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Beaches
Kerala in South India, also called God's Own Country, is home to many rare and special forms of animal, bird and marine life.The Kerala have 12 Wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks. The wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala provide refuge to different forms of wildlife in Kerala and provide tourists with an opportunity to see these rare creatures in their natural surroundings.
Kerala Beaches are:
Alappuzha Beach :Alappuzha beach is quite a popular tourist spot, known to provide relaxation in the district of Alappuzha (Alleppey). The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. Blessed with nature's green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland of Kerala state.
Bekal Beach : Bekal fort stands on a promontory between two long classically beautiful palm fringed beaches. This is the largest, best preserved fort in kerala.
Beypore Beach : 10 km south of Kozhikode, located at the mouth of chliyar river, beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient beypore was much sought after by merchants from western asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the uru, the traditional arabian trading vessel.
Cherai Beach :45 kms from ernakulam city, this lovely beach bordering vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.
Dharmadam Island :The small 5 adre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.
Ezhimala Beach : The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. A naval academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.
Fort Kochi Beach : 12 kms from ernakulam city, a leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic fort kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first european township in india, kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the portuguese, the dutch and later the british. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the remains of the indo european architecture here.
Kappad Beach: 16 kms from Kozhikode (Calicut) (Calicut), this is the historic beach where Vasco-da-Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.
Kappil Beach : Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. The kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the arabian sea.
Kizhunna Ezhara Beach : 11 kms from kannur, this beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in kerala.
Kovalam Beach : Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city, Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place.
Kovalam Beach consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. 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.
Marari Beach (Mararikulam) :Right in the heart of the "spice coast" just an hour from Cochin and even less to Alleppey(also Known as Alpuzzha) is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an idyllic retreat for those who want to "get away from it all". Marari originates from "mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience to local charm and traditional keralan hospitality at its best.
Padinharekara Beach :At the end of the tipu sultan road near poonnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the bharathapuzha, the tirur puzha and the arabian sea.
Pallikere Beach :This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
Payyambalam Beach : 2 kms from kannur this beach is a local picnic spot.
Shanghumukham Beach :08 kms from Thiruvanathapuram, this 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 and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.
Somatheeram Beach : 15 acres of green garden terraced heights sloping down to the sandy beach stretching to the tranquil, turquoise sea changing colour and mood momentarily as the white clouds sail past over it. This is the perfect beach with a ayurvedic resort for all kind of ayurvedic treatments.
Thangasseri Beach : 5 km from kollam town, this seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old portuguese fort and churches built in the 18 th century. The thangasseri lighthouse is open to visitors from 1530-1730 hrs.
Thirumullavaram Beach : 6 km from kollam town, this secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town
Vallikunnu Beach :A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. The kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away.
Varkala Beach : South India is never really cool, but pleasantly warm in winter. So, tourists usually visit Varkala beach during the month of October, as it is cool and secluded. Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam.
Varkala beach is famous for mineral springs and a fantastic massage, so don't forget to bring aromatherapy massage oil and sun protection. The mineral springs here are said to have curative properties. The massage technique has been a closely guarded secret for thousands of years, but for many tourists it's a welcome revival from the toils of the road.
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