Kerala Beaches
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse beach is beautifully set with palm trees dotted on
the headlands to the south, which hosts the lighthouse, and north where
a 20-40 m stretch of fine gold and black sand arches around the bay.
Rockholm Beach
You can reach Rockholm beach either via a track leading down
from the Rockholm Hotel (and Palmshore Hotel),or alternatively by walking
southwards from Lighthouse Beach over the headland on which the lighthouse
stands. Even swimming can be done.
Bekal Beach
Bekal Beach is 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.
The old-fashioned little town of Kasargode, 153km north
of Kozhikode, near the Karnataka border, is principally a fishing community.
Flanked on two sides by long, ravishingly beautiful palm fringed beaches,
the Bekal Fort stands proud on a promontory. This is one of the largest
forts in Kerala and has been under the control of various powers including
Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British. The fort’s commanding
position, with views across the bays to the north and the south are breath-taking.
Samudra Beach
The name Samudra Beach is because it is dominated by the KTDC'd
excellent Hotel Samudra. This beach is not private but, a 15 min walk
or Rs 50 ride northwards from Lighthouse Beach, it is virtually free of
pestering beach sellers. The first little bay is edged by small rocky
promontories.
Ashoka Beach
Ashoka Beach is a private beach run by the ITDC for guests at
the Ashoka Hotel. It is quiet and secluded and just a 5 min walk from
the hotel. Most people prefer to use the excellent swimming pool in the
hotel grounds.
Kappad
Kappad beach is at a short walk on the Korapuzha river. This
is a place where Vasco-da-Gama set foot 500 years ago. It is situated
16 km away from Kozhikode. A pillar with inscription "Vasco Da Gama
landed here,kappakkadavau in the year 1498" stands on the beach.
The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the
sea. The memorial pillar is 4 km away from Thiruvangoor on the Calicut-Badagara
route. Accommodation is available at Kappad Beach Resort.
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed
on 27 May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels - a site which witnessed
an event that changed the course of Indian history.16 km away from Kozhikode
(Calicut), the pleasant, calm beach, locally known as Kappakadavu, is
studded with rocks and caressed by friendly waves.
Kovalam
On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village,
called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when
its fabulous beaches were discovered. Kovalam has become one of the most
popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees
and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look.
The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promises a relaxed stay.
Kovalam is a famous beach, 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram.
It is most popular in southern India. The main part of Kovalam consists
of two palm-fringed coves, separated from the beaches on either side by
rocky headlands. The southern headland is marked by a prominent lighthouse.
There are four main stretches of beach, each about 400 m long, with a
rocky promontory. The southern beaches are much more populated. Swimming
is relatively safe during December to March.
The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided
in three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is the
Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular
view of the Vizhinzam mosque. Photography is prohibited here. The middle
beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the
local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of
all by the changing times.
Kovalam is rapidly developing not only as a beach resort
but 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. Kovalam can be reached by direct and regular
bus services from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place from Ernakulam,
Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Thiruvananthapuram Airport
and Railway head give services as per the requirements of Kovalam.
Varkala
It is an popular pleasant beach with mineral water springs and
with a beach resort . The sea shore is called `Papanasm' and hundreds
of Hindu devotees perform 'Vavu Bali' on new moon days of th Malayalam
month of Karkidakam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant
convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when travelling
between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Varkala is 54 km from
Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. The railway station is 3 km
from the beach. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Mineral water
springs gushing out from these cliffs are well known for their medicinal
property.There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Ancient
Janardhana Swamy (Vishnu) temple is near.
Thirumullavaram
It is located about 6 km north of Kollam, the beach here is very
beautiful.It is a lovely clean and calm beach. It is connected to Kollam
town by bus.
Vypeen and Gundu Island
Ferries shuttle across the narrow strait from Fort Cochin to
Vypeen Island. The island has a lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, a good beach,
and the early 16th-century Pallip
ort Fort. Gundu is the smallest island
in the habour and is close to Vypeen.
Cherai Beach
The beach at Cherai on Vypeen Island is situated 18 km away from
Vypeen. It is a very beautiful and calm beach.
Alleppey Beach
This is a long sandy spectacular beach with dense palm groves,
that are so characteristic of Kerala’s landscape, at one end. One
can cut across the sea waves lashing the shore in passionate fury, or
indulge in the luxury of sitting on a sand dune and paddling your feet
in the waters. A towering lighthouse overlooks the beach as a symbol of
the past.
Veli Beach
Veli is anbeautiful beach with an attractive beach resort on
the coast, 9 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It has a boating lake and a small
backwaters with facilities for water skiing, diving and boating. Motor
boats, paddle boats, rowing boats and p
onies are available for hire. The
ornamental park has several modern sculptures and there is also a playground
for children. Buses go regularly from east Fort to Veli. Veli has a youth
hostel offering dormitory style accomodation.
Shanghumugham Beach
Shanghumugham Beach is a popular city beach situated near to
the airport. This beach provides good facilities like an indoor recreation
club, children's traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant.
