The state is known to have been dotted with some of the most charming beaches, which are among the prime attractions for Indian and foreign tourists.
These beaches serve every purpose: action-packed water sports, leisure time under the sun, or a fun-filled party vacation. Amongst the most popular are the beaches at Kovalam, Varkala, Marari, Kannur, Alappuzha, Bekal, Kappad, Somatheeram, and Chowara. Besides the usual activities, one can also indulge in blissful Ayurvedic massages, which have turned out to be one of the best things to do on the beaches in Kerala.
Here are the top 20 beaches in Kerala to spend holidays with your loved ones.
1. Varkala Beach, Varkala
The Varkala situated at Pythal Mala hill station, is an important religious place for the Hindus. It is the only place in southern Kerala where you can see cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Varkala has various tourist attractions, such as Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, etc.
The Nearest railway station is Varkala, about 3 km away.
The Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 57 km away.
2. Marari Beach, Alappuzha
A tour to Marari Beach in Kerala is an exquisite idea. Marari is a local fishing village in Kerala. Marari is considered “virgin territory,” where you can experience the local charm and traditional Keralan hospitality at its best. Moreover, Marari is a lovely picnic spot where you can bathe in the surging waves and get the pleasure of being spoiled by bounteous nature.
The nearest railway station is at Alleppey 16 km.
The Nearest airport is Kochi Airport 74 km.
3. Poovar Beach in Kerala
The lovely River Neyyar and the Arabian Sea are separated by a stunning beach with golden sand and a light breeze. The picture-perfect beach, which can only be reached by water taxi, is made even more beautiful by the waving coconut palms, and it is one of the leading tourists spots in Kerala.
The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram, about 23 km away.
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 25 km away.
4. Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala’s most well-liked and developed beach. Kovalam, a beach frequently compared to Goa’s Calangute and Baga beaches, is close to Trivandrum, the state’s capital. Actually, it is made up of two main coves: Lighthouse Beach and Hawaii, also known as Eve’s Beach. The larger and busier of the two, Lighthouse has a promenade lined with outdoor dining options.
Activities at Kovalam Beach are Parasailing, Diving, Fishing, etc.
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 15 km away
The nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central Railway Station, about 15 km away.
5. Muzhappilangad Beach
The only drive-in beach, Muzhappilangad, has been featured by the BBC as one of the ‘6 Best Beaches for Driving in the World’. Located in the Kannur district of Kerala, Muzhappilangad beach is largely visited by tourists on a Kerala trip.
The most exciting part is that many young locals come to Muzhappilangad beach and perform stunts on their respective cars and bikes, and they are a total treat to watch.
The nearest railway station is Kannur at a distance of 15 km.
The nearest airports is Karipua International Airport at a distance of 100 km.
6. Kanwatheertha Beach, Kasaragod
Kanwatheertha Beach in Manjeswaram is popular due to a sizable structure in the midst of the water that resembles a swimming pool. Its expansive beach is the ideal place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a delicious picnic. Families can be seen joyfully strolling around and taking a cooling plunge as they take in the pleasant weather and picturesque scenery.
The nearest railway station is Kasaragod, about 30 km.
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 29 km.
7. Ezhimala Beach, Kannur
The Ezhimala beach has a hillock standing erect at 286 m. The most famous Naval Academy in Kerala is being developed here. Aqua-Tourism is one of the most significant characteristics of Kerala, and Ezhimala beach is a distinctive spot to substantiate this essential feature.
The nearest railway station is Payyannur, about 12 km.
The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport, about 60 km.
8. Cherai Beach, Kochi
Cherai Beach is situated at the northern tip of Vypin Island. It is an ideal beach for partaking in swimming. Then, take a leisurely walk, soaking in the serenity. Do not forget to collect seashells, which are available in various colors and shapes at the beach. Dolphin spotting is another popular activity here. The beach is quite close to the very popular Chinese fishing nets. Cherai beach has a coastline of 15 km, which is very clean and ideal for sunbathing.
The nearest railway station: is Ernakulam Railway Station, around 40 km away.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 20 km away.
9. Beypore Beach, Kadavu
The traditional boat builders at Beypore Khalasis were famous as the manufacturers of Uru, the boats used mainly by Arabs for trading overseas. The ancient Uru has an indigenous design that has been passed down through generations. Witnessing an Uru take shape at the expert hands of a Khalasi is a truly unforgettable experience.
The nearest railway station is at Kanhangad and Kasaragod, approx 12 km away.
The nearest airport is the Calicut airport at Karipur, 23 km.
10. Bekal Beach, Kasaragod
Bekal Beach in far-northern Kerala, which is about 90 minutes by car from Mangalore Airport in Karnataka, is well-known for having one of Kerala’s biggest historic forts. The beaches are clear and pristine, but upscale hotels have already begun to appear, giving it the ideal location for a luxurious vacation. The stunning Taj Vivanta is the most well-liked resort.
The nearest railway station is Kanhangad Railway Station, about 10 km
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 50 km from Kasaragod town
11. Kappad Beach, Kozhikode
On May 7th, 1498, Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad with 170 sailors, revealing the gem called India to the European world. This rock-studded golden beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. This beach’s distinctive feature is a sprawling rock protruding into the sea. The temple that stands on that monolith is said to be 800 years old. A heady cocktail of history and beauty makes this beach an unconventional beach resort.
The nearest railway station is Kozhikode, about 35 km and
The nearest airport is Calicut Internatinal Airport, about 45 km.
12. Kappil Beach, Varkala
Kappil beach is immaculate, moderately shallow, and attracts many tourists as it provides them with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. If you are lucky, you can also see the Dolphins here.
Kappil beach is a lovely place where people come for picnics or visit the site as a favorite weekend getaway, where you can bathe in the cascading waves and get the pleasure of solitary saunters along the beach.
The Nearest railway station is Varkala, about 7 km
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 55 km
13. Kizhunna Ezhara Beach, Kannur
In the Edakkad panchayath of the Kannur district, there is a tiny fishing village called Kizhunna. Kizhunna and Ezhara are two beaches that the general population has mostly ignored. These two beaches provide the greatest areas for visitors to unwind outside of the monsoon season and when the sea is calm. Sea trawling is popular along these expansive beaches. Additionally, there are bicycle facilities at the beaches. Despite the fact that visitors have started to visit, the facilities are very poor. These two beaches, Kizhunna and Ezhara, would undoubtedly draw international attention if properly developed, just like any other beach.
The nearest railway station is Kannur, about 11 km
The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport, about 25 km.
14. Padinharekara Beach, Malappuram
One of Malappuram’s most picturesque destinations to come for a tranquil experience is Padinharekara Beach, also known as Padinjarekara Beach. Experience a sunset from this beach, one of Malappuram’s most breathtaking activities.
You will be amazed by the sight of the rivers Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha as they flow toward the Arabian Sea at the very end of the renowned Tipu Sultan Road. The beautiful sand beach is surrounded by palm trees, which draws lots of visitors.
The nearest railway station is Kuttipuram, about 24 km
The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, about 53 km
15. Pallikere Beach, Kasaragod
A popular tourist destination is the Kochi festival, which takes place every year on the Pallikere beach’s white sands. Pallikere beach is a popular destination for travelers. This small beach has several amenities for relaxation and recreation and provides a magnificent view of the fort. This stunning stretch of beach and shallow water provides a breathtaking view of the Bekal fort. There is plenty of room for amusement and relaxation at the public beach. Pallikere will be one of the nation’s top beaches when the amenities there reach international standards. The Bekal fort is close enough to walk to the beach.
The nearest railway station is Kasaragod railway station at a distance of 17 km.
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport at a distance of 50 km.
16. Payyamblam Beach, Kannur
Payyambalam beach is also called the beach of Kannur town. Kanayi Kunhiraman’s massive landscaped sculpture of a mother and child standing amidst the well-laid-out garden is exceptionally charming. This sculpture makes the beach all the more beautiful. Moreover, this quiet and secluded stretch of sand is the best locale for a relaxed evening. Aqua-Tourism is one of the most significant characteristics of Kerala, and Payyambalam beach is a distinctive spot to substantiate this essential feature.
The nearest railway station is Kannur, about 2 km.
The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, about 93 km south.
17. Shanghumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Shankumugham Beach, which is located near Thiruvananthapuram, is a charming area with lovely white beaches, pearl waves, and a picturesque ambiance to entice you. This beach, which is miles away from the bustling masses and closer to the healing arms of nature, is a great place to arrange a weekend escape or watch the magnificent sunset.
The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 7 km
The Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport is a short drive away
18. Tanur Beach, Malappuram
In the Malappuram district, there is a beach called Tanur. Like other beaches, this one is particularly picturesque and popular. This beach is close to Tanur, a fishing community. Tanur Beach has historical value because it was the site of some of the earliest Portuguese settlements in India. This beach serves as a reminder of Kerala’s former splendor. St. Francis Xavier arrived in this area in the 16th century. This beach is home to a large number of palm trees, under which you can relax. Here, ecotourism is carried out ethically.
The nearest railway station is Tanur railway station at a distance of 2 km.
The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport at a distance of 36 km.
19. Thangassery Beach, Kollam
The distance betweenKollam‘s central city and Thangassery Beach is 5 kilometers. There are barely 3 kilometers of beach. Any time of day, you are welcome to take a leisurely stroll along the shores of the golden sand beach. With the sea nearby, palm trees and coconut trees are in fact a sight to behold. Beach swimming is popular among the populace. You can also participate in a variety of thrilling activities, such as scuba diving, speedboat rides, catamaran rides, and surfing. People are seen taking advantage of the sun. Consider spa treatments as well for complete relaxation. Deep sea fishing can be done in this location.
The nearest railway station is Kollam Railway Station 5 km.
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport 66 km.
20. Vallikunnu Beach, Malappuram
Kerala offers some of the best beaches in the world, many of which are serene, quiet, and mesmerizing. At the Vallikkunnu beach in the Malappuram district, you can ride the waves, sunbathe, construct sandcastles, or just sift sand through your toes. You may unwind and relax by doing anything here. The main draws in this area are a beach resort located in the heart of a coconut grove, together with the nearby Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary.
The nearest railway station is Tirur, about 25 km away.
The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, about 20 km away.