What could be better than a day at the beach? The golden shores, the clear waters and cool breeze. Kerala is strewn with several beautiful beaches for you yo explore and enjoy.

Alappuzha beach

Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in Kerala. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old.

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty, this Backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Fort Kochi Beach

A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural interfaces is seen in the remains of the Indo-European architecture here. Cochin Carnival on the New Year eve is a colourful festival not to be missed at the beach site.
 
Kovalam Beach

On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam. This sleepy town spotted itself on the tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered. Today beach of Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes Kovalam beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come true.

Varkala beach

Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2,000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here  .

Beypore Beach

Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel. The Beypore Beach has a bridge built nearly 2 kms into the sea. It is actually made up of huge stones piled together for nearly 2 kms making a pathway into the sea.

Ezhimala Beach

Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala, 55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque. Fascinating sculptured stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Ezhimala is poised to occupy a significant niche on the naval history of India when one of the largest naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy is being developed here.

Kappad beach

Kappad, the historic beach. It is the beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels, thus discovering a sea route to India. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.

Muzhappilangad Beach

Muzhappilangad, one of the longest beaches in Kerala is located 15 kms south of Kannur. The long beach is the only drive-in beach in India. Still untouched, this long, clean beach protected by the black rocks from the deep currents, make its shallow water a swimmer's paradise.

One can drive down the entire length of 4 kms from Kannur to Tellicherry. The enchanting ambience of the beautiful Muzhappilangad beach invites one to swim, sunbathe, or just laze around. From Muzhappilangad, one can view the Dharmadam Island or the Green Island. A remarkable conjunction of beach and island is just across the Anjarakkandy River.

Payyambalam Beach

The Payyambalam beach located near the Kannur town is one of the beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala. This beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening.

Quiet, secluded, beautiful, this enchanting sandy beach bordering Kannur is famous as the mortal remains of Swadeshabimani Ramakrishna Pillai, A.K. Gopalan, Pamban Madavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort. The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development into a tourist resort.

Trivandrum Beach

Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the 'Matsya Kanyaka', a gigantic 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here. The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing.

Shankhumugham Beach is a popular city beach situated near to the airport. This beach provides good facilities like an indoor recreation club, children's traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant.
Thangassery Beach

Located 5 kms from Kollam town is the Thangassery Beach, which is a sea side village of historic importance. The rural settlement has the ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. The 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse is open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.