Kerala: A God’s Country

Kerala is among the best travel destinations in the world for international tourism. It has been promoted under the title of "God’s Own Country". For an amazing vacation, Kerala is the best destinations to consider. Kerala is the most ideal location for people in search of tranquility. Kerala is blessed with lush green forests and natural beauty that remains indescribable in words.

Kerala is located in the southwestern region of India. The coast of Kerala runs all along the Arabian Sea. The state’s tourism is popular for its backwater houseboats, its cultural festivals, spices, and beautiful natural landscape. 

Among the many tourist destinations within Kerala, the beauty of the beaches is something to admire. Many beaches are uncrowded and have been able to preserve their natural beauty. A vacation on the beach is ideal for relaxation with friends and family away from all the noise and hassles of the city.

Some of the best beaches in Kerala have something for all kinds of tourists. These beaches are easily accessible by road and most of them have hotels and cottages nearby for your accommodation. The most popular Kerala tour packages do not necessarily include visits to most of these beaches. However, the following list of the ten best beaches in Kerala will inspire you to take a journey to this wonderful land. 

8 Best Beaches in Kerala to Explore

1. Kovalam Beach

2. Varkala Beach

3. Kannur Beach

4. Marari Beach

5. Bekal Beach

6. Cherai Beach

7. Kappad Beach

8. Alappuzha Beach


1. Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Kovalam Beach can be called one of the most romantic beaches in Kerala. This is because it is among the most recommended beach for honeymoon couples. Kovalam beach is the beach that is the most well-kept and maintained. Tourist facilities available here are according to the highest quality standards. 

Kovalam can be easily reached from the main city of Trivandrum which is only a few kilometers away. This beach is divided into two main areas (Coves) which are called the Lighthouse beach and Eve’s Beach (also known as Hawa Beach). 

Among these two, Lighthouse beach is the most visited area of Kovalam with the highest number of tourists. This place is popular for its many restaurants and surfing. It is one of the best destinations for surfing in India. 

For tourists seeking solitude, can also find a small area in Kovalam called ‘Samudra Beach’ which is away from the crowd is much more peaceful. 

Also Read: Best Beaches in Goa

2. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Varkala Beach is known to be the most peaceful beaches in Kerala. However, in recent years it has gained significant popularity and more and more tourists are visiting this beach. Varkala is the best beach in Kerala for a honeymoon because of the low visitor count. 

As far as the facilities provided by the tourism businesses are concerned, there is no compromise on the quality of the services. It has a significantly lesser crowd compared to other popular beaches. That is what makes this beach a destination for people seeking a peaceful ambiance. 

Varkala beach is loved by many young couples and international tourists for its wonderful vibe. Varkala’s unique feature is a cliff that stretches for a long distance. Many tourists choose to stay on the cliff and watch the amazing view.   

Also Read: Palolem Beach: Beautiful Beach in Goa

3. Kannur Beach

Kannur Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Kannur beach is not a well-known beach among the tourist community. That is exactly the reason it is so special. It is part of the small town of Kannur with its unique blend of cultural traditions and rituals. Some of the most popular cultural experiences you can experience are the local handloom weaving and the ‘Theyyam Rituals’. 

For the budget-conscious traveler, Kannur beach is an ideal places to spend your holidays in Kerala. The tourism authority of Kerala has dedicated its efforts towards the promotion of the local Theyyam cultural events. 

These cultural practices are very mysterious and many tourists visit Kannur Beach during these events. 

Another tourist attraction in Kannur is the Kannur lighthouse. Tourists visiting Kannur can climb to the top of the lighthouse to admire the beautiful view of the sea and Kannur City. There is a small fee of around 100 rupees to climb the lighthouse with a camera.

Also Read: Baga Beach(North Goa)

4. Marari Beach

Marari Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Marari beach is also one of the secret beaches which are lesser-known to regular tourists. This beach is near to Alleppey city and is well connected. However, the beach has a raw beauty to it because of the reason that it is still not developed for tourism.

It is locally known as the ‘Hammock Beach’ because many people arriving here do make-shift arrangements for their comfort. There are parts of the beach that are secluded and very peaceful. It is not one of the most visited beaches in Kerala but, during the weekend many people come here for relaxing. 

One thing to remember is that Marari is not considered a tourist beach but a place to forget all the worries and be peaceful. You can get an Ayurvedic massage at the popular Marari Beach resort and take a long walk on the beach. Marari beach is meant typically for short weekend visits

Also Read: Athirapilly Best Destinations to visit

5. Bekal Beach

Bekal Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Located in the Northern region of Kerala, Bekal Beach is one of the most famous beaches among the local tourists. The beach is famous for the reason that it has an Old Fort situated near the Beach. The fort is called Bekal Fort and is known to be the largest forts in the state of Kerala.

Bekal beach is very well maintained for tourism and is one of the cleanest beaches in Kerala. Most tour operators in India, offer Kerala honeymoon tour packages with Bekal beach included as a key destination. 

There are many 5 star hotels and other luxury accommodation facilities available on this beach. The beach has been developed particularly to promote tourism. Bekal beach remains unspoiled with its beautiful waters and white sand which makes it a perfect honeymoon destination.

Also Read: Why to Take a Family Trip to Kerala

6. Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Cherai Beach is located around 25 kilometers away from the Ernakulam district. This beautiful beach is full of coconut trees and clean pristine waters and sand. Cherai Beach has gained a lot of popularity among the tourists and it has become a perfect holiday destination. 

For photographers, Cherai Beach provides the best scenes and moments to capture. It is also possible to spot dolphins nearby, which is an amazing sight for the children visiting with their families. The sear water is ideal for swimming and people are always seen swimming around the beach.

Surprisingly enough, the Cherai Beach is only 10 kilometers long. It is located on the Island called Vypeen which can be reached by boat. The island also is home to rice fields and villages worth exploring. Many efforts have been made to improve the beach and to attract tourists. 

Cherai Beach is perfect for all kinds of tourists. It provides plenty of opportunities to relax and find secluded spots for peaceful introspection along with the facilities to make your stay comfortable. 

Also Read: Things to do in Goa

7. Kappad Beach

Kappad Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

This historical beach is best known for the fact that Vasco Da Gama landed in the famous town of Kozhikode in the year 1498. Kappad beach is one of the romantic beaches in Kerala where couples can spend their vacation. 

Kappad beach is a very peaceful beach that gives the best of nature’s view and the climate is perfect for a good vacation. The best tourist attraction to visit nearby is the famous Thusharagiri Falls. 

There are only a few hotels to choose from. These hotels are for tourists who want a luxurious experience as well as for the tourists on a budget. A visit to the nearby local village is also a good way to know the cultures and traditions of the locals here. 

Also Read: Must Visit Places in Kerala

8. Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach, Kerala (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Alappuzha (also known as Alleppey) is without a doubt one of the most visited beaches in Kerala. The beach is popular among the tourists who also visit the nearby backwaters of Alappuzha. You can find the best scenic beauty to admire here and the sunsets are truly beautiful to watch. 

This beach is also known to be a favorite destination for couples on their honeymoon. There are many activities nearby for tourists to participate in. Activities such as Kayaking and cultural events such as the traditional Kathakali Dance are also available.

The beach is full of cafés and restaurants with a great variety of cuisines to taste. For accommodation, many beach resorts with world-class facilities as well as budget options for backpackers are also available here. 

Alleppey is one of the most sought destinations to experience the beautiful backwaters. Many tourists coming here for the backwaters also visit the beach and that is the reason for the rising popularity of the beach. Alleppey beach is one of the best beaches in Kerala because of its beauty and stunning view of the sea. 

Kerala is full of opportunities to explore the culture and the beauty of South Indian land. There are enough beaches to explore and experience in Kerala. But apart from the beauty and the relaxation opportunities these beaches offer, it is also crucial to understand that preservation of these beautiful beaches is of utmost importance.

Tourism activities sometimes are detrimental to the health of the beaches. So, whenever you travel to these beaches, make sure not to litter and avoid any activities that are harmful to the environment.  

This article is originally published in TheWeekendGateway