Home » Working Women » Travel » Beaches of Kerala The Southern State of Kerala isn't just about the backwaters. It's about miles of sunny beaches and palm fringed coves.

Alleppey Beach

Alleppey Beach is a long sandy spectacular beach with dense palm groves (that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape) at one end. A towering lighthouse overlooks the beach. Be careful though - the waters at Allepey beach are turbulent.

Bekal Beach

Bekal Beach is situated at the Northern tip of Kerala and is being touted as the destination of the future. Bekal has palm-fringed beaches. The Bekal fort, one of the largest forts in Kerala, stands sentinel over the beach. Perched on a promontory, it has breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

Kappad

Kappad beach has a hoary history. Vasco Da Gama landed on Kappad beach in 1498. A pillar marks the event. The pleasant, calm beach, locally known as Kappakadavu is fairly rocky.

It is situated 16 k.m from Kozhikode.

Kovalam

Kovalam Beach lies 10 k.m south of Thiruvananthapuram and is a great low budget get away because restaurants and lodging houses abound in Kovalam. Today, Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam consists of two palm-fringed coves, separated from the beaches on either side by rocky headlands and coconut groves. There are three stretches of beach - Hawa, Samudra and Lighthouse.

Kovalam is now not merely a destination for a relaxing beach holiday. It is also expanding its potential by introducing ayurvedic massages, holistic centres, nature cures, meditation clinics and yoga.

Varkala

Varkala is a good bet for the spiritually inclined. Steep cliffs border the beach and the spring water gushing from between the rocks has medicinal qualities. There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Ancient Janardhana Swamy (Vishnu) temple is close by.Varkala is a destination for Hindu pilgrims who perform 'Vavu Bali' during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam.

Varkala is a good rest stop while travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam (37 k.m) and Thiruvananthapuram (54 k.m).

Vypeen Island

There are ferry services between Vypeen Island and Fort Cochin. Vypeen boasts a fairly good beach. Cherai, about 18 k.m from Vypeen is a good bet. It also has a 16thcentury fort and a lighthouse.

For more information on beaches in God's own country, click on: www.keralastate.com