Beaches in Kerala
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular beaches of Kerela located in
the district of Alappuzha. The beach is located at roughly 5 kms from the
Alappuzha railway station and has the Arabian Sea on the west and a large
network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers intersections.
Also referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the
world, this Backwater Country is fairly rich in diverse animal and bird
life. In recent years, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater
Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists every year
who come here to enjoy the serene marine beauty of the state. Boat races,
Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry are some
of the major attractions offered by Alappuzha. For the entertainment of
visitors there is a Vijaya Beach Park and an old lighthouse nearby.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam, today is arguably the most popular beach hangouts in India. Crystal
clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea, miles of white sands washed away by
the surf, the rocky promontories and coconut groves makes this beach nothing
less than a paradise.
The beach offers not only swimming and sunbathing but also has handicrafts,
jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Sumptuous sea-food
including lobsters available at the beachside restaurants just add the icing
to the cake.
The beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. On the southern side
is the most popular - Lighthouse Beach. Going further south on the beach
one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. The central beach
and the northern beach are called Hawah and Samudra respecively.
Kovalam beach houses a number of places to stay, ranging from up-market
resorts, five star hotels to more affordable budget class hotels & restaurants.
Besides, this place is fast developing as a Yoga and health center. One
can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics
of Yoga and meditation taught by experts.
Pthiramanal Beach
This island is located between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom and is accessible
by boat only. It is surrounded by the Vembanad Lake and the Kayamkulam Lake.
The little island of Pathiramanal, on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt
of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land. The
green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while
on a backwater cruise.
Sankhumugham Beach
Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuramcity and adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram
Airport and Veli Tourist Village is the Shankhumugham Beach. The beach has
a long stretch of clean sand but the water here is not suitable for bathing.
This beach provides good facilities like an indoor recreation club, children's
traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant.
Thirumullavaram Beach
Located roughly 6km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach
that's very well connected by road and offers good facilities. This beautiful
beach filled with coconut palms is ideal for an early morning walk and has
good bathing facilities.
Varkala Beach Kerala
Located at 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is a sea side resort
and also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. It's a beautiful beach
that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. The 2000 year
old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions
here. A dip in the holy waters of this beach is believed to purify the body
and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini (destroyer of sin)'
for this shore .