25 Best Beaches in Kerala

Kerala is world-renowned for its backwaters, Ayurvedic therapies and plantation of spices and tea. There is probably nothing uncaught by the God�s Own Country (another deserved name of the state). Even some of India�s most beautiful beaches are located in Kerala. Some of these beaches overlook the confluence of three water bodies- River, sea and backwaters. Some of the Kerala beaches are popular for the thrilling-adventure activities available. Some are famous picnic spots of Kerala. And most importantly some are just secrets. These secrets beaches are, needless to say, pristine and calm. We present you a list of twenty five beaches of Kerala, each of which is surely going to give you an experience unforgettable. Just go through the list and choose the best for you yourself. 

1. Alleppey Beach

Located in a popular backwater destination of Kerala, Alleppey (Alappuzha) Beach has been referred to as the Venice of East by Lord Curzon. A lot of movies and short-films have featured this magnificent beach which also happens to be home to a tremendous amount of birds and animals.

2. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is nowhere behind when it comes to amenities and laid-back ambience. Just below the long stretch of craggy cliffs fringed with shops and shacks, Varkala Beach looks incredibly romantic.

3. Bekal Beach

Bekal Beach is a popular beach of Kerala, located in Kasagod. In spite of being so popular it has managed to sneak out of the hands of heavy crowd. This, a quieter beach, is popular for the rugged Bekal Fort on the shore. Just a short walk away to the north is an estuary where the Backwaters of Kerala join the Arabian Sea. Even if you want to spend time with family or alone, Bekal Beach is a great choice to make.

4. Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is known for its parti-colored sea shells and is often flocked with tourists. Other main attraction of the beach is the point where the backwaters of Kerala meet the sea. This is an ideal spot for swimming owing to its low tides.

5. Kannur Beach

Kannur Beach in Kozhikhode District is also known as Kizhuna Ezhara Beach. Not many tourists know about Kannur and hence it stays free from crowd and unspoiled. Coves protect the beach and make it look beautiful. No wonder this is a perfect spot for relaxation.

6. Marari Beach

For utter serenity, Marari Beach is your ideal beach, which is not too far from Alleppey a popular backwater destination of Kerala. This means you have both the sea and cruising on the backwaters as options for rejuvenation. Marari Beach Resort is a major attraction here as it makes your leisure time unforgettable with a touch of luxury and comfort. In the resort you can indulge in some of Kerala�s best services of Ayurveda treatments, massages and Yoga classes.

7. Kappad Beach

Popular for the legends of Vasco Da Gama, Kappad Beach is located in Calicut. The explorer first landed here on may 20th 1498 while on his tour to India. To commemorate this event a monument is built near the shore. In a very short distance from the beach is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known as  Mahaganpathi Temple.

8. Kolavi Palam Beach

A remote beach of Kerala with almost null chaos is what Kolavi Palam Beach is all about. It is located in Kozhikode District and is home to Olive Ridley turtles.

9. Kozhikode Beach

Renowned for the beautiful view of sunset and sunrise, this very beach is an iconic yet peaceful spot to chill at. The lighthouse, piers in the middle of the sea, Lions Park and Marine Water Aquarium are few attractions in and around Kozhikode Beach.

10. Fort Cochin beach

Fort Cochin Beach is one of South India�s most popular beaches, especially renowned for its Chinese Fishing Nets. The beach also happens to be the venue of much awaited Cochin Carnival which is organized every New Year�s Eve.

11. Payyambalam Beach

A great spot for family picnic and holiday, Payyambalam Beach is just a short distance away from Kannur. Major highlights of the beach are the sculpture of mother and child and the garden by the sea that�s beautiful and serene undoubtedly.

12. Lighthouse Beach

One of Kerala�s most popular beaches, Lighthouse Beach as its name suggests is marked by a 35-meter-tall lighthouse erected on Kurumkal Hill on the shore. Visitors can choose to climb this lighthouse in order to behold an unforgettable view of the surroundings.

13. Beypore Beach

Beypore Beach is the former international trade center and is often called Beypore Port for the same reason. Another reason for its popularity is the shipbuilding industry in close proximity, from where you can buy small ships as souvenir.

14. Poovar Beach

While on one side playful waves of the sea would greet you, the other side of wilderness will captivate you. The beach is surrounded by banana and coconut groves and spice plantation. Poovar Beach is nothing less than a paradise for those longing for some peaceful moments, alone or with their loved ones.

15. Kollam Beach

Kollam Beach or Mahatma Gandhi Beach is one of the few beaches in Kerala with lifeguard outposts. The beach is rather filled with fun activities to try, especially for kids. Colorful swings are installed here to make it a full-fledged family picnic spot. The Marine Aquarium near the beach was the first one constructed in India. This is a single storey aquarium with forty large tanks.

16. Thirumullavaram beach

The beach has been shortlisted as one of ten most beautiful beaches by Discovery Channel. It is located in close proximity with Kollam City. Owing to its lazy waves, this is an ideal place to try your hands on swimming. Another attraction of the beach is the Mahavishnu Temple nearby.

17. Hawa Beach

Hawa Beach is located opposite to the Lighthouse Beach and is also known as Eve�s Beach. When you are done sunbathing and relaxing treat yourself with lip-smacking food from nearby hotels and restaurants.

18. Shanghumukham Beach

One of Thiruvananthapuram�s major attractions, Shanghumukham Beach attracts with its azure waves and fantastic sand sculptures. This also is venue for the annual festival of the dead, Bali Tarpanam. the Aaraat of Padmanabhaswamy Temple is concluded here every year with zeal and enthusiasm.

19. Padinjarekkara Beach

Padinjarekkara Beach is where the Tirur Puzha, Bharatpuzha and Arabian Sea meet, which is truly a beautiful view to behold. Other than this, tourists can indulge in water-scooter rides, bird watching, speed boat-ride or munching snacks on floating coffee shops.

20. Kappil Beach

Kappil Beach is not merely seashore, this also happens to be the confluence of river, sea and backwaters. The beach is perfect for those looking for some serene moments alone or with loved ones. You can spend time boating too by hiring boats from Priyadarshini Boat Club. Gradually the beach is getting popular, so try and visit this spot before it gets into the eyes of the crowd.

21. Muzhappilangad Beach

There aren�t too many beaches you can drive in, and Muzhappilangad Beach is one of those few. And since this is a long stretch of seashore, your drive actually becomes fun. It is located near Kannur and Thalassery where you can enjoy paragliding, power boating, microlite flights, parasailing and catamaran ride.

22. Somatheeram Beach

This is a beach that�s one-of-its-kind. Somatheeram Beach is mainly an Ayurvedic Resort with peaceful ambience. It looks like a lush garden with waves of the sea hitting by. To make the most of your visit, just don�t miss soothing spa sessions nearby. 

23. Thangassery Beach

Undoubtedly Thangassery Beach is an ideal place for relaxing. There is a small port and a lighthouse which catch the eye. Former name of the beach is Dutch Quilon, when it used to be a British hub.

24. Samudra Beach

The beach with its jutting rocks looks extremely beautiful and calming. The Samudra Beach of Kovalam can be reached by a taking a detour past the Kovalam Junction.

25. Kizhunna Ezhara Beach

A rather secret beach of Kozhikhode Destrict, Kizhunna Ezhara Beach is undeniably one among the most beautiful beaches of Kerala. Since it is a secluded spot, come here with a relaxed mind, without any impatience.

Related Post:
Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Kerala - A Complete Travel Guide
Holidays in Kerala - Backwaters Tours