A slim and fruitful land stripe of 900 km on the southwest coast of India forms the Kerala coast that offers you sun-soaked sandy beaches, rocky outcrop, and swaying canopies of coconut palms. Entitled as God’s Own Country, the natural presence of beaches, backwaters, delicious varied cuisine, comfortable accommodation, historical places, and religious spots make you feel as if you are living in the lap of the Mother Nature.
‘Keralam’ that is the state name means the ‘Land Added On’ in Sanskrit. Today, the meaning that is popular among the inhabitants is the ‘Land of the Coconut’. Behind its former meaning, an interesting legend is associated, which states that the current land of Kerala is an endowment of legendary Parasurama. This character is one of the ten incarnations (avatar) of Lord Vishnu – the perpetuator of life. A popular belief holds that Parasurama flung his axe used in battle into the sea, which recovered the present land, Kerala currently comprising of 14 districts among which Thiruvananthapuram is its capital.
Beaches well known for its calm waves and azure waters, despite the setback from backwaters, the beach holiday in Kerala is still thrilling that lures thousands of tourists across the globe.
Let’s now take a look at the beaches of Kerala.
Kovalam Beach
Located on the Malabar Coast is the small village of Kovalam stretched along the shoreline of Kerala. A cool and calm town by experience, this town drew the attention of many visitors around the world on their tourist circuit when its splendid and isolated beaches were spotted. Now, Kovalam has received its fame as among the most renowned beach haven not only in Kerala but also in India. The name Kovalam refers to a copse of coconut trees, which are really lined along the beaches justifying the name and look.
Augmenting your excitement, the memorable scene at Kovalam is of the lined coconut palms around the rocky outcrop that seem to be hugging the quiet span of the azure waters. The palm-canopied bays in isolated coconut copses assure you for a peaceful vacation. Listed below are the attractions here.
The Three Beaches:
The beaches of the Kovalam village are categorized into three parts. The most well known one among these is the southern most Lighthouse Beach. Towards its south, you can take the benefit of a magnificent view of the Vizhinjam mosque without any permission of photography. Next, is center beach called Hawah that functions as the center for the native fishermen. Last is the northern most one called the Samudra Beach that is relatively less disturbed due to the varying times and tourists flux and is scattered with some elementary wooden fishing boats.
Sports:
These include kayaking, swimming in shallow water, sunbathing, surfing, and skiing. The coast encompasses splendid pieces of coral reefs and that you can crest the surf on logs.
Shopping:
The shopping items along the seafront are handicrafts, jewelry, and clothes.
Events on the Beach:
Evenings are made livelier and cheerful by the Kathakali performances, the traditional dance-drama of the state at the beachside. You can also grasp the opportunity of Ayurvedic massages, oil baths, and Yoga and meditation taught by experts at the Yoga and health center.
Boating:
Do not forget a backwater cruise to the countryside to rejoice in its rich greenery. Some hotels offer houseboats, country boats, and catamarans too at fair rates.
Marari Beach
The name Marari is derived from ‘Mararikulam’, which is among the native fishing villages. Life here is still the same and is lived as it was some 120 years ago. The men even today go out to reach the sea daily in search for earning a living. One of the India’s best-reserved top secret and so currently being a new worth holiday destination to the holidaymaker, Marari leaves you with a chill out and inspiring experience.
The beach encompasses never-ending miles of glorious beaches with sunny sand canopied with swaying palms, a virgin region of locally appealing classical Kerala. At the time of sunset, do include in your schedule to come back to Marari for watching the beautiful scene of the sun going down over the horizon and a delightful dinner at the resort. After dinner, it is just worth having a soothing drink or enjoying the quite nighttime in the resort’s veranda in front of the murmuring sea waves recalling the memorable events of life. Listed below are some more attractions here.
The Resort:
Surrounded by 25 acres of Coconut Palm groves and offering a splendid view of the vast stretch of the beach, the Marari Beach Resort exhibits the traditional fishing village style through its thatched villas. The 400 sq. feet airy villas are air-conditioned encompassing mini bar, private garden, swimming pool, coffee making utilities, charmingly equipped veranda with a ceiling fan, and spacious bathrooms with an open courtyard comprising of a banana or Papaya tree. The resort also comprises of an amphitheatre where cultural programs are conducted. Comfortable beds evenly are set in the grove for relaxing in the open air. The resort also offers the Beach Volleyball court where you can have fun by arranging a friendly match and bicycles at the reception to become more adventurous for exploring the neighborhood.
Ayurveda Centre:
Administered by the resident Ayurveda Doctor at the resort and a group of committed men and women masseurs and therapists along with a dispensary, you can strike a healthy balance here by achieving the harmony of body, mind, and soul through its scientific methods. Known as the science of life and based on natural principles, its comprehensive method, the effectiveness of its therapies, and the dearth of painful side affects characterize and popularize Ayurveda across the world.
Backwaters:
If you are all alone here, your this unfortune is just positive in the sense that you are in a far better position to delve into the beautiful backwaters whose serenity, picturesque astonishing scenes, and a timely ride are enough to make you feel the most fortunate one.
Cochin:
This is a must to visit, as it is the important trade centre and a lovely place of shopping, particularly in Jew Town, on the ‘Spice Coast’ of Kerala.
Kumarakom Beach
A cluster of small islets on the Vembanad Lake forming a miniature water world is the village of Kumarakom whose land is a part of the Kuttanad region. You can imagine this place as an incredible fabulous heaven that comprises of mangrove jungles, emerald green rice fields, coconut copses intermingled with captivating water strips, and canals bejeweled with while lilies. It is a perfect gateway to explore scenic world of backwaters, thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets, and swaying palms.
Enjoying a proportionate tropical climate, nature has exhibited magic and perfection here. One such magic seems to be in form of million of lush coconut palms along the rivers bending to view their own reflections on the crystal-clear waters. This magic becomes perfection in form of ever-present aura of flowers, never fading colors of multi-hued birds, and in the bountiful fishes in the unspoilt freshwaters. Adding to this excellence is the ever-blowing cool, fresh breeze that shows its magic even during the warm weather.
Listed below are the attractions at this beach where the peak time is from November to March.
Beach Activities:
The beach provides out-of-the-world experience by providing a unique combination of leisure activities such as boating, holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, and captivating backwater ride.
Bird Sanctuary:
Covering nearly 14 acres of land, its unique feature is that it is the most frequently visiting place of migratory birds, which makes it a perfect destination for an ornithologist. The sanctuary is the home to egrets, herons, teal, darters, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck, and migratory birds such as the Siberian stork. Flocks being an enthrallment for the visitors here, the ideal method for observing these birds at the Kumarakom sanctuary is to have a boat ride round the small islets.
Reaching Kumarakom
By Air:
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport that is at 92 km. However, if you are at the Trivandrum International Airport, you need to reach Muhamma boat jetty to reach Kumarakom. The jetty is at 171 km from the airport that takes nearly 3 hours by road.
By Rail:
The nearest station is Kottayam at a distance of 16 km by road. The next preferred station is Cochin from where you can catch a train for Cherthala after which it is only a matter of 14 km. This south train journey takes you through the Alleppey route. This journey is interesting due to its picturesque scenes around the passing backwaters and the sea. Both Cochin and Kottayam are well connected with the major cities in Kerala and India.
By Boat:
At the Trivandrum International Airport, you need to reach Quilon either via road or rail, which just takes an hour. Once reached Quilon, there are regular ferries offered to you to Alleppey – a one time must ride due to its journey through backwaters.
Alappuzha (Alleppey) Beach
A renowned hangout, recreation spot, and a naturally amazing seashore of Kerala, this beach is situated in the district of Alappuzha. The jetty here is very famous that stretches itself until the seashore and is as old as 140 years. A ride in this jetty should not be missed due to its scenic backwaters. This is the place where you will actually meet with the nature’s green assets, which are lagoons, huge lakes, and bountiful fresh water rivers.
Housing a children park and boating facilities, the beach is just a good place of entertainment for all picnickers irrespective of their age. There is an old lighthouse here that simply adds to the places of attractions at this beach.
Dolphin’s Point
This is famous for watching the dolphins playing in the sea in early morning. The beach is located at 2 km from the Kozhikode town and is famous due to the lions club park, lighthouse, two jetties, and long evening walks due to cool breeze.
Beypore Beach
A leading port and boat-building industry and fishing harbor in ancient times, Beypore is situated at the origin of River Chaliyar. This ancient port was very popular among the West Asia merchants and is still famous among Arabs who purchase large boats here. One of the attractions here is the boat-building yard wherein the boat builders known as Khalasis create country crafts named Uru.
Bekal Beach
This is famous for 300 years old Bekal Fort, 16 km from Kasargod on the national highway.
Pallikere Beach
Just 1 km from the Bekal Fort, this beautiful beach is famous for its stunning view of the fort.
Kanwatheertha Beach
Situated at 3 km from Manjeswaram, this beach is famous for its swimming pool like structure.
Padinharekara Beach
This beach is popular for its stunning view of the meeting of the River Bharatha, River Tirur, and the Arabian Sea.
Varkala Beach
One of the most famous beach resorts, this beach is the home to mineral water springs emerging from the high cliffs at the edge possessing curative properties. Further, this place is a prominent pilgrimage centre for Hindus.
Kappad Beach
Historically found as a sea route to India by Vasco da Gama who landed on the coast on 27th May 1498 with 170 men in three ships, the major attraction at the beach is a pillar with the inscription “Vasco Da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu (local name of the pillar rock) in the year 1498″ commemorating the landing place. Full of calm azure waters and a center of the Ayurvedic Health Holiday, another interesting attraction is the extensive rock that projects into the sea. Lastly, an ancient temple on the rock is worth visiting that is some 800 years old.
Dharmadam Island
An attractive beach island spread over an area of 5 acres that requires permission for entrance, the coconut palms and green bushes offer a magnificent sight from the beach. Located at 17 km from Kannur, Dharmadam is approachable via a bus ride from Thalassery too just covering the distance of 3 km. This place was formerly called Dharmattanam due to a famous belief that the place was actually a Buddhist monastery, as Buddha’s images were excavated here.
Ezhimala Beach
A scenic site with a hilly seven-peaked range at the background famous for rare medicinal herbs located 55 km from Kannur; the beach offers carved stone pillars, an old burial region, and an old cave at the foothill. The sand’s texture is unique and water is bluer in color in comparison with other beaches. Other attractions include watching dolphins at the Ettikulam bay and Mt. Deli Lighthouse at 50 km, which is an ancient tower.
Moppila Bay
An inborn fishing harbor near the St. Angelo’s Fort, the bay’s harbor is quite modern, as it is built under the Indo-Norwegian pact. A huge sea wall spreads from the fort that divides the sea and island water. Among the main attractions here are the ruined fort and temple.
Muzhappilangad Beach
The only drive-in beach in Kerala and in India too, it is among the longest beaches in the state at 15 km south of Kannur.
Pathiramanal Beach
This beach is a little island on the backwaters, which is the favorite residing place of the hundreds of rare migratory birds.
Payyambalam Beach
An attractive site from 2 km from Kannur, this long beach is for the ones who love surfing in calm seawater. Perfect picnic spot at evenings, this scenic beach is at walking distance from the St. Angelo Fort. At its one end where flat laterite cliffs project into the sea is an important scene worth visiting here.
Sankhumugham Beach
Located near the Thiruvananthapuram airport and Veli Tourist Village, the beach is popular for its splendid sunset view and ‘Matsya Kanyaka’ – a 35 m long carved mermaid.
Tanur Beach
One of the earliest Portuguese settlements, Tanur is a small fishing town famous for its belief that St. Francis Xavier visited it in 1546 A.D. Another attraction here is the Keraladityapuram Temple devoted to Lord Vishnu.
Thangassery Beach
A seaside historic town, the attractions here include an old Portuguese Fort, churches of 18th century, and 144 feet high Tangasseri Lighthouse opened from 15:30-17:30 hours daily.
The beach is situated at 5 km from Kollam.
Thirumullavaram Beach
Located at 6 km from Kollam, this is a beautiful beach is perfect for morning walks and swimming.
Veli Lagoon
This beautiful shore is located in the periphery of Thiruvananthapuram beside the Veli Lake. It is urbanized as a major tourist destination wherein the major attractions here are different entertainment means such as pedal boating, row boating, swimming, and parties. Approachable through road, this place is for the ones who are hunting for an exciting hangout.
