Kerala, the paradisical state of India, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. There’s no doubt that every inch of this state is packed with surreal beauty, proudly winning the title of the “God’s Own Country”. The lush greenery, misty ambiance, and warm-hearted people all make this place a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing break from mundane city life. The landscapes here are so diverse that you can wake up to the calls of tropical birds in the hills and end your day watching the sun melt into the horizon over the Arabian Sea at some of the best beaches in Kerala.
Apart from its scenic attractions, its beaches hold no less charm! The crisp air, the soothing sands, and the beautiful shoreline with swaying palm trees make your time worthwhile. So, without further ado, let us take you directly to our well-curated list of the best beaches in Kerala, along with essential details such as location, top activities, and more.
List of the Top Beaches in Kerala For a Dreamy Coastal Vacation: Let’s Begin!
Every beach in Kerala feels like stepping into a picture postcard– the waves caressing your feet, gentle air flowing, and everything that a surreal beach must have! The best beaches in Kerala undoubtedly offer an experience that soothes both the heart and mind, allowing you to experience the magic that nature holds when it takes the lead. Let’s begin!
Kovalam Beach
Regarded as one of the best beaches in Kerala, Kovalam Beach is a top tourist attraction, offering breathtaking natural views. The beach stretches along the Arabian Sea shoreline in a crescent shape with a cool breeze and a stunning sight of fishing boats gently floating on the horizon. Whether you wish to swim, sunbathe, or simply stroll, this beach will make you lose track of time, allowing you to spend undisturbed time in nature. Kovalam Beach is ideal for honeymooners and first-time visitors to Kerala.
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Best For: Witnessing surreal sunsets, lighthouse views & photography, family-friendly swimming (at designated spots), rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages, thrilling water-sports, and easy resort/Ayurveda access.
Location: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district (three crescent beaches: Lighthouse, Hawa, Samudra).
How To Reach:
- By Air: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport — approximately 16 km to Kovalam (roughly 30–45 min by taxi depending on traffic).
- By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central is the main railhead (~16 km). From there, taxis and buses run frequently.
- By Road: Well-connected by road via NH66/SH routes; regular state buses, taxis, and rideshares are available from Thiruvananthapuram city. Many visitors combine Kovalam with sightseeing in Trivandrum.
Varkala Beach
Also renowned as the “Pearl of the Arabian Sea”, the Varkala Beach is one of a kind. Its dramatic setting makes it one of the most precious coastal treasures, offering shimmering water views. The best part about visiting this beach is that visitors can access the beach’s natural springs, which are believed to have healing properties, adding a touch of mystique to its beauty.
A tip from the Varkala Beach Guide: For the best experience, plan your visit during the evening hours. After reaching, find a cozy cliffside café, and watch the sun slowly go down the horizon– it’s a sight you’ll never forget.
Best For: Dramatic cliff-top views, yoga & wellness centers, spiritual/ritual bathing at Papanasam (holy beach), vibrant cliff cafes, and sunset watching — popular with solo travelers, backpackers, and wellness seekers.
Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district
How To Reach:
- By Air: You need to take a flight to Trivandrum International Airport, with a typical drive of ~45 km (1–1.5 hours) further to reach the destination.
- By Rail: Varkala Railway Station is the nearest station, with a short local taxi or auto ride (~5–10 minutes) to the cliff/beach area.
- By Road: Frequent KSRTC and private buses run from Trivandrum and Kochi; many travelers drive or use taxis from nearby towns. For a cliff experience, plan a short uphill walk from parking/road level to the cliff edge.
Cherai Beach
This is one of the most picturesque destinations in Kerala, captivating tourists with its utterly ethereal views. Cherari Beach is also one of the top choices for the beaches in Kerala tourism, offering sightings of dolphins near the shore (occasionally). It’s best to arrive either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the soft sunlight, peaceful surroundings, and the surreal beauty of the beach.
Best For: The beach combines backwaters + beach views, calm swimming opportunities, rare dolphin sightings, family-friendly resorts, and easy access from Kochi. This makes it suitable for short getaways and is best combined with sightseeing in Fort Kochi or Ernakulam.
Location: Cherai (on Vypeen Island), Ernakulam/Kochi area.
How To Reach:
- By Air: Cochin (Kochi) International Airport (Nedumbassery), around 20–30 km (≈40 minutes by car depending on traffic).
- By Rail: Ernakulam / Aluva stations are the main railheads (Aluva is ~20–25 km away). From the city, you can take a ferry to Vypeen Island or drive across the new link roads/bridges.
- By Road: Reachable by taxi/bus from Ernakulam/Fort Kochi; some travelers use the ferry + local bus/auto combo to reach the beach on Vypeen Island.
Payyambalam Beach (Kannur)
This is another one of the most scenic and well-maintained Kerala coastal destinations, renowned for its perfectly serene surroundings. All you get to hear is the gentle sounds of the waves, the rustle of palm leaves, and the soothing rhythm of nature that instantly calms your mind and soul. This is why this beach is a must-visit for those desiring a peaceful and undisturbed time in nature.
Best For: Family picnics, sunset walks, nearby cultural sites, town-beach vibe, and comfortable facilities near Kannur town.
Location: Payyambalam, Kannur district
How To Reach:
- By Air: Kannur International Airport (CNN), 25–35 km (40–60 minutes drive depending on location).
- By Rail: Kannur Railway Station is just a couple of km from the beach (taxi/auto or even a walk depending on where you start from).
- By Road: Well connected by local buses and taxis from Kannur town and nearby areas. This beach is part of a cluster of beaches in Kannur and can be combined with local sightseeing.
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Marari Beach
With its untouched charm, this is one of the lesser-known beaches in Kerala tourism, where offbeat travelers tend to wander for peace, solitude, and a taste of authentic coastal life. Unlike other beaches where heavy crowds can be seen, Marari Beach offers a more peaceful escape. In fact, the name “Marari” comes from a local fishing village, hinting at the visitors at Kerala’s traditional coastal lifestyle.
Best For: Quiet, low-key village/beach life, eco-luxury resorts, and authentic local coastal culture, ideal for relaxation, long beach walks, and pairing with backwater/houseboat trips (Alleppey).
Location: Mararikulam village, Alappuzha (Alleppey) district.
How To Reach:
- By Air: Cochin (Kochi) International Airport (COK) is the closest major airport, which is roughly 60–75 km depending on route (about 1.5–2 hours by car).
- By Rail: Mararikulam railway station (a local station) serves the area; many travelers also use Alleppey/Alappuzha station (a short taxi ride away).
- By Road: Easy access from NH66 (take the Mararikulam/Kalithattu turn); regular buses and taxis operate between Alappuzha, Kochi, and Mararikulam. Many resorts arrange transfers.
Thottada Beach
Thottada Beach is another one in the list of the top scenic Kerala coastal destinations, which is all about clean, golden sands and calm turquoise waters. This beach is quite a haven for those preferring quieter moments away from the tourist rush. Lined with coconut palms and small lagoons, this beach exudes a private vibe, offering a gentle escape to simply sit back, relax, read a book, or just take a leisurely walk along the shore.
Best For: Offbeat peace, quiet beach walks, local homestays, and birdwatching – a good pick for travelers who want fewer crowds and a more local feel.
Location: Thottada / Kannur district
How To Reach:
- By Air: Kannur International Airport, roughly 20–25 km (approx drive 30–50 minutes).
- By Rail: Kannur Railway Station ~7–9 km (short taxi/auto ride).
- By Road: Local taxis and buses from Kannur town; many travelers stay in nearby guesthouses/homestays within walking distance to the sand.
Poovar Beach
Poovar Beach is one of the most beautiful and best beaches in Kerala, renowned for its captivating beauty and serene atmosphere. Golden sands surround the beach along with calm waters and dense greenery. Also, the beach’s easy accessibility makes it a must-visit during your trip to Kerala. The sight of fishing boats gliding over the water and birds soaring across the sunset sky completes the serene atmosphere. A little tip for you is to take a boat ride through the backwaters before reaching Poovar Beach. The best part is that this journey to the beach is equally incredible as the destination itself!
Best For: The unique estuary where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea — backwater-to-sea scenery, boat rides through mangroves, birding, and secluded sunset strolls; great for couples and nature lovers.
Location: Poovar village, southern Thiruvananthapuram district
How To Reach:
- By Air: You can take a flight to the Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport, which is approximately 30–40 km away. From there, take a taxi to Poovar; many guests transfer via Trivandrum.
- By Rail: Several Trivandrum stations (central or nearby) are the main railheads to the destination. After reaching, take a taxi/drive, or local transport to Poovar.
- By Road & Boat: Poovar is often reached by road from Thiruvananthapuram or by hiring a boat/launch through the backwaters (many resorts and local operators provide boat transfers); the boat approach offers an extraordinary estuary experience.
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Bekal Beach
This one is a more laid-back beach in Kerala where the Arabian Sea meets the sea. Bekal Fort overlooks the Arabian Sea. Bekal Beach is one of the best beaches in Kerala, where history and nature blend seamlessly. This place is a charm for both history lovers and nature enthusiasts, where they can explore ancient architecture, take leisurely walks on the beach, and bask in the beauty of the sea and surrounding landscapes.
Best for: History and beach photography (Bekal Fort is the hero), calm sunset views, and quieter northern Kerala vibes. This beach is good for couples, photographers, and history enthusiasts.
Location: Bekal, Kasaragod district (northern Kerala)
How To Reach:
- By Air: Mangalore Airport (IXE) is the nearest major airport (~50 km by road). Calicut/Kozhikode (CCJ) and Kannur airports are a bit far.
- By Rail: Kasaragod and Kanhangad railway stations are nearby (both within a short taxi ride, typically 8–15 km depending on the station).
- By Road: NH66 connects Bekal to other Malabar towns; taxis and state buses run from Kasaragod and nearby towns. Many visitors use Kasaragod as a base for exploring Bekal Fort and the nearby beach.
With this comprehensive list of the best beaches in Kerala, you can plan your perfect vacation with JustWravel. Our travel mavens will understand your travel style and preferences, and curate a dream Kerala Tour Package for you that perfectly captures the soul of “God’s Own Country”.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kovalam Beach is renowned for its breathtaking views and crescent-shaped shoreline. Visitors often find a sense of peace while visiting here, with activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages.
Yes, most of the Kerala beaches are safe for swimming, especially the Kovalam, Varkala, and Cherai beaches, where lifeguards are already present to ensure the safety of visitors. Still, it’s best to avoid swimming either during the monsoon months or in areas with strong currents.
The best time to visit Kerala beaches is from October to March. The weather is pleasant and the sea remains calm.
Kovalam, Varkala, and Cherai are among the top beaches in Kerala for water sports activities. These beaches are equipped with facilities and trained operators, making them excellent choices for adventure seekers.
Yes, there are several family-friendly beaches in Kerala, including Marari, Cherai, and Payyambalam. These beaches are clean and have several eateries nearby, making them safe and enjoyable for children and elders alike.