Kovalam Beach

Near to Trivandrum the capital city of Kerala, Kovalam is one of the best beaches in Kerala with international reputation. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Popular as a small fishing village, Kovalam with its natural beauty, known as the “Paradise of the South", offers a holiday of a life time. The unforgettable image of Kovalam is that of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters.

The three small crescent beaches, Light House Beach, Samudra Beach and Howah Beach together form the famous Kovalam beach. The southern most beach known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. There is a lighthouse located on a promontory at the south end of the beach from where you can see a breathtaking view of the sea and the nearby Vizhinjam Mosque. Hawah Beach is used by local fishermen to moor their boats. The northern most beach Samudra Beach is the quietest and is ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels. All the three beaches have clear sandy expanses and are backed by waving palm trees. A cool sea breeze blows in from the Arabian Sea and the rhythmic waves roll onto the beach, to the delight of paddlers and swimmers. Kovalam is a natural bay on the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala and with its blue waters, white sand and green coconut trees looks like a picture postcard image of a tropical paradise.

The beach besides being clean, well kept and peaceful also enjoys the advantage of being near the capital city. Thus all those visiting the beach, can go for sight seeing to the exotic city of Thiruvananthapuram also. There are numerous shops along the Beach offering a variety of items to shop for and take as souvenirs back home. Life on the Kovalam beach starts late in the day and the fun continues till late in the night. Kovalam offers you some of the best seafood specialties like lobsters, king prawns Though Kovalam is pleasant throughout the year the best time to visit Kovalam is from September to May.

Cherai Beach

45 kms from Ernakulam city, this lovely beach bordering vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.

Ezhimala Beach

The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. A naval academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.

Varkala Beach

It is a quiet and isolated sandy area without the crowd and buzz of some of the busier beaches. It is also famous for its landscape. A high rocky cliff ends abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extends down to the sea. The contrast between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Varkala Beach a striking sight.

The sun set at Varkala beach is really breath taking. The sun sinking into the sea really looks like the molten golden ball. Near this beach there is a mineral springs which has medicinal properties. So many people come here to drink and bathe in the water from the mineral springs. The Varkala Beach is also called Papanasam Beach because it is believed that bathing here will wash away all of one's sins. The Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple nearby is believed to be between 800 - 2000 years old. A nature cure center located near Varakala Beach is another popular attraction. Here thousands of pilgrims offer Vaavu Bali on the day after new moon day in the Malayalam month Karkidakam. By doing this it is believed that it will help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.

Kappad Beach

The Kappad Beach near Kozhikode is one of the enchanting beaches in Kerala, which is also popular for its historic importance. It is in Kaapad beach that Vasco Da Gama and his travelers landed in Kerala about 500 years ago after a lot of travel in sea. As a memory of his visit, there is a pillar on which it is inscribed "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498". There is also a temple on a single large rock that protrudes out to the sea, which is about 800 years old. Kappad Beach is known locally as Kappadkadavu. It is a Rock studded beach.

Kappad Beach is a small walk on the Korapuzha River, and even after 500 years, it remains untouched and unruffled, making it one of the most serene and peaceful Beaches in Kerala, South India. The idyllic Kappad Beach is a fitting entry point to God's Own Country. The calm beach with gently splashing waves makes it an idyllic beach holiday destination in Kerala. This little sea faring town is no less than a haven to the tourists visiting it. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Un-spoilt and un-crowded, the lovely and charming backwaters of Kozhikode offer a bewitching experience.