A beach lover’s delight, Kerala offers its soft sands and clear waters to keen vacationers. An assortment of secluded, laid-back, sporty, and party beaches are dotted all over God’s Own Country. There is archetypal beach getaway vacation for couples, families, solo travelers, and every visitor in this state. Nothing spells beach paradise like warm weather, golden sands, and turquoise waters on the horizon. Hammocks strung between the palms, adventure activities, spa facilities, delicious food, and drinks available at the sandy shores make the memory of your beach vacation cherished.
Having opened its doors to tourists with specific COVID guidelines, Kerala beaches are all set to impart fun-filled experiences to visitors. Adhere to the SOPs, set by the State Government, and have a refreshing holiday at the beaches here. Don’t forget to carry an extra mask, a bottle of sanitizer, and stay at a safe distance from other beach enthusiasts for a safe vacay.
Here we list the 12 best beaches in Kerala:
1. Marari Beach
Kerala’s best beaches’ list is incomplete without the mention of Marari beach. Marari beach in Alleppey is a sleep little fishing village. The quietude and peace of the beach is what draws visitors. Lined by coconut trees leaning on the white sands, it is an ideal location for a quite beach vacation. Marari is reputed not only for its stunning ecosystem but also its unparalleled cleanliness.
Marari, unlike the other popular beaches in Kerala, has not been commercialized, one can still get a glimpse of classic Kerala village life. The fishing community still lives the way its ancestors have, with men fishing every day and women making coir mats and brushes. The location is serene and therapeutic for the soul. Sit on the sands and watch the time go by.
Activities to do: Swimming, watching the sea, snorkeling, etc.
2. Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach is a paradise and one of the best in Kerala. The allure of the beach is the wonderful gamut of tourist facilities apart from the stunning natural beauty. The shallow waters and low tidal waves garnered the attention of the Maharaja of Travancore, who was known for hosting regular state banquets and accommodation of his European guests in Kovalam Haylcon Palace.
Kovalam has a 17 km coastline and three major beaches, Light House beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. A century old lighthouse is well-known icon. Kovalam has a more relaxed atmosphere than other beaches in Kerala. The beach pampers guests with its laid back attitude. There are various kind of accommodations available. Ayurveda resorts are abundant and offer visitors a soothing massage in the blessed environment.
Activities to do: Sunbathing, surfing, swimming, yoga, herbal and Ayurvedic massages.
Experience best beaches of Kerala with following packages:
3. Alleppey Beach
Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, houseboats, fishing and coir industry but the charm of the town is complete only with the beach. Alleppey beach is an extensive stretch of golden sands leading to the cerulean waters and densely populated with the swaying palm groves. The blue skies, melodious sound of waves and the surrounding landscape is a fascination, not to be found elsewhere.
Alleppey beach has a 137 years old pier, which extends into the sea. It is a popular tourist spot in Kerala. The beach also has a lighthouse and entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park. Try out water sports like surfing, para sailing, and swimming. Walk along the shore or try to build the dream castle, it is wonderful to revel in the blissful ambiance.
Activities to do: Watersports, swimming, sunbathing, etc.
4. Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is not just a remarkable beach setting, it is a revered pilgrimage in Kerala. The beauty of the beach takes your breath away. The scenery of a long meandering stretch of paved road on the cliff extending over the Arabian Sea is fascinating. A hot spring flows in the beach said to have been blessed with medicinal properties. The spiritually blessed Papanasam beach near Varkala houses the Janardhana Swamy Temple considered sacred to Hindus.
The quietude of the beach is noteworthy. The serenity draws brings visitors to escape its crowded neighbor, Kovalam. It is quite away from the throngs of tourist yet no way lacking in its allures. Quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses lines the sandy shores and offers a wonderful time to its guests.
Activities to do: Watch sunset, swimming, temple visit, Kathakali performances, etc.
5. Cherai Beach
Kerala’s popular destination, Cherai beach is one of the best beaches in Kerala. The picturesque beach has abundant multi-hued shells strewn on the shores. The beach can be reached only by waters. A boat takes you to unexplored paradise tucked in God’s Own Country.
Located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island, Cherai beach is ideal for swimming. The tides are usually low here, offering a wonderful opportunity for swimming for beginners as well. It is an enjoyable place to go with family and friends. Get into water fights, splashing water on each other. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. Thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions. Enjoy the bliss of the beach, unique and a change from crowded seashores of Kerala.
Activities to do: Enjoy the scenery, go swimming, etc.
6. Kozhikode Beach
Kozhikode Beach place has played an important role as one of the most important trading ports in Indian history. Vasco Da Gama, the famous explorer set foot on this beach. This beach is also famous for its breathtaking natural beauty that attracts travelers more than anything else. It is a perfect place if you are looking forward to spend some time away from the busy hustle-bustle of the city.
Kozhikode beach is now a favorite seaside hangout, ideal for the sunset lovers. Walk to the old lighthouse and two old crumbling piers, each more than a century old. There are eateries and other amenities for tourist to indulge in a memorable time on the coast. Moreover, you can spend your time at the Lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium.
Activities to do: Dine in the fresh seafood eateries on the beach, stroll on the shores, relax, etc.
7. Kappad Beach
Walk on the beach where the famous explorer Vasco De Gama set foot to enter India for the first time, at the Kappad Beach located in Kozhikode. The unspoiled haven is beautiful apart from being a significant historical site. The lush coconut groves, rocks strewn haphazardly and the melody of the waves creates a pleasant experience.
Kappad beach’s allure is a rock that protrudes into the sea. The shoreline is also the site of an 800 year old temple. For a memorable tour of the beach, visitors are suggested to come through backwaters to revel in the beauty of nature to its maximum. The fishing hamlets add to the charm of the beach. Sunsets are appealing. The tour of the beautiful backwaters of Kappad amplifies the enthralling experience of the beach.
Activities to do: Watch the sunset, sunbathe, swim and plan out sightseeing tours.
8. Bekal Beach
Bekal is one of the top beaches in Kerala that are icon of the tropical bliss of sun, sand and sea. The quieter and less crowded seashore is located in Kasargod. Bekal is most famous for being the site of the Bekal Fort, which is the largest and most well-preserved keyhole structured fort in Kerala. The beach has been witness to the era of the royalty of Kerala.
Bekal beach is a peaceful stretch. Enjoy walks on the golden sand reveling in the warmth of sun and musical rhythm of the waves. From the beach one can view the estuary, where the backwaters in Kerala join the sea. Bekal is the ideal location for honeymoon couples and families. Lavish accommodation, adventures and sightseeing tours are easily accessible in Bekal.
Activities to do: Walk along the shores, sunbathe, watch the sunset, adventure sports,
9. Payyambalam Beach
Ranking among the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, Payyambalam Beach is a good place to spend a peaceful holiday. Clean and safe, it is an ideal spot for a seaside picnic with family and friends.
The serene Payyambalam beach stretches for about three kilometers. The bluish-green water is rich in marine life. A thick tree cover stretches parallel to the shores lending a lovely look. The most important and popular attraction of the beach is the sculpture of a mother and her child made by well-known sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman. A garden next to the beach is popular among tourists for watching the sunset. There are accommodation options and various shacks lined on the beach. Make a holiday of wonderful memories choosing Payyambalam as a part of your tour.
Activities to do: Enjoy water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, swimming and snorkeling.
10. Somatheeram Beach
Somatheeram Beach is nestled in the peaceful neighborhood of the village of Chowara. Somatheeram beach gets its name from the Ayurvedic health resort stretched on the golden sands. It is the perfect getaway to calm your senses. Somatheeram is like a big tropical garden besides a beach, spread over 15 acres of lush landscape. Great ambience, undisturbed beach bathing and soothing calmness, make this beach a romantic hotspot for tourist in Kerala.
Just don’t visit the beach, stay here. The beautiful beach is straight out of a fairy tale setting of tropical ecstasy. The magic of Ayurveda amplifies in the blissful ambiance. Walk along the sandy shores, indulge in therapeutic massages, de-stress your body, mind and soul, Somatheeram is remedial as you enjoy the taste of pristine quietude.
Activities to do: Indulge in the Ayurveda sessions, walk along the shore, sunbathe, swim, etc.
[ Also read: Top 5 Ayurvedic Resorts in Kerala ]
11. Muzhappilangad Beach
Kerala’s only drive-in beach, the Muzhappilangad beach stretches across four kilometres where one can drive down the entire length. Black rocks strewn on the beach protect the shore from the deep currents, making its shallow waters a swimmer’s paradise.
The main lure of the Muzhappilangad beach is a beach festival celebrated in the month of April. This festival attracts people to be daring. People are seen performing driving stunts in cars like drifting and wheeling in bikes. The pleasant feel of this picturesque Muzhappilangad beach invites you to swim, take a sun bathe, or simply relax and revel in the blue skies, warm air and golden sands. Try out adventure sports like paragliding, parasailing and other tethered flying. Water sports, power boating or catamaran ride are also available.
Activities to do: Try out water sports, sunbathe, taste the delicacies of Malabar cuisine.
12. Poovar Beach
Poovar Beach is a sight of fabled white sands and a breathtaking beauty created by nature. It is a natural wonder where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land, it is a treasured beauty of Kerala.
Poovar Beach, separates the River Neyyar from the sea. Poovar is basically a fishing village and the only way to reach the beach is through water. Known for its pristine beauty, Poovar Beach is haunted by those who seek solitude. Beach activities and water sports are not well-developed here because of the fishing community living here. The tranquility of Poovar is only interrupted by the sound of waves and the call of birds. The area is abundantly blessed with flora, hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, and banana and coconut groves.
Activities to do: Boat ride to beach cum backwaters, sunbathe, stroll along the shore.
[ Check-out Kerala Beaches Tour Packages ]
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Hey… thanks for such a useful post and all beaches list is awesome.