Keralam Beaches

Internationally renowned, this seaside destination comprises three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches, of which the southernmost known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers a variety of activities including snorkelling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach etc.

This place is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. An indoor recreation club, the Matsya Kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. The Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here gives children the opportunity to learn the traffic rules.

A temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located here. The temple overlooks the beautiful Azhimala Beach with its blue waters, and sandy shores, and is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Azhimala is also known for its Ayurvedic resorts.

This fishing hamlet, near Kovalam, has many picturesque spots. The Chowara Ayyappa Temple, atop a hill, offers an amazing view of the beach below. Chowara is also home to the ancient Analothbhava Matha Church.The Azhimalathara Beach here is identified as the only place where the sea recedes from the coast and does not eat into the beach during the monsoon.

This serene destination along India's western coast is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. A dip in the Papanasam sea is considered holy. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made from the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. A remarkable feature here is the long stretch of red laterite cliffs fringing the beach. A natural spring, said to have curative properties, originates from the cliff.

A confluence of the sea, river and the backwater, this secluded, picturesque spot is worth visiting. The Priyadarshini Boat Club here offers boating facilities. (Open1000 - 1800 hrs). For details, contact: Manager, Priyadarshini Boat Club. Ph: 0470-2662323

Calm and serene, this solitary beach is adjacent to the North Cliff. This is an ideal place for those seeking peace and solitude and can be easily reached by climbing down the cliff or driving down a kilometre.

An isolated but spectacular beach, Poovar is situated close to the Neyyar River estuary. A trading port in its early days, it is today an important tourist destination.

This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. About one and a half kilometre into the sea is the Nyarazhcha Para, literally the Sunday Rock, that can be seen from the shore at low tide. Yet another attraction near the beach is a Maha Vishnu Temple.

An array of beach activities attract thousands of tourists throughout the year to this perfect beach setting offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. A port city and an erstwhile active harbour for Chinese ships and trade, Kollam is home to Chinese fishing nets, Chinese water pots and sampan-like boats seen even today.

Marari Beach, located in Mararikulam, a sleepy little village, is an idyllic destination for a vacation. The nearest attraction to the beach is Mararikkulum, which is known as the Fishermen's Village. This beach is ideal for sunbathing.

At the Alappuzha beach, you can literally walk into the sea. The waves dash under your feet and the sandy shores are left far behind, thanks to the 140-year old pier built by Captain Crawford. During the New Year the beach brims with festive charm, thanks to the Sand Art Fest and the Beach Fest.The beach is a favourite amongst children owing to the toy train that chugs in the Vijaya Park and the countless water sports and boat rides in the adjacent Sea View Park which has a chunk of the backwater canal in its property.

Located in Cherthala, the stunning Andhakaranazhi beach is a confluence between Arabian Sea and backwaters of Keralam. The intersection of Arabian Sea with the backwaters leads to the sandy sedimentation called 'Azhi' (isthmus). Striding through the soft sands and getting into the cool water is the ideal way to explore the beach. A lighthouse is located nearby.

Thottappally beach is located close to the NH 47 between Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram. It is especially renowned for Thottappally Spillway, one of the spillways which is strategically important to maintain the water level in the paddy fields of Kuttanad.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, with its legendary Chinese fishing nets dotting the foreground, Fort Kochi Beach offers a view of spectacular sunsets. Another highlight here are the waterfront stalls serving fresh catch prepared according to your taste.

This picturesque beach, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Lined with luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields, this sandy beach is a unique combination of the sea and the backwaters, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.

Located in Vypeen, this white, sandy beach is ideal for swimming. The backwaters nearby are an added charm, as are the paddy fields and coconut groves on the way to the beach, where kite festivals are occasionally held.

This is a beautiful, long beach near Munambam Fishing Harbour at the northern end of Vypeen. Ideal for kite flying, the beach also has many village homestays nearby.

Here one can find Ramachapadams, a vast farmland of the Ayurvedic herb. Ramacham which are grown here.

Chavakkad Beach, one of the best beaches along the West coast is a rare natural beauty. Easy to access, the beach is famous for its Azhimukam, the confluence of river and sea.

Munakkal Beach is located in Athikode and is the largest beach in Thrissur. Attractions in the beach include Casuarina forest, walkway, skateboarding, open air auditorium, etc.

A traditional fisherman's village, Nattika beach shot to fame after becoming the location for one of the most famous Malayalam films, Chemmeen. Attractions include backwater cruises, country boat rides, elephant rides, cultural performances, etc.

A perfect picnic spot to spend the day or evening, visitors can enjoy the sandy shore, the beach park and lovely sunsets. Ph: 2622245

Closely linked with the estuary of Kadalundipuzha and its backwaters famous for a healthy growth of mangroves, Vallikunnu is located near Kottakadavu in Tirurangadi taluk.

This beach is located further south of Vallikunnu. It can be accessed from the Kozhikode - Tirur coastal road.

Get a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea from this beach. This place located near Ponnani is noted for its beach and migratory birds, gathering in thousands during February - April.

Ottumpuram Beach is a splendid beach located near Tanur. The main attraction is the River Thootha which joins the Arabian Sea.

A favourite haunt of sunset viewers, it is also a good place for trying out seafood delicacies like kallumekaya (mussels), available at the numerous stalls lining the promenade. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained by the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers that run into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Entertainment facilities such as the Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium, dolphins point are added attractions.

This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed with 170 men in three vessels. Locally known as Kappakadavu, a monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rocky headland that protrudes into the sea, on which rests an 800-year-old temple.

One of the prominent ports and a maritime trading centre of ancient Keralam, Beypore is located at the mouth of the Challyar River. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction of the Uru (Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years.

This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands, with shallow waters, that border Velliyamkallu. The sea, here, is ideal for swimming. During Nov.-Dec., hordes of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles come in to lay eggs. There is a nature conservation centre, 'Theeram', started by the fishermen to save these turtles.

A stone's throw away from the popular destination Veliyamkallu, Thikkodi is an upcoming drive-in beach in Kozhikode. Badminton and volleyball courts, boating services, and many more adventure opportunities await you here. When in this neighbourhood be sure to visit the famous Thikkodi coconut nursery, which is over a 100 years old.

Play Moses as you drive through the waves and the sea water rises on both sides to reach lofty heights. The only drive-in beach in Keralam, Thalassery is an ideal spot for adventure activities such as paragliding, microlight flights and so on. Get to experience all of it at the shallow waters of Muzhappilangad beach, an ideal place for swimmers. Spanning around 5 kilometres, the beach is fringed with coconut palm trees on one side, along with resorts and other holidaying facilities. Try your hand at adventure activities or just unwind with a book.

Flat laterite cliffs that jut out into the sea, well-laid gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of a Mother and Child make this beach extremely captivating. The adjacent Baby Beach accessed through the Burnassery Cantonment is delightfully quiet.

This uninhabited beach covered with coconut palms and dense bushes sits beyond the confluence of Anjarakandy and Thalassery rivers. The Island is just 100 metres from the Dharmadom Beach, which is set off from the mainland by rivers that surround it on three sides and the sea on its western side. You can wade to the island at low tide. A tourism facilitation centre also functions here.

This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Keralam.

Chootad Beach is a secluded beach facing the Ezhimala hills, surrounded by closely planted Casuarina trees, a river and coconut trees. The park here offers boating, water sports and a children's play area. You could also race the shores on a quad bike. (Open 0700 - 1900 hrs) Ph: 85909 01111

The 17th century Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Keralam. This imposing circular structure of laterite rises 130 ft above sea level and stands on a 35-acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. There is an observation tower with picturesque peepholes. The shallow Bekal beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation. (Open 0900 - 1730 hrs).

One of the most scenic beaches of Keralam, it offers panoramic views of Arabian Sea. The luscious coconut groves on the beach give it a lush green cover. The huge pond close to the sea, called the 'Kanwa Thirtha,' is a source of pristine water. The picturesque beach, that stretches across several miles, is considered a virgin territory, a place where you can experience traditional charm and hospitality of Keralam in all its glory.

Near Nileshwaram, this beach is famous for the rare Olive ridley turtles that visit during the rainy season to lay eggs. Activists of 'Neythal', a non-governmental organisation, run an Olive ridley breeding centre here. September to January is the ideal time to visit the beach.