5 Best Beaches to Visit in Kerala

A coastal state flanked by the Arabian Sea; Kerala’s landscape offers some of the best beaches for you to explore. From beaches with a varied topography, historic ruins, ancient temples, to beaches that offer a sense of peace and calm, with only the sound of the sea to hear, Kerala’s beaches are diverse in nature.

Rough sands, roaring seas, and the smell of the ocean in the air as you walk along the beach, is the perfect way to view a memorable sunset at these beaches. What makes the beaches in Kerala stand apart though, are the experiences you can have that are truly unlike any other. From ayurvedic treatments, to early morning yoga sessions, and adventurous water sports, Kerala’s beaches strive to give its visitors a grand time.

From the many beaches that adorn its vast coastline, we bring to you the 5 of the best beaches in Kerala, things you can do during your visit, as well as the best times to explore it.

Here are the 5 best beaches we recommend you visit in Kerala:

Kovalam Beach
Varkala Beach
Alappuzha Beach
Kappad Beach
Marari Beach

Popular Tour Packages for Kerala

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam Beach - Popular Beach in Kerala

Kovalam Beach is among Kerala’s prized possessions. Made up of not one, but three crescent-shaped beaches, Kovalam is one of the best beaches to visit in Kerala. The three beaches that make up Kovalam include the Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, and the Hawa Beach. Although they fall next to each other, each of these beaches have something different to offer to its visitors.

Though beaches here are known for offering some mesmerizing views of the setting sun, they are also a hub for numerous water sport activities such as swimming, parasailing, surfing, body surfing, canoe rides, and catamaran cruising. At Kovalam, one of the most delightful things you can experience is boating through a beautiful landscape of swaying coconut trees and enchanting mangroves. While at the beaches of Kovalam, you can also rejuvenate yourself with a relaxing ayurvedic massage, enjoy authentic coconut water along the sea, indulge in some fresh setafood, and walk along the sandy beaches as you view the sun set as its reflection washes off the shores. Offering a relaxing atmosphere with low tides, and shallow water, life at the Kovalam Beach extends well into the night hours as well.

Best thing to Do at Kovalam Beach

Try your hand at one of the many water sports that are available, try authentic and fresh seafood delicacies at one of the beach shacks, and walk along the beach as you observe the setting sun.

Also Read: Best Tourist Destinations in Kerala

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala Beach- Popular Beach in Kerala

Located in the southern part of Kerala, Varkala Beach, or the Papanasam Beach, easily forms among the 5 best beaches that you must visit in Kerala. A much calmer beach as compared to others, the atmosphere at Varkala is an inviting one, leading people to spend at least a few days in its ambiance.

One of the popular activities to do here is swimming, which the waves of Varkala help you with. A cliffside beach, taking a morning, or an evening stroll is the best way to take in the beauty of this beach in its entirety, also offering an enchanting view of the setting sun. An ideal destination to spend your holidays in Kerala, Varkala’s beach has numerous shops and establishments for you to explore. Spend some time at one of the many cozy cafes, let yourself have a nice sunbathing session, or go for a relaxing ayurvedic massage during your visit. Varkala has numerous things that you can do to relax and rejuvenate. Apart from ayurveda massages, Varkala is now becoming an active center for yoga as well, offering sessions for visitors and those who wish to train themselves alike. While in Varkala, don’t miss out on the Janardhana Swami Temple, known for being as old as 2,000 years old!

Best Thing to Do at Varkala Beach

Explore one of the many cozy cafes and open sky restaurants for authentic and delicious food, try out a relaxing ayurvedic massage, enjoy the warm sun in a sunbathing session, and go for a refreshing yoga session by the beach.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kerala for Families and Couples

Alappuzha Beach, Kerala

Alappuzha Beach Kerala - Kerala Tourism

Known for its enchanting backwaters, the beautiful district of Alappuzha, or Alleppey is equally known for its sandy beaches. A spread of golden sand along the expanse of the waving ocean, Alappuzha Beach is one that is wrapped in beauty and history. A piece of history that the beach preserves within its confines is the 137 year old pier stretching into the sea and lying in ruins, yet still remains one of the popular attractions of Alleppey Beach.

Along with the historic pier, the beach is also known for its lighthouse, a site of fascination for many. Built in 1862, the lighthouse, which once was painted all white, was helpful in guiding ships to the sea port when the sea port of Alleppey was among the major trading routes of Kerala. From the lighthouse, you can get a marvelous view of the beach and the surrounding region. Although the Alappuzha Beach is a fun and popular one, there are a limited number of watersports you can do here such as surfing, parasailing, and motorboat riding. A lively beach, the Alappuzha Beach is also the center of numerous fairs and festivals, popular among them being Alappuzha Beach Festival, and the Sand Art Festival, attracting crowds of people with its atmosphere.

Best Thing to Do at Alappuzha Beach

Explore the 137 year old ruined pier, the old lighthouse by the sea, and take a walk along the beach for the view of the setting sun. Try out a relaxing ayurvedic massage or a yoga session in the early morning hours or indulge in the local snacks by a food truck.

Also Read: Top Things to Do in Kerala

Kappad Beach, Kerala

Kappad Beach Kerala - Tourism Kerala

A major landmark in the history of Kerala, Kappad Beach is where the Portuguese traveler, Vasco da Gama first stepped foot in the subcontinent, centuries ago. What would then change the future of Kerala, Vasco da Gama, along with 170 men arrived at the shores of Kerala in 1498, later establishing the Malabar Coast as a major trading route.

A landscape of sand under your feet, gushing waves that welcome you, along with the swaying trees of coconut, Kappad Beach is truly a paradise. Hills and rocks that adorn the beach only add further to its beauty. At the beach, you can easily spend the day exploring shacks, viewing birds, native and migratory, and visiting historic landmarks around the beach. While at the beach, you must visit the stone monument that marks the arrival of Vasco da Gama as a reminder to all. Also to explore is the nearby temple of Thiruvangad Sree Rama Swami, said to have been in existence for more than 800 years. A mix of history and serenity, Kappad Beach in Kerala is among its most important beaches, and one of the best beaches that you must explore during your visit to this coastal state.

Best Thing to Do at Kappad Beach

Visit the stone memorial dedicated to Vasco da Gama’s arrival, visit the 800 year old temple of Thiruvangad Sree Rama Swami, take a walk along the beach and indulge in local snacks and observe the many birds that fly across the skies of the Kappad Beach.

Also Read: Must Visit Beaches in India

Marari Beach, Kerala

Marari Beach Kerala - Kerala Beach Tourism

Mararikulam, also lovingly referred to as the Marari Beach is a quiet, but serene destination in Kerala. Presenting an environment that is laid back and mellow, Marari Beach easily forms the list of the best beaches to visit in Kerala. A fishermen’s village, seeing them fish and their way of life is a popular attraction at Marari.

As you stroll through the beach and its village, you will get to experience a much quieter yet diligent way of living, where you can observe the daily routine of the fishermen at a closer glance. Watching them untangle their fishing nets as they head out to sea for a catch, seeing them get away on their boats, and observing them, as they too, sit around the sand and relish in the setting sun after a day’s work is something that you will surely remember. A beach that can be considered slightly offbeat, since it lacks the usual amount of crowd you would otherwise observe at beaches, Marari Beach offers a pleasant time to its visitors, allowing you to reconnect with nature, and yourself. The perfect destination to enjoy life at a slower place, Marari Beach in Kerala is a place that you must not miss out visiting.

Best Thing to Do at Marari Beach

Soak up the warm sun with a sunbathing session as you stroll along the beach, explore the local villages and their lifestyle, visit a traditional ayurvedic center for a refreshing experience, and indulge in the local cuisine at a homestay.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit Summer in South India

Best Time to Visit the Beaches in Kerala

Kovalam Beach Tour Kerala

Being a coastal state, cyclones are a common occurrence in Kerala, which is why it is recommended to avoid going to the state during the monsoon season. Monsoons in Kerala occur between the months of June to September, when the state sees extreme rainfall and intense humidity, making it an unpleasant time to travel. Also recommended to avoid are the months of March to May, when it is the summer season in Kerala. Between these months, the state experiences the extreme heat and humidity of the summer months. Which is why, the best time to visit beaches in Kerala is between the months of October to February, when there is minimal rainfall and heat, an ideal season to explore Kerala, when you can spend a good chunk of the day outdoors.

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5 Best Beaches to Visit in Kerala

Here are the 5 best beaches we recommend you visit in Kerala:

Popular Tour Packages for Kerala