The beach is known not only as a place to relax but also as a place of beauty. You often see artists depicting the beach with their paintings or singing about its glory and grandeur. No matter how descriptive or detailed the picture is, it cannot capture the true beauty of the beach. Not only above, but also under water. The ocean is filled with many colorful and amazing marine life.
Kerala has many beautiful beaches and the sea shores offer a variety of experiences to many. Some go to the beach as a recreational area. The volleyball nets were as tight as a harp. Hammocks swaying in the gentle sea breeze. Drinks that flow like Niagara Falls. People always find something interesting at the beach.Counting ocean waves is a favorite pastime of children. Thus providing various kinds of recreational activities. These are some of the important beaches in Kerala.
Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha
One of the most popular beaches in Kerala, it is a favorite picnic spot for locals and visitors alike. There is an ancient pier that is at least 140 years old. You can check out an old lighthouse near Alappuzha beach. It is attractive enough to attract hundreds of tourists. You can check out the thrilling Nehru Trophy Boat Race where huge crowds cheer and shout loudly to encourage the participants. Distance from the city bus stand 3.8 km from Alappuzha bus stand.
Activities: backwater cruise, water sports, surfing, swimming, parasailing, boat races, houseboat holidays, local cuisine and dining.
Location: Alappuzha, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Marari Beach, Alappuzha
Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Varkala Beach, Varkala
Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham Beach is a beach situated in Varkala Town of Varkala Municipality in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. The beach skirts the Arabian Sea, part of the Indian Ocean. One of the top seasonal beaches in the world, Varkala Beach has a stunning beauty of sea, sand and enviable landscapes. If you want to relax and unwind, this is one of the Kerala beaches to do so. Varkala beach has adventure and leisure activities such as boat riding, parasailing, jetting, and horse-riding. There are also restaurants and cafes; alcohol is not served. Distance from city bus stand/railway station 3 km from the Varkala bus stand.
The Janardana Swami Temple is situated near the Beach. It is known for a 10-day festival held twice a year, called Arattu.
Sivagiri Mutt is another attraction, located atop the Sivagiri hill. Train service is available at Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station.
Activities: Big honeymoon spot, sightseeing, sunbathing, parasailing, windsurfing, relaxation centre with Ayurvedic massages and treatment, snorkelling and Yoga, art and creative workshops, shopping.
Location: Trivandrum District, Varkala, Kerala
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Bekal Beach, Kasaragod
Bekal Beach is one of the best-maintained beaches in Kasaragod, and among the stunning beaches near Mangalore. Swaying palm trees along the ridges of the beach, its evergreen outlook, the turquoise water of the Arabian Sea, and the tranquility that exists in and around Bekal Beach make it a much sought-after beach in Kerala. Along with the historic Bekal Fort, this sandy retreat leaves an everlasting impression in the minds of its visitors who visit the fort during their Kasaragod trip. Distance from city bus stand/railway station: The nearest bus stand to Bekal is located at Kasaragod, which is at a distance of 12 km.
There is Bekal Beach Park. Bekal Beach Park is an extension of Bekal Beach on the other side of the fort. Swimming is not allowed on the original Baikal beach, but you can take a dip in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea at this site. There are life guards on the beach appointed by the Kerala Tourism Department.
The Bekal Beach Park is the best place to spend some quality time with friends and family. One may enjoy camel rides, horse rides, local snacks, etc. on the beach. There is also a children's play area where they can spend time. It also has got food stalls and a toilet facility. Bekal Beach remains enlightened during evening hours so that tourists can spend some time at the seashore after dusk.
Activities: Bekal beach is lighted, enjoy the beach at all hours. Enjoy panoramic and scenic views of the Bekal Fort. Savour the sea breeze at the multi shelters or erumadams, take a ride in a Kettuvalam, the traditional houseboat of Kerala.
Entry: Rs. 20 for Adults & RS. 20 for Parking
Location: Kasaragod district, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Cherai Beach, Kochi
Cherai Beach is a beach located in Cherai in the northern side of Vypin Island, a suburb of the city Kochi in the state of Kerala, India. One of the most visited beaches in the state, it is situated at around 25 km (15 mi) from downtown Kochi.
The nearly 10 km long beach is ideal for swimming as the tide is mostly low and the waves are gentle. It is known for occasional dolphin sightings. It is one of the few places where you can see both the bay and the sea in one frame. Cherai Beach offers a less crowded and cleaner option accessible to Kochi.
Distance from city bus stand/station: 2.4 km from Cherai bus stand and 27.6 km from Kochi bus stand.
Activities: capture the picturesque beauty of Cherai Beach, swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, surfing, safe for children, evening walks, morning walks, sunset watching, exotic seafood lunches and dinners.
Location: Cherai, Kochi city, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Chavakkad Beach, Thrissur
Chavakkad Beach is known for its azure waters, clean sands, and serene environment. This famous beach spot is the only place in Trichur, where one can see the confluence of a river and sea, which is known as Azhimukam in Kerala. The beach is bordered by lovely coconut groves and palm trees.
It is a great place to swim and relax in a serene environment. The nearby lighthouse attracts frequent visitors as well. On the other side of the beach is Ramachapadam, a vast farmland of the Ayurvedic herb, Ramacham. The fish market available in the evening sees a huge crowd every day.
This beach has no major commercial activities and is less crowded. One can have complete privacy and enjoy the beauty of the beach. This is one of the best picnic spots in Thrissur.Distance from city bus stand: 2.3 km from km Chavakkad bus stand and 27.1 km from Thrissur bus stand.
Activities: fishing, volleyball, visiting Ramachapadam, snacks and local cuisine, bird watching, shopping, swimming and sunbathing, water sports.
Location: Chavakkad Municipality, Thrissur District, Kerala.
Timings: 6 am - 7 pm
Entry : free Entry
Nattika Beach, Thrissur
The picturesque beach at Nattika village in Thrissur district is an ideal place to spend leisure time. The place is not a much explored destination.Nattika Beach is predominantly a fisher folk beach and was relatively unknown to people. It only became popular after the Malayalam movie Chemeen was shot here. The beach also encourages a lot of adventure sports, backwater cruises, elephant rides, horse rides etc.
The seemingly endless beach is lined with palm trees and is a hot spot for picnickers with nearby hotels and resorts. The sheer ambiance of the scenic village that includes the beach is also fun. Distance from city bus stand/station: 22.5 km from Thrissur bus stand.
Activities: Backwater cruises, country boat rides, cultural performances, elephant rides, swimming, sunbathing, water sports, local sea cuisine, long walks, excellent sunsets to be viewed, shopping and a taste of idyllic village life.
Location: Thrissur district, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Neendakara Beach, Kollam
Neendakara, 8 km from Kollam, is a major fishing port. Neendakara Bridge offers a beautiful vantage point to view the confluence of Ashtamudi Kayal and the sea. As the sun sets, let the wind and nets help cool you down and welcome the dark skies. It's a great way to soak up the final visuals of the day. Distance from city bus stand/station: 9.9 km from Kollam bus stand.
Activities: swimming, sunbathing, water sports like surfing, snorkelling and more, visit nearby attractions like Varkala Beach, Kappil lake, Janardhana Swami temple, and Kollam beach, local cuisine awaits with hauls from the sea.
Location: Near Neendakara village, Kollam district, Kerala.
Entry Fee: Free entry
Vizhinjam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Vizhinjam Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kovalam which houses a lighthouse and an impressive marine aquarium.The place is a natural harbour and sees a large number of fishermen on its beautiful coast every day. Located in Vizhinjam town that's 3 km away from Kovalam, this beach was once known to be one of the largest ports in India. Now the village attracts tourist with its traditions and the famous marine aquarium and the rock-cut temple.
The stunning sights unfolding before visitors from the top of the lighthouse include Lighthouse Beach at Kovalam, Edakkallu rock formations, buildings located above the rocks at Eve's Beach (Hawa Beach) and construction activities at the Vizhinjam port, apart from the panoramic vistas of the ocean.
Distance from city bus stand/station: 15.7 km from Thiruvananthapuram bus stand.
Activities: swimming, sunbathing, long walks, perfect sunrises and sunsets, shopping, savouring snacks and visiting places of interest like the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium.
Location: South of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: free entry
Padinjarekkara Beach, Malappuram
Located near Ponnani in Malappuram district,Padinjarekkara Beach is famous for bird watching as migratory birds are often spotted here. Attractions include views of the confluence of Bharathapuzha, Tirur River and the Arabian Sea and the availability of boating activities in the area. Water scooters, speedboats or passive cruises take you on exciting journeys. Located 17 km from Tirur town, the beach has its own amenity centre, an amphitheater and eco-shops. If you visit the beach on Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a paramotoring ride on the west beach.
The main attraction of the West Beach is where two rivers meet the sea. The confluence of Bharatapuzha, Tirurpuzha and Arabian Sea is a sight to behold. Located 17 km from Tirur town in Malappuram, this beach also has several water-based adventures like water scooters, speedboats or just plain cruises. Other visitors are the migratory birds that flock to its shores. If you are to visit the beach on the weekends, be sure to try out the Paramotoring ride at the beach operated by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).
Distance from city bus stand/station: 43.4 km from Malappuram bus stand and 25.2 km from Ponnani bus stand.
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, watching migratory birds, a huge choice of boat rides along the coast, shopping, snacking on local fare, long walks, amazing views of the sunrise and the sunset.
Location: Ponnani, Malappuram district, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Kuzhupilly Beach, Kochi
Located in Vypin, Kochi, Kuzhupilli Beach is a literal paradise for swimmers with its magnificent splendor. Its white, sandy shores are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing dip. There is also an occasional kite flying festival on the beach. With its proximity to Ernakulam and an even climate, Vypin Island is an ideal base for this beach.
At Kuzhupilly Beach, the sea is calm and hence ideal for swimming. It is wonderful to see the small canopies lined up along the golden sand. The paddy fields and coconut groves add to the beach vibes. Many tourists visit Kuzhupilly beach to enjoy the beautiful sunset scene. Kuzhupilly Beach is the venue for organizing Kite Festival, which has been a regular event here since 2000.
The beach is a part of the Vypeen islands. Kuzhupilly Beach is 21 kilometres away from Kochi. Those visiting Ernakulam always come here to spend time with family and friends. It takes only 40 minutes to reach the beach from Ernakulam. Distance from city bus stand/station: 23.7 km from Kochi bus stand.
Activities: you will find this to be a calm place, so you are advised to sit back and relax. There is not a lot to do here. You might want to take long walks and witness truly beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Check out the prawn farmers too.
Location: Vypeen Islands, Kochi, Kerala
Visiting Hours: Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee : Free Entry
Kolavipalam Beach, Calicut
Kolavipalam Beach is situated at Kolavipalam between Vatakara & Payyoli. Located to the south of Murad River, this beach is known as Turtle Beach. It is the closest beach to Bangalore City at a distance of 312 km.
The beach is located in Iringal village of Payyoli Gram Panchayat in Quilandi taluka of Kozhikode District. Kolavipaalam beach is situated 46 km north of Kozhikode. The nearest town is Payyoli, which can be reached by private buses plying from Kozhikode. Payyoli also has a railway station. The bus service from Payyoli to Kolavipaalam is irregular. Autorickshaws from Payyoli are available in plenty.
The beach stretch is very narrow due to the severe coastal erosion that most of Kerala’s coastline experiences. The southern portion of the beach is now protected by a sea wall. The Olive Ridley turtles come to nest on the sandy stretch of the beach, which has not yet been protected by a sea wall. The village is located very close by and the houses are mostly made of brick and lime walls and clay-tile roofs. Private coconut plantations occupy the space between the houses and the beach stretch.
The natural fauna in this area include jackals, several migratory and local birds and Olive Ridley turtles that come to the beach during the nesting season. Of these, the Olive Ridley turtles face a threat to survival, both through loss of eggs and habitat destruction.
Kolavipaalam comes under the Peruvannamuzhi Territorial Range. Locals say that the Tourism Department also plans to organise boat rides for tourists from Kunhalli Marakkar’s house in Iringal village to Velliyaangal (also referred to as the Sacrifice Rock) in Quilandi. Velliyaangal is a rocky island off the coast of Payyoli, situated 14 km into the Arabian Sea. At present, there are boat rides organized along the Kottapuzha River.Distance from city bus stand/station: 44.1 km from Calicut bus stand.
Activities: swimming, long walks, sunbathing, water sports, brilliant views of sunrise and sunset, local seafood, shopping.
Location: North of Calicut, south of the Muradriver, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Muzhappilangad Beach, Kannur
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach (3.8 Kms length) is a beach on the Malabar Coast in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It is considered as the longest drive-in beach in Asia and is featured among the top 6 best beaches for driving in the world in BBC article for Autos.
Located between Thalassery and Kannur, the sand of the beach is hard enough which allows vehicles to be driven on it. Driving a car or a bike has to be the highlight of this beach and it is a must-try for any tourist with a vehicle of their own as part of Kannur tour packages. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which protect it from the strong currents of the ocean. With mild waves and shallow pools, the beach is also ideal for swimming. It is also a preferred spot for treating yourself to some amazing views of the sunset. Despite a tourist destination, the beach is a bird-watching hotspot too where one can find more than 30 species of migratory birds during the winter season.
An annual festival is held on the beach in April and the whole of Kannur comes alive during these celebrations. This 4 km long beach attracts many adventure lovers who want to enjoy a great ride along the sandy shore in their car or bike. About 100 meters south of the beach, there is a private island known as Dharmadam Island (Green Island), which can be reached by walking during low tide.
Distance from city bus stand/station: 13.8 km from Kannur bus stand and 12.4 km from Thalassery bus stand.
Activities: Swimming, water sports like surfing, paragliding, parasailing, microlight flights, catamaran rides, and power boating. You can also enjoy tasty delicacies rustled up in the shacks, long walks on the beach look inviting.
Location: Thalassery in Kannur, Kerala
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry: Free, Rs. 30 for Car
Shankumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
The beach is on the western side of Thiruvananthapuram. 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. Shankhumugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi. The beach also has a known skating school nearby with a well-built complex to play badminton and table tennis. There are numerous fishing hamlets nearby which you can visit if you are planning to cook some fish here on your own.
Veli Tourist Village is near the beach. Boating facilities are offered at this picnic spot. Speed boats, restaurants and well-landscaped gardens are available.
The military area of Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force and part of the main airport are situated near Shankumugham Beach.
Distance from city bus stand 7.0 km from Thiruvananthapuram bus stand.
Activities: sunbathing, swimming, watersports, badminton, table tennis, cook fish on your own, boating, long walks, incredible views of sunrise and sunset.
Location: Shankumugham Beach Trivandrum Address: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695007, India
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Payyambalam Beach, Kannur
Payyambalam beach is a beautiful place located in Kannur district. It is one of the five beaches known as Kannur Beach. To the right of the bridge are the memorials of Kannur's important political personalities that had passed away over the recent decades.
There is a well-maintained garden adjacent to the beach where people can spend their evening by watching the beauty of the roaring ocean. One of the prime attractions of this beach garden is the sculpture of Mother and Child by the famous sculptor, Kanayi Kunjiraman. The beach is the favourite hangout for tourists and locals alike. The beach has been featured in many South Indian movies as well. There is also a restaurant by the beach named Naura Cafeteria which is a celebrity hotspot.
This beach is usually kept clean and is crowded on evenings and weekends. But since this beach has a long stretch, one can easily find secluded spots if one doesn't want to be in the midst of crowds.
Distance from city bus stand/station: 3.1 km from Kannur bus stand.
Activities: Sunbathing, swimming, surfing, watersports, snorkelling, snacking at the beachfront shacks, long walks.
Location: West of Kannur city, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Kozhikode Beach, Kozhikode
Kozhikode Beach or Calicut Beach is a beach on the western side of Kozhikode, situated on the Malabar Coast of India. The beach is accessible through four road overbridges in the city. The beach has paved stones and illumination. There is one Lions Park for the children and an aquarium. Kozhikode beach has always been a prominent place for conducting public meetings.
People flock in large numbers to view the sunset from the beach. One gets a fresh supply of seafood in the shacks that surround the beach. There is also a majestic lighthouse and two piers opening into the sea. The nearby marine water aquarium is another attraction. A walk to Dolphins Point at dawn ensures a meeting with playful dolphins.
Distance from city bus stand 3 km from Kozhikode bus stand.
Activities: local sightseeing, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, snorkelling, snacking on various delicacies, local institutions like the Lions Park and the Marine Aquarium.
Location: West of Kozhikode at Malabar Coast of India.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry
Beypore Beach, Kadavu
Beypore or Beypur is an ancient port town and a locality town in Kozhikode district in the state of Kerala, India. It is located opposite to Chaliyam, the estuary where the river Chaliyar empties into Arabian Sea. Beypore beach is one of the well known tourist spots in Kozhikode. Not so well known are the near by places such as Chaliyam, Kadalundi and Vallikkunnu where you will find a few good beaches and plenty of birds.
This is a beach with potential. It is scenic and the waves are not too harsh for a good swim. And rustic charm is pervasive even though concrete structures have sprung up here and there.
Beypore is noted for building wooden ships, known as dhows or urus in the Malayalam language. These ships were usually bought by Arab merchants for trading and fishing but are now used as tourist ships. Distance from city bus stand/station: Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode 11.5 km away.
Activities: swimming, sunbathing, surfing, parasailing, skiing, angling, kayaking, ayurvedic massages, shopping, sampling local delicacies like Kozhikodan Halwa and banana chips, long walks, incredible photo-worthy shots of nature.
Location: Kadavu, Kerala.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free entry