Kovalam beach
The coast is at many places lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs. Or you can crest the waves on logs of lashed woods on catamarans. From Kovalam, you can go for a backwater cruise to the beautiful countryside of Kerala paddling country boats, enjoying its lush greenery. A few hotels offer houseboats, country boats and catamarans for the tourists at reasonable rates. Soma Houseboats, operated by Somatheeram Beach Resorts Group offers houseboats with many amenities
including sit-outs, bedrooms and private baths. Catamarans and country boats are also offered by many hotels. You can also rent surfboards and boogie boards from local young men. The unforgettably marvellous image of Kovalam is that of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost one, the Light House Beach, is marked by a prominent red-and-white striped lighthouse and is the most popular of the three. The Ashok Beach Resort tops the northern-most headland. A 15-minute walk separates the two beaches. Between the two lies the Eve’s Beach.

Alappuzha beach
	Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha (Alleppey) is a district of immense natural beauty. 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.Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the Alappuzha beach (Alleppey Beach). There is also an old lighthouse nearby that is of immense interest for the visitors. Reaching Alleppey: The nearest airport is the Kochi International Airport, 66 km away. Alleppey is also well-connected to Kochi by rail and road.

Bakel beach
Bekal Beach is only 14 km away from Kasargode. The fort, which is the best preserved fort in Kerala, offers a panoramic view of palm fringed beach on both sides. The hill slopes down from the fort to rugged rocks before plunging into the frothy sea. A tour of the fort is a must for it will take you back to the days when rival forces fought to take control of the fort, which enjoyed a vantage position on the Western coast. A Naval academy is nearing completion at Ezhimala, in Kannur near Bekal.
Reaching Bekal: To reach Bekal, the nearest city is Kasargod. While Mangalore, 50 km away, is the nearest airport, you can also get to Kasargod from Kochi, 420 km away. Kasargod has a railway station which is linked to many cities of the country. Roads link Kasargod to a number of places in Karnataka and Kerala.

Baypore beach
	Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.
The Beypore Beach has a bridge built nearly 2 kms into the sea. It is actually made up of huge stones piled together for nearly 2 kms making a pathway into the sea. Reaching Kozhikode: The nearest airport is at Karipur, 23 km from Kozhikode town, which has flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and the Middle East touching down daily. The place is also linked by road and rail with major cities and tourist centres in India.

Dharmadam beach

Dharmadam Island is a beautiful beach, located 17 kms from Kannur. The small 5-acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. It is 100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam. Reaching Dharmadam: The nearest airport to Kannur is at Karipur in Kozhikode, 95 km away. Kannur railway station is linked to major towns within the state as well as the country as are the roads.

Ezhimala beach
	Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala, 55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque.
Fascinating Sculptured stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Ezhimala Beach is poised to occupy a significant niche on the naval history of India when one of the largest naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy is being developed here in Ezhimala. Prior Permission is required for entry in Ezhimala Beach. Reaching Ezhimala: The nearest airport to Kannur is at Karipur in Kozhikode, 95 km away. Kannur railway station is linked to major towns within the state as well as the country as are the roads.

Fort Kochi beach
A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi Beach. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural interfaces is seen in the remains of the Indo-European architecture in Fort Kochi. Cochin Carnival on the New Year eve is a colourful festival not to be missed at the beach site of Fort Kochi.

Kappad beach
	Kappad, the historic beach. It is the beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels, thus discovering a sea route to India. 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.
The beach, strewn with country fishing boats, is still in pristine beauty. The shore, bereft of concrete monstrosities, is in perfect silence ever since Gama left for other destinations.

Meenkunnu beach
Meenkunnu is a peaceful beach, 12 km from Kannur. Situated at Azhikode, its golden sands attract tourists. Reaching Meenkunnu: The nearest airport is at Karipur in Kozhikode, 95 km away. Kannur railway station is linked to major towns within the state as well as the country as are the roads.

Moppila beach
	Moppila bay, the famous fishing harbour is situated near the St.Angelo's Fort. The beach is a natural and now a modernised fishing harbour built with assistance under the Indo Norwegian pact. The remnants of the temple & fort are still seen in Moppila bay. The bay was famous during the Kolathiri's regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countries, in imports.
A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. If the weather is favourable a ride in the sea will be a memorable experience. Reaching Mappila Bay: The nearest airport to Kannur is at Karipur in Kozhikode, 95 km away. Kannur railway station is linked to major towns within the state as well as the country as are the roads. The beach, strewn with country fishing boats, is still in pristine beauty. The shore, bereft of concrete monstrosities, is in perfect silence ever since Gama left for other destinations.

Muzhuppilangad beach
Muzhappilangad, one of the longest beaches in Kerala is located 15 kms south of Kannur. The long beach is the only drive-in beach in India.Still untouched, this long, clean beach protected by the black rocks from the deep currents, make its shallow water a swimmer's paradise. One can drive down the entire length of 4 kms from Kannur to Tellicherry. The enchanting ambience of the beautiful Muzhappilangad beach invites one to swim, sunbathe, or just laze around for an unforgettable beach vacation in Kerala.
From Muzhappilangad Beach, one can view the Dharmadam Island or the Green Island. A remarkable conjunction of beach and island is just across the Anjarakkandy River. Reaching Muzhappilangad: The nearest airport to Kannur is at Karipur in Kozhikode, 95 km away. Kannur railway station is linked to major towns within the state as well as the country as are the roads.

Pathiramanal beach
	The little island of Pathiramanal, on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land. This island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom and is accessible by boat only. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam Lake.
The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise. The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss- crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty. LEGEND According to mythology, a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating this enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of night). Reaching Muzhappilangad: The nearest airport to Kannur is at Karipur in Kozhikode, 95 km away. Kannur railway station is linked to major towns within the state as well as the country as are the roads.

Payyambalam beach
Quiet, secluded, beautiful, this enchanting sandy beach bordering Kannur is famous as the mortal remains of Swadeshabimani Ramakrishna Pillai, A.K. Gopalan, Pamban Madavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort. The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development into a tourist resort.
Nearby is Ezhimala, the capital of the ancient Mooshika kings, considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory. A flourishing seaport and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola- Chera war of the 11th century. There is a local belief that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. An old mosque believed to contain the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim reformist is also located here.The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the Naval history of the country, consequent to the proposal for commissioning the Naval Academy here.

Shanmugham beach
	Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the 'Matsya Kanyaka', a gigantic 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.
The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing. Shankhumugham Beach is a popular city beach situated near to the airport. This beach provides good facilities like an indoor recreation club, children's traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant.

Tanur beach
The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546 AD. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshpuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Reaching Tanur: The nearest airport is at Kozhikode, 36 km away, while the nearest railway station is also Kozhikode or Calicut. Malappuram is well connected with major cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Thangassery beach
	Located 5 kms from Kollam town is the Thangassery Beach, which is a sea side village of historic importance. The rural settlement has the ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. The 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse is open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.
Reaching Kollam: The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International and Domestic Airport, 76 km away from the city. Kollam is connected to most Indian cities and is on the railway routes. The city's main station is Kollam Junction

Thirumallavaram beach
Roughly 6km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach that's well linked by road and with good facilities. This beautiful beach filled with coconut palms is ideal for an early morning walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. The beach has good bathing facilities.
Reaching Thirumullavaram: The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International and Domestic Airport, 76 km away from the city. Kollam is connected to most Indian cities and is on the railway routes. The city's main station is Kollam Junction.

Varkala beach
	Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. High cliffs border the excellent beach.
Varkala is a beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. This beach of Kerala is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore. At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace. Reaching Varkala: Rail: The railway station is 3 kms from the beach. Bus: Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam. Varkala is 90 minutes away on the bus and a pleasant convenient place to stop for a night or more or an afternoon when travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

VIzhinjam beach
Vizhinjam Beach, which is only 2 km away from Kovalam, was once a commercial centre for the Europeans, Portuguese and Dutch who had trade ties with the local kings. The attractions at Vizhinjam are the ruins of rock-cut temples. The beach offers everything that is associated with seaside destinations of Kerala. There are fishing boats jostling for space, fishermen repairing their fishing nets and women haggling over the price of the day's catch. All around is the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks. It is a pleasant sight to see fishermen pushing their boats into the sea at dusk.
Reaching VIzhinjam: The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is barely 12 km from the beach and the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is 18 km away. You can make Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's state capital, your base and go to Vizhinjam for a day of fun on the sands and the blue waters. But if you are on holiday it is infinitely better to stay at one of the beach hotels in Vizhinjam and visit the capital city once in a while.