Who doesn’t love a beach holiday? Sun, sand, surf, and fun make for the perfect getaway. Whether it’s friends, family, or even office retreats, beach breaks are always a popular choice. Kerala, India’s southern state, offers an abundance of beautiful beaches along its nearly 600 km coastline by the Arabian Sea. Here are the best five beaches in Kerala, hand-picked just for you.
Cherai Beach
Located on Vypeen Island near Ernakulam, Cherai Beach stretches for 10 km, making it a charming day trip from Kochi. To reach this scenic spot, take a ferry to Vypeen and then hire an autorickshaw through sprawling paddy fields and idyllic villages. The Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront and the lush green coconut groves make Cherai Beach a visual delight. Walkways with mask lamps light up at night, perfect for an evening stroll as the sun sets over the sea. Adventure seekers can rent speed boats and water scooters, or try dolphin-watching and snorkeling. Cycling through the picturesque villages and backwaters surrounding the beach adds to the experience.
Bekal Beach
Bekal Beach, home to one of Kerala’s largest forts, is located just 16 km from Kasargod, the northernmost district of the state. Bekal Fort, built in 1650 by Shivappa Nayaka, sits majestically on hills facing the sea. The fort features an observation tower, the Anjaneya Temple with its stunning masonry, and two laterite Theyyam sculptures. Visitors can also explore a mosque built by Tipu Sultan and various underground passageways. The rock garden in the parking area, constructed using laterite, is an architectural marvel. Trees lining a walkway make it easy to explore the beach. At night, the illuminated beach creates a breathtaking scene.
Nattika Beach
Nattika Beach in Thrissur is a tranquil spot, home to a traditional fishermen’s village with longstanding customs. The beach gained celebrity status as the filming location for the Malayalam cult classic movie “Chemmeen.” Nattika Beach offers attractions like backwater cruises, country boat rides, elephant rides, and cultural performances. This pristine beach is a favorite among film buffs and tourists alike.
Varkala Beach
Flanked by cliffs on one side, Varkala Beach is one of Kerala’s most popular destinations. Located about 51 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is a small village with several attractions. The 2000-year-old Vishnu temple, Janardanaswamy Temple, overlooks the sea from its cliffside perch. Visitors can also explore the Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the reformer Sri Narayan Guru, who advocated for one caste, one religion, and one god. The beach is also known for its natural mineral spring, believed to have medicinal properties. A dip in the waters is said to cleanse impurities and sins, earning the beach its alternate name, Papanasam Beach.
Vakkad Beach
Vakkad Beach, located near Ponnani in the Malappuram district, is where the Tirur River peacefully flows into the sea. A boat cruise down the river through the backwaters to the estuary at Vakkad Beach is a must-do experience. Starting from Aanamala, the cruise offers stunning natural beauty and the chance to observe flocks of migratory birds. The simple joys of life are abundant in this serene setting.
Getting There
Kerala is easily accessible with direct flights to Kochi from many Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Major airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India offer regular flights to Kerala.
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Kerala beaches offer something for everyone, from tranquil settings and cultural experiences to adventurous water sports. Plan your visit to these top five beaches and experience the magic of Kerala’s stunning coastline.