Watching the breath-taking views of sunset across the horizon while lazing on the golden sand during a mellow evening will leave you enchanted to the very core. To this natural beauty, a tenfold is added by the ceaseless twitter of birds returning to their ‘home-sweet-home’ at the end of the day. The beautiful beaches of this coastal Indian state flanked by Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal on its two sides respectively will offer a traveler with the above experience and much more!

Beaches Own Country

With a coastline of 550 kilometres, God’s Own Country boasts of more than 20 beaches throughout its entire length. 10 beaches in south Kerala, 3 beaches in central Kerala and another 10 beaches in northern Kerala are any visitor’s delight. In a place like Kerala, where the northern most tip and the southern-most point is separated only by a 12 hour road travel, 23 beaches is something like hitting a gold mine wherever you dig. Kerala gives you the unique opportunity of visiting all 23 beaches on a single day or each on a different day.

Of these 23 beaches the popular ones are the Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala beach to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Thangasseri beach in Kollam, Payyambalam beach and Bekal beach in Kannur and the Kozhikode beach. Each of these beaches would be unique in its own way. When Kovalam beach, with its crystal clear sand and a tall light house offers you the best holiday you would have ever had, Bekal beach with the tall standing, historic Bekal fort takes you decades back, while the Kozhikode Beach would have tales of history to tell, as it was here that Vasco Da Gama landed in his search for the spices. The Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur is a drive-in beach and one of the best in the world, giving you umpteen opportunities to drive through the beach with the waves splashing on either side.

Stuff To Do At The Beaches In Kerala

The beaches in Kerala also give you an opportunity at water sports like surfing and water scooters. Swimming is permitted in most of the beaches but under the restrictions and strict surveillance of the coastal guards. The availability of quality accommodation and food very near to all these beaches is the icing on the cake. Most of the resorts sidelining these beaches have their own private beaches where the tourists can enjoy an undisturbed and a private holidaying. Sea food restaurants and tender coconut parlours provide the necessary refreshments. And a common feature of all these beaches are the lines of coconut palms making each beach a mix of green, blue and golden hues. Kerala is at its best when it comes to her beaches. Undoubtedly God’s Own Country!!!

Here is list of some most famoust temples in Kerala…

Kovalam Beach

The crescent beach formation in South Kerala, Kovalam, is known for attracting tourists since pre Independence times. Fringed with palm trees the beach gives one a picture perfect picnic spot. If one is more impressed by the sea than the beach, one can experience the true power of the Arabian Sea by standing loft on the cliffs which separate the three crescent shape beaches. The thunderous waves lash across the mighty cliffs breaking into a fine spray and retreat only to return with more vigour.

The largest of the three beaches is the Lighthouse beach known for its lighthouse, which is 35 ft tall. The lighthouse which stands on Kurumakkal hillock is accessible to tourists as there are boat rides which frequent the place. The other two crescent beaches are called Hawah and Samudram beach formation. The rumour goes that Hawah beach was the first topless beach in the state! The practice was banned later.

The beach was developed into a tourist location to suit the taste of British rulers of the times by kings of Travancore state as early as in 1930s. Located in the southern tip of the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, this tourist destination can be reached by road. Presence of other tourist spots like the port city, Vizhinjam at a distance of 3 km makes Kovalam a sought after destination.

Shanghumugham Beach

A serpentine nude sculpture of an enchanted mermaid which rises to a height of 20 ft beckons visitors to Shanghumugham beach, located in Thiruvananthapuram city. The beach is a romantic destination for those who can feel the longing of the mermaid for her lover, long lost in the seas. Adding to the romantic feel of the place, many cultural activities take place here on the granite stage, Kalmandapam, which faces the sea.

The place which is situated right next to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport could also be a family holiday spot as it has many other attractions like a roller skating rink, a children’s park and a huge aquarium with a good collection of underwater life. Close to the beach is a restaurant built in the shape of a starfish which serves the most exotic of seafood cuisine. The place is also a destination for water sports like scuba diving.

Kappad Beach

In 1498, an adventurous Portuguese traveller, Vasco da Gama set foot on this historical beach with a small company of 170 men in four small ships, after travelling months on sea. Known as Kappakkadavu by local inhabitants, Kappad beach which acted as a gateway to Malabar Coast now has a memorial of this first European entry to the country. The beach which is fringed with natural rock formations also has an 800 year old temple which is thought to have enshrined the sea goddess.

While to the historian the beach is a window into the past for the tourist it is heaven. The trip to reach the beach itself could be interesting as the best way to reach Kappad is through backwaters. Sailing down the backwaters and later through river Korapuzha, the tourist can reach the beach. The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode city which is just 16 km away. The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport which is 23 km from Kozhikode city.

Beypore Beach

The scent and taste of Arabian nights is what Beypore beach could offer you. Though located in the Malabar Coast, near Kozhikode district, the beach bears the mark of an Arabic tradition which is visible in the magical hands of its craftsmen who are trained to build the Arabian trading vessel known as Uru. A common site at the beach is a bunch of artisans working on these vessels which are over 20 ft in height and made in wood.

Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of pre independence Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre.

The beach where people bathe frequently during high tide is known for having a mood of its own. The sea changes its pace, its rhythm by the minute and is hence known to be the most moody among the beaches in the state. To enjoy the grandeur of the beach one should walk through the 2 km long bridge which is built into the sea. While standing at the end of the bridge you can feel the sea breathing next to you, often touching you with its silver spray and sometime lashing you with its powerful hands.

Somatheeram Beach

Surrounded by a sea of green foliage which leads to a sandy shore overlooking tranquil blue waters is what Somatheeram Beach from a bird eye view would look like. The beach which is located 8 km from capital city Thiruvananthapuram is known to have the most picturesque surroundings which a 15 acre green garden surrounding it. While relaxing on the beach, sipping tender coconut water one would find the truest of joys – peace.

An Ayurvedic resort which suits the serenity of the place is located in the vicinity. The resort called Somatheeram Beach Health Resort offers a short stay facility with the best of Ayurvedic treatments to rejuvenate your body. The resort also offers meditation and yoga classes.

Varkala Beach

The beach which is located 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram is known for its mineral springs. The springs which originate from a rocky terrain bordering the beach are known to have curative powers. So, do not forget to pack your massage oils and lotions before going to the beach which is pleasantly warm and also spared of the rustic crowd during the month of October.

The beach is also known for being close to the 2000 year old Varkala Janardhana Swami Temple which stands facing the sea. The temple and the sea surrounding it is a pilgrim location as it is believed that a dip in these holy waters would wash away sins. Hence the place is also known as Papanashini or the annihilator of sin. At the break of dawn following the new moon night in the Malayalam month, Karkidakam, thousands offer Vavu Bali, an offering which is believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.