The amazing beaches of Kerala
If you are planning your honeymoon and want to include beaches in your places-to-see list, forget about Goa for the time being. Come to Kerala, which offers you equally good and some even better beaches, suiting individual needs, providing for some breathtaking view, calm atmosphere, cool swaying palm trees, excellent massage centres for your wellbeing and relaxation and of course a superb time with your loved ones.
The beaches are located on the famous Malabar Coast, on the south-western side of the Indian subcontinent. Although there are many beaches, I list down a few famous ones which definitely require your time and attention if you happen to visit Kerala.
Kovalam beach
Ask the people of Kerala what their favourite beach is and the unanimous answer would be Kovalam. Offering the best Ayurvedic services which are a crowd puller here, this beach has been famous with tourists since 1930. With a serene atmosphere, palm trees offering shelter during a hot day and some cool coconut water to quench your thirst, it offers a whole lot of things. Yoga and meditation are also practiced here. The port of Vizhinjam, which is about 3km away, is famous for its different types of fishes and temples.
The most famous beach here is the lighthouse beach, which has the major part of the crowd resting under the cool palm trees. The hawah is a place inhabited by local fishermen. Samudra, a secluded beach is the perfect place to spend some silent moments with your sweetheart. You can also enrich your experience by watching some live kathakali performances specially organized for the foreign travellers who throng the beach for its classical beauty.
Bekal beach
Accompanied by an equally beautiful and ancient fort, Bekal beach offers for some serene sight seeing, festivals and mountains. The major highlights are virgin beaches, clear crystalline water and the perfect back waters all ready to be captured by your cameras. Authorized by the Government of India, it is a silent village where the locals are ready with a smile to show the friendly nature of the place around. The fort offers some insight on the life in the village and the changes that have taken place here.
Kappad beach
You might have read in your history books back in school about how Vasco Da Gama landed in India with 170 men on board, on 27th of May, 1498. This was the exact place where he landed and a monument here depicts it precisely. Known as kappakadavu, it boasts of a temple which is 800 years old. The picturesque backwaters provide a soothing feeling what with its palm fringed golden sand offering the perfect place to rest during a hot summer month.
Varkala beach
If you expect a chilled-out, nice day out in the sun and a bit of harsh sun rays combined with aromatic oil massage, come to Varkala beach. Cliffs, mineral springs and rocky sand welcome you and promise to take you away from the tensions of life. Also, a major reason why people visit this beach is because of the exotic, wonderful and splendid sight it offers during the sunset. Don’t forget your sunscreens, hat, sunglasses and obviously your cameras while coming here.
For the religiously inclined, a 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple provides solace and company. Also, it is believed that a dip in the waters of Varkala beach helps you get rid of all the sins in your life.
Fort Kochi beach
If you want to simply walk long stretches with water splashing on your feet and the winds swaying by vigorously, try Fort Kochi beach, which also has an ancient fort and a fishing village which introduce you to the colourful history of the place. Built by the Portuguese, and later changed by the Dutch and the British, the architecture of the fort is worth your visit.
Marari beach
If you want to experience the hospitality of Kerala and see how simple life can also be great sometimes, visit Marari beach. With the villagers depicting the traditional style of living, by going fishing and living in small thatched houses, Marari beach offers an interesting contrast between the village life and the exclusive, modern life of luxuries like resorts with swimming pools and high-quality expensive cottages lined across the beaches.
So, next time you come to Kerala, spend some time visiting the scenic beaches-surrounded by palm trees and coconut sellers- which offer food, relaxation, great pictures and quality time with your soul mate.
