What Makes Kerala Special

With the Arabian Sea Coast in the West and the Western Ghats towering in the East and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique Geographical feature that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the World. Kerala has everything that a traveller could dream of. Enchanting the artistic representations, Magical festivals, Historical and cultural typical monuments and exotic cooking offer you a unequalled experience to all of us, And additionally, each of these kind of charming destinations is the only singular vantage no other location offers.

On every step that you take, you will get some new attraction which is sheer  of wonders. Some of the Special Unique attrations are listed below and they are the best things that everyone enjoys well or it offers a different experience to all. There are some Important Attractions of Kerala Which most of the tourists focuses and why they select therir favourite tourist spot , kerala

kathakali, kalaripayattu, thiruvathira

In Arts forms, Kerala Follows some traditional cultural concepts  and they make the kerala as a unique one among the world.  It mainly includes Kathakali,-The main Tourist Attraction, Kalaripayattu- The marcial Art form, Thiruvathira- Classical Dance Item. Etc.

Toddy,kappa and meen curry, Savour a Sadhya

 

When we visit in the villages of kerala, we can see the traditional and natural teastes such as Toddy, Kappa and meen curry, Sadhya Etc. It is the main taste and attraction of kerala which all of the tourists wants.

Backwaters, Vallamkali, Paddy Fields

 

Backwaters are main attraction of Kerala, who visit Kerala no one can miss to take experience of backwaters. And also vallamkali(Snake boat Race).It is sucha  beautiful attraction which tempts to come many people from all over the world. Rippling on backwater willb a different Experience to your Life. From backwater you will see all beauty of nature which you will never sees from other place. From here you can see beautiful waterfall, dark forests, water animals, slowly flowing seawater, picturesque view of beauty and much more.

Paddy cultivation was a part of the proud culture of Kerala State .Rice is the most important cereal and staple food produced and consumed in Kerala. In Kerala you can see vast green paddy fields. Kuttanad is called as rice bowl of Kerala because of rice cultivation..

Kerala saree,

 A saree is simply a piece of unstitched cloth which is draped over the body in various styles. The length of sari varies from 4 yards to 9 yards. The style of wearing a sari varies from place to place. Over 80 different ways of wearing a sari are known. But the kerala saree is world famous. It is with the culture and tradition of kerala.  It also represented the social status of the women.

Rain

Kerala, The God’s own country as the tourist brochures claim is indeed a scenic paradise for preserving its rustic charm and the most of its verdant beauty. The monsoon season in kerala is wold famous and it tends to the travellers to come here. Monsoon is the time of fresh and thriving life everywhere in India and visiting Kerala during the rains can be a fascinating experience to all of us if we can stand the wetness and mists and flooded roads.

Ayurvedic massage

Kerala has a long tradition in Ayurvedic practices and Ayurvedic health vacations are now becoming increasingly popular. Ayurveda has been gaining critical importance in the field of medicine also. This form of treatment that was started in India thousands of years ago is getting popularized all over the world. It is a traditional culture in kerala. It is growing exponentially among the health conscious population of this earth. Ayurveda is also the oldest surviving complete medical system. It is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘ayus’ meaning life and the ‘ved’ meaning knowledge, which is a complete full body and mind solution if followed religiously. It offers a healthy life and longer life for one and all.

Tree House

 

Tree houses(tree forts) are platforms or buildings constructed around next to or among the trunk or branches of one or more trees above the ground level. Tree houses can be used for recreation, work space, observation or for temporary retreats. It is also a main attraction of kerala. There are many such types of houses built arount mainly in the forest areas. There are numerous techniques to fasten the structure to the tree which seek to minimize tree damage.

Coir Sping

 

The coir extraction in Kerala is a craft developed perfected and mastered through generations, with being the centre of coir production. A land where coir making is a way of life. Alappuzha is where the finest Coir in the World is produced and processed and woven into high-quality fibre products that are exported across the World. The history of Coir and its association with Kerala dates back to the 19th Century. It is Sandwiched between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Kerala. A tropical paradise of waving coconut palms and wide sandy beaches, this thin strip of coastal territory slopes down from the mountain ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation and varied fauna. One of the most commonly seen tropical trees in Kerala is the Coconut tree. even the name Kerala (Keralam in Malayalam) is derived from this tree ('Kera' in Malayalam language means Coconut and 'Alam' means Land, thus Keralam is Land of Coconut). Everything from Kerala's culture to its dishes is evolved around the Coconut tree.

Fruits Seen in Kerala

The God`s own country, Kerala Has many Attractions. you may be confused by the name God’s Own Country. It is the nick name given by the Travellers. Kerala is listed in the top 50 list of places that a person must see by many authorities. Surely this is a place blessed with great climate and wonderful travelling palces. This is a journey listing the common and rare fruits that you can see mostly only in Kerala.

Chakka (Jack fruit)

 

Plavu is a large evergreen spreading tree known for the largest tree borne fruit in the world. Jack fruit tree is mostly seen in the tropical lowlands and mainly in Kerala. This fruits is large and fleshy and are covered with thorny tubercles. Unripe fruits can also be cooked. The seeds may be boiled or baked. There are a number of varieties of jackfruits, the honey-jack (muttan varikka/thaen varikka) is considered the sweetest and the best in its Family. The flesh is starchy and fibrous and provides energy. Jack fruit tree is used in the treatment of various diseases such as vitiated vata, pitta, diarrhea, and skin disease, urinary retention and general weakness. The timber of the tree is used for making furniture as it is termite-proof. Almost of all the Parts can be Utilized. 

Kaitha (Pine Apple)

 

This fruit is seen in most of the parts of India Especially in Kerala. The peculiarity of this fruit is that it it contains small throwns. For eating this fruit you have to remove the outer layer containing throwns. This fruit has a taste of sour and sweetness also. This is good for digestion and it is mostly used as juice. This is cultivated large scale in many places in Kerala.

Manga (Mango)

 

Mango is known as  the king of fruits, is one of the most popular of the tropical fruit varieties. Mango has undergone considerable varietal differentiation. In India alone, over 100 named varieties are known. Apart from these, millions of seedling trees grow throughout the country, each of which has its own distinctive characteristics. A major portion of mango trees in Kerala are of seedling origin. Tender and mature but unripe mangoes are extensively used for making pickles. Ripe fruits are eaten as such. A variety of products are made out of this. They are canned mango slices, mango pulp, jam, juice, custard powder, ready to serve mango beverages, toffees etc are these.

Omaikka (Papaya)

 

The papaya is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya. It is a very large plant and has a single stem that grows to a height of around 5 to 10 meters tall. The leaves are seen only in the top of the trunk and are arranged in a attractive spiral manner. The ripe fruit is eaten whereas the unripe fruit of papaya is cooked and eaten. They are used to make curries, salads and stews. It has high amount of pectin in it that can be used to make jellies also. Some of the various uses of papaya are that it is used as a cooking aid, in medicine etc

Vazha (Banana)

 

Banana is also a main attraction of kerala. About 50-60 tonns of bananas is exported from Kerala every day. a lot of varieties are available in the market with different colours, sizes and taste. The popular varieties include palayankodan, sahasrapadali, ayiram poovan, poovan, nenthran, kumpillaannan, malayannan, thottannan, kadali, rasakadali (njaalipoovan), chenkadali (kappa), kaliyethan, chengali, aattunenthran, pachakkappa, robesta, matti, padatti, peyan, monthan, annan etc. The colours are yellow, purple and red. Ripe bananas are very sweet and they can be eaten whereas unripe can cooked. The banana plant’s trunk when peeled has a tender core which is edible when cooked. Similarly the flower is also used for delicious dishes. Banana leaves are often used as plates or disposable food containers where people consider it as a plate to have their food on this leaf. It is also an old Trtadition of kerala.Taking banana helps to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma in women. 

Seethaappazham (Custard Apple)

 

This is another fruit that is common in Kerala villages and very tasty also. This fruit comes from the tree atha. This fruit is almost size compared to apple. It contains a lot of seeds coated with edible white portion .This fruit is very tasty and posses medicinal qualities. Now, It is disapperaring from the society 

Kasumanga (Cashew Fruit)

 

The cashew is a tree which is native to northeastern Brazil. It is plenty in Kerala. We Export it to other countries. They are grown mainly for the cashew nuts and cashew apples. While processing cashew we obtain the cashew nutshell liquid which is rich in anacardic acids. This can be used effectively against tooth problems as they are harmful to the gram-positive bacteria. They also act best against many other gram-positive bacteria. The cashew nut is a favourite snack of all and they are consumed as such or lightly salted or sugared

Njaval (Black Plum)

 

The fruit is known for its sweet, sour and astringent flavor. It is a large evergreen tree with white fragrant flowers and black fruit with pink juicy pulp. This fast growing tree lives for more than 100 years. The wood is strong and is water resistant. Because of this it is used in railway sleepers and to install motors in wells. This tree starts to flower in the months March to April every year. The The fruit is green and changes to a pink to shining black colour when it matures.. The seed has medicinal values and is used in ayurveda to control diseases like diabetes and also for digestive ailments. The leaves and bark are also useful for controlling blood pressure. Wine and vinegar are also made from the fruit. It is a high source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Kodukappuli (Manila Tamarind)

 

An apple a day keeps a doctor away’ may be modified thus ‘A kodukappuli a day may indeed keep pain away’. This is an evergreen tree which grows very fast and has a crooked trunk with small branches that arise from the base of the leaves. The flowers are greenish white in colour, fragrant and it produces pod with an edible pulp. The liquid obtained by boiling the bark can be used for the curing frequent bowel movement. Decoctions of leaves are used for digestion problems and used as abortifacient. The hard timber is used for various purposes such as for construction, packing cases, making fences, cart building and agricultural tools etc.

Sheema nelli (Star gooseberry)

 

Indigenous fruit trees like Sheema nelli that does not require much care and attention is a boon to every households. The tree often bears fruit twice a year, the first during April to May and then during August-September also. Star gooseberry fruit is known to contain extremely high amounts of natural vitamin C which is an antioxidant with potent anti-ageing properties. It has only one seed in each fruit. The flowers are male, female or hermaphrodite and are small, pinkish in colour and appear in cluster.

Perakaya (Guava)

 

Guava trees are small shrubby evergreen trees, with a lot of strong bony like branches found in kerala. the main variety of guava cultivated and sold here is the apple guava. The fruits are fleshy and have a sweet taste. This fruit is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B4. Natural propagation is by birds and small animals. Different parts of the tree have medicinal properties. The decoction of the leaves and bark of this tree are sued for treating various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting and sore throats, and also for regulating the menstrual cycles. The crushed leaves used when applied on wounds relieves pain.

Champakka ( Rose Apple)

 

It is one of the most commonly seen fruit in Kerala. It is white when it is not ripen. It turns rose and then red as it ripe. You can eat it even if it is not ripen, but it will be slightly sour. This fruit bearing tree grows a maximum of 6 - 7 meters. The fruit has seeds inside which is bitter in taste. Even though its juice is not common it is also very tasty.

Traditional Village Style of Kerala

The village life in Kerala, the gods own country  forms the backbone of this state in the Indian peninsula. kerala reconstructs the settings and atmosphere of a traditional Kerala village, including the houses.  The Traditions of Malayalam Land used to be practiced during from the old days can no longer be found in recent times in the busy city lifestyle. But many of them can still be seen and to be practiced in the day to day village life of Kerala. It is seen in a rare villages.  The tharavadu and Nalukettu houses, representative of the residences of the lower and upper classes of Kerala are put up here. Family is an important unit of a rural household in the state giving first preference. The male member works outside  in agricultural works in the field, the female member looks after the household works. But, sometimes, especially in the harvesting seasons, women also accompany their male partners to the fields for work. The older members in the house also have an important place in the society of rural Kerala. They also have an important decision making role in the house.

In accordance with festivals, cultural performances are practiced mainly in the evenings. Various dances like Kathakkali and Mohiniyattam and even other dance-forms from other states like Kuchipudi and Bharathanatyam are performed mainly in nights. Folk art forms like Pavakkoothu, Villupattu, Kakkarisi Natakam and the famous Panchavadyam of Kerala are also performed. Kerala’s famous Martial Art forms like Kalaripayattu and Theyyam are other attractions of kerala.

There are small, handicraft industries in the villages. Moreover, handloom, marine products and other small-scale industries also play an important role in the economy of kerala. The villages in the state are lush green with vegetation and the major tree is coconut. The main foods of people in the villages of Kerala are fish curry and tapioca.

The Kerala Tea Stalls, called Chayakkada, can be seen here. The thatched houses and the mansions of timber are constructed with care, and are decorated exquisitely in traditional style with full of crafting works. The mansions have massive pillars, open courtyards and corridors. Inside the houses, an ethnic crafts of Kerala are on display – woodwork, ethnic jewelry and boxes, sandal wood carvings, paintings, musical instruments, furniture, swords and shields and more are displayed. The outside of houses are decorated with Pookkolams, the lovely traditional flower arrangement of Keralam.The whole creation has an enchanting effect, transporting the visitors back to an era that appreciated beauty and elegance in every aspect of lifestyle.

 

Besides the cultural feasts, that satisfy the tourist’s palate are also on offer here.  Various luxurious delicacies of South India, a wide varied choice that leaves tourists confused as to what to choose and what to leave, are on displays here. Some of the dishes include theeyal, meen moilee, malabar porotta, fish stew drowned in coconut milk, avial, appam, idiappam, Vellappam and Kallappam.

Plan a trip to Kerala in this vacation and there are many Unexplored places in Keralathat have a traditional touch and enjoy a different experience that you ever experienced.

Kovalam, the moon beach

The main purpose of our Trivandrum visit was to spend half a day (read sunset ) at Kovalam. We were done with most of our Trivandrum city sight seeing by 2 PM after which we grabbed some quick lunch and headed for Kovalam. From Trivandrum City (M G Road),Kovalam is around 15 kilometres.It is a straight road and the road condition is also very good.

  Since it was noon and traffic was also less we reached Kovalam in less time.
There is car parking where you can park your car. We parked our car and walked inside. Parking cost is Rs 20 for four wheelers.

  Kovalam is a beautiful compact crescent shaped beach.Three parts of the beach are Lighthouse beach, Eve's beach and Samudra beach. These three beaches form the entire crescent Kovalam beach.

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   After this huge meal, we headed back to our room and crashed for the day.

  Our plan for the next day was to cover the sight seeing places in the city and  spend the sunset hours at Kovalam beach.

  So after breakfast, we headed for Shanghumugham beach. Since the daytime temperature in Trivandrum rises very fast, we thought of covering this beach first. This beach is within 6 KM from city center. It's very close to the airport. It's a nice long beach. During that early morning hour, we found it very less crowded. 

Trivandrum, capital city of Kerala

The third destination in our itinerary of Kerala trip was Trivandrum or  Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. After Periyar, we wanted to drop the anchor at Trivandrum mainly because it was near to Kovalam beach. 

  We left Periyar at around 2 pm and reached Trivandrum city close to 8 pm. The distance isn't that long; however, as it mostly passes through different cities, the pace of driving gets slow. Add to that, most of the roads are two way. For the first 10-20 kilometers you can see rubber, banana and pineapple plantations on either side of the road.

  Anyway, just after entering the main city, we spotted a hotel on MG road called "City Tower Hotel". Tired out of the journey, we quickly checked into the hotel. They had their own parking and a restaurant. 

  Though not luxurious, the rooms were decent with clean toilet. Only few things were left to be done for the day. Food and sleep. The food at the restaurant was superb. We savored parathas, chettinad chicken and fried rice and chilly chicken. WOW! That's a big menu, isn't it? 

   After this huge meal, we headed back to our room and crashed for the day.

  Our plan for the next day was to cover the sight seeing places in the city and  spend the sunset hours at Kovalam beach.

  So after breakfast, we headed for Shanghumugham beach. Since the daytime temperature in Trivandrum rises very fast, we thought of covering this beach first. This beach is within 6 KM from city center. It's very close to the airport. It's a nice long beach. During that early morning hour, we found it very less crowded. 

History

Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram has been a melting pot of culture and history since times unknown. The Ays are known to be the earliest inhabitants of this city till the beginning of 10th century A.D. Their sudden disappearance led to the rise of the Venads in Trivandrum. 

It was in 1684, when the city saw a shift in its governing body from Umayamma Rani to the British East India Company. The Britishers had attained a land at Anjengo (located 32 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram ) for the purpose of fortifying it. They further expanded their reigns to various parts of Thiruvithamcore. 

Trivandrum was a center of intellectual and artistic activities during the days of Marthanda Varma, who is considered to be the Father of the Modern Travancore. The first English school in Trivandrum was set up by him in the year 1834. The construction of an observatory and charitable trust was completed in 1836. Further, during the reign of Ayilyam Thirunal (1860-1880), various art colleges and Tamil schools were established. 

During the reign of Sri Moolam Thirunal, Trivandrum was involved in various activities of the Indian National Congress. On November 1st 1956, Trivandrum was declared as a city of Kerala.

Travel within city

Tourists opting for a trip to Trivandrum will find it really easy to travel within the city. This is because Trivandrum is very well connected through a network of buses, taxis, auto rickshaws, cars and two wheelers, so reaching any part of the city will not be a problem. 

Bus

Buses in Trivandrum cover almost all known parts of the city, and opting for buses is the cheapest option among the above given ones. You will need to shell out around Rs 4 to 10 in order to travel from one point in Trivandrum to another. Buses can be a very good option if you know your destination beforehand, and you can also ask the locals for help in order to find out where you should disembark. 

Taxi

Cabs can be taken up from the major cab agencies in the city and some of these have been given below. Fares may range anywhere between Rs 150 to 500 depending on the distance covered. 

Ramgiri Inter Cabs- Ph: 09895034508
Kerala Cars- Ph: 09447001010

Auto Rickshaw

Auto rickshaws in Trivandrum do not run on meter; however the charges are very minimal when compared to the other cities in Kerala. While travelling through an auto rickshaw, do not discuss the rate when you reach your destination. Negotiate a rate before getting into an auto rickshaw, as fares will rarely exceed Rs 70. There are no night fares and autos are a safe mode of travel. 

Rented Two Wheeler

You can also rent out a two wheeler for around Rs 350 to 500 a day and the deposit will cost you around Rs 1500 per day. 

Food

Trivandrum boasts of many classy and high end restaurants that remain open from 9 am till 11 pm. For some quick and cheap refreshments, tourists can look out for Karikku (coconut water) and Sambharam (buttermilk with ginger and chilli). For tourists looking for great vegetarian options, a visit to Ananda Bhavan on MG Road, famous for their South Indian and tandoori dishes served in the classic way, i.e. served on a banana leaf and tourists need to sit down and eat with their hands is an ideal experience. 

For those seeking to savor some finger licking non veg delicacies can go to Kerala House Family Restaurant on Statue Road known for its fish pollichathu (fish baked in banana leaf). Another good option isKalavara Family Restaurant on Press Road, popular for their fish molee (fish in coconut sauce) and lunch time birayanis. 

Tiffany's Restaurant in Muthoot Plaza, Regency and Spencer's Daily on MG Road too are good places to enjoy a hearty meal.

Shopping

While in Trivandrm, shopping is an inevitable indulgence. The main shopping area is Connemara market, where tourists can shop for local spices and clothes at dearth cheap rate. For the famous coffee and fragrant tea leaves along with varieties of nuts, Sankers Coffee and Tea on MG Road is the apt place to shop. For exlusive handicrafts and exquisite statues, the Government Emporium on YMCA Road, by the name SMSM Institute is a must visit.

Periyar, tiger reserve, lake and nature walk

Munnar was wonderful. But we had to leave, get along with our trip plan and move on. So, after having lunch, we moved out for Thekkady. We had a plan already in place and to materialize it, we had to hurry.

  As the whole route from Munnar to Thekkady goes through the mountains, you just cannot rush too much. Still, when we reached Thekkady, it was 5 minutes past 5 pm. The Tiger reserve was just closed for the day. Our plan had nothing to do with the Tiger reserve for that day. We had to find the forest department office. The plan was to book a whole day Bamboo Rafting activity that can only be booked in person or through a draft in advance. Well, we didn't opt for option two. And guess what, there was no seat left for the next day. All booked. Phewwww.

  All the blogs we read talked about similar experiences. So it was time to re-plan. Oh! By the way, while we're on the topic it might be good time to tell you about the different type of activity you can do at Periyar Tiger Reserve.

  The most common thing people do at Periyar Tiger Reserve is take a boat ride across the lake and try their luck with spotting wild life. It's an hour and half long boat ride and with luck, you might just spot some wild life. We did; just a few. It needs no previous booking and there is a mad rush when it happens. It has it's own story and we'll come to that soon. The other things you can do at Periyar are more versatile in nature. Bamboo Rafting is a whole day activity and is quite famous. It starts at 8 AM and stretches till 5 PM. It includes a three hour bamboo rafting and a three hour nature walk with breaks for lunch and snack. Then there are other activities like Border trekking, Nature walk, Bullock cart riding etc. 

  Back to our story. Our re-planned plan for the next day was to opt for the first boat ride on the lake. And then go for a Nature Walk activity. Yes, the Nature Walk was still available for the next day. With things settled for the next day, our search for a hotel began. By then, it was around 5:45 PM. We tried out some homestays but ultimately settled for a hotel which was quite near the entry gate of the tiger reserve. The room was good with clean bathroom. The restaurant was outside, just opposite to the hotel.

  When we were getting our luggage from Sparky(our car) to get to our room, we found a family of nilgiri langoor hanging around, on a tree opposite to the hotel. They were having a snack comprising of flowers ,from the tree. We also took some snaps of those friendly jungle dwellers. 

  Around 8 PM that night we went for dinner at the restaurant. We ordered a fish curry and chicken roast. It was awesome. Kerala food is just great as always. 

  We hit the bed early that day because according to the tiger reserve ticket seller, the queue for entry starts at around 5 AM in the morning. The ticket is distributed from 6 AM. Our plan for the next day was to check out of the hotel at 5 AM and get into the reserve with the car and eventually leave for Trivandrum once our Nature Walk was over. 

  The next morning at around 5:05 AM we reached the gate of the tiger reserve. Well, not exactly the gate; but behind a queue of 20 cars from the gate. At that early hour, there were so many people lined up for tickets. You don't get the boat tickets at the gate though. It's only the entry and parking ticket. You need to collect the boat ticket from the boat jetty counter which is like 2 KM inside the gate. And you can get only two tickets per person.

  Once the gate was open, every single car was rushing for the boat jetty. Not many overtaking, but definitely speed driving. And it got even better at the parking lot. Everyone started to run for the ticket counter which was still about 1 KM away. If you don't know the context, it would appear as if the last boat from earth is leaving and the meteor would hit within seconds.

   Anyway, we joined the mad rush too. We made it to the counter in time and there were only around 10 people ahead of us. Our running was propelled by the idea of having an upper deck ticket so that our chances of spotting wildlife increases. One important point is that you need to carry your gate entry pass to the boat counter. They stamp it or you don't get to get on the boat. Back to the story. When we submitted a form for tickets, I was awestruck to find that there were no upper deck available. 

  Anyway, after a brief waiting of 30 minutes, we got to get on the boat and soon all the boats got filled. 

To facilitate the foreign tourists they are generally allocated either top tier or side rows.These are generally the best seats for wildlife spotting.So if you are a foreign tourist its a good news for you!!

Landscape of Periyar Lake

 

Kerala Beaches

Kerala has been blessed with some of the most exotic beaches. It has a 600 km long coastline which is dotted with truly amazing beautiful golden beaches. Presence of golden sand and coconut trees in these beaches add to their beauty. The clear blue sky and palm groves bordering these beaches and the pleasant tropical sun make Kerala beaches absolute charming. One can try various delicious sea food and indulge in many beach activities like sun bathing, swimming etc. Beside stunning natural beauty, most of these beaches have ayurvedic parlours, massage centres and meditation centre where visitors can be in their self. 

Best part of Kerala beaches is that they are less crowded and are yet to be fully explored. Some of the famous beaches of state are Kovalam, Cherai, Alappuzha, Ezhimala etc. Of all Kovalam is the most popular beach since 1930. This beach is always teemed with visitors, specially many foreign tourists throng this beach. The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of this beach is quite mesmerizing.
Famous Beaches
Kovalam Beach: Located in the Malabar coast, this sleepy town has emerged as an important tourist destination because of the beautiful beaches. The blue water of Arabian Sea, distant white sands, palm trees and rocky promontories make this beach an outstanding tourist attraction. This mesmerizing beach is divided into three parts. Southern most beach also known as lighthouse beach is the most popular of all. Middle beach also called Hawah act as base for local fishermen. Every morning fishermen start their day from this beach.
Alappuzha Beach: This beach is one of the most popular tourist spots of Kerala. Alappuzha is a natures haven as it is blessed with green beauties like lagoons, vast lakes and various fresh waters. The end of this beach is covered with dense palm groves which so much characterizes Kerala's landscape. This sandy beach offer many interesting entertainment opportunities to the visitors.
Ezhimala Beach: There is a hillock near this beach which make this place more sensuous. Magnificent chiseled stone pillars and ancient burial chamber can be located at the foot of this hill. This hill is famous for rare medicinal herbs. Nearby this beach, there is a academy of India navy.
Cherai Beach: Located 45 km from Ernakulam city, this beach is best place for swimming activities. On rare occasion Dolphins can be sighted in this beach. This beach is surrounded by exquisite Kerala village with admirable paddy fields and coconut groves.

Beside these, there are many more beautiful beaches like Fort Kochi beach, Beypore beach and Bekal beach which adorned this enchanting land of Kerala.

God’s Own Land – Kerala is bestowed with a number of natural jewells. Beaches are one of the nature’s precious gift to Kerala. Set along the Arabian Sea, Kerala has a number of lovely beaches which draws thousands of tourists every year. Kerala is also famous for Ayurveda and Spa across the world. You will find several Ayurveda and Spa centres on Kerala beaches offering a variety of treatments. So, visit Kerala, head towards the beaches and pass some quality time amidst the beautiful natural surroundings.

Alappuzha Beach : Situated in Alappuzha district, the beach is a famous tourist spot of Kerala. Alappuzha is blessed with nature’s green green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, . Pay a visit to the long sandy beach and relax amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. Also enjoy some fun-filled leisure activities on this spectacular beach. You will see the 140 years old pier into the sea here. Vijaya Beach Park and old lighthouse are other attractions of Alappuzha Beach. Entertainment options are available at the Vijaya Beach Park including children’s park and boating facilties.

Bekal Beach : Bekal Beach lies close to historic Bekal fort, the biggest and best preserved fort in Kerala. You may pass quality time on twin palm fringed beaches. Visit the fort to get a glimpse of the bygone era.

Beypore Beach : A beautiful beach, Beypore Beach is located 10 km south of Kozhikode at the mouth of Chliyar river. During ancient period, Beypore was one of the prominent ports, fishing harbors and an important trade and maritime centre of Kerala. Beypore was also much sought after by merchant of Western Asia for its ship building industry. Even today Beypore is famous as a commercial town of Kerala and welcome tourists with its beach.

Fort Kochi Beach : The beach is situated in historic Fort Kochi city, 12 km away from Ernakulam. Originally a fishing village, Kochi became the first European township in India. You will see the historic fort and several other interesting structures erected by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. After exploring the historic city, visit the beach to take a leisurely walk or relax on the clean sands.

Kappad Beach : Kappad Beach is located at a distance of 16 kms from Kozhikode (Calicut). Vasco-da-Gama landed on this historic beach 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. You can see a monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. A rock that protrudes into the sea is a major attraction of Kappad Beach. The temple perched on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.

Kovalam Beach : A world-famous beach resort, Kovalam is situated 16 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam Beach consists of three successive small crescent beaches namely the Lighthouse Beach, Hawah and Samudra. The lovely coconut-palm fringed beach has a number of Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation centers. The palm-fringed bays of Kovalam in secluded coconut groves, provides a relaxed stay to visitors. Everyday in the evening the quiet atmosphere of Kovalam is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala

Marari Beach : Marari Beach lies right in the heart of the spice coast, just an hour from Cochin. A soft sandy beach, Marari is fringed with palm groves and an ideal retreat for those who are looking for perfect peace. Apart from a relaxing vacation, you can experience the traditional Keralan hospitality at its best at Marari.

Somatheeram Beach : Somatheeram is a perfect relaxing beach having an ayurvedic resort for all kind of ayurvedic treatments. Besides the beach, the lush green terraced gardens sloping down the beach and the cool sea changing will surely mesmerize you.

Thirumullavaram Beach : Thirumullavaram Beach lies at a distance of 6 km from Kollam. This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic spot and attracts large number of visitors.

Varkala Beach : Situated 54 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala Beach is a peaceful palm fringed beach, provides a welcome break from crowds of cities. Varkala is known for mineral springs and fantastic massage. The mineral springs is believed to have curative properties, while the massage rejuvenate your mind and body. Varkala beach is also an important pilgrim centre for Hindus and it is home to 2,000 year old Janardana Swamy temple. Nature Care Centre is another attraction of Varkala Beach.

Other Popular Beachs of Kerala : Cherai Beach (Ernakulam), Shanghumukham Beach (Thiruvanathapuram), Thangasseri Beach (Kollam), Payyambalam Beach (Kannur), Kizhunna Ezhara Beach (Kannur), Kappil Beach, Padinharekara Beach and Pallikere Beach.