Backwaters of Kerala

The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou. In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises.

Kerala has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, internationally known, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. The beaches and shorelines of Kerala, washed by the pleasant tropical sun, are peaceful and pristine as ever and contribute to the attraction of domestic and international tourists.

Beaches of Kerala are at their best in Kovalam. Situated on the South, Kovalam Beach is full of swaying coconut trees and has gained fame with the sea surfers all over the world. Kerala is known throughout the world as one of the world’s best beach destinations. The beaches of Kerala are beautiful stretches of clean sand, fringed by swaying palm trees on one side and rippling waves on the other. You can have a memorable beach holiday on the beaches of Kerala. 

Visitors to Kerala beaches get to relax on the golden sands of the beaches of Kerala, or stretch out in the shade of the rows of palm trees along the beaches, drinking the refreshing juice of tender coconuts and maybe undergoing an ayurvedic massage.Kovalam,Varkala,Marari,Alappuzha,Kappad and Bekkal are some of the popular beaches of Kerala.

Kovalam

Kovalam Beach is one of the important beaches of India and it is situated along the Malabar Coast and located at a distance of 13 Km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala state. Kovalam literally means a grove of coconut trees near to the sea in Malayalam language. Kovalam is one of the most prominent tourist spots in India.

Kovalam BeachKovalam is absolutely an internationally famous beach of Kerala, which has three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky outcroppings.

The King of Travancore was so attracted by the beauty of this place that he always used to spend his time on the beaches of Kovalam during leisure time. The King also invited his European friends and associates to the Kovalam Beach. They were also impressed about this place made this place popular.

Kovalam continues to be a preferred place of tourists, particularly Europeans, from the 1930s. The Kovalam beach has steep palm covered headlands and is lined with shops which sell all types of goods and services.

The bigger among the beaches is known as Light House Beach. This is referred as the Light House beach because it has a 35 meter high light house that tower above it is situated on Kurumkal hillock.

The next biggest beach is the Hawah Beach. It was name Hawah Beach beacuse for the reason that topless European women was gathering here. This beach is regarded as the very first topless beach of India. But topless bathing is prohibited in public place. Tourists normally visit these two beaches.

Apart from these two Beaches, Kovalam also has Samudra Beach at the northern part. Most of the tourists visit Light House Beach and Hawah Beach at Kovalam. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging. Only local fishermen carry out their business at this beach. Ashoka beach is too the part of Kovalam beach

The leisure activities at Kovalam beach are plenty as well as various - Sunbathing, Swimming, Herbal Body toning massages, Exclusive Cultural Programs, Catamaran cruising etc.

The sands at the beaches in Kovalam are black in color to some amount because of existence of limonite as well as Monazite.

Best season to visit Kovalam beach is from September to May.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha Beach is a beach in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India.

The beach has a small park nearby. Alappuzha Lighthouse stands near the beach which is also an interesting spot for tourists. Remains of Alappuzha Sea Bridge, which is in ruins, are still there as a memory of the good old days when Alappuzha port was one of the most famous and important ports in Kerala. The Sea Bridge enabled the passage of goods came via ships.

The beach is one of the best beach locations for movies. Movies like Thashan, sura etc. were shot here partially.

Alappuzha is referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world. 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.

The beach usually has a good visitor rush from all over India and most of the European countries.

Bekkal

Bekal Beach is one of the beautiful beaches of India and it is located in the northern tip of Kerala at the distance of 15 Km from Kasaragod.

Bekal BeachGushing waves, peaceful surroundings, awesome green palm trees as well as sandy beaches combines to offer you the perfect picture of what you would dream of a beautiful beach holiday. Bekal Beach stands true for your thoughts and its bound to depart you fascinated of the wonderful memories of this place remaining with you for a very long time.

The beach gets illuminated during the evening hours so that tourists can spend more time at the beach even after the sun sets.

Bekal Beach is developing rapidly as an international beach destination. The best time to visit Bekal Beach would be between February and June. In winter months there is less visibility and you are recommended to plan your visit to Bekal Beach on summer season.