Temperatures are beginning to rise and the urge for a cool dip in the ocean is getting hard to ignore. The best beaches in Kerala offer unmatched seafood delicacies, surfing hotspots, colonial-era architecture, and even experiences for non-beach babies.
Besides the popular hotspots, there are offbeat coastal areas with historic buildings, local fisherfolk, narrow lanes, pristine sands, and breathtaking scenic beauty.
Let’s explore some of the best and most commonly overlooked beaches of Kerala that are beyond stunning. So, pack a beach towel and some swimwear, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Famous beaches in Kerala to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
Covering 550 kilometers of coastline along the Arabian Sea, the most famous beaches in Kerala are nothing like you’ll find anywhere else in India. Be it soaking up the sun, going surfing, or even relaxing on the beach, Kerala should be a place on your travel bucket list.
Below is a quick roundup of some of the best beaches in Kerala that you should make a point to visit.
1. Cherai Beach, Kerala
Affectionately dubbed as the Princess of the Arabian Sea, with a long stretch of beach on one side and famed lagoons and canals on the other, Cherai attracts a lot of locals and tourists.
Activities: You can go for a swim, enjoy kayaking, banana boat rides, speed boat rides, try parasailing, or even scuba diving.
How to reach: Travelers can take the nearest railway at Ernakulam Junction or simply fly to Cochin International Airport to get here.
2. Varkala Beach, Kerala
It is the perfect place for dramatic sunsets. Varkala offers stunning views of Papanasam Beach and the Arabian Sea from atop its red-earth cliffs. Here you can take a dip in the local mineral springs said to contain holy properties or even wander to the peaceful town nearby.
Activities: As a part of a selected few Kerala tour packages, you can try yoga, ayurvedic massages, paragliding, kayaking and even skiing.
How to reach: Varkala is well-connected, and visitors can reach by train from Sivagiri Railway Station or avail of private or public buses.
3. Kovalam Beach, Kerala
Kovalam is perhaps the most popular among all the best beaches of Kerala. It became famous in the 1970s and showcases three crescent beaches, Lighthouse, Hawah, and Samudra (the quietest). Kovalam is also known for its wide range of healing Ayurvedic treatments.
Activities: This beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, diving, water sports and even learning how to surf. You can even shop at nearby beach stalls or enjoy a relaxing massage.
How to reach: Travelers can fly here from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport or take a train from the Trivandrum Central Railway Station.
4. Kappad Beach, Kerala
This is the exact spot where Vasco da Gama made his first landfall in India in 1498. Kappad Beach is an excellent swimming spot. Being slightly remote, this beach is along the Malabar coast and offers a pristine view and clear blue waters.
Activities: This beach offers boat rides or even a short houseboat trip down River Kappad to the backwaters.
How to reach: Simply take a flight to Calicut International Airport or a train to Kozhikode Railway Station. You can even take a bus.
5. Alappuzha Beach, Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala beaches is during the summer or the winter. Alappuzha Beach showcases miles of clean sand and a charming fishing village atmosphere. This beach has little to no tourists perfect for an offbeat and laid-back vacation with your family or friends.
Activities: Don’t miss out on its 140-year-old pier and lighthouse, several beach festivals like the Alappuzha Beach Festival, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, shopping at Mullakkal Steet, or even yoga at sunrise.
How to reach: Take a flight to the Cochin International Airport or avail of the KRTC Bus.
6. Bekal Beach, Kerala
Bekal is famous for its fort, tranquil surroundings, and beautiful views of the coconut groves and backwaters. This beach is untouched and above all, it is quite easy to get to from Mangalore. The view of the fort and the blue-green ocean makes swimming here bliss.
Activities: Bekal is well-known for its bird watching, nature walks, kayaking on the backwaters, boating with locals, exploring the fort, or even visiting some of the caves around here.
How to reach: Travelers can reach Bekal by flight from Mangalore Airport. From the airport, they can take a taxi to Bekal. The drive takes about two hours.
Discover Unique Experiences in the Best Beaches in Kerala
Not a water baby? Don’t worry, as there are a lot of experiences to enjoy when you visit these beautiful beaches in Kerala. One of the best places to visit in December in India, Kerala offers several enchanting experiences that should definitely be part of your bucket list.
Try the seafood at Fort Kochi
The scenic and quaint Fort Kochi offers several cafes and restaurants. You can try local places like Seagull, the Colony Clubhouse & Grill, or the Fort House Restaurant, famous for its fish fry, beef roast, jumbo prawns, fish curry, and other local dishes.
Here, you can also indulge in local desserts like strawberry mousse, candied ginger, and fennel ice cream.
Spend an afternoon with the fisherfolk at Marari Beach
Close to Alappuzha, Marari Beach offers seaside housing and quaint stays. You can wake up at the crack of dawn and witness the fishermen bringing in the first catch of the day, take a walk through local markets, dig into the local cuisine, or even enjoy some boating.
Visit the island village of Kumbalangi
If you’ve seen a lot of Malayali movies, then you must have seen the village of Kumbalangi. This village is well-known for its coconut tree-lined pathways, serene rivers, calm and beautiful backwaters, and even the one-of-a-kind Chinese fishing nets. Try the local food here, served all on a fresh banana leaf for that traditional feel.
Visit the Bekal Fort
The Bekal Fort is one of the largest forts in Kerala and overlooks the ocean. This fort houses a temple, underground passages, an offbeat road lined with trees, laterite sculptures, and peepholes.
Experience the Best Beaches in Kerala with Us
Now you know about the best beaches in Kerala, are you ready with your beachwear? Before you do that, let Anubhav Vacations plan your holiday to the famous beaches in Kerala. Anubhav Vacations listens to your travel goals and crafts unique trips that are personalized to you, even when you are traveling in a group. Whether you want to visit the secluded Bekal Beach or the popular Cherai Beach for a culture-packed holiday, we will ensure you enjoy a slow-paced holiday that offers ultimate relaxation.
