Down in the south-west of India, Kerala is an amazing state to visit. As well as having a strong reputation for its rich culture, it’s got loads of fascinating scenery you can explore (the backwaters are particularly famous). If you’re planning to have your next – or first! – Indian adventure here, make sure you include its beaches on your itinerary.
- KerKerala best beacheskadavoor
Ok, so lying around on the coast might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you decide to travel around India, but Kerala’s absolutely stunning shores – which are pretty much covered in gorgeous beaches – make doing so a must. In fact, this is one of the best things about taking a trip to explore Kerala.
So, where can you find its best beaches?
- Kerala beachesVineet Radhakrishnan
North Kerala
Well known for its beautiful beaches, North Kerala is a great place to start exploring the coast. What’s really nice about this region is that many of the beaches are secluded and unspoilt, while others are great places to check out some traditional Keralan performance art.
If you like the sound of a quiet spot, Muzhapilangad beach (around 15 km from Kannur) has got to make it on to your to-do list. You can drive all the way along this 4 km stretch of sand, but don’t worry – it’s not rammed with cars or tourists. In fact, this spot has a great unexplored feel and, despite its beauty, it somehow remains secluded, which makes it perfect if you want to get away from the crowds.
Palm groves fringe the beach, so there’s a decent amount of shade, and thanks to large rocks in the water there’s a fantastic, calm pool that’s ideal for swimming. The nearest train station is Kannur, but if you’re travelling by road it’s even easier to reach, since National Highway 17 is just 1 km away.
Many of the beaches located south of Kannur host Theyyam regularly. This is an intense form of ritual dance that’s often performed all through the night, and the beaches here are some of the best places to see it at its most authentic. So, while you’re travelling, it’s worth checking whether your hotel or tour guide knows of any scheduled performances.
South Kerala
South Kerala’s also home to its fair share of gorgeous beaches. Kovalam beach, around 16 km from Thiruvanthapuram city, is a renowned spot on the coast – and with good reason. There are three crescent beaches here, all of which are sheltered by rocks and fringed with coconut groves. Plus, there are lots of great seafood restaurants that look out over it.
Another popular option is Alappuzha beach, which is only around 2 km from the city centre. The walk from the centre of Alappuzha to the seashore is pretty and there’s a decent amount of shade, so it’s worth walking if you can. This is a particularly popular beach, thanks to things like its old pier (which is around 140 years old) and a good picnic spot – but it’s not safe to swim here.
A quieter southern beach is Kappil, just 6 km away from Bekal Fort (a popular attraction that’s worth visiting if you get the chance). This is a great place to relax and soak up some sun after spending time at busy Bekal.
[box type=”tick”]That said, if you’re happier to hit a busier beach now and again, it could be worth heading to Bekal beach if you decide to visit the fort, since the two are really close together. This is a beautiful stretch of sand, plus there’s a grassy park and sometimes on weekends there’s circus entertainment too.[/box]
