| Beaches of Kerala |
The 590 km long coastal line has played a major role in shaping the life and culture of the people of Kerala. The coasts of God's own country have always attracted foreigners- earlier it was for trade and empires now it is a heaven of beach buffs and travelers. Blessed with a number of beautiful, tranquil beaches along the coast the only thing that is ubiquitous is the life tree of the Keralites- the coconut tree. The laidback ambience of the beaches of Kerala is a must visit to soothe your soul. This write-up gives a brief of few of the important beaches in Kerala.
 Fort Kochi Beach
Overlooking the Arabian Sea in the backdrop of the legendary Chinese fishing nets, this place is ideal to spend a lazy evening viewing the romantic sunset. The granite walkway between the beach and Vasco da Gama Square where numerous stalls sell fresh seafood throughout the day is a popular destination. Visitors also have the option of getting their fresh catch cooked according to their individual tastes at the nearby shacks by waterfront along the esplanade. This beach also becomes a major attraction on New Year's Day, with a colourful carnival
 Cherai Beach
Located on one end of Vypeen Island, around 26 from Ernakulam, Cherai beach is perfect for a beach experience sans crowds and vendors. The added attraction is that it has golden sands of the beach on one side and palm fringed backwaters on the other. This place is connected by boat from Fort Kochi and now also by road with the improved road system.
 Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse beach is the largest and most popular beach in Kovalam. A lighthouse at the southern end of the beach which protrudes into the sea is the reason why the beach is called so. The 35 meter tall red and while painted lighthouse is a popular joint for tourists here. It area around the lighthouse tower offers a spectacular view of the lighthouse beach and Hawah beach
 Hawah Beach
Hawah beach or Eve's beach named so after European women beachcombers who used to stroll in hordes along its sands is the second largest beach in Kovalam. This relatively less crowded beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing and surfboarding and slaos for its beachfront open-air restaurants and resorts. The beach offers an awesome view while dining on the seafront patios enjoying the exquisite Kerala cuisine.
 Samudra Beach
This beach is primarily used by native fishermen who get their catch from its shores. At dawn we can see some fishing activity leaving the crescent shaped beach peaceful for the rest of the day. Catamarans seen dotting the shores is a sight in itself.
 Poovar Beach
Situated about 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Poovar is a peaceful getaway with the quality of any other beach sans the crowds. It is a pristine, unspoilt beach a few kilometers from the famed Kovalam. Poovar which is enveloped by the most serene backwaters offers a clean, sandy beach. It is totally worth your money here. Poovar also offers an unparalleled experience of rural Kerala.
 Varkala beach
It is an enchanting place which mesmerizes you with its marine charms and godly power. This picturesque landscape is located 54 km north-west of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), This is the best place along the Kerala coastline where you can see the sun like a golden ball that sinks into the sea. It is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These cliffs have a unique geological feature, that is why it is known as "Varkala Formation" as recognized by the Geological Survey of India.
 Shankhumugham beach
Thiruvananthapuram also boasts of its very own beautiful and pristine beach, the Shankhumugham beach, an ideal place to come with family and friends for relaxation and viewing lovely sunsets. The evenings are fun filled, as people gather here to relax and vendors sell snacks and assorted wares. There is also a very interesting indoor sports centre to visit which is built by the royal family of Travancore without any supporting pillars, an amazing architectural feat.
 Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha beach is a rather sedate and plebian unlike many other counterparts in Kerala. The beach is well kept and the promenade is packed during the evenings by people who wish to catch a glimpse of the heavenly sunset here. There is also a statue of a fisher woman cradling a baby her arms.
Beaches of Kanyakumari
Within a radius of 30km there are around 5 beaches in Kanyakumari like Chothavilai, Sanguthurai, Muttom, Vattakottai and Thengapattinam. The beaches at Kanyakumari come with the entire paraphernalia like horse rides, curio shops and a breathtaking view of sunset. However overcrowding at these beaches is an issue and deprives the visitors of the quietude one would associate with beaches. The tsunami memorial built in memory of the 12,500 Indians who lost their life in the 2004 Tsunami is also worth visiting.
|
|
|
|
