Kerala Beaches

Beaches
Kerala has enchanted its tourists with its world famous beaches and coastal beauties. The historic beach of Kappad is remembered as the one where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels, thus discovering a sea route to India. Varkala beach is a seaside resort cum spa and is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. No beach visit to Kerala is complete without visiting the Kovalam beach, comprising of the most salubrious coastal beauty than any other beach site of Kerala. Some of the exotic beaches of Kerala are:

Kovalam Beach
Kovalam village is small village situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline. Kovalam beach can be divided into three parts. The most popular among the three beaches is the southern most known as the Lighthouse Beach. Middle one is called Hawah, which acts as a base for the local fisherman every morning. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times and the tourist inflow.

Bekal
Situated at the northern tip of Kerala, 79 km from Kannur, Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort.

Kumarakom Beach
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is quite a popular hangout and relaxation spot in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. It is blessed with nature's beauties such as lagoons, lakes and numerous fresh water rivers.

Varkala Beach
Varkala beach is among the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, mainly because of the mineral water springs with medicinal properties that gush out of the high cliffs bordering the beach. This place is also an important Hindu pilgrimage center.

Ezhimala Beach
Exhimala is a picturesque site with a hilly backdrop at an altitude of 286m, situated 55-kms from Kannur. Some of the major attractions over here include carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave that can be seen at the foot of the hills.