Stretching along the Arabian Sea for more than 550 kilometers, the coastline of Kerala is one of the most reliable beach destinations in India currently. In recent years, several factors have changed the way Kerala beaches operate such as cleaner promenades, improved lighting at night markets, drive access to a few beaches, and increased attention from regional tourism boards in maintaining the cleanliness of the beach area. Moreover, plastic-free zones have been established at several beaches, and more parking facilities have been set up around best beaches in Kerala. You can also combine your beach experience with a Wayanad tour, allowing you to explore the state's scenic hill stations, lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife attractions.
What makes today's beach tourism in Kerala so unique and diverse is the diversity of the experience offered at the various coastlines of the state. At northern coastlines, long stretches of beach and coves are dedicated for beach drives and water sports. South coastlines are characterized by cliff-side settlements and quiet coves that attract tourists who seek for peace and relaxation. In the middle, tourists are provided with backwater-adjacent beaches.
1. Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam is one of the most recognizable beaches in Kerala because of its crescent-shaped shoreline and operational lighthouse serving as the landmark and viewing point. The beach is divided into a few coves with various crowds and vibe. The beach is well-developed for first-timers with the presence of lifeguards and clearly marked safe-swimming zones. The promenade of the beach features a number of ayurvedic massage centers, which attracts increasing numbers of tourists planning to combine beach visit with healing treatments. Visiting the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the coves is one of the most popular activities for tourists spending some time at Kovalam Beach.
Book Kerala Tour Package from Delhi
2. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Varkala beach is easily recognizable by the red cliffs running parallel to the shore. This is one of the rarest geological formations along the Indian coastline. In addition to the unique landscapes, the beach offers a laid-back experience for the tourists with cliff-side cafes, yoga studios, and guest houses that replace hotels dominating at other beaches of Kerala. Natural spring at the beach is considered to be sacred by many visitors. The cliff-side walkway has turned into a meeting point for independent travelers with frequent live music evenings, secondhand book stores and surf schools.
3. Marari Beach, Alappuzha
Despite the growing popularity of tourism around it, Marari Beach still manages to retain its quaint character of the working fishing village. Usually named as one of the cleanest beaches in Kerala, it features constant maintenance and cleanliness provided by local resorts and community initiatives. Also, the beach is populated with traditional catamarans instead of commercial boats. Thus, it is a good choice for a beach holiday without overcrowding. Another unique feature of the beach early mornings are characterized by working fishermen catching their daily portion of fish at the break of dawn, thus giving the beach a laid-back atmosphere that is hard to find at commercial Kerala beaches.For travelers looking to organize different experiences across Kerala, PlanYourTour can also be considered when planning a broader Kerala itinerary.
Book Munnar Tour Package from Kochi
4. Kappad Beach, Kozhikode
Unlike other tourist beaches in Kerala, Kappad Beach has a relatively understated and tranquil vibe due to the presence of calm water and rocks in the area, forming interesting landscapes. As it is less commercialized, this makes it an ideal choice for a beach holiday in Kerala if you are searching for a beach spot that remains undiscovered. In addition, there is a historical monument of the arrival of Vasco Da Gama on the coast, but it is mainly visited by tourists because of the tranquil waters and budget hotels located nearby.
5. Cherai Beach, Ernakulam
This beach is among the most convenient ones to be visited for those staying in Kochi since it is situated within a 1-hour reach of the capital. Its uniqueness lies in the specific geography of the Arabian Sea and backwaters are located on each side of the narrow strip of land. Dolphin watching is quite common there at the break of dawn, so this is one more reason to visit the spot. Besides, the beach has gained popularity among locals for beach shacks and seafood stalls, and there is a possibility of having a short trip on a houseboat on the backwaters of Cherai beach.
6. Muzhappilangad Beach, Kannur
Muzhappilangad is considered as the only official driving beach in Kerala as its 4 kilometers-long area allows one to drive on the beach directly. Also, it is one of the biggest beaches in Kerala and it has a firm and level sandy surface, which makes it a perfect spot for beach sport games, bicycle riding and even motorsport events held here annually. If a driving experience is on your list, this is a place to go to. In addition, apart from these two sports facilities, a few companies have also started providing services for kayaking and parasailing. The Dharmadam Island located close to the beach area can be walked on during low tides for a nice side trip option during a whole day visit to this part of the coast.
7. Payyambalam Beach, Kannur
This beach is much similar to a
beach park with well-landscaped pathways along the sandy beaches and a
sculpture garden nearby. This is a preferred place for the locals who like to
walk along the pathway during the evening time and is relatively less crowded
because of the wide-open stretches of beach even during the holiday times. It
is also a perfect place for relaxing in for a couple of hours due to the lawns
and sitting spaces located along the promenade and is close to the town of
Kannur where one can spend a few hours in the evening after enjoying the
beaches.
8. Bekal Beach, Kasaragod
This is the beach famous for the big laterite fort which overlooks the coast. In case one visits this fort, then it gives a chance to combine beach relaxation and sightseeing related to the history of this place. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala with long stretches of golden sand located amidst the fort walls and coconut grooves. Recently, the area of the beach has been developed to include a water sports zone and a musical fountain in the Bekal Beach Park area, hence this is a great choice for those who travel with children.
9. Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha
This beach is a gateway to the
network of backwaters in Kerala since the houseboats and canals are located not
far from this place. The old pier jutting out into the sea is a good spot for
enjoying the sunset view. The best beaches in Kerala are places for spending
the evening due to the presence of food stalls and light shows in the season of
tourism.
10. Thirumullavaram Beach, Kollam
This is a quiet place which is a
good choice for tourists who are tired of the too crowded and commercialized
beaches of Kerala. This private beach in Kerala is located against the backdrop
of the beautiful drive along the coastal road and a temple, which attracts many
locals.
Planning Your Kerala Beach Vacation Now
Tourism in the Kerala coast area
has definitely gotten more organized in recent years. A lot of beaches have
started segregating zones for lifeguards, waste collection, and improved road
network connecting various beaches, making it possible to have multiple beaches
experience during one trip. The best beaches for wide space activities in
Kerala would be Muzhappilangad and Kovalam, whereas for a secluded feel without
renting an exclusive resort would be Varkala and Marari beaches. If you want to
combine your beach holiday with a hill-station experience, a Munnar sightseeing package can be a great addition to your Kerala itinerary.
No matter your pace, the state of Kerala has everything you might need for a comfortable tour of its beaches today.
FAQs
Q. When is the best time to visit
beaches in Kerala?
It would be preferable to visit Kerala between October and March, when skies are clear, sea is calm, and the weather is not too warm to spend long hours on the beach.
Q. Which beach in Kerala is best
for sunset views?
In terms of sunset views, one can mention such beaches as Varkala Beach, which has cliffs giving a perfect view point, and Alappuzha Beach due to the pier sticking into the water.
Q. Are Kerala beaches safe for
swimming?
While beaches like Kovalam or Kappad have a safe zone where it is possible to swim and the lifeguard on duty, there could still be strong currents somewhere else, which is why one should stick to designated zones only.
Q. How many beaches are there in
Kerala?
With 590 kilometres of coastline, the state of Kerala has numerous beaches, of which 40–50 are usually estimated by various sources.
Q. What activities can tourists
enjoy at Kerala beaches?
Apart from swimming and lying in the sun, one may try to surf at Varkala, ride the beaches at Muzhappilangad, have a boat trip through backwaters near Alappuzha and Cherai, observe dolphins and take beach walk on some beaches like Payyambalam.
