BEACHES IN KERALA

Beaches, tourist and unexplored, galore along the 600 km Kerala coast. A bunch of them have historical significance too. Kodungalore coast near Kochi had been where St.Thomas, the Apostle of Christ and first missionary in Indian coast, landed. Vasco De Gama, the first European voyager, stranded at Kappad near Calicut heralding the European invasion.

Kerala, with its finest beaches, offers surf and sand unspoiled despite being used by trippers from across the world. Kerala beaches have a character unique. Cool, saline breeze blowing on the coconut groves along the coast would function as a balm to an agitated soul.

Kovalam

History :

World famous Indian beach since 1930

Location :

12 km from Thiruvanathapuram
232 km from cochin

Special features :

The crescent-shaped kovalam beach has three parts.

The southern most beach, and the most popular, is lighthouse beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque.

The northern Samudra is a laid-back one and time, seems, and stands still here.

The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea.

Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees".

This beach matches with any of the best in the world in its beauty and alluring charm. Long arrays of emerald coconut groves swaying with the wind, wide stretch of pristine white sand lulled by the clear blue sea waves is picture postcard perfect.

Kovalam includes 3 crescent beaches and among them the lighthouse beach is the most famous one.

The constant human presence and reckless construction activities has taken away some charm out of this brilliant coastal line but still it figures at the top in the list of priorities.

Varkala Beach (Papanasham)

Location :

42km from Thiruvanathapuram.
262km from cochin

Special Features :

1. Kerala coast for watching sunset

2. The 800-year old Janardhana temple, dedicated to Ayyappan and Hanuman

3. Sivagiri mutt, instituted by Sree Narayana Guru, is another major pilgrim center here.

Tourists prefer this beach for its calm ambience. A picture of serendipity, it preserves the idyllic beauty of a typical fishing village. The crimson colored cliffs facing the blue sea below and the scene of sunset from the cliff is breathtaking.

The innumerable rivulets gushing forth from the cliff are believed to have curing abilities. Varkala has mythical, cultural and religious importance. The Janardhana Swami Temple, the origin of which is still shrouded in mystery, dating back to the 12th Century is an important pilgrim centre in the State.

The Sivagiri Mutt, established by the revolutionary social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is situated on the hilltop of Sivagiri and is an important cultural and pilgrim centre of modern Kerala.

‘Vavubali’ in the Malayalam ‘Karkadaka’ month evokes great religious verve in Papanasham. Here people offer last rites for their ancestors.

Shangumugham

This beach is just 4 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram city, is also adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. This is a favourite tourism spot for sunset watchers.

The huge Mermaid sculpture (Matsyakanyaka) reclining against a seashell gazing at the azure sky is another attraction. Built by one of the famous sculptors of Kerala, Kanayi Kunjiraman who is widely acclaimed for his huge, larger than life size figures. A starfish shaped restaurant is another attraction.

Vizhinjam

Vizhinjam is just 2 kms away from Kovalam. It has great historical importance. Once it was the centre of hectic commercial activities. Now it is a fishing harbour with thatched homesteads of fishing community.

Veli

The Veli tourist village 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is near the Shangumugham beach. This tourist village is built at the point where the lagoon meets the Arabian Sea. Fishponds, landscaped gardens, wading pools etc. are other attractions. Boating and water sporting facilities are available. Sculpture Kanayi Kunjiraman’s statues are a centre of attraction and controversy.

Bekal

This shallow beach 153 km away from Kozhikode has stories to tell about the ancient history of Kerala. The large keyhole shaped Bekal fort built by the valiant hero Tipu Sultan is one of the largest preserved forts in the State.

The cloistered charm of the Bekal Beach, with its rock garden on the parking area, Theyyam sculptures and the mural paintings is really an experience of lifetime.

Kappil Beach

The Kodi cliff overlooking the beach is the salient feature of Kappil Beach in Kozhikode district. Here you can have a gist of the typical Kerala village life.

Palliekara Beach

Merely one km away from the historical Bekal fort, the Palliekara Beach offers a spectacular view of the majestic Bekal fort.

Muzheppilangadu Beach

The only drive-in beach in Kerala. The shallow calm water protected from the deep currents by the huge rocks studded amidst the sea, offers you one of the safest swimming paradise. This beach is just 15 kms from Kannur and 8 kms from Thalesserry

Payambalam Beach

The wide stretch of sand and the sweating sea waves will give a far away and long ago experience from the dinting world outside. A favourite tourist spot of the locals, it is just 2 kms away from Kannur town. Payambalam Beach also has religious importance, the mortal remains of great men are offered to the sea in this beach. Kannur districts offers a galore of Kerala folk arts and classic art forms like Theyyam.

Ezhimala Beach

Ezhimala has witnessed many decisive historical events of North Kerala. Here in the 11th Century Chera-Chola dynasties waged a fierce battle and it was the capital of ancient Mushika dynasty. Ezhimala, a collated cluster of seven hills, is spectacular. The Ezhimala is surrounded by sea on three sides. Sree Buddha, the founder of Buddhism is believed to have visited Ezhimala. It is also famous for its rare medicinal plants.

Kanwathirtha

Kanwathirtha Beach in Malappuram District is just 3 kms from Manjeswaram. A vast sandy beach with pool like formation offers splendid swimming opportunities.

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach

Beautiful calm beach just 7 kms from Kannur is another spot that gives you a glimpse of serenity.

Meenkunnu Beach

Wide stretch of golden sand is the distinguishing feature of this beach of remarkable beauty, beckoning you to bury toes in the soft sands.

Alappuzha Beach

A popular tourist spot in the backwater district of Kerala. The 140-year-old pier thrusting into the sea is the major attraction. The lighthouse beams its translucent rays beneath a velvet canopy of black sky shot with millions of diamonds.

Cherai Beach

Forty-five kms away from Ernakulam, the Cherai Beach lying adjacent to Vypin Island is virtually a swimming paradise. If you are lucky enough you can see white dolphins, the occasional visitors to the beach.

Fort Kochi Beach

Fort Kochi still bears the legacy of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The Chinese fishing nets peering into the bay are reminiscent of Kerala history.

Thirumullavaram

A favourite picnic spot just 6 kms from Kollam town can be reached by bus.

Thangasseri Beach

It is a typical seaside village with remnants of Portuguese invasion scattered all over it. Historically important, 5 kms away from Kollam town.

Ayiramthengu Beach

Blessed with thick mangrove forest, it is a dwelling place for migratory birds and rare fishes. The Arabian Sea & Kayamkulam Kayal joins here (T.A. Canal). Chinese nets, lagoons and islands add to the beauty of the beach. Yet to developed as a tourist spot, the proposed port at Azhikkal will enhance the development of the area.

Padinjarekara Beach

In Malappuram district near Ponnani, at the confluence of Bharathappuzha, Arabian Sea and Thirurppuzha is a spectacular site that is called Padinjarekara Beach.

Vallikkunnu Beach

Near the famous Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful beach with thick coconut groves fringing the coastal line.

Beypore

This beach 10 kms South of Kozhikode is historically important. Once it was one of the most important trading and maritime centers. ‘Uru’ the traditional Arabian trading ship constructed here by skilled workers is world-renowned.