Beaches

THE BIZARREOUS BEACHES OF KERALA

Kerala has a 600 kilometre shoreline speckled with some of the famous, most charming beaches of the world along with coconut groves, natural harbours, lagoons and sheltered bays. The sun kissed beaches of Kerala are known for their natural abundance and pictographic sceneries and are still untouched by commercialization.

Beaches are also home to a variety of luscious seafood and thrilling water sports. The most demanded beaches in Kerala are Alappuzha, Bekal, Kappad, Kozhikode, Marari, Muzhapilangad, Nattika, Padinjarakkara, Muzhappilangad, Payyambalam, Payyoli, Shankhumugham, Thirumullavaram, Vallikunnu and Varkala. There are still many unpolluted virgin beaches which are being developed into popular beaches.

Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode, the most important region of Malabar, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center.It was here at Kappad that Vasco Da Gama landed in his search for the spices of the Orient. Today the serene beaches, grassy countryside, historic sites, all combine to make this a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience.

Kozhikode Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Its natural beauty and charm makes it a dreamy place to visit. A stretch of nearly three kilometers skirting the broad sands of the beach, this boulevard is quit during the heat of the day except for the Marine Aquarium at the northern end, which draws a few straggly visitors. Located three kilometers from the lighthouse, the aquarium has a rich collection of marine and fresh water fish. At dusk, there is a transformation when the rows of sodium vapour lamps sprouting from the tall elegant posts on the median, flicker to life. People wander onto the promenade. A slew of vehicles pull over along the edge of the road. Pushcarts, offering an assortment of snacks, emerge from the adjoining streets. Scattered beachfront eateries and ice cream parlours stir to life. Go to Dolphin’s Point at dawn, and take a walk, you may see frolicking dolphins.

The beach has an old lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Children can be entertained at the Lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium. Fishermen with their small rowing boats entering the sea, fighting the wave and returning with varieties of fish is worth watching.

Muzhappilangad Beach

Muzhappilangad Beach is 15 km South of Kannur and only 8 km from Thalassery. Beach. The Muzhapilangad beach which stretches across four kilometers of sand is a drive-in beach where one can drive down the entire length. Huge black rocks scattered here protect tranquil pool of shallow waters that is a swimmer’s paradise. This beautiful beach is the only drive-in beach in God’s own country. Believe it or not, you can drive down the entire 5 km length .A unique treat to your senses. Muzhappilangad is a small coastal village in Kannur district in the Indian state of  Kerala. From Muzhappilangad you can see the Dharmadam Island (Pacha Thuruth) just across the Ancharakkandy River. The nearest town to Muzhappilangad is Thalassery which is 7 km away. The District Headquarters Kannur is about 13 km from Muzhappilangad.Muzhappilangad is famous for “Thalappoli”, a local three day festival celebrated in March in “Sree Koormba Temple”. In this festival devotees take Kalasham (a sacred brass receptacle) and walk kilometers to the Temple to show their respect to the Goddess. Calm and serene, the place is secluded and remains unexplored. The palm plantation boundaring the beach are a cool hideaway from the tropical sun.

Nattika Beach

Located near the ancient port of Muziris, one of the earliest gateways and trade centers of Kerala, this quaint beach is one of the newest innovations in beach tourism. The beach is equi-distance (30 Kilometers) from Thrissur city, Guruvayoor, Kodungallur and Irinjalakuda. It is three kilometers from the temple town of  Thriprayaar. Tourism has just sprouted to make inroads into this wide and virgin beach blessed with an endless stretch of golden sand and graciously swaying palm trees.  Nattika’s endless coconut plantations are worth seeing.A typical village environment purifies  the atmosphere and it is an ideal place for people who prefer a holiday that spells solitude and calmness. The resorts in the beaches provide all modern facilities with a Kerala village environment. Prime attractions include backwater cruise on countryboats, elephant rides, deep-sea fishing, beach volleyball and badminton. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 60 km away from Nattika Beach. ThrissurRailway Station situated 30 km away from the beach is the closest railway station.

Padinjarakara Beach

Ponnani is crowned by the second-longest river of Kerala, ‘Bharathapuzha’ which joins together with ‘Tirur-Ponnani Puzha’ to merge into the Arabian Sea. It is the seasonal home to thousands of migratory birds from all over the world which entices myriad of bird-watchers and ornithologists. By crossing the ferry of Chamaravattom in the month of March and May, we can witness the loveliest sight of beautiful chain of birds lingering on the shore. Nearly 50 multiplicities of birds have been identified in this area. People are very careful and aware of protecting these birds from secret hunters so that they can feel like their homeland and come in large number in the succeeding years. At the end of the Tipu Sultan Road near Ponnani, the captivating beach offers an astounding view of the union of the three rivers- Bharathapuzha, Tirur puzha and the Arabian Sea

Payyambalam Beach

This lovely shore is 2km from Kannur town in Kannur district. This one is the biggest beach of Kannur which attracts people from all over the world. Quiet, secluded, this beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening. At the doorway there is a garden along with a statue of a mother and child, a magnomopous work of famous sculpture ‘Kanayi Kunhiraman’. More people come to this park in the evening, however a little further; you can treat yourself with shimmering view of the sunset in a calm atmosphere. The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development into a tourist resort.

Payyolli Beach

The small village of Payyoli is one of the most outstanding tourism destinations in Kozhikode. Located at a distance of 30kms from the city, the village is well known for its beach called Payyoli Beach. India’s sprint Queen, P. T. Usha nicknamed as ‘Payyoli Express’ hails from this village. She made her practiceson this beach and brought fame not only to the beach or village but alsoto the country.Payyoli Beach is a long wide golden sandy secluded beach studded by groves of swaying coconut palms and shallow water is a supreme place for water sports. A massive rock ‘Velliyamkallu’ that narrates the heroic story of Kunjali  Marakkar is situated 13 km away from the beach. At its southern edge stands the  ‘Thikkodi lighthouse’ built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can be seen five kilometres offshore. There is a Nature Conservation Centre called ‘Theeram’, initiated by fishermen to save endangered Olive Ridley turtles. During November  and December, you can see a whole lot of them coming to the shore to lay eggs.

One and half kilometres north of Payyoli, the sand bank at the bay of the Moorad River is an asylum for birds. On the southern banks of the Moorad River, at Kottakal,is the humble dwelling of Kunjali Marakkar, the valiant admiral of the King Zamorin, which has been preserved as a museum.

 

Shanmugham Beach

Shanmugham beach is a favourite haven of sunset watchers. This is a popular city beach located near to the Trivandrum International Airport. This beach of Kerala makes a wise refreshing holiday option for holidaymakers. This beach is widely acclaimed as one of the safest and hygienic beaches of Kerala. It is one among the favourite tourists center of foreigners. Several recreational facilities are available on the beach. Right at the entrance of the beach is a gigantic sculpture of a ‘Nymph’ (Malsya kanyaka), coupled with an indoor recreation club, probably the oldest in the state. It is made up of teakwood flooring and wooden galleries. Boxing championships are regularly held here. Built in 1914, by the royal family of Travancore, this building without any supporting pillars is known as ‘Thoonilla Kottarams’ (palace without pillars).

 The most popular Velli Tourists Village is also situated nearby which adds beauty to the beach. A children’s traffic training park along with a splendid and impressive star shaped restaurant are the othermagnificent delights which fascinate many tourists to this beach. This is the main beach of the city.

Thirumullavaram Beach

This beach is located at Kollam (Quilon), the ancient port city on the Arabian Coast. Kollam also has an epithet as the “Gateway to the backwaters of Kerala”, and thus this  terrain is an outstanding tourist destination in Kerala. Kollam town is well-occupied with beautiful beaches. Thirumullavaram
beach is a perfect point for a delightful pleasure trip.

Unmapped and untouched by time, the beach offers undiluted tranquility and peace of mind. This is a wonderland with coconut trees all around. This is an idyllic place for morning walk, swimming and bathing. In the dawn, we can see the fishermen venturing into deep sea for their catch of the day. This beach has all the resources for every discerning visitor. This beach is away from the hubbub of the infuriating crowd of the city. This place will give carousing and revitalizing experience as it is the favourite haunt of both locals and tourists and is easily accessible from anywhere in Kerala. The beach has golden sands and the turquoise blue sea which makes the picture ‘perfect’.

Vallikunnu Beach

Vallikunnu beach welcomes her guests with a thick array of coconut plantations and pleasure of serene nature. You will experience a spiritual union with the nature here because Mother Nature is in her bridal wear at Vallikunnu beach. A beach resort built in the middle of coconut plantation is the prime attraction here.

The famous Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is just a stonecast away. This beach is not much explored. With its segregated beauty,the Vallikunnu beach is also a place to indulge in a leisure game of volleyball and other outdoor games. You can recharge yourself by having a prolonged bath in the cool water of the beach. Observe the local fishing folk going to their day-to-day activities,chat with them or explore the nearby village – you will surely have an agreeable beach holiday at Vallikunnu. You will also get the golden opportunity to visit the popular Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary which welcomes a thousand varieties of feathered friends from all over the world. Its unparallel grace where nature has explored herself in a very effective way is truly a sensation!

Next Page »