Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting!

Beaches of Kerala

Kovalam Beach in Kerala : Kovalam village is small village situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline. This sleepy town suddenly caught the attention of tourists from all over the world when its fabulous beaches were discovered. Kovalam beach can be divided into three parts. The most popular among the three beaches is the southern most known as the Lighthouse Beach. Middle one is called Hawah, which acts as a base for the local fisherman every morning. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times and the tourist inflow.

When you get tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, then just sit under the soothing palms and enjoy the gentle waves of the sea. You can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the beachside. Also enjoy the delightful sea-food available at the beachside restaurants

Marari Beach in Kerala : 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 the local charm and traditional Kerala.

Besides the backwater cruise nearby and visit to the traditional coir making units, etc., or just lazing in the sun, you can engage in other fun-filled activities. The exciting beach water sports include - surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball.

Kumarakom Beach in Kerala : The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. The houseboats cruise on the traditional Kettuvalloms, are an experience of its kind at Kumarakom.

Alappuzha Beach in Kerala : Alappuzha beach is quite a popular hangout and relaxation spot in the district of Alappuzha. 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.

Besides the relaxing seafront, the pier, which extends into the sea here, is another added attraction for the travellers. The pier is around 140 years old and Owing to its proximity to the sea, the little town of Alappuzha has always enjoyed a distinct place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Today, Alappuzha is more known for its picturesque backwater, which has become a major hideout for several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry.

Varkala Beach in Kerala : Varkala beach is among the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, mainly because of the mineral water springs with medicinal properties that gush out of the high cliffs bordering the beach. This place is also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Adding to Varkala's beautiful surroundings are several elements, besides the cool seafront with loads of majestic views. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the 2000 years old Janardana Swamy Temple. This Hindu centre of pilgrimage near the beach is visited by a large number of devout Hindus throughout the year. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum but can hang around the temple.

There is also one Nature Cure Centre, which caters to the therapeutic needs of the visitors

Kappad Beach in Kerala : Kappad beach came into historic books, when Vasco da Gama landed on its shores on 27th May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels 500 years ago, thus discovering a sea route to India. A pillar with inscription "Vasco Da Gama landed here, Kappakkadavau in the year 1498" stands on the beach. The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea.

Seeming unknown about the surroundings and its history, the beach has a solitary pillar commemorating the event with the inscription, "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498". This event marked the beginning of a new era in world history and specifically in the history of Kerala in India. against the backdrop of bitter rivalries between local rulers began a period of unbroken strife among foreign powers for the domination of trade in Malabar. When Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad beach, he was warmly welcomed by the benevolent Zamorin of Malabar. This opened up the sea route for trade from Europe to India and Malabar soon became the Gateway to the east.

The pleasant beach, locally known as Kappakadavu, is bedecked with rocks and embraced by the rolling waves, is most ideal tourist haunt. The sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea is one most interesting sight of the landscape. Seemingly untouched by the time, the sea at this place is very calm

Fort Kochi Beach in Kerala : Ofcourse, the main attraction on this beach site is the historic fort, still it's a must for every visitor to take up a leisurely walk through the lanes of the city of Kochi and get familiar with its eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it.

Beypore Beach in Kerala : Beypore, was one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, when the state was considered to be an important trade and maritime centre. This ancient port of kerala was a favourite among the West Asia merchants because of its ship building industry.

Dharmadam Island in Kerala : Situated 17-kms from Kannur, Dharmadam is a beautiful beach island, with a coverage area of 5-acres and the coconut palms and green bushes present a breathtaking sight from the beaches. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

Ezhimala Beach in Kerala : Exhimala is a picturesque site with a hilly backdrop at an altitude of 286m, situated 55-kms from Kannur. Some of the major attractions over here include carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave that can be seen at the foot of the hills. This hilly region is also quite famous for its medicinal herbs.

Moppila Bay : A natral fishing harbour situated near the St. Angelo's Fort, Mopila Bay has got quite a modernised fishing harbour look, built with assistance under the Indo-Norwegian pact. The ruined fort and temple sites are still counted among the main attractions of this harbour site.

Muzhappilangad Beach in Kerala : Muzhappilangad, is considered to be one of the longest beaches in Kerala, located 15-kms south of Kannur. This beach is also the only drive-in beach in India.

Pathiramanal Beach in Kerala : This little island beach, on the Backwaters is a favourite natural hub of hundreds of rare migratory birds that reside over here from different parts of the land.

Payyambalam Beach in Kerala : Located near the Kannur town is Payyambalam beach, one of the beautiful beach sites in the state of Kerala. If you prefer to surfing in calm and peaceful waters, then this place is just for you.

Sankhumugham Beach in Kerala : Sunset on a beach is always a breathtaking site to see and such is the site offered by Shankhumugham Beach, a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village.

Tanur Beach in Kerala : Among the earliest Portuguese settlements in India, comes a small coastal fishing town of Tanur. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in the year 1546 AD.

Thangassery Beach in Kerala : 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.

Thirumullavaram Beach in Kerala : Roughly 6km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach that's well linked by road and with good facilities. 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. The beach has good bathing facilities.