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From Alleppey To Alappuzha - The Houseboats Of Kerala

With the winter season approaching, it’s time to wear your travel hats and go exploring. As the temperatures start dipping, the blankets and sweaters come out of the cupboard, and travel plans are made over coffee. True, it’s the perfect time to set off for new destinations because everyone is in a holiday mood.

With the cold setting in, beaches are one of the best places to head to. You will find some of the most beautiful beaches in India to plan a trip in the winter season. India is gifted with the treasures of mountains, valleys, plateaus, and beaches. With almost the entire southern half bounded by two huge water bodies, India is the ideal place to explore a variety of different beaches. In fact, the longest beach in India is Marina Beach, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, one of the southern states of India. If you’re wondering how many beaches are there in India, then you would like to know that there are more than 200. Each of them offers unique experiences, from enjoying the beauty of nature to several beach activities.

In the south, the beaches in Kerala are some of the most breathtaking. It’s one of the most picturesque states in the country that combines rolling white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Situated in the south-west tip of the country, Kerala lies between the blue Arabian Sea on one hand and the green Western Ghats on the other. The Malabar coast bounds almost the entire state.

As you visit Kerala beaches, the two colours that’ll stand out are the green of the palms on the beaches and the blue of the water. Dreamy and pristine, Kerala beaches look straight out of a movie set. The heavenly landscape of sparkling blue sea water, white sands, and green mountains in the background will convince you to book your beach holidays right away.

As the holiday seasons are inching in, you’d feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life and heading to the beaches. You can visit some of the best Kerala beaches and experience some of the exciting activities there. The peaceful aura of the beaches ensures that they are ideal for meditation and yoga. If you want to explore your adventurous side, then there are several thrilling activities available at the beaches for you to indulge in. The unspoiled beaches are also a great place to find solace and enjoy the scenic beauty.

The best part about Kerala holidays is definitely the beaches. Kerala easily boasts of some of the most famous beaches in the country.

  • Varkala Beach
  • Marari Beach
  • Kovalam Beach
  • Kollam Beach
  • Kochi Beach
  • Cherai Beach
  • Thottada Beach
  • Bekal Beach

Now that you’ve got an idea about Kerala and its beaches, let’s look at each one of them in detail.

Varkala Beach

Varkala is one of the most famous beaches in Kerala that is extremely popular among tourists.

  • Located in Trivandrum, this is an ideal choice for tourists who are looking for peaceful and serene beach holidays in India.
  • This Kerala sea beach has been listed as one of the top seasonal beaches in the world by Discovery Channel.
  • The three things that make this beach a popular choice among tourists are the breathtaking landscape, the sparkling waters, and the beautiful rolling sands.
  • Varkala Beach is ideal for both relaxing and enjoying the laid back atmosphere as well as enjoying other beach activities.
  • It has a long cliff that runs into the Arabian Sea which adds another level of beauty to this beach.
  • Varkala Beach ahs another name, Papanasam Beach, since it’s believed that bathing in its waters can wash away all sins.
  • Another aspect that draws a lot of tourists to Varkala Beach is the option for wellness such as spas, mineral springs, and ayurvedic centres.

Things to do in Varkala Beach

  • Varkala offers several beach activities such as surfing and parasailing. You can also try learning surfing and snorkelling.
  • You can also experience some meditation and Ayurvedic and yoga treatments.
  • It’s also a great place to shop for a variety of things from jewellery to handicrafts.
  • You can try a variety of cuisines at Varkala such as South Indian, Italian, continental, and Chinese. They are both good vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  • You can also enjoy some of the festivals and events that happen such as dance performances.

Places to visit in Varkala

  • Janardhana Swami Temple – This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is around 2000 years old and is one of the primary pilgrimage centres.
  • Sivagiri Math – This interesting ashram, just 2.5 kms away from Varkala, is dedicated to Sree Narayana Guru who stood for one religion, caste, and god.
  • Papanasam Beach – Creating one of the best landscapes, Papanasam Beach is a wonderful confluence of loft cliffs, rolling sands, serene waves, and spectacular sunsets.
  • Sivagirir Tunnel – This tunnel, built by the rulers of the Attingal Palace, reaches the Sivagiri Math.
  • Anchengo Fort and Lighthouse – This spot, 15 kms from Varkala, is the sight of the remaining relics for British architecture.
  • Road: The bus station at Varkala has connecting buses to all major cities. Being just 47 kms away from NH47, Varkala can be well accessed via road.
  • Rail: Varkala Railway Station, 3 kms away, is the nearest railway station.
  • Air: Trivandrum is the nearest international airport.

Marari Beach

Explore Kerala’s Top 8 Beaches for the Ultimate Unwind Experience

Marari can possibly be one of the best beaches in Kerala. Located in Alappuzha district, it draws a huge number of tourists from around the world. It’s the ideal place to plan a holiday trip with your friends and family. It’s a treasure trove of natural beauty with green coconut trees and golden sands. The beach gets its name from “Mararikulum”, a local fishing village situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

It’s becoming a preferred option for tourists since it cuts down on the crowd of Kovalam and can be a perfect part of your Kerala itinerary. It’s easy to start off with Fort Kochi, then move on to the plantations of Munnar, the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar, the backwaters of Alleppey and end with Marari Beach before flying out from Kochi again. If you’re looking for a peaceful beach holiday, Marari Beach is the ideal place to travel to. The slow, charm of local life is surely going to revive you completely.

Things to do in Marari Beach

  • You can enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape and the peaceful beaches.
  • There are a lot of sightseeing options nearby which you can explore.
  • If you’re travelling in August, you can enjoy the Snake Boat Race.
  • If you love adventure, you can choose activities such as surfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep sea fishing.

Places to visit in Marari Beach

Marari is one of the best beaches in Alleppey which has a number of attractions for tourists as well as several other places to visit.

  • Mararikulam Shiva Temple – This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is known for its beautiful architecture.
  • Kokkamangalam Apostle St. Thomas Pilgrim Centre – It’s one of the most famous pilgrim centres in the Christian community created by St. Thomas.
  • Thumpolly Beach – This beautiful beach is a natural habitat for migratory birds.
  • Thiruvizha – Situated 5 kms away from Cherthala, the Thiruvizha Shiva temple is famous among tourists.
  • Arthunkal – This is another famous pilgrimage centre 8 kms away from Cherthala.

Best time to visit Alappuzha

You can explore Marari Beach in Alleppey, Kerala from September to March to get the best experience.

How to reach Marari Beach

  • Road – Marari Beach is easily connected by roads with Cochin, 60 kms away, being the nearest city.
  • Rail – Alleppey, 16 kms away, is the nearest railway station.
  • Air – Kochi is the nearest international airport located at a distance of just 60 kms.

Kovalam Beach

Situated just 16 kms away from the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is a haven of peace and serenity. This paradise in God’s Own Country is a blissful confluence of coconut palms and magnificent beaches.

  • One of the best white sand beaches in India, Kovalam Beach is known for its clean environment and iconic lighthouses.
  • The two main beaches that make up the Kovalam Beach are Eve’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach.
  • This beautiful white sand beach in Kerala is popular among honeymoon couples and leisure seekers since there are a lot of activities to do like sunbathing, water sports, and Ayurveda.

Things to do in Kovalam Beach

  • Kovalam Beach offers a lot of adventurous activities such as boat rides and surfing.
  • If you’re into wellness, there are a lot of Ayurveda centres where you can enjoy body massages and relaxing treatments.
  • You can shop for a lot of jewellery, handicrafts, and clothing.
  • There are several fairs and festivals that happen in Kovalam Beach such as the Village Fair, the Elephant Festival, the Nishagandhi Dance Festival, and the Swati Thirunal Music Festival. The festivals mostly start from January and end in March.

Places to visit in Kovalam Beach

  • Lighthouse – This incredible lighthouse is located near Kurumkal area and offers spectacular views of the sea.
  • Karamana Stream – This stream, 12 miles away from Kovalam, has a lot of options for cruise trips, windsurfing and kayak trips.
  • Vellayani Lake – This beautiful pond is located just 7 miles from Kovalam. It takes on a completely different form in moonlight. Vellayani Lake is also the site for the famous vessel competition in Onam.
  • Edakallu – Located between Eve’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach, this is a great spot for watching sunsets.
  • Valiyathuru Pier – If you like fishing, then this place 10 miles from Kovalam is the ideal place to do it.
  • Kovalam Art Gallery – This is a great place to explore different types of traditional artworks and paintings.
  • Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple – This holy temple is located 12 miles away on the banks of the Karamana stream

Best time to visit Kovalam Beach

If you want to explore the magical beauty of Kovalam beach in Kerala, then you can visit it from September to March.

How to reach Kovalam Beach

  • Road: You’ll find regular buses from Trivandrum to Kovalam.
  • Rail: Trivandrum Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kovalam.
  • Air: Trivandrum International Airport receives both domestic and international flights from around the world and is the nearest airport to Kovalam.

Kollam Beach

Explore Kerala’s Top 8 Beaches for the Ultimate Unwind Experience

Also known as Quilon or Desinganadu, Kollam Beach is one of the best Kerala beach destinations that can offer you a diverse experience. This ancient seaport town is located between the Arabian Coast and Ashtamudi Lake.

  • This is one of the major hubs for fishery and cashew processing.
  • It’s also one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast.
  • Kollam has an ancient connection with the Chinese since they were believed to be the first community to settle in Kollam.
  • It’s one of the famous spice markets in the world, the word Kollam meaning pepper.
  • It’s a great place to explore lagoons, backwaters, and beaches.

Places to visit in Kollam Beach

  • Palaruvi Waterfalls
  • Mahatma Gandhi Beach
  • Ashtamudi Lake
  • Karunagappally

Best time to visit Kollam Beach

The best time to enjoy the beauty of Kollam Beach is from September to March.

Best time to visit Kovalam Beach

If you want to explore the magical beauty of Kovalam beach in Kerala, then you can visit it from September to March.

How to reach Kollam Beach

  • Road – Kollam is well connected by road to all major cities.
  • Rail – Kollam Junction, 4 kms away, is the nearest railway station.
  • Air – Trivandrum International Airport, 68 kms away, is the nearest international airport.

Kochi Beach

Explore Kerala’s Top 8 Beaches for the Ultimate Unwind Experience

A great option to spend your holidays in Kerala is Kochi Beach. This is one of Kerala’s best beaches that has its own fan following. Located on the western coast of India, it’s also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It’s one of the most serene beaches in Kerala that offers a lot of natural beauty for tourists.

  • Most tourists throng it for its tranquil environment which helps you unwind.
  • The iconic fort is one of the favourite attractions for tourists.
  • The Kochi festival that’s held every year is also one of the reasons why you should definitely visit Kochi.
  • A trip to Kochi Beach is incomplete without experiencing the Chinese fishing nets.
  • If you’re visiting Kochi on New Year’s Eve, then don’t miss the Kochi carnival.

Things to do in Kochi Beach

  • You can experience several beach activities such as beach walk, sunbathing, dolphin sighting, and swimming.
  • You can also enjoy boat rides to enjoy the backwaters in Fort Kochi and Mattanchery.
  • There are several Kathakali performances that are hosted during the events and festivals.
  • You can take a walk among the coastal pathway that runs along the backwaters
  • The festivals are a great time to visit Kochi.
  • You can experience all sorts of mouth-watering foods at Kochi Beach.

Places to visit in Kochi Beach

  • Fort Kochi – The cultural melting pot that is Fort Kochi makes it an irresistible addition to your itinerary. Walking by some of the popular streets such as Rose Street, Princess Street, and Tower Road can be an enriching experience.
  • Chinese Fishing Nets – You can see the Cheenavala or Chinese fishing nets on the entire seashore along Vypeen and Fort Kochi.
  • St. Francis Church – One of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India, St. Francis Church is believed to be the place where Vasco Da Gama was buried.
  • Jewish Synagogue – This outstanding relic of Jewish architecture was built in 1568. The Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers are a treat to watch.
  • Santa Cruz Basilica – This Portuguese church, built in 1505 is one of the eight Basilicas in India.
  • Dutch Palace – Another iconic Dutch relic is the Dutch Palace, a Portuguese palace that exhibits portraits and items from the Kochi Raja’s royal life.
  • Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary – This protected bird sanctuary is home to several migratory birds.

Best time to visit Kochi Beach

You can enjoy the best of Kochi in the months from October to March.

How to reach Kochi Beach

  • Road: Kochi is well connected by highways NH 47, 49, and 17. It also has private and state buses from all major cities.
  • Rail: Ernakulam is the nearest railway station.
  • Air: Cochin International Airport is the closest airport receiving both domestic and international flights.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach can definitely be one of Kerala’s famous beaches and it’s extremely popular among tourists. Located 30 kms from the city of Cochin, Cherai Beach is a beautiful confluence of sea and backwaters.

  • This beautiful beach has rolling sands on the one hand and paddy fields on the other.
  • The Chinese fishing nets and coconut trees are an added attraction.
  • Also known as Princess of the Arabian Sea, Cherai Beach is great for relaxing and enjoying picturesque views.

Things to do in Cherai Beach

  • The backwaters so close to the ocean is one of the main attractions.
  • There are several beach activities like sunbathing, surfing, and snorkelling. This is also a great place to see dolphins.
  • Bicycling through the villages is a great way to experience the countryside.
  • You can also participate in kite flying along with the locals.

Places to visit in Cherai Beach

  • Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple – This popular Hindu pilgrimage centre is the site of the biggest festival where the famous Elephant March happens.
  • Azheekkal Sree Varaha Temple – This is one of the first GS temples in Kerala and includes all seven gods of Gowda Saraswat rahims in Kerala.
  • Paddy fields – The green paddy fields extending towards the horizon are a treat to watch.
  • Munambam Fishing Harbour – This is famous because it draws millions of tourists interested in buying seafood.
  • Pallipuram Church – This Portuguese Church built in 1507 hosts a warm festival every year.
  • Pallipuram Fort – It’s one of the oldest European monuments in India whose front is in Manuelino style.
  • Backwaters – The lakes, lagoons, and canals merge here to create a stunning landscape.

Best time to visit Cherai Beach

Escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the charm of Cherai Beach from October to March.

How to reach Cherai Beach

  • Road: There are frequent buses from Cochin.
  • Rail: Aluva and Ernakulam are the nearest railway stations.
  • Air: Cochin also has the nearest international airport.

Thottada Beach

Explore Kerala’s Top 8 Beaches for the Ultimate Unwind Experience

This is one of the most quiet and serene beaches located 7 kms away from the Kannur railway station. It lies right between Kannur town and Thalassery city in Kerala. The Thottada river also flows to one end of the beach and meets the sea. It’s a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. You can enjoy basking in the sun or swimming in the soft waves.

  • It’s located 2.5 kms away from NH 66 in Thottada.
  • It’s an 800 meter long virgin beach where you can sunbathe to your heart’s glory
  • Thottada Beach has breathtaking natural beauty with laterite rocks, green palm trees, and blue tides.
  • You can try out some of the boat rides here.

Best time to visit Thottada Beach

You can escape the busy city and head on to the peaceful vibes of Thottada Beach from September to March.

How to reach Thottada Beach

  • Road: It’s well connected by roads.
  • Rail: Kannur Railway Station is the nearest railway point, 7 kms away.
  • Air: Cochin is the nearest railway station.

Bekal Beach

Located on the sprawling Malabar coastline, Bekal Beach is one of the most popular places among tourists for its backwaters, beaches, and fort. This little wonder on the Arabian Sea can offer some beautiful attractions and Keralite hospitality for the ardent leisure lovers. Its spectacular scenic beauty draws tourists from all over the world.

Bekal Beach is a fantastic place to rejuvenate in the communion of nature.

  • You can explore the Nityanandashram caves, forts, temples, and beaches at Bekal
  • The grand fort is a must-see on your trip to Bekal.
  • Don’t miss out on tasting the delicious “payasam” that the Bekal locals offer.
  • If you visit in Jan or March, you can enjoy the “Theyyam Performance”, a type of ritual dance.

Things to do in Bekal Beach

  • Bekal Beach takes on a different charm in the evening when the lights are lit.
  • A spectacular walkway gives you an enchanting view of the coast and the Bekal fort.
  • You can also rest on the multi sheds or the eru madams (Bekal tree houses) to enjoy the sea and breeze.
  • The backwaters is closeby at Kettuvallam where you can experience a traditional houseboat ride.
  • The local landscape of greens, ducks, and thatched houses is surely going to be a rejuvenating experience.

Places to visit in Bekal Beach

  • Kottancheri – Located 30kms away from Kanhangad, this is a popular hill station which offers several opportunities for trekking.
  • Posadigumpe – Ideal for a one-day trip, this beautiful place is located 18 kms from Mangalpady in Dharmathadka.
  • Valiyaparamba – 19 kms from Bekal, this breathtaking backwater stretch is at the confluence of four rivers.
  • Chandragiri – This place is famous for the Chandragiri fort and river with boat trips available.
  • Kappil Beach – This remote beach is 5 kms away from Bekal fort.
  • Bekal Fort – Spreading over 40 acres, the Bekal Fort has a striking architecture with tunnels and steps.
  • Azhithala Beach – This peaceful beach is located 25 kms away from Bekal.

Best time to visit Bekal Beach

September to March is the best time to visit Bekal.

How to reach Bekal Beachh

  • Road: Bekal is well connected to all the major cities, the nearest being Kasargod.
  • Rail: Kasargod, 16 kms away, is the nearest railway station.
  • Air: Mangalore has the nearest international airport.

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