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Kerala's coast along the Arabian Sea is dotted with some of the finest and most charming beaches in the world.
Sharing its western border with the Arabian Sea, Kerala has a 700 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest and charming beaches, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. Among the better known beaches are the following, but there are many other beaches in Kerala.
Kovalam Beach is probably the best known beach in Kerala. It is located 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and consists of three small beaches, the Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. Kovalam has some of the best luxurious and exotic beach resorts in Kerala. The beach resorts are well equipped with the best of facilities being offerd to the tourist, including exotic cuisine, Ayurvedic rejuvenation packages, yoga and meditation programs. Many marine activities are possible at Kovalam, including snorkeling, sea rides on catamarans, sunrise and sun set cruises with local fishermen on their boats, and deep-sea fishing. It is relatively easy to get to Kovalam with the nearby airport in Thiruvananthapuram connecting Kovalam to other destinations in India and some international destinations as well.
Varkala Beach is located around 50 kilometers to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. Vakala is known for being one of the most calm and serene beaches in India, and is the only beach tourist destination in Kerala where one can see cliffs adjacent to the sea shore and there are several water sprouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. Varkala is also famous for its 900 year old Janardana Swami Temple located close to the beach. Varkala has a large number of Ayurveda treatment centers that offer all forms of Ayurveda treatments including massages, herbal baths, short term rejuvenation courses etc. to tourists.
Poovar Beach is an isolated but spectacular beach, situated close to the Neyyar River estuary. Poovar used to be a trading port in its early days, but today it is an important tourist destination. Poovar Beavh is one of the most picturesque beaches in India and considered to be one of the leading tourist spots in Kerala.
Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf and gives an authentic experience of Kerala's traditional fishing villages. Here life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches, this combined with the local charm and traditional Kerala hospitality, makes Marari Beach among the most popular beaches of Kerala.
Cherai Beach is ideal for swimming and dolphins are occasionally spotted here. The beach is just 23 kilometers from Cochin, it is 15 kilometers long and one of the best clean, golden beaches of Kerala. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.
Kappad Beach is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on May 27 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu and has a little sea faring harbor town. Fort Cochin Beach is legendary for its Chinese fishing net dotting the foreground, but this beach also offers views of spectacular sunsets. Another highlight here are the waterfront stalls serving fresh catch prepared according to taste.
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