The southern Indian state of Kerala has earned worldwide repute on account
of its pristine and sensuous beaches. The beaches of this coastal state are
not only about waves and swaying palm tress that one might consider. While
on a trip to the beaches of Kerala, know beforehand that you are going to a
land where each and every corner exudes a culture that exerts an inescapable
pull on travellers and vacationers.
While lazing on the beaches, you'll come to witness the lifestyle that
thrives on the sea shores. A refreshing dose of tender coconut will add to
the relaxation all the more.
The state boasts a number of idyllic beaches with numerous attractions
around them. Some popular beaches of the state include :
Kovalam Beach
The Kovalam Beach is perhaps the most popular of all the beaches in the
state. It comprises of three crescent shaped beaches - Lighthouse, Hawa and
Samudra beaches. The beach is located at a distance of 10 km from
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state. Swimming, catamaran ride,
kayaking, wind surfing and parasailing are a few of the lures that the beach
offers.
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha Beach offers a quite atmosphere and is beautifully covered with
palm trees that make an interesting sight as they sway with the gush of
wind. A 140-year-old pier here is the cynosure of all eyes. Other
attractions at the beach include the Vijaya Beach Park and the Light House.
Varkala Beach
The Varkala Beach lies at a distance of 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Here, rocky cliffs provide a heart-stirring backdrop to the quiet sandy
beach. The mineral springs attract a good number of tourists and travellers
as they are believed to have medicinal properties. Other attractions include
Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and a nature care centre.
Marari Beach
The beach is named after Mararikulam which is a quaint fishing village
close by. Travelling 60 km south of Kochi gets you to this idyllic beach
that offers a tranquil atmosphere with the only exceptions of the murmur of
waves and rustle of swaying palm trees. Swimming, surfing, parasailing,
snorkelling and beach volley ball are the important interesting options
here.
Kappad Beach
Moving 16 km from Kozhikode town takes you to the Kappad beach. It is a
significant destination for the reason that the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da
Gama landed here in the year 1498, giving Kerala a boastful mention in the
history of India and the world.
Bekal Beach
14 km from Kasargod, the Bekal Beach is yet another untouched beach in the
all-green state of Kerala. There are attractions like the Bekal Fort that
claims a position on a headland that covers as large an area as 35 acres and
leads down into the Arabian Sea. A mosque built by Tipu Sultan is an added
attraction here.