Kerala Beaches unfurl along the entire stretch of
the western coast of the state of Kerala, from the
tip of the borders of Cape Comorin in the south to
the Ezhimala beach in the northern district of Kasargode.
The beautiful coastline fringed with palm trees offers
more than a dozen breath-taking beaches, some of them
of historic or religious importance, others have gained
for themselves an international fame by their sheer
natural beauty. It goes without saying that all these
beaches are unique in themselves each with its own
characteristics catering to the mood of the visitor.
Location: Alappuzha
Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world,
Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty with the Arabian Sea on the
west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing
it. This backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By
virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place
in the maritime history of Kerala.
Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater
tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign
tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its
boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products
and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this
land is the region called Kuttanad. A land of lush
paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala
and is one of the few places in the world where farming
is done below sea level. Entertainment facilities at
the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the
Alappuzha beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby
that is of immense interest for the visitors. .
Location: Calicut
The enchantment of this town is its ancient ship building center. Located at
the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the
prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade
and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from
Western Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is
famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.
The Beypore Beach has a bridge built nearly 2 kms
into the sea. It is made up of huge stones piled together
for nearly 2 kms making a pathway into the sea.
Location: Kasargod
Bekal Beach is located at the northern tip of Kerala in old-fashioned little
town of Kasargod, 79 km from Kannur.Bekal is lined with long palm trees and
a rocky headland topped by the` huge historic Bekal fort. You can relish the
breathtaking view of the serene Lakshadweep Sea from the tall observation towers
of the fort's once huge cannon emplacements. An old mosque believed to be built
by Tipu Sultan stands near the fort. The fort perched on a hilltop gives a
spectacular view of the beach and countryside. A Navel academy is nearing completion
at Ezhimala, in Kannur near Bekal.
Location: Kannur
Dharmadam Island is a beautiful beach, located 17 kms from Kannur. The small
5-acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight
from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.
It is 100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam.
Location: Kannur
Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala,
55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an
ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for
rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque.
Fascinating Sculptured stone pillars are scattered
all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides,
Ezhimala Beach is poised to occupy a significant niche
on the naval history of India when one of the largest
naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy
is being developed here in Ezhimala. Prior Permission
is required for entry in Ezhimala Beach.
Location: Kochi, Ernakulam
Fort Kochi Beach is just 12 km away from Kochi 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 colorful history. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the
Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural interfaces is seen
in the remains of the Indo-European architecture in Fort Kochi. Cochin Carnival
on the New Year eve is a colorful festival not to be missed at the beach site.
Location: Kozhikode
Kappad beach 16 km from Kozhikode, has gained for itself
historic importance with the landing of Vasco Da
Gama on 27th of May, 1498 thus discovering a sea
route to India. Even after 500 years of the epoch-making
event Kappad remains calm, as if cataclysmic changes
had just scrubbed around this spot. The beach, strewn
with country fishing boats, is still in pristine
beauty. The shore, bereft of concrete monstrosities,
is in perfect silence ever since Gama left for other
destinations. 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.
Location: Kovalam, Trivandrum
This internationally renowned beach resort of
Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s.
. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly
the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing
look. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches.
The southernmost one, the Light House Beach, is marked
by a prominent red-and-white striped lighthouse and
is the most popular of the three. The northern most
beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing
times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing
vessels. Between the two lies the Eve’s Beach.
Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local
fisherman.
The coast is at many places lined with beautiful patches
of coral reefs. From Kovalam, you can go for a backwater
cruise to the beautiful countryside of Kerala paddling
country boats, enjoying its lush greenery. The unforgettably
marvellous image of Kovalam is that of the coconut-palms-lined
high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide
expanse of the blue waters. Kovalam is also a natural
bay ideal for kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing.
Location: Kannur
Moppila bay in Kannur is a famous fishing harbour,
situated near the St.Angelo's Fort. The beach is
a natural and now a modernised fishing harbour built
with assistance under the Indo Norwegian pact.
The remnants of the temple & fort are still seen
in Moppila bay. The bay was famous during the Kolathiri's
regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu
with Lakshadweep and foreign countries, in imports.
A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough
sea and inland water. If the weather is favourable
a ride in the sea will be a memorable experience.
Location: Kannur
Muzhappilangad, one of the longest beaches in Kerala is located 15 kms south
of Kannur. The long beach is the only drive-in beach in India. Still untouched,
this long, clean beach protected by the black rocks from the deep currents,
make its
shallow water a swimmer's paradise. One can drive down
the entire length of 4 kms from Kannur to Tellicherry. The enchanting ambience
of the
beautiful Muzhappilangad beach invites one to swim,
sunbathe, or just laze around.
From Muzhappilangad, one can view the Dharmadam Island
or the Green Island. A remarkable conjunction of beach
and island is just across the Anjarakkandy River.
Location: Alappuzha
The magnificence of the Marari beach is endless as it offers miles of superb
enchanting sand beaches with swaying palms, virgin beaches where you can experience
the local charm and traditional Kerala Hospitality at its best, an ideal beach
to relax. Marari originates from "mararikulam", one of the local
fishing villages, where life is same as it was in the bygone days.
Location: Alappuzha
The little island of Pathiramanal, on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt of
hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land.
This island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom
and is accessible by boat only. It is surrounded by
the Vembanad Lake.
The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break
in the journey while on a backwater cruise. The mainland
Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and
fresh water rivers criss-crossing it and is a district
of immense natural beauty.
Location: Kannur
The Payyambalam beach located near the Kannur town
is one of the beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala.
This beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best
locale for a relaxed evening. The Payyambalam beach
is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development
into a tourist resort. Nearby is Ezhimala, the capital
of the ancient Mooshika kings, considered to be an
ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated
cluster of hills, forming a promontory. A flourishing
seaport and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle
fields of the
Chola-Chera war of the 11th century.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the
Shankhumugham Beach 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', a gigantic 35 m long sculpture
of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish
are the major attractions here. The long stretch of
clean sand is located near the airport. The water here,
however, is not suitable for bathing. Shankhumugham
Beach is a popular city beach situated near to the airport. This beach provides
good facilities
like an indoor recreation club, children's traffic
training park and a star shaped restaurant.
Location: Malappuram
The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of the earliest settlements
of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place
in 1546 AD. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshpuram
Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be
one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Location: Kollam
Located 5 kms from Kollam town is the Thangassery Beach,
which is a sea side village of historic importance.
The rural settlement has the ruins of an old Portuguese
Fort and churches built in the 18th century. The 144
feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse is open to visitors
from 1530-1730 hours every day.
Location: Kollam
This beautiful beach filled with coconut palms is ideal for an early morning
walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. Roughly
6km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach that is well linked
by road and with good facilities.
Location: Kollam
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage.
The beach has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. The 2000 year
old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions
of Varkala Beach.
A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body and
the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' 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.
This beach of Kerala is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their
medicinal value.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Vizhinjam is 2 km away from Kovalam. Europeans, Portuguese
and Dutch had commercial ties with the local kings
during the pre-colonial days. Ruins of rock-cut temples
have been found, substantiating the port town's centuries-old
heritage.
Today, it offers a slice of Kerala's coastal life:
fishing boats jostling for space, weary fishermen hastily
repairing fishing net. Petty altercations among fishermen
over the price of days catch perfectly blends with
rumblings of bellowing waves. Come dusk, shore would
be reverberating with the heehaw of fishermen pushing
fishing boats to the sea.
