Beaches of South India

Location: Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala Famous As: Venice Of The East Main Attractions: 140 Years Old Pier Best Time To Visit: July to September

About Alappuzha – The Quaint Little Town

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. The tiny town has been given the sobriquet of the 'Venice of East' because of its uncanny resemblance with the Italian city in terms of intricate maze of backwaters, canals and rivers. Alappuzha was once a busy port, serving as the entrance point of Kerala for boats that brought goods from other regions and also carried the same from the town. The port was the brainchild of Raja Kesava Das, the Deewan of Travancore in the 18th century.

Alleppey Beach – Time to Enjoy

Alappuzha beach also known as Alleppey beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. From relaxing to going crazy enjoying watersports, Alleppey Beach has facilities for everything.

Sightseeing at the Alleppey Beach

Remnants of the once thriving port provide for good sightseeing options at the Alleppey beach. The thousand feet pier date backs to 1862 when Captain Huge Crawford built it to provide shelter and protection to the boats and ships that came in. Also there is a lighthouse that obviously illuminated the path of ships in the darkness of night. Both these remnants from past are not in a good condition today, yet they have the capability to impress you. There are also other colonial buildings that offer good sightseeing

The Beautiful Garden of Alleppey Beach

Roam around in the beautiful garden of the Alleppey beach. The beauty will instill a renewed sense of happiness in you.

Watersports at the Alleppey Beach

Alleppey beach offers umpteen opportunities to give your jaded soul a reason to go lively. No, it is not the beauty of the surroundings that we are still talking about. The wondrous surroundings do have an effect but a chance to enjoy watersports infuse new energy into you. Challenge the sea waves by going for surfing and parasailing or have fun with water by hiring water-scooters and high-speed boats. And if not any of these, you can also go for swimming under clear blue sky. Just make sure that you are aware of the precautions to be taken

Vijaya Park & Sea View Park

The two fantastic park should not be missed out at any cost. Children, specially find these two parks of Alleppey beach extremely delightful. Boating option is available in both parks. Additionally, Vijaya Park also offers rides in toy trains and bicycles.

Alleppey Beach Resorts

Alleppey Beach Resort, Coir Village Lake Resort, Punnamada Beach Resort, Marari Beach Resort.

Other Attractions of Alappuzha

Apart from the Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha has plenty of other attractions that make it a precious gem of God's own Country.

Alleppey Backwaters

Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. A backwater cruise that starts from Alleppey and culminates in jetty gives a good view of the andscape beauty , monuments, temples,churches and industries of Alappuzha.

Alleppey Boat Races

Boat Races intrinsic part of Kerala culture and Alleppey is one destination that has created its distinct place in the arena of boat races. The Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races all contribute to make Alleppey a perfect destination for watching boat races. All these races are mostly held in the month of August and September.

Alappuzha Sightseeing Option – In And Around

There are a number of palaces, temples, churches and other attractions that you can enjoy while on a visit to Alappuzha. Famous amongst them are Krishnapuram Palace, Kuttanad Region, Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple, Pathiramanal, Ambalapuzha Temple, Arthunkal Church, Champakulam Church, Chavara Bhavan, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara, Edathua Church, Karumadikuttan, Mannarsala, Q S T and R Block Kayal, Punnapra & Mararikulam.

How to Reach Alappuzha Beach

By Air: The Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.

By Road: From Kochi Airport, cabs and buses are available that bring you to Alleppey. You can also drive on NH-47 which links Salem to Kanyakumari.

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Famous As: The Most Popular Beach in Kerala Main Attractions: Yoga and Other Health Related Activities, Vizhinjam Mosque

On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when fabulous beaches were discovered in Kovalam.

Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the Kovalam beaches give a ravishing look.

The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes Kovalam beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come true.

A sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves. Where when you are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront near Kovalam beach Kerala. Not to speak of the delightful sea-food fare at Kovalam beach Kerala. The most tempting and delicious is the lobsters available at the beachside restaurants.

The Three Charming Beaches of Kovalam

The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three sections. The southern most beach Lighthouse beach, the middle beach Hawa beach and the northern most beach Samudra beach. Beside facilitating the adventure sports.

Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse beach is the most popular beach, located at the southern part of the Kovalam beach Kerala. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, blowing from the Arabian sea and walk barefooted on the soft silver sands of the beach. Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam offers a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque and its verdant surroundings.

The Vizhinjam Lighthouse is one of the prime attractions in Kovalam that captivates the tourist for its mesmerizing view. The interesting fact about the lighthouse is that it still glows in the dark at regular intervals. Light emitted by it spreads all over and creates the romantic ambiance that delights the tourists utmost.

Hawa Beach

Hawa beach in Kovalam is another place of interest to spend a pleasant holiday vacation. Here, tourists can see the daily routine of local fishermen. Every morning they set out to sea to catch fishes, which is the main source of their livelihood. Travel to Hawa beach in Kovalam to have a unique and delightful experience that will surely offer you life time memories to be treasured.

Samudra Beach

Samudra beach enjoys the tranquil and serene atmosphere, an ideal place for nature lovers. Tourists can relax in the laps of nature while enjoying the soothing surroundings. The Samudra beach in Kovalam is also a perfect destination for sunbathing. Added charm of the beach is its rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.

Things to do At Kovalam Beach

Leisure Activities at Kovalam Beach
Spend the moments of leisure at the beach site, especially during sunset. Laze on the golden sands and walk on it, to marvel at lush greenery all around. Relish at variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines that will delight the foodies. The restaurants alongside the beach serves some lip-smacking Kerala sea food and continental cuisines including German and Swiss specialties. Apart from that check out the shops that line up along the beach and look for jewelery, handicrafts and cloth shops.

Kovalam is also popular for classical Kathakali dance. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala.

Adventure Activities at Kovalam Beach
Kovalam beach is a one stop answer to all adventure buffs. It is a dream destination to indulge yourself in various thrilling adventure sports within the territory of this exotic beach in your Kovalam tour. Visitors can experience the tremendous joy of surfing, swimming, skiing and kayaking in the vast azure water of Arabian sea which touches the golden sands of Kovalam. The safe zones for adventure sports are marked with the green flag and the area with red flags in not safe for the tourists. Add more fun to your trip by indulging yourself in angling. Hire the boat from fisherman and set out to catch colorful fishes.

More Sightseeing in Kovalam Beach
You can also explore other magnificent buildings at the Kovalam beach that are architectural wonders. Kovalam Jama Masjid and the Ganapati Temple that are amongst them.

Hotels in Kovalam Enhance Your Pleasure
There's a plethora of places to stay, ranging from cheap concrete boxes to up-market Kovalam beach resorts, and a large number of under-equipped restaurants catering to standard Asian travellers' menus. The ITDC-run Ashoka and the Kerala tourism department's 'Samudra' at the Kovalam beach provide five-star accommodation.

There are other hotels in Kovalam suiting the pocket of budget travelers. Kovalam is developing not only as a beach resort but is fast developing as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by experts at Kovalam beach.

How to Reach Kovalam

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram international airport is a nearest airport to Kovalam.

By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram railway station is the nearest railhead from Kovalam.

By Road: Tourist can also access to Kovalam by bus that ply regularly from Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam can be reached by direct and regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place from Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Railway head serve the requirements of Kovalam.

Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Famous As: Spectacular Sunrises And Sunsets Main Attractions: Vivekananda Rock And The Sangam

At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari), an important pilgrim center. Kanyakumari is also famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days.

A Sight For Sore Eyes

The sea is fairly rough, so it is entertaining to watch it beat itself against the rocks and then subside, before it gathers itself up for another attack. With long stretches of sands of many hues, the beach offers a welcome change. A variety of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.

The beach is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand, but it does not really offer one the opportunity to sunbathe on soft golden sands, or to frolic in the waves either. The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there is a manmade wall running along it. People are warned to stay off the rocks, and when if someone ventures out of bounds, he or she is quickly and severely reprimanded by a watchful policeman. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view.

Major Attractions of Kanyakumari Beach

The Sangam
Sangam is the meeting point of the three major bodies of water, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a bathing ghat, with steps leading into the water and a sort of lagoon formed between land by a series of rocks. People bathe and jump around, getting lightly battered by the remains of waves, which are washing over the rocks.

Vivekananda's Rock
Kanyakumari is famous for Vivekananda's rock, a huge stone rising out of the sea, on which Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated. It now houses the statue of Vivekananda and is a memorial to him. Not surprisingly, Kanyakumari is a popular destination for Vivekananda's followers, so there are many Bengalis here, and some Bengali hotels and restaurants are available too.

Places to stay in Kanyakumari

Accommodation is available at the hotels in Kanyakumari with options varying from reasonable economic class to luxurious ones.

How to Reach Kanyakumari

By Air: The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (80kms.), which is well connected with national and International flights. From Thiruvananthapuram one can take a taxi or bus to Kanyakumari.

By Rail: Kanyakumari is well connected by train services with all the places in India. Superfast trains connect the southern most railhead of India with northern cities like Jammu and Delhi. Intercity trains are running from almost all the southern cities.

By Road: Kanyakumari is connected by regular bus services with Chennai, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Trichy, Madurai, Mandapam (Rameshwaram), Nagercoil, Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, Tiruvelveli, Trivandrum, etc. Town bus service, tourist taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

Location: 41kms. from Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala Famous As: Janardana Swamy Temple Main Attractions: Papanashini Best Time To Visit: The Beach has a 2000 Year Old Shrine of Lord Vishnu

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.

How to Reach Varkala

By Rail: The railway station is 3kms. from the beach

By Bus: Varkala is 54kms. from Thiruvananthapuram and 37kms. 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.