Kerala is known for its breathtaking beauty, and its coastline is no exception. With the Arabian Sea on its west, Kerala boasts of some of the most stunning beaches in India. From serene and secluded beaches to bustling and lively ones, Kerala's coastline has something to offer to every traveler.

In this article, we will take you through the best beaches in Kerala that you must visit to experience the state's natural beauty and cultural richness.

Introduction

Kerala is known for its pristine beaches and tranquil backwaters. The state's coastline stretches over 580 km, with several stunning beaches dotting the entire stretch. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous trip, Kerala's beaches offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

In this article, we will explore some of the best beaches in Kerala that are a must-visit for every traveler.

Kovalam Beach-

Kovalam Beach is one of the most famous and popular beaches in Kerala, located in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a crescent-shaped beach with calm and clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach has three parts, namely Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach, each offering a unique experience.

Lighthouse Beach is the most popular among the three, with several restaurants and cafes serving delicious seafood and drinks. Hawa Beach is known for its stunning sunsets and offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Samudra Beach is the least crowded and offers a tranquil environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Varkala Beach-

Varkala Beach is another popular destination for travelers visiting Kerala. Located in the coastal town of Varkala, the beach offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and is famous for its cliffs, known as the Varkala Cliff. The cliff overlooks the beach, and several shops and restaurants are located on its top.

Varkala Beach is also known for its mineral springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties. Several Ayurvedic spas and massage centers are located near the beach, offering a range of treatments and therapies.

Cherai Beach-

Cherai Beach is a picturesque beach located near the town of Kochi. The beach is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with several ancient temples and churches located near it. The beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with several water sports activities available for adventure enthusiasts.

Cherai Beach is also known for its scenic beauty, with coconut groves and paddy fields lining its coastline. The beach offers a stunning view of the backwaters and is a perfect place to witness the sunrise and sunset.

Marari Beach-

Marari Beach is a serene and secluded beach located in the town of Alappuzha. The beach is known for its calm and clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and other water sports activities. The beach is also famous for its fishing villages, where travelers can witness the traditional way of life of the locals.

Marari Beach is also home to several luxury resorts and villas, offering a perfect getaway for those seeking a relaxing vacation. The beach also has several restaurants serving traditional Kerala cuisine, making it an ideal place for foodies.

Bekal Beach-

Bekal Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. The beach is known for its historic Bekal Fort, which is situated on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort is a popular tourist attraction and offers a stunning view of the coastline.

Bekal Beach is also famous for its beautiful palm-fringed coastline, which is perfect for long walks and picnics. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Poovar Beach-

Poovar Beach is a hidden gem located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. The beach is situated at the mouth of the Neyyar River and offers a stunning view of the backwaters. The beach is surrounded by lush green forests and is a perfect place for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Poovar Beach is also known for its floating cottages, which offer a unique stay experience for travelers. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Alleppey Beach-

Alleppey Beach is a beautiful beach located in the town of Alappuzha. The beach is known for its stunning sunsets and offers a perfect place for picnics and evening walks. The beach is also famous for its houseboat rides, which offer a unique experience of the backwaters.

Alleppey Beach is also home to several restaurants serving traditional Kerala cuisine, making it an ideal place for foodies.

Kappad Beach-

Kappad Beach is a historic beach located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. The beach is famous for its beautiful coastline and historic significance, as it is believed to be the place where Vasco da Gama landed in India in 1498. The beach has a beautiful stone monument commemorating this historic event.

Kappad Beach is also known for its beautiful rocky terrain and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Payyoli Beach-

Payyoli Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. The beach is famous for its serene and secluded environment, making it perfect for travelers seeking solitude. The beach is also known for its water sports activities, including surfing and parasailing.

Payyoli Beach is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Muzhappilangad Beach-

Muzhappilangad Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Kannur district of Kerala. The beach is famous for its long and wide coastline, which is perfect for driving and other adventure activities. The beach is also known for its serene and secluded environment, making it perfect for travelers seeking solitude.

Muzhappilangad Beach is surrounded by lush green coconut groves and offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Thiruvambadi Beach-

Thiruvambadi Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Kannur district of Kerala. The beach is known for its beautiful palm-fringed coastline and tranquil environment, making it perfect for travelers seeking solitude. The beach is also famous for its sunset views, which are breathtakingly beautiful.

Thiruvambadi Beach is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Kollam Beach-

Kollam Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Kollam district of Kerala. The beach is known for its serene and secluded environment, making it perfect for travelers seeking solitude. The beach is also famous for its historic significance, as it is believed to have been a major port in ancient times.

Kollam Beach offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and is surrounded by lush green coconut groves. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Papanasam Beach-

Papanasam Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Varkala district of Kerala. The beach is known for its serene and secluded environment, making it perfect for travelers seeking solitude. The beach is also famous for its natural spring, which is believed to have medicinal properties.

Papanasam Beach offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and is surrounded by lush green forests. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Kannur Beach-

Kannur Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Kannur district of Kerala. The beach is known for its beautiful palm-fringed coastline and tranquil environment, making it perfect for travelers seeking solitude. The beach is also famous for its historic significance, as it was once an important trading port.

Kannur Beach offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and is surrounded by lush green forests. The beach is relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful environment for travelers seeking solitude.

Getting to the beaches in Kerala is easy as the state is well-connected by road. The nearest bus stand to the beaches depends on their location, but most beaches have their own bus stands or are located close to major towns and cities.

To reach the beaches in Kerala by road, you can take a taxi, hire a private vehicle or use the state-run public transportation system. Kerala has a well-developed bus network that connects major cities, towns and villages, making it convenient for travelers to reach the beaches.

Some of the popular bus stands in Kerala include Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station, Ernakulam Bus Station, Kozhikode Bus Station, and Thrissur Bus Station. These bus stations are well-connected to other parts of the state and neighboring states, making it easy for travelers to reach the beaches.

You can also hire a taxi or take a private vehicle to reach the beaches in Kerala. Several car rental companies operate in Kerala, offering a range of vehicles for hire.

How to reach beaches in Kerala by air and nearest airport?

Reaching the beaches in Kerala by air is also a convenient option as the state has several airports that are well-connected to major cities in India and other parts of the world. The nearest airport to the beaches depends on their location, but most beaches are located close to major cities that have airports.

The major airports in Kerala include the Cochin International Airport, Trivandrum International Airport, Calicut International Airport, and Kannur International Airport. These airports have regular flights to major cities in India and international destinations.

Once you reach the airport, you can hire a taxi or take public transportation to reach the beaches. Several taxi services are available at the airports, and travelers can also use the state-run bus services to reach the beaches. Some beaches have their own bus stands, while others are located close to major towns and cities.

How to reach beaches in Kerala by train and nearest railway station?

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Kerala's beaches?

The best time to visit Kerala's beaches is between October and March.

Are there any water sports activities available on Kerala's beaches?

Yes, most of Kerala's beaches offer water sports activities like surfing, parasailing, and jet skiing.

Which is the most popular beach in Kerala?

Kovalam Beach is the most popular beach in Kerala.

Are there any beach resorts in Kerala?

Yes, there are several beach resorts in Kerala offering luxurious stays.

Are Kerala's beaches safe for swimming?

Yes, Kerala's beaches are generally safe for swimming, but it's advisable to check with the locals before going for a swim.