Kerala is acclaimed for its scenic beauty. This tourist destination in South India is mainly known for the sea beaches. The shoreline of Kerala extends for about 600 km. Lagoons, backwaters, natural harbors, coconut groves and beaches enhance the beauty of the shoreline.

Backwaters of Kerala

The backwaters of Kerala is a major attraction to tourists. Kerala is drained by a number of rivers and canals that form estuaries and deltas before flowing into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters is formed by a network of the riverine deltas and estuaries for a vast stretch. Most part of this backwaters is navigable. The Vembanad Lake is the largest backwater stretch in Kerala. The Astamudi Lake in Kerala acts as a gateway to the backwaters. The traditional houseboat known as kettuvallom is also an attraction to the tourists on the backwaters of Kerala. These houseboats are great for spending holidays in Kerala.

Some of the popular beaches of Kerala are mentioned here:

Varkala Beach

This beach is highly popular among the tourists in Kerala. It is dotted with mineral springs and cliffs. It is not only known for a spa and a seaside resort but it is also renowned as a pilgrimage center of the Hindus. The Nature Care Center is a one-stop destination to refresh and rejuvenate yourself. Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple of Varkala Beach is about 2000 years old and visited by devotees and tourists.

Kovalam Beach

This tourist spot is located at a distance of about 16 km from the Thiruvananthapuram. Since 1930, this sea beach is a popular tourist destination especially to the Europeans. The Kovalam is mainly known for swimming, sunbathing and cruising and for health spas.

Kappad

This sea beach in Kerala is historically famous as Vasco da Gama, the European traveler landed here in 1498. He arrived at this Indian state with 170 men in 3 sea vessels. To the locals, this sea beach is also known as Kappakadavu. A 800 year old temple is located at Kappad. A protruding rock in the sea enhances the natural beauty of the beach.

Dolphin's Point

About a distance of 2 km from Kozhikode, this beach is situated. At this region, in the early morning, one can see the dolphins swimming in the azure waters. The lighthouse and the Lions Club park are tourist attractions of this beach. This beach is ideal for taking long evening walks.