tourist spot, known to provide relaxation in the district of Alappuzha (Alleppey). The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. Blessed with nature's green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland of Kerala state.

The Alappuzha (Alleppey) beach is spectacular. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape. It has a long sandy beach. For the entertainment of visitors there is a Vijaya Beach Park and an old lighthouse nearby.

Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. The Vijaya beach park consist of picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities.

Cherai Beach :
45 kms from ernakulam city, this lovely beach bordering vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.

Fort Kochi Beach :
12 kms from ernakulam city, a leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic fort kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first european township in india, kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the portuguese, the dutch and later the british. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the remains of the indo european architecture here.

Shanghumukham Beach :
08 kms from Thiruvanathapuram, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the thiruvananthapuram airport and veli tourist village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.

Varkala Beach :
South India is never really cool, but pleasantly warm in winter. So, tourists usually visit Varkala beach during the month of October, as it is cool and secluded. Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam.

Varkala beach is famous for mineral springs and a fantastic massage, so don't forget to bring aromatherapy massage oil and sun protection. The mineral springs here are said to have curative properties. The massage technique has been a closely guarded secret for thousands of years, but for many tourists it's a welcome revival from the toils of the road.

Varkala is an important Hindu pilgrim center. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to pure the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' (destroyer of sin) for this shore.

At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.