Beaches in Kerala

One of the unique features of the beaches of Kerala are the clean sands bound by incessant rows of palm trees. This adds to the magic created by sunbathing, boating and swimming in these waters.

Papanasam Beach (Varkala)
Papanasam is a holy beach which means 'Destroyer of the sins'. Mineral water springs come gushing out from the cliffs bordering the beach  and are known for their medicinal qualities. The narrow road leading to the beach from Varkala is flanked by paddy fields and tall palm trees, on both sides. A Nature Cure Centre and a Jagannath Swamy (Vishnu) Temple are situated near the beach. Visitors can pay homage to Kerala's saint and reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

Alleppey Beach
Alleppey beach has a long stretch of shore that is laden by dense palm groves. The landscape around the beach is very fascinating. as is the rest of Kerala. A towering lighthouse overlooks the beach.

Kappad Beach
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on 27 May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels - a site which witnessed an event that changed the course of Indian history. 16 km away from Kozhikode (Calicut), the pleasant, calm beach, locally known as Kappakadavu, is studded with rocks and caressed by friendly waves.

Bekal Beach
The old-fashioned little town of Kasargode, 153 km North of Kozhikode, near the Karnataka border, is principally a fishing village. Flanked on both sides by long, ravishingly beautiful palm fringed beaches, the Bekal Fort stands proud on a promontory. This is one of the largest forts in Kerala and has been under the control of various powers including Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British. The fort's commanding position, with views across the bays to the North and the South are breath-taking.

Shanmugham Beach
This is a popular city beach very near the airport. An indoor recreation club, children's traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant are some of the facilities at the beach.