KERALA BEACHES

Alappuzha Beach

Location: Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town, south Kerala.
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a children's park with toy train and bicycles.Timings: Open from 1500 - 2000 hours. Entrance fee: Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for ten minutes. Video permit: Rs. 25; Camera permit: Rs. 5.

Bekal Fort Beach

Location: About a kilometre from Bekal Fort, about 16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.
Nearest airport: Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod town; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod town.

Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing circular fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC).

Beautification: Beautification of the site includes installation of two sculptures of Theyyam created using laterite at the beach and a shed with walls adorning murals created by artisans from Nilambur. Apart from these a rock garden at the parking area has been developed where laterite boulders of various size has been utilised. Under the social forestry scheme planting trees has been done in the beach area.

Parking facilities: BRDC has developed about 7000 sq. m land for parking different types of vehicles.

Walk way: A beautiful walk way for the visiting tourists to explore the beauty of the fine coastal line and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort.

Illuminating the beach: The beach has been illuminated during the evening hours so that tourists can more spend time at the beach even after the sun set.

Resting facilities: Multi shed and Eru madam would provide the tourist enough facility to take rest and enjoy the sea breeze. By using locally available materials seating arrangements has been provided for the tourists at the beach.

Toilets: Toilets have been provided for the use of tourists and eco-friendly bamboo waste bins has been provided in the entire beach site for keeping the site clean.

Childrens park: A park has been developed here for children below 14 years.

In order to maintain the developed site a nominal charge of rupee one from each visitor would be collected as entry fees and a similar nominal vehicle parking fees would be collected. BRDC also aims to develop in future another 11 acres of land at the beach for constructing water park, theme park etc.

BRDC was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a planned eco-friendly destination. BRDC has utilised 19 acres of land for the development of the Bekal Fort Beach at a cost of approximately Rs. 25 million including land acquisition charges.

Beypore Beach

Location : 10 kms south of Kozhikode town at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, is Beypore.
Nearest Railway Station: about 10 kms from Kozhikode town.
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport, about 23 kms from Kozhikode town.

Historically, it has a special place as being one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours, and was also an important trade and maritime centre during the days of the early Arab and Chinese travelers and later the Europeans. Soon after its prominence as a port and trade centre, Beypore slowly began to flourish as a centre for shipbuilding, which was in great demand by merchants from Western Asia. The boat-building yard at Beypore is famous for its traditional construction of the Uru or the Arabian trading vessel. This tradition of shipbuilding is nearly 1,500 years old, and the craftsmanship of the workers here is exceptional.

Traditionally, Arabs constitute the major chunk of buyers. They place orders with their specifications and needs. Unlike modern day shipbuilding involving the development of blue print and machinery to facilitate manufacturing of ships, here, at Beypore everything is conceived in the minds of the workers, who as a team execute the highly intricate woodwork to perfection. It is an amazing aspect if one is to observe the manner in which the Uru takes shape with minimum sophistication in production. The entire team observes certain work ethics, of which discipline is the foremost. A visit to this historic place is a must in order to have a close look at some of the deft fingers and alert minds, measuring and fixing different parts of the ship to perfection.

Nearby attractions in Beypore include the fishing harbour, hardly a kilometer from the shipbuilding yard and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is about 7 kms from Beypore. The Kadalundi estuary is considered as a birdwatchers paradise, due to the variety of local as well as migratory bird life. Migratory birds flock here in large numbers during February-March.

The sanctuary is spread over a group of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.

Cherai Beach

Location : Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes journey) from Ernakulam
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam Junction, about one km from the main boat jetty.
Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.

The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. The sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east give this upcoming tourist destination, a uniqueness which can be found only in Kerala. Thick coconut groves and chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.

Dharmadam Island

Location: 17 Kms From Kannur, Kerala
Famous as: A Picnic Spot
Situated: 100 meters from Dharmadam Mainland
Total Area of Island: 5 acres

Dharmadam Island is a beautiful beach, located 17 kms from Kannur.

The small 5-acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach.

Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. It is 100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam.

Ezhimala Beach

Location: 55 kms from Kannur, Kerala
Altitude: 286m from Sea Level
Famous For: Rare Medicinal Herbs
Nearby Attractions: Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial Chamber and an ancient Cave

Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala, 55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque.

Fascinating Sculptured stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Ezhimala Beach is poised to occupy a significant niche on the naval history of India when one of the largest naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy is being developed here in Ezhimala.

Prior Permission is required for entry in Ezhimala Beach.

Kappil Beach

Nearest Railway Station : Kasaragod, about 12 km
Nearest Airport : Mangalore, about 50 km from Kasaragod town; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod town.

For those who prefer Thoreau to Harold Robbins, the secluded and relatively unexplored Kappil Beach should prove idyllic. This sun-drenched beach is a perfect getaway after a hectic tour of the nearby Bekal Fort, some six kms away.

Adventurous souls can even ascend the nearby Kodi cliff to get a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Kozhikode Beach

Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode, about 1 km
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport,about 25 km.

Kozhikode, the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center. It was here at Kappad that Vasco Da Gama landed in his search for the spices of the Orient. Today the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make this a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience.

Kozhikode Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Its natural beauty and old world charm makes it a dreamy place to visit. The beach has an old lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Children can be entertained at the Lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium. Should you be able to drag yourself away from the beach the city of Calicut or Kozhikode awaits you with its unique culture and other treasures.

Kappad Beach

Location: About 16 km from Kozhikode town. For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The story of a long and tumultuous socio-political relationship between India and Europe.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.

It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first brought the Arabs, the Phoenicans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to Kerala. Kappad has witnessed many such landings. Kozhikode was then the most important trade centre of the Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful and shrewd.

Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Kochi and Kollam down south. Today only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old.

To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offers a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach.

Kovalam Beach

Location : Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala.
Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all year destination.
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central,about 16 km
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 10 km.

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.It has been a favourite haunt of tourists,especially Europeans,since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.

The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages,special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc.The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes.

Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort.

The beach complex includes the Ashoka Beach Resort (owned by ITDC),a string of budget cottages,Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc.Thiruvananthapuram,the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle.

But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city.Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery,the Padmanabhaswamy Temple,Ponmudi hill station etc.SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium,is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.To know more about the crafts on sale here see Treasure Chest from the Archives dated 14 January '99 to 15 July '99.

Moppila Bay

Location: Kannur, Kerala.
Significance: A Fishing Harbour.
Main Attraction: Remnants of Temple and Fort
Nearby Attraction: St. Angelo's Fort

Moppila bay, the famous fishing harbour is situated near the St.Angelo's Fort. The beach is a natural and now a modernised fishing harbour built with assistance under the Indo Norwegian pact.

The remnants of the temple & fort are still seen in Moppila bay. The bay was famous during the Kolathiri's regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countries, in imports.

A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. If the weather is favourable a ride in the sea will be a memorable experience.

Muzhapilangad Beach

Location : About 15 km from Kannur and 8 km from Thalasseri, Kannur district, north Kerala.
Getting there: Muzhapilangad beach is just a kilometre to the west of National Highway 17.
Nearest railway station: Kannur, an important railhead of Southern Railways.
Nearest airport: Kozhikode international airport, about 93 km from Kannur town.

The Muzhapilangad beach which stretches across four kilometres of sand is a drive-in beach where one can drive down the entire length. Calm and serene, the place is secluded and remains unexplored. Huge black rocks scattered here protect this long beach from the deep currents, and form a tranquil pool of shallow waters that is a swimmer's paradise. The palm groves fringing the beach is a cool hideaway from the tropical sun.

Payyambalam Beach

Location: 2 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala.
Getting there: National Highway 17 passes through Kannur.
Nearest railway station : Kannur, about 2 km.
Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, 93 km to the south.

Quiet, secluded, this beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening. The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development into a tourist resort.

The rest of the land - Kannur - is equally fascinating to explore. Being the cradle of ageless folk arts like Theyyam and folk music , Kannur has always remained a land of ageless charms.

However, if you decide to hide away at this beach destination, your stay should be arranged in the town 2 km away. Comfortable accommodation is available.

Pathiramanal Beach

Location: Alappuzha, Kerala
Meaning: Sands Of Night
Major Attraction: Migratory Birds
Surrounded by: Vembanad Lake
Rail: Alappuzha is the nearest railway station.
Air: The Nearest airports are the Cochin International Airport, about 85 km north of Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram, about 150 km towards the south.

The little island of Pathiramanal, on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land.

This island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom and is accessible by boat only. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam Lake.

The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise. The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss-crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.

According to mythology, a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating this enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of night).

Shankhumugham Beach

Location: Just 8 km from the city

This is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.

The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village.

An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here.

Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Tanur Beach

Location: Malappuram, Kerala
Main Attraction: Keraladeshpuram Temple
Historical Significance: One Of The Earliest Portugese Settlements
Significance: St. Francis Xavier visited this place in 1546 AD

The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546 AD.

About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshpuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.

Thangassery Beach

Location: 5 Kms From Kollam Town, Kerala
Other Attraction: Old Portugese Fort
Nearby Attraction: Thangassery Lighthouse
Lighthouse Timings: 15:30pm to 17:30pm

Located 5 kms from Kollam town is the Thangassery Beach, which is a sea side village of historic importance.

The rural settlement has the ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. The 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse is open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.

Thirumullavaram Beach

Location: 6 km north of Kollam town about a quiet day far away from the madding crowd
If that sounds like something you'd really enjoy, check out the secluded Thirumullavaram Beach, a beautiful picnic spot that has been a favourite haunt of locals and tourists alike. Getting there.
By road : There are frequent buses to the beach from Kollam town.
Nearest railway station : Kollam, about 75 km away
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 km from Kollam town.

Valapattanam Beach

Location: Valapattanam about 7 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala.
Attractions: The largest wood-based industry in South East Asia, a beautiful fishing harbour.
Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 7 km from Valapattanam.
Nearest airports: Karipur international airport, Kozhikode, about 93 km from Kannur town.

Kannur is that part of the legendary Malabar Coast where King Solomon's ships anchored to collect timber to build the 'Temple of the Lord' and to secure most needed spices. Here in the little hamlet on the banks of the river Valapattanam, is a giant of the modern timber industry - Western India Plywood Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in South East Asia.

The timber industry of Valapattanam thrive on the rich forest resources of the district. Teak, Iruli, Elavu, Karimurukku, sandalwood (Sandalum album) etc. are found in plenty in the forests here. In addition are cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, tobacco, cashewnuts etc. Kannur is the only place in Kerala where Pukayila (tobacco) cultivation is carried on successfully

Valapattanam is also a famous fishing harbour as well as the main source of the irrigation project in the district. It is a fascinating experience to watch the traditional mode of timber transportation - by tying long pieces of timber together and allowing them to float down the stream.

Varkala Beach

Location : 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km south of Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram district,south Kerala.
Attractions: Beach, mineral watersprings, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000 year old Vishnu temple.
Nearest railway station : Varkala.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram international airport, nearly 57 km away.

Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam- 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach.

At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs.A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Hence the name 'Papanasam beach'.

A two thousand year old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple, stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach,a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by.

The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology:"one caste, one religion and one god",in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for the tourist and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres.