Beaches

Most of India's finest Beaches are in Kerala. For virtually Its entire 600 km length , the Kerala cost is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. Each year Greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil , palm fringed beaches.

The is Internationally renowned beach resort is a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s . Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches . The southernmost ,known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular of the three. Kovalam offers accommodation to suit all budgets. 

Papanasam Beach, Varkala (Thiruvananthapuram District)
A quiet secluded stretch of sand , the Papanasam Beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here. 

Shangumugham Beach(Thiruvananthapuram District) 
This is a favorite haunt of sunset watchers . The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village . An indoor recreation club, the matsyakanyaka and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.

Thangasseri Beach (Kollam Dist)
This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century . The Thangasseri light house is open to visitors from 1530- 1730 hrs.

Thirumullavaram Beach (Kollam Dist)
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town. 

Alappuzha beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier , which extents into the sea here , is about 140 years old.

Cherai Beach (Ernakulam Dist)
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming . Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.

FortKochi Beach  (Ernakulam Dist)

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 colourful history. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural inter faces are seen in the remains of the Indo European architecture here.

The Lakshadweep Islands:
Lakshadweep , a union Territory of India, is a group of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, about 300km off Kerala. Of these islands , Androt ,Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, kavarathi, and Minicoy are inhabited and are well known tourism destinations. The main occupation of the islanders is fishing.


Tanur (Malapuram Dist) 
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 1456. About 3km south of Tanur town is Kerala deshapuram Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.

Padinharekara Beach (Malapuram Dist) 
At the end of the Tipu Sulthan road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur puzha, and the Arabian Sea.

Vallikunnu Beach (Malapuram Dist) 
A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. The kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away.

Baypore  (Malapuram Dist) 
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar river , Baypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was and important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Baypore 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 

Kappad (Kozhikode Dist)
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama had landed in 1498 AD. The legends woven around its historic origins and traditions cast a mystical spell on this beach. Kappad is also known for its Ayurvedic health hiliday facilities. 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.

Thikkotti Light house
The Lighthouse , which overlooks Velliyamkallu - the rock much dreaded by mariners- off Moodadi coast, was built after a shipwreck, the remains, of which can still be seen here. The region around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.

Beckal 
Beckal Fort stands on a promontory between two long , classically beautiful palm fringed beaches. 
This is the largest ,best preserved fort in Kerala. The fort has been under the control of various powers including the Vijayanagar kingdom, Tipu Sulthan and the British. The Fort's commanding position offers breathtaking views across the bays to the north and south. 
Kannur District: 
Muzhappilangad Beach (Kannur District)
Black rocks protect this long, clean beach from the currents of the deep, making its shallow water a swimmer's paradise. Perhaps this is Kerala's only drive- in- beach where you can drive down the entire length of 4km.
Ezhimala Beach (Kannur District)
The Beautiful beach here has a hillock bearby (286 m height) . A naval Academy is being developed here.


Payyambalam Beach (Kannur District)
This long, lovely beach is a local picnic spot.

Dharmadam Island (17 km from Kannur)
The small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required ti enter this privately owned island(100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam). 

The Pallikere Beach (Kasaragod District)
This enchanting beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.

The Kappil Beach (Kasaragod District)
Remote and secluded , this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction . The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian sea.

Kanwatheertha Beach (Kasaragod District)
A large swimming pool like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.