Beaches in Kerala

Famous beaches in Kerala

Beaches

Beaches in the Indian state of Kerala are spread along the 550-km Arabian Sea coastline. Kerala beaches are amongst the best in India and are an excellent alternative to Goa. Some of the beaches remain relatively deserted. Yet, in case you don't want to relax, you'll find plenty going on at others. This Kerala beach guide will point you in the right direction of the most suitable beach for you. The best time to visit, weather wise, is from December to March. However, you'll get some fantastic off season discounts (often 50%) during the monsoon.

Popularly visited attractions in Kerala include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala, the hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, and Ponmudi, and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Periyar and Eravikulam National Park. The "backwaters" region — an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that center on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada — also see heavy tourist traffic.

Kovalam Beach

If you want action, you'll definitely find it at Kovalam beach -- the most popular and most developed beach in Kerala. Often likened to Goa's Calangute and Baga beaches, Kovalam is located not far from the capital, Trivandrum. It's actually made up of two main coves -- Hawa (also referred to as Eve's beach) and Lighthouse. Lighthouse is the biggest and busiest of the two, with its promenade lined with open air restaurants. If you'd prefer somewhere a little more secluded, you'll find nearby Samudra beach to be a better option.

Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place. There are a number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a Muslim shrine.

It was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists (mostly European) even now the glory of this beach attracting more and more tourists(western). Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a slew of Ayurvedic treatments for the tourists. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite. There are two main beaches at Kovalam, separated by a high cliff. There is small light house in the Eve's beach. The normal tourist season is from November to March.

Location
16 km away from Trivandrum.

Varkala Beach

Varkala beach is the pick of the beaches in Kerala, in terms of ambiance and facilities. Although more and more tourists are flocking there every year, it's still less crowded than Kovalam and the scenery is striking. The beach lies at the bottom of a long stretch of cliff that's bordered by beach shacks and shops. You can stay right on the cliff, overlooking the ocean, or set back from it. It's incredibly romantic! Lots of young foreigners and couples enjoy this beach.

Travel 54 Km north from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and you will come to Varkala Beach. Varkala Beach is a quiet and isolated sandy expanse where you can have a relaxing beach holiday without the crowds and bustle of some of the busier beaches in Kerala. Enjoy the laid back attractions of Varkala Beach while on Kerala beach tours with Kerala Backwater. Varkala beach is famous for mineral springs and a fantastic massage, so don't forget to bring aromatherapy massage oil and sun protection. The mineral springs here are said to have curative properties. The massage technique has been a closely guarded secret for thousands of years, but for many tourists it's a welcome revival from the toils of the road. Varkala Beach is also famous for its landscape. A high rocky cliff ends abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extends down to the sea. The contrast between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Varkala Beach a striking sight. The sunset at Varakala Beach is truly breathtaking with the sun sinking into the sky like a ball of molten gold as the sun and sea are tinged with crimson and vermilion. See the magnificent sunset at Varkala Beach on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Location
75 kilometers Kollam

Marari Beach

Quiet Marari beach is located not far from Alleppey, making it convenient for those who'd like to spend some time at the beach in between going on a houseboat trip along the backwaters. A big attraction there is the earth conscious Marari Beach Resort. It's set on a sprawling property filled with coconut groves and lotus ponds, and amongst other things offers Ayurveda treatments and yoga classes on the beach. It is a luxury resort, so it is costly. However, you can get a good deal by comparing prices on the booking engines. Otherwise, there are cheaper places to stay.

Right in the heart of the "spice coast" just an hour from Cochin and even less to Alleppey (also Known as Alpuzzha) is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an idyllic retreat for those who want to "get away from it all". 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. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience to local charm and traditional keralan hospitality at its best. The Marari Beach is built in the style of a traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style. And here, amidst the coconut groves is the Marari Resort. Like the other resorts in this hotel chain viz Spice Village, Coconut Lagoon etc, Marari Beach Resort is also constructed with a strong ethnic flavour. It has 48 cottages and 3 cottages with private swimming pools. The restaurant serves delectable fare, both Indian and Continental, there is a large swimming pool also on location.

Location
15 km away from Allerpy.
60 km away from Kochi.

Bekal beach

Bekal beach, in far north Kerala (around one hour's drive from Mangalore airport in Karnataka) is famous for its old fort -- apparently the largest one in Kerala. The beaches are clean and unspoiled, but luxury hotels have already started moving into the area, making it the place for a pampered getaway. The most popular resort is the gorgeous Taj Vivanta. It's possible to stay there for under $200 per night. The secluded Lalit Resort and Spa Bekal is located on a private beach with backwaters running through it. However, it's pricey. Room rates are around $400 per night. Do try to save money by comparing prices on the various booking engines.

Bekal is a village on the coast of Arabian Sea and it is 64 km south of Mangalore. Centuries old Fort, virgin beaches and pristine backwaters are the key attractions here. This is the only Special Tourism Area declared by the Govt. of India, in God's Own Country. Bekal is fast developing as an international beach destination. This extraordinary part of Kerala, with its scintillating natural features is aptly marked by a number of ancient temples, forts and festivals. Virgin beaches, serene backwaters, and scenic mountain ranges in this part of God’s own country offer a mixed bag of amusement to visitors coming from different parts of the world. Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kasargod District of Kerala, south India. The fort faces the Arabian Sea. Bekal fort stands on a promontory between two long classically beautiful palm fringed beaches. This is the largest, best preserved fort in kerala.

Location
8 km from Kanhangad, Kasargod.
50 km from Mangalore Airport.
180 km from Karipur International Airport.

Alappuzha beach

Alappuzha beach is quite a popular tourist spot in Kerala, known to provide relaxation. 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. The Alappuzha (Alleppey) beach is spectacular. Alappuzha Lighthouse stands near the beach which is also an interesting spot for tourists. Remains of Alappuzha Sea Bridge, which is in ruins, are still there as a memory of the good old days when Alappuzha port was one of the most famous and important ports in Kerala. The Sea Bridge enabled the passage of goods came via ships. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape. It has a long sandy beach. For the entertainment of visitors there is a Vijaya Beach Park and an old lighthouse nearby. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. The Vijaya beach park consist of picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities.

Location
Nearly 1 km from Alappuzha railway station.
4.5 km from Alappuzha KSRTC Bus Stand.
60 km from Ernakulam south Railway Station
90 km from the Kochi International Airport.

Beypore beach

Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore 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.Peace and serenity wrap you in a warm embrace as you relax at the Beypore beach and gaze into the vast blue expanse of the Arabian Sea. 10 km south of Kozhikode, located at the mouth of chliyar river, beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient beypore 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.

Location
11 km from Calicut.
23 km from Karipur International Airport.

Cherai beach

The 10 kilometer long Cherai beach makes an appealing side trip from Kochi. It's located on Vypeen Island, which can be reached from Kochi by ferry and then a bus or auto rickshaw ride through the villages and paddy fields -- yes, it is isolated. A substantial portion of the main beach was recently beautified, which included the addition of a new walkway. One of the remarkable sights there is beach and lagoon so close together. If you explore some of the surrounding lanes, you'll get great views! It's possible to stay at Cherai beach. Cherai Beach Resort has the best facilities.

Cherai Beach is the best clean golden beach of Kerala and is rightly called “ The Prnicess of the Queen of the Arabian sea”. 30 kms from Ernakulam city, 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. The newly beautified 400 Meters of the main beach with the walkway adds to the charm and the Highmask lamps makes the beach enjoyable even at night. Cherai is well known for the mouth lingering fresh sea food.

Location
30 km from Kochi.
20 km from Cochin International Airport.

Dharmadam Island

Dharmadam Island (Green Island) is a small 2 hectare private island in the Kannur District of Kerala, southern India. It lies 100 metres from the mainland at Dharmadam. This island, covered with coconut palms and dense bush is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can walk out to it from the beach. Permission is required to land on the island as it is privately owned. Dharmadam, known earlier as Dharmapattanam, was a Buddhist stronghold.

Location
4 km away from the town of Thalassery.
17 kms from Kannur

Ezhimala beach

In that Ezhimala beach is one of the familiar beaches and tourist spots in Kerala. It add more pride and beauty to Kerala and also to South India. It is located within 55 km from Kannur. And it is located close to the Naval Academy. It has an altitude of 286m above the sea level. It has seven mountains in it so it is proudly called as Ezhimala which means seven mountains in Tamil. It is also called as virgin land where you can feel happy and to know traditional and culture of Kerala. And this place played important role in the history of Mushika Dynasty. It is also believed that this place had been visited by Lord Buddha. It is the ideal place to make you free from your busy scheduled life and feel happy and enjoys lot with your family.

Location
8 km away from Payyanur.
150 km away from Karipur Airport.
55 km from Kannur

Payyamblam Beach

Payyambalam Beach is one of the popular tourist destinations and attractive beach resort in Kerala. It is located within 2 km from the Kannur city in the northern side of the Kerala. It is the largest and attractive beach in Kerala. It is covered with attractive landscape, golden sand and with beautiful coconut tree around it. It is the ideal place to make you relax and free from your busy schedule of life. And it is very nice to spend time in evening time in this beach.

The well laid out garden and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother & child erected by noted sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman makes it extremely captivating. The Payyambalam beach located near the Kannur town is one of the beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala. Its cosidered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in kerala. This beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening. Quiet, secluded, beautiful, this enchanting sandy beach bordering Kannur is famous as the mortal remains of Swadeshabimani Ramakrishna Pillai, A.K. Gopalan, Pamban Madavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort.

Location
2 kms from Kannur Railway Station.
Karipur international airport located within 93 km away from the beach.

Muzhappilangad Beach

In Asia Muzhappilangad Beach is the unique largest drive-in beach. It is situated within 8 km from Thalassery and 17 km away from Kannur. It is the one of the famous beaches and tourist spots in Kerala. This beach is proudly called as Love Paradise because lot of lovers, couples visit this place during the evening time. The major ritual of the beach is beach festival. It is a yearly festival celebrated in the month of April. It is the one of the significant festival which attracts large number of tourists during this occasion. During this ceremony many youth will perform stunts in cars and in bike like drifting and wheeling. This beach is the heavenly beach for driving in the sea shore. A private island called as Dharmadan Island is located within 100m from the south side of this beach and you can also reach this place by walking in low waves. It is the ideal place for swimming, rafting, to take sunbath, and for playing water games etc.

Location
8 km from Thalassery
17 km away from Kannur.

Kumarakom Backwater

Kumarakom is placed on the banks of Vembanad Lake and 15 km away from Kottayam, it looks like a heaven on earth with coconut trees, greenish paddy field, mangrove forest and backwater, and it is also rich in both flora and fauna. It is the best place for wandering birds also, and it serves as home for many different types of water living things. All these things make this place very beautiful which attracts lots of people from all part of the place.

The main occupation done by the people in Kumarakom are fishing, agriculture and tourism. It has pleasant climate throughout the year so the crops grown in the lands are very wealthy. Mangrove forest adds extra attraction to this place. It has well linked waterways which help in fishing occupation also. Fisherman use a special type of boat called Kettuvalam for fishing, and Many different types of houseboats and speed boats are used by the tourist people for seeing the beauty of this place. When you travel in the boat you can see greenish paddy fields, coconut trees and lots of attractive natural sceneries. After seeing all this things you can’t move from this place soo.

Location
18 km from Kottayam
2 km from Kumarakom

Fort Kochi beach

Fort Kochi Beach also known as Kochi Beach is one of the finest beaches and perfect tourist destinations in the state of Kerala. Fort Kochi Beach is situated around 12 km far from Kochi city in Kerala. Surrounded by coconut palms and dense bushes, Fort Kochi Beach is a viewer's delight. Kochi was originally a village which became the first European township in India. Observe fishermen catching fishes in their Chinese Fishing nets. Fort Kochi Beach is dotted with many tourist attractions. One of the prime tourist attractions is Fort Kochi which is the perfect specimen of Indo-European architecture. One can see by himself the influence of the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British in the remains of the Fort on the beach. New Year eve attracts thousands of foreign and local tourists from all around the world. Reach here alone or with your loved ones, it offers the ideal ambiance to relax and to let the thoughts soar to ignite the illuminating ideas.

Location
12 km away from Ernakullam City.

Kappad beach

This is the historic beach where Vascodagama landed on the 27th of may 1498with 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 rest an 800 year old temple. The beach is gentle and partly. This beach is devoid of any concrete establishments and thus offers the visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy some pristine charm. To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Un-spoilt and un-crowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offers a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach.

Location
16 km away from Kozhikode.
23 km away from Karipur.

Kappil beach

An unexplored heaven on earth, Kappil Beach is one of the best kept secrets of God’s own country. The beach covers an area of about twenty-five acres land and it is the most exciting location to relax and enjoy. The wide, sweeping stretch of silver sands, fringed by thick groves of casuarinas and total solitude of the surroundings all set to realize your dream. This sun-drenched beach is a perfect getaway after a hectic tour of the nearby Bekal Fort, some six kms away. The Kodi cliff provides an ideal spot for the adventurous souls and offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Location
2km from Bekkal fort in kasaragod
50 km away from Mangalore.

Chowara beach

Chowara Beach

This beach is a travellers paradise, long and sandy dotted with locals, fishing boats, a few holiday makers. Life guards keep a very watchful eye on the swimmers, which is a Godsend as the currents are treacherous. 8km south of Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram pristine and serene, this fishing hamlet is an unending stretch of white, sandy beaches.

Location
8km south of Kovalam

Pozhiyoor beach

Pozhiyoor Beach

Pozhiyoor is one of the most important tourist attraction near Kovalam. It is a beautiful and picturesque beaches of South India. This is the place where the backwater meets the sea.This serene beach attracts many tourists every year. It is popular among the visitors for its spectacular coastline. The stretches of greenery near the Pozhikkara Beach of Pachalloor makes it different and more attractive from most of the other beaches in the state.The clear water and the golden sand together has made the Pozhikkara Beach in Kerala a beach lovers paradise. The clear blue water of this beach makes the view a very refreshing one. The vast azure sky adds to the beauty of this place.This place is a perfect destination for those who love bathing in the sun. The warm sun kissed sea is a wonderful destination for the swimmers. You can enjoy bathing in the sea water with family and friends.On a trip to Pozhikkara Beach you can also enjoy facial and body massage that are offered by some of the local people. There are sea foods available at the nearby kiosks. You can enjoy various local dishes made of fishes from the sea at these seaside restaurants.

Location
40 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
45 km from Central Railway Station

Vadakara Sand Banks

Vadakara Sand Banks is an attractive beach stretch that supplements the seaside beauty of Vadakara in the Kozhikode district, situated in north Kerala. This beach where the Kottakkal River meets the Arabian Sea is a stunningly beautiful beach. It is a great spot to enjoy beautiful sunsets, frequented by locals as well as tourists. Vadakara is famous as the birth place of Thacholi Othenan, the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar). Lokanarkavu is one of the famous temples in the and there is also a temple in memory of the legendary Thacholi Othenan, known as Thacholi Manikkothu Kavu temple. The martial art form of Kalarippayattu has the largest number of exponents in Vadakara. There are buses plying to the beach every five minutes from Vadakara.

Location
48 km to the north of Kozhikode City
44 km to the south of Kannur City

Kuzhuppilly beach

It is a virgin beach located at a distance of 3.5 km from Cherai beach, Kochi, Kerala. The road to Kuzhuppilly beach, the virgin shore of Kochi is enigmatic with lake on both sides. The islands on each side are dotted with small houses. It is extended from one end of the village to the other end. This beautiful and calm place is not yet discovered by even the Kochiites. There are specific arrangements done here for tourists who are yet to know about this virgin shore. There are umbrellas arranged here for people to relax and enjoy the dreamy place. The entrance to the place is designed naturally with bamboo. Every year on january a kite festival conducting by some organisations With kite flying enthusiasts from different corners of the globe.

Location
26 k.m. from Cochin International Airport
3.5 km from Cherai beach

Munambam Beach

It is located at 4km north to Cherai beach. It is the end point of Cherai. A beautiful walkway is the main attraction of the Munambam beach that faces the vast sea. On the left side of the walkway there is a beautiful shore. On the other side of the walkway the blend of lake and sea is a visual treat. There are Chinese fishing nets, the signature sight of Kochi on both sides. There are lights established from one end of the walkway to the other. There is a playground for kids adjacent to the beach. It is now popularly known as Muziris beach.

Location
26 k.m. from Cochin International Airport
4 km from Cherai beach

Kizhunna Beach

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach

Often collectively mentioned as Kizhunna Ezhara beach, the twin beaches of Kizhunna and Ezhara lie side by side. Kizhunna Beach is 11 kms from kannur, this beautiful stretch of golden sands meet gentle waves to form an impressive beach strip is one of the most secluded beaches in kerala. Crimson cliffs and black rocks have teamed up to border the ends of beach crescents. People get absorbed in the protective feel of shallow natural coves, as mild surf keeps on socking sand and rocks at the seaside.

Location
11 km away from Kannur.

Shanghumugham Beach

Shanghumugham Beach is a popular city beach near Thiruvananathapuram airport. This beach of Kerala makes a refreshing holiday option for the city dwellers. Thousands of tourists throng the Shanghumugham Beach of Kerala. Several recreational facilities are available on the beach. This beach of Kerala wears a festive look during the temple festivals. 08 kms from Thiruvanathapuram, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the thiruvananthapuram airport and veli tourist village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules. Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan - The presiding deity of the city. Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ during special occasions. Shanghu mugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi.

Location
8 kms from Trivandrum.

Somatheeram Beach

15 acres of green garden terraced heights sloping down to the sandy beach stretching to the tranquil, turquoise sea changing colour and mood momentarily as the white clouds sail past over it. This is the perfect beach with a ayurvedic resort for all kind of ayurvedic treatments. The Somatheeram Beach Resort, Kovalam is rich with the tradition and culture of Kerala. Set amidst lush green environs are traditionally styled bungalows, built in wood with antique carved doors and pillars. All this makes each building in the Somatheeram Beach Resort is a unique piece of the architecture of Kerala. Somatheeram Beach Resort is the first of its kind for tourists in Kovalam, Kerala. The Somatheeram Beach Resort combines the threesome; a Beach Resort, an Ayurvedic Center and Yoga and Meditation. Somatheeram, sitting atop a hill spreads over an area of 15 acres of lush greenery. Its accommodations are widely scattered down the contoured hills amongst the verdant coconut groves and other naturally preserved plants.

Location
9 kilometers South of the renowned Kovalam Beach
21 kilometers Trivandrum Airport

Thangasseri Beach

Thangasseri beach is situated in Kollam district. It is a very beautiful beach with white sand and palm trees bordering the beach. The beach has a length of 3 kms. Thangasseri beach which is a part of the Thangasseri town was a small Portuguese colony which then became a Dutch colony and finally came under the control of the British. Some of the attractions of this town include the churches built in the 18th century, light house and a fort. The light house was built mainly to guide the fishermen and other sailors who get lost in the sea. It also warns the sailors about the reefs in the coastal areas. It has a height of about 144 feet and the public are allowed to visit this in the evening.

Location
5 kilometers Kollam Town

Thirumullavaram Beach

Thirumullavaram beach is located in Kollam district. The beach is very beautiful with calm waves and golden colored sand. The cool blue color sea is liked by all the tourists and it makes it a famous tourist destination. Thirumullavaram beach is filled with coconut palms, ideal for early morning walks and you can have a glimpse of the fisherman getting ready to catch fishes. The water is shallow and so people can take bath in this sea. This beach is a favorite for both the locals and the tourists. Around 2 kms inside the sea there is the Nyayarazhcha Para which means Sunday Rock. It is visible well during times of low tide. There is also a Vishnu temple near to the beach.

Location
5 kilometers Kollam

Vallikunnu Beach

Vallikunnu beach lies in Malappuram district. It is a very beautiful beach which is covered by coconut trees. The sports activities which the tourists can get engaged include playing volleyball and swimming. The tourists can spend a lovely time here by enjoying the beautiful scenery of the beach. They can talk to the fishermen here and watch their daily activities. A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. With its secluded beauty, the Vallikunnu beach is also a great place to indulge in a quick game of volleyball before splashing into the warm water for a refreshing swim. Besides, our Vallikunnu beach tours also provide with you the perfect opportunity to visit the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary that is just a short distance away from the beach.

Location
1 Km from Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Padinharekara Beach

Padinharekara Beach, one of the prominent tourist attractions of Malappuram, sprawls over a wide area and is located at the end of the Tipu Sultan Road. The beach is renowned for its views of the River Bharathapuzha and the River Tirurpuzha before entering the Arabian Sea. The beach has palm trees and soft white sand and attracts tourists in large numbers. Tourists can engage themselves in various rejuvenating activities like ayurvedic massages and spa baths along the beach side.

Location
5 km away from Poonnani.

Pallikere Beach

Pallikere beach is in Kasaragod district. It is a shallow beach and provides a great view of the Bekal fort which is just a walking distance away. Large number of tourists visits this beach, enjoys its beauty and takes a pleasure bath in it. The beach is beautified by large number of coconut trees and bushes in the sides. It is a favorite picnic spot of many. There are many shady areas near the shore due to the presence of large number of trees and the tourists can take rest from there. A park with facilities for children’s activities is also nearby. The Pallikere beach, which is a beautiful expanse of shallow waters and beach is fast developing as a tourist destination. Providing ample scope for recreation and relaxation, the beach affords a scenic view of the Bekal Fort.

Location
1 km from Bakel Fort.
Kasaragod railway station at a distance of 17 kms

Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal is an island that is situated in the border of Kottayam and Alappuzha districts. The word meaning of ‘Pathiramanal’ is ‘Sands of Night’. The total area of this island is estimated to be around 20 hectares. Until the early seventies, this island was under private ownership and later it came under the control of the government. At present it is a major tourist destination and is not inhabited by any. This island is situated on the Vembanad lake and it is a spectacular sight to see the lake from both sides of the island. It is possible to reach this island only by travelling in a boat. There are large species of migratory birds found here besides 91 local species. It is considered as a paradise for the bird lovers. It is also famous for its wide variety of flora which includes rare plants that have medicinal values etc. the tourists arriving at this place can enjoy the scenic beauty as well as engage in bird watching.

Location
4 kms from Kumarakom

Veli beach

Veli beach is located in Thiruvananthapuram district. It is a beautiful beach with a park near to it. The Veli tourist village joins the Veli beach by a floating bridge. There is a sand bar that separates the sea from the Veli Lake. It is a pleasure to take a walk through these sand bars. There is a floating restaurant that is offered by this beach. Besides these there is also an open air theatre. People can go for boat rides and pony rides from this beach. Taking a ride through the backwaters is a memorable experience. Boating facilities include pedal boating, row boating and speed boating. In the Veli tourist village there are many beautiful art works done by the famous sculptor Kanayi Kunjiraman.

Location
3 kms from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Natikka beach

Natikka is an idyllic long-term beach getaway that remains quiet and secluded almost always. The Beach front is studded with numerous resorts that stare into the Arabian Sea lending a relaxed ambiance and a Hawaiian feel to the place. Apart from the resorts, there arent much signs of commercialization, which is a blessing in disguise for its keeps unwanted crowd away. But its proximity to the cultural capital of the state, Thissur, about 30 km away, ensures you wont lack the facilities of a city either. Nattikas highlight is its predominantly rural atmosphere that blends beautifully with the resorts. In contrast to its rural ambiance, the resorts come with all modern facilities that will let you enjoy the pleasures of the affluent by being attended to by friendly hospitable staff eager to spoil you. Apart from that, they offer matchless views of the Arabian Sea and the fishermen boats scattered all over the water competing for the largest catch. You must also definitely pamper yourself with an ayurvedic massage where you will feel all your worries fade away with the gentle strokes of the masseur.

Location
30 km from Thissur

Moppila beach

Moppila beach is located in Ayikkara in Kannur district. The bay is a very famous fishing harbour and is near the St.Angelo's Fort. On the other side of the bay is the Arakkal Palace. The sea is separated from the inland water by a wall that extends from the fort. This bay was significant in the olden times as a commercial harbor because it connected Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and other foreign countries. Some remnants of ancient temples and fort can also be seen there now. The fishing harbor has now been modernized with the help of Indo Norwegian pact.

Location
3 kms from Kannur railway station

Snehatheeram Beach

Snehatheeram, means ‘Love Shore’, is 3 km away from Thalikkulam and 30 km away from Thrissur town, a wonderful place to spend a day or evening with family. This beach, is maintained by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. There is one restaurant named as ‘Naalukettu’ near the beach and they serving famous Kerala sea food. A park is also near the beach for your kids and family.

Location
30 kms from from Thrissur

Chavakkad Beach

Chavakkad Beach, lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, one of the best beaches along the West coast with coconut bordered sea-shore is a pleasing view of rare natural beauty entice and attract thousands of tourists. Fringed shadow of coconut lagoons and the mesmerizing atmosphere make Chavakkad Beach a tourist spot throughout the year. Chavakkad Beach is the place where the sea confluences with a river. This meeting of the sea with the river is known as Azhimokam in Kerela. The beaches at Chavakkad and Nattika are simply wonderful. The famous mural paintings are another fascination of the place.

Location
5 km from Guruvayoor

Thalasseri Beach

Thalasseri beach lies in Kannur district. Thalasseri is a port town that is situated at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur town. Besides the beauty of the beach one can also explore the colonial relics of this place. The beautiful Thalasseri fort is near to this beach. Some other major attractions of this beach include St Rosario church, lighthouse and the collector’s mansion. The beach is quiet with beautiful rolling waves and is an ideal picnic spot.

Location
22 kms from Kannur

Tanur Beach

Tanur beach is situated in Malappuram district. This beach like other beaches is very beautiful and attracts a large crowd. The fishing town of Tanur lies near to this beach. Tanur beach has got historical significance as it had witnessed some of the old Portuguese settlements in India. This beach reminds us of the glory of Kerala during those times. It was in the 16th century that St. Francis Xavier came to this place. There are numerous palm trees grown in this beach from where you can take rest lying under them. Eco tourism is practiced here in a proper manner. There are many temples near this beach. One of the main attractions is a Vishnu temple called as Keraladeshpuram temple which is a very old temple in Kerala.

Location
36 kms from Karipur International Airport

Vizhinjam Beach

Vizhinjam beach is located in Thiruvananthapuram district. One of the main attractions of this beach is the rock cut temples that is built in 8th century. This temple has carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi which is not completed. This is a fishing village and is a beautiful sight to see the fishermen engaging in various fishing methods, repairing their nets etc. There is also a natural port here. Plans have been proposed to set up an International Container Port at this place. In the older times, this was considered as a commercial center for the Europeans and other foreign countries that came for trade to India.