Famous Beaches in Kerala

Being a coastline State Kerala has a long western border with Arabian Sea. There are beaches of all types :- wet and wild hilly shores, long promenades, beaches adjoining backwaters and the sea . Take your choice.

Bekal Beach in the northern most part of Kerala Kasargod is a long lovely one. The Bekal Fort in the middle makes it enchanting. View the sea from the ramparts of the fort, or walk, swim, or picnic. The place is a declared tourism spot, so all amenities are provided such as accommodation for all pockets, good roads, clean beach etc. It lies at a distance of 16 km from the town of Kasargod.

Muzhuppilangad Beach is 5 km north of Thalassery. (15 km from Kannur ) An unpaved road winding through coconut groves lead you to the beach. The 5 km long beach curves in a wide expanse: you can even see the Kannur beach to the north. About 200 meters away is the Green Island. But the Prize goes to the 5 acre Dharmadam Island in beauty. During low tide you can walk to the island if you get permission from the owners. The rocky shores are remarkably beautiful.

Kovalam Beach is the most well-known beach in India. The bay created by the jutting promontory is calm and ideal for bathing. The place has everything you need, comfy cottages, high-end hotels, pools, yoga center, places where you can have soothing medicinal oil baths. It is only 12 km from Trivandrum City.

Varkala Beach also known as Papanasam (washing away sins) Beach is unique for the presence of cliffs a strange sight on the flat coast. As the waves dash against them, water spouts and spas are formed.  One can bathe and swim also at the beach. There are many shops around to have snacks. The town of Varkala is about 32 miles north-west of Trivandrum. (You can read this article for more information on Varkala : Exploring Varkala and Nearby Tourist Places)

Image by Dijaraj Nair via Flickr

Cherai Beach is on the western coast of  Vypin Island ,25 km from Kochi. Goshree bridges connect the island to the mainland. There are regular ferry services also connecting  the two areas . Cherai beach is the longest compared to two other beaches in the island.

Sankumugham Beach is located very close to Trivandrum City. It is one of the evening hideouts for the city dwellers to unwind and relax.

Calicut Beach is another beach that is located close to the city center.  I have never seen any other beach where these many ice creams shops operate close-by. I am not talking about the ice cream carts but actual shops.

Kappad Beach is a historically important beach in Kerala. It is the place where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer landed in 1498. It is 12 kms away from Calicut city and has beautiful sandy beach stretches.

Well, there are many more beaches as Kerala is a coastal state. Depending on where you are traveling in Kerala, you can ask your Kerala tour operator to guide you to the one near that location.