Spectacular Beaches of Kerala

Renowned for their breathtaking beauty Kerala has some of the finest, most charming beaches, coconut groves, natural harbors and lagoons. Spread along a 900 Km coastline, the beaches offer a perfect destination for a great vacation or an exotic honeymoon. The palm and coconut dotted tranquil beaches range from gold to silver to gravel. 

Alappuzha Beach
	Known as the 'Venice of East', with the Arabian Sea in the West and a large number of lakes and lagoons crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is one of the most beautiful districts in Fascinating Kerala. The Alappuzha beach is breathtakingly amazing.This beach along with its famous backwater Houseboats and Boat races attracts thousands of tourists every year. Blessed with nature's green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland of Kerala.
Kovalam Beach
	Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city, Kovalam is a world-famous beach,a favorite tourist spot.  Kovalam Beach consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach,  where most of the visitors spend their time. The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.  The unforgettable image of Kovalam is that of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters.
Cherai Beach
	Cherai Beach located near Vypeen Islands is a swimmers paradise. The sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east, gives the beach a very unusual touch. This place is also blessed with thick and dense coconut groves and some captivating Chinese fishing nets. Cherai beach, however, stands exceptional for its cleanliness. The extended shoreline of about 10 km in length, along with recently beautified main beach area and the attractive walkway decked with high mask lamps, is incredibly pleasing to eyes.
Varkala Beach
	Lying in the north of the capital Thiruvananthapuram, at a distance of 54 kms, the Varkala Beach is one of the most isolated Beaches in Kerala. Away from the noise and tensions of daily life, the beach proves to be an ideal haven for those in need of one. Swinging palm trees above and soft sands beneath you feet, promises you a rejuvenating vacation. Popular for many things, the Varkala Beach Resort is widely known for mineral springs near the beach which is believed to have some medicinal value, thus witnessing a large number of people coming all year to drink and bathe in the mineral springs.
Kappad Beach
	16 kms from Kozhikode (Calicut) (Calicut), this is the historic beach where Vasco-da-Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.
Vallikunnu Beach
	Situated amidst a thick coconut grove, the Vallikunnu beach is truly a marvel of nature. As you curl up with a book or take a lazy stroll along the sandy stretch, you are surely going to have a pleasant time at the Vallikunnu beach. A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. The kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away. With its secluded beauty, the Vallikunnu beach is also a great place to indulge in a quick game of volleyball before splashing into the warm water for a refreshing swim.
Fort Kochi Beach
	A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi Beach.A favourite haunt of Kochiites, the beach at Fort Kochi is a tranquil experience at any time of the day. Do it alone or in the company of your loved ones, it offers the ideal ambiance to relax and to let your thoughts soar to new heights of creativity.
Papanasam
	is a holy beach which means 'Destroyer of the sins'. Mineral water springs come gushing out from the cliffs bordering the beach and are known for their medicinal qualities. The narrow road leading to the beach from Varkala is flanked by paddy fields and tall palm trees, on both sides. A Nature Cure Centre and a Jagannath Swamy (Vishnu) Temple are situated near the beach. Visitors can pay homage to Kerala's saint and reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
Mararikulam Beach
	Right in the heart of the "spice coast" just an hour from Cochin and even less to Alleppey lies the Mararikulam Beach. It has the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an idyllic retreat for those who want to get away from the city's hustle bustle. Marari originates from "mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory and the local charm.