Most of india's finest beaches are in kerala. For virtually its entire 900 km length, the kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The palm-lined beaches of kerala are renowned for the gentle surf and azure blue waters. To this add a delectable seafood cuisine, a smiling sun and frendly people to make an unforgetable holiday. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha beach also known as Alleppey 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 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. There is also an old lighthouse nearby that is of immense interest for the visitors.

How to Reach:
Air : The nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.
Rail : Nearest railway station is Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.

Beypore - Ancient Ship Building Centre

The old world charm of this ancient ship building centre near Calicut in north Kerala is enchanting. Here, the time stands still as the specialist craftsmen design and shape "Uru"s (traditional vessels). During the heydays of Beypore, the fame of Urus had spread far and wide and Arabs made a bee line to this coastal town. Khalasis, who are the traditional shipbuilders here, are amazing with their ship building knowledge and craft. The client, often an Arab, gives the specifications and his needs.

No design is drawn, and the plan of the Uru is conceptualized wholly in the mind of the master craftsmen. And log by log, each component comes together like a giant jigsaw puzzle and the final product is truly breathtaking. And to think that nothing was planned on paper, but the whole designing and intricate measurements and calculations were done entirely in the mind is truly astounding. A fledging wood industry thrived in Beypore ship building activity. Now, past its prime, the wood industry is just a shadow of its former self. Still huge logs can be found floating down the river and is reminiscent of its glorious past.

Bekal Beach

There is a sea side pathway with a magnificent view of the fort to the east and the sea to the west linking the beaches north and south of the battlement. The Pallikere beach with its shallow waters is just a km. away from the fort. Due to its historic relevance, the fort is controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India. Coins and other historical artifacts were unearthed by archeologists making it an interesting excavation site. Bekal is also one among the five centres selected by the Government of India to be developed into a 'Special Tourism Area'.

How to get there:
Air: Nearest airports are at Mangalore (50 km); Karipur International Airport, Calicut (Kozhikode) International Terminal (180 km)
Rail: On the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route. Enquiry Ph: 430200
Road: There are regular buses every 30 minutes from Kanjagad to Bekal. An excellent network of roads connects Kasaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

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Cherai Beach

45 kms from Ernakulam city, this lovely beach bordering vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.

Dharmadam Island

The small 5 adre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

Ezhimala Beach

The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. A naval academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.

Fort Kochi Beach

12 kms from ernakulam city, a leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic fort kochi. 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 are seen in the remains of the indo european architecture here.

Kappad Beach

Kappad is where Vasco da Gama is believed to have landed in 1498 with 170 sailors. The beach is gentle and partly. For the ultimate beach experience, plan your holiday at the Kappad Beach Resort. Set amidst pleasant surroundings, the resort is the ideal place where one can combine relaxation with rejuvenating Ayurveda therapies.

The resort's unique cottages - each one is named after the Portuguese explorers who came to India - face the sea. From the balconies of the upper floor rooms one can see glorious sunsets. The resort also arranges visits to Beypore where wooden Arabian Dhows or boats are still made. Guests are also given an opportunity to go fishing into the sea on traditional boats. In the evenings, shows on the traditional art forms like Theyyam, Kathakali and Kalaripayattu -- a martial art form typical of Kerala - are staged.

Kappad Beach Resort's circular restaurant specialises in the regional cuisine of North Malabar. Eat your fill of fresh seafood. The open kitchen of the restaurant and the friendly chef makes the dining experience worthwhile.

Mopilla Bay

This is situated near the St. Angelo's Fort. A fishing harbour built with Indo Norvegian project assistance. If the weather is favourable a ride in the sea will be a memorable experience. The remnants of the temple & fort are still seen in Mopila bay.

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