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Kerala
enjoys an extraordinary kinship with the sea. Mythically born from
it, Kerala’s bond with the sea is that of a child and mother. By
the virtue of having most of India’s finest beaches, Kerala offers
you surf, spice and sand like no other place. Though extremely
popular worldwide, the beaches remain strangely unspoilt and
bewitching. The cool breeze that blows on the beaches will work
like a balm to your soul. You will find the communing with air,
water and sand at the beaches of Kerala a supreme rejuvenation.
Here are some beautiful beaches in the God’s Own Country with a
short description....
Alappuzha beach Tour
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.
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 its fabulous beaches were discovered.
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 beaches gives it 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 this 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. Not to speak of the delightful sea-food fare
including lobsters available at the beachside restaurants.
The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three
parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is the
Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the beach one can have a
spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. Photography is
prohibited here.
The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as
a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra,
is least affected of all by the changing times.It is dotted with
few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.
In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by
Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. This
mellow Kerala coastal village was once a picturesque settlement
built next to two palm-fringed coves enclosed by rocky headlands,
but development has been almost unplanned.
There's a plethora of places to stay, ranging from cheap concrete
boxes to up-market 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 as well to suit every pocket. 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.
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 serves the requirements of Kovalam.
This
little island known by the same name as the beach, Pathiramanal,
in the backwaters of Kerala literally means the 'Sands of night'
The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom and is
accessible only by boat. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,
stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam Lake, the
island and the beach is home to hundreds of migatory birds,
which take a rest on their long journey from the cool climes of
Siberia.
Legend has it that a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake
to perfom his evening ablutions and the water made way for the
land to rise from below which saw the creation of Pathiramanal.
The nearest airports are the Cochin International Airport, about
85 km north of Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram, about 150 km
towards the south. Alappuzha is the nearest railway station
Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham
Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is
adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist
Village.
An indoor recreation club, the 'Matsya Kanyaka', a gigantic 35 m
long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a
starfish are the major attractions here. The long stretch of
clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however,
is not suitable for bathing.
Shankhumugham Beach is a popular city beach situated near to the
airport. This beach provides good facilities like an indoor
recreation club, children's traffic training park and a star
shaped restaurant.
Thirumullavaram Beach Tour
Thirumullavaram Beach is roughly 6km north of Kollam,
Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach that's well linked by road
and with good facilities. This beautiful beach filled with
coconut palms is ideal for an early morning walk as one can see
fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. The beach has
good bathing facilities.
Located at 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is a sea side
resort and also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. It's a
beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of
Lord Vishnu.
The
2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are
the two main attractions here. A dip in the holy waters of this
beach is believed to purify the body and the soul of all the
sins hence the name 'Papanashini (destroyer of sin)' for this
shore.
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