Kerala is also known as God’s own country and is adorned with picturesque landscapes glued between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. It has a plethora of pristine beaches, magical backwaters, lush greenery, ayurvedic therapies, rich art and culture, and mouth-watering cuisine.

If you are someone who loves to walk on sandy beaches while sipping on sweet coconut water, this article is for you. Read on to know about the 18 best beaches in Kerala that you must keep on your vacation bucket list.

1. Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum

One of the most famous beaches in Kerala, Kovalam beach, is made up of three smaller beaches, namely Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. You can find a striped lighthouse with an observation deck among the palm-lined beaches.

This beach gained popularity in the 1970s and is undoubtedly the most significant in the state.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: The Kovalam beach is famous for -
  • Taking Sunbathes
  • Adventure sports
  • Ayurveda wellness and health centres
  • Shopping
  • Basking in sunrise and sunset

2. Bekal Beach, Kasaragod

Bekal beach, which is located on the vast Malabar coastline, is well known for its backwaters, forts, and picturesque splendour. It is a fairly small area on the Arabian Sea coast that is home to a number of attractions and provides guests with the best traditional Keralite hospitality. 

Bekal is a fantastic tourist destination because of its breathtaking scenery and is one of the top beaches in Kerala that attracts tourists from all over the world.

• Best Time to Visit: January to March
• Famous for: The Bekal beach is famous for the following -
  • Panoramic views of the Bekal Fort
  • Enjoying the sea beach at the multi shelters or erumadams
  • A ride in the traditional houseboat of Kerala, the Kettuvalam

3. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram

Varkala Beach is one of the best seasonal beaches in the world and boasts breathtaking views of the sea, the sand, and the surrounding countryside. It features an incredibly lengthy, curved cliff stretching towards the Arabian Sea. 

Since locals think that washing here washes away all sins, the area is also known as Papanasam Beach.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: Varkala Beach is famous for the following-
  • Sightseeing
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Windsurfing
  • Parasailing activities
  • Snorkelling and yoga
  • Shopping

4. Kozhikode Beach, Kozhikode

Not only is Kerala's Kozhikode Beach a well-known entity, but it also has considerable historical value. You can visit the neighbouring marine aquarium or go to Dolphin Point to engage with the dolphins.

Along with seeing the area's attractions, you can engage in typical beach activities.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Famous for: Kozhikode beach is one of the most famous beaches in Kerala and is renowned for the following-
  • Local sightseeing
  • Snorkelling
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Local cuisine

5. Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha

Alappuzha, also referred to as the Venice of the East, has always played an important role in Kerala's maritime history. It is a prominent location because of the Arabian Sea and a network of meandering lakes, lagoons, and freshwater rivers that pour into it. Due to the amazing and alluring natural beauty, tourists come here to hang out and rest. 

Alappuzha Beach is a well-known picnic location and a popular place even for locals. 

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: You can find the following if you visit this beach -
  • Backwater cruise
  • Surfing
  • Parasailing
  • Houseboat holidays
  • Water sports

6. Kappil Beach, Varkala

The Kappil beach is an unexplored yet beautiful location in Kerala. The shimmering waves of the Arabian Sea, the golden sand beaches, and the neighbouring Kodi cliff make this a must-visit location for travellers seeking a unique vacation.

This is a well-liked location for individuals seeking some peace because of the surrounding natural beauty and tranquil ambience.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: While visiting Kappil Beach, you can experience the following famous things here -
  • Trekking and camping
  • Surfing
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Backwater rides on boats

7. Chavakkad Beach, Thrissur

If you're organising a picnic, wedding honeymoon, or get-together, Chavakkad Beach in Thrissur is the ideal beachfront spot. Azhimukam is the point where the river and sea converge and is a prominent attraction at Thrissur's Chavakkad Beach, thus attracting a lot of visitors. 

It's a wonderful spot for swimming and unwinding in a peaceful setting. Additionally, the neighbouring lighthouse draws lots of tourists. 

• Best Time to Visit: March and September
• Famous for: Chavakkad Beach is famous for the following -
  • Bird watching
  • Swimming and taking sunbathes
  • Fishing
  • Volleyball
  • Local cuisine dining
  • Water sports

8. Cherai Beach, Ernakulam

Cherai Beach, which is every swimmer's dream destination, is located on the side of Vypeen Island, around twenty kilometres from Ernakulam's industrial area. You can enjoy a relaxing swim with the backdrop of coconut groves. After a wonderful swim, the surrounding shacks provide you with fresh food that fills you up just so.

You can also discover unique seashells and spot dolphins frequently. It is the perfect fusion of the sea and the backwaters.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: Cherai Beach draws a lot of tourists due to the popularity of these -
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Surfing
  • Evening walks
  • Have exotic seafood dinners and lunches

9. Marari Beach, Alappuzha

Marari is one of the most famous beaches in Kerala, located in the Alappuzha district. As soon as you step foot on the beach, coconut trees, palm trees and golden sands will welcome you.

The calm and quiet seaside gives you a soothing impression because of the relaxed way of life in the neighbourhood.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Famous for: Marari Beach is famous for the following -
  • Sea surfing
  • Water skiing
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Parasailing
  • Snake boat races during festivals

10. Nattika Beach, Thanniyam

You will feel comfortable in the idyllic surroundings, which are home to the traditional fisherman and his family.

It is a conventional and straightforward location that served as the backdrop for the cult classic Malayali film Chemmeen.

• Best Time to Visit: July to October
• Famous for: The Nattika beach is famous for the following -
  • Elephant rides
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Local sea cuisine
  • Long walks
  • Enjoy country boat rides

11. Neendakara Beach, Kollam

The entire region's most significant fishing grounds are located at one of the best beach places in Kerala, Neendakara Beach, which is also well-known for its seafood fare. 

Once you start breathing in the sea air, you will understand how beautiful this region is in its natural state.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Famous for: This beach is famous for the following -
  • Water sports like snorkelling, surfing
  • Nearby attractions like Kappil lake, Kollam beach, Janardhana Swami temple
  • Local cuisine

12. Kappad Beach, Kozhikode

Kappad Beach has traditionally had a significant impact on Keralian history. 170 men under the leadership of Vasco da Gama first set foot on Kerala on these beaches in 1498, more than 500 years ago. The Malabar Coast, in particular, as well as the entire state, would never be the same.

A tour of the area will give you a sense of its historical significance and its appeal is enhanced by the little hills and rocks.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: This beach is famous for the following - 
  • Boat rides
  • Houseboat cruises
  • Shopping and sightseeing
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Beach games

13. Chowara Beach, Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram's Chowara beach is a spotless, seclusion-loving entity that is well-known for its fishing locations. It is a beautiful location that frequently draws picnickers. You can enjoy a better view of the seashore from its spotless hilltop perch, the Chowara Ayyappa Temple. 

Apart from that, visitors might also choose to explore the neighbouring Azhimalathara Beach.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: This beach is famous for the following -
  • Water sports
  • Backwaters
  • Ayurveda resorts

14. Beypore Beach, Kozhikode

This historic harbour had seen a great lot of trade and dealings between West Asian Arabian traders, Chinese travellers, and later Europeans with the local traders. The existence of the 1,500-year-old tradition of the shipbuilding industry is one of the main draws of this location.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: You can experience the following here -
  • Water sports like parasailing, angling, swimming
  • Ayurveda massage
  • Taking sunbathe
  • Shopping
  • Local cuisine like Kozhikodan Halwa

15. Kizhunna Beach, Kannur

If you want to sleep or rest on soft rocks and view their formation as well, then this beach is for you. The hidden treasure of North Kerala is for those who value isolation above all other qualities. 

You can take a stroll or a soothing sunbath in the middle of the day, on the warm sands beautifully combined with the gentle wind and warm beaches.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Famous for: This beach is famous for the following -
  • Water sports
  • Enjoy local snacks

16. Kolavipalam Beach, Kolavipalam

The Kolavipalam Beach is a gorgeous, remote beach that is situated in Kerala's Kozhikode region. This lovely beach is near Payyoli Beach and is situated south of the Murad River. Additionally, this scenic beach has lovely golden sand and calm seawater.

Apart from that, it is frequently referred to as "turtle beach" since it is also claimed to be a "haven" for the Olive Ridley Turtle species.

• Best Time to Visit: September
• Famous for: This beach is famous for -
  • Brilliant views of sunrise and sunset
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Swimming
  • Water sports
  • Local food

17. Kuzhupilly Beach, Kochi

In all of its unspoiled beauty, Kuzhupilly Beach is a swimming enthusiast's literal paradise. Its pristine, sandy beaches provide the ideal setting for a tranquil swim. The rice fields and coconut groves on the route to the beach, as well as the neighbouring backwaters, add to its allure. 

Kite festivals will occasionally be held on the beach as well. Vypin Island, with its agreeable climate and proximity to Ernakulam, makes the finest base for this beach.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: The following are famous in this place -
  • Prawn farming
  • Beautiful sunsets and sunrise
  • Calm and quiet place, ideal for sitting back and relaxing

18. Kanwatheertha Beach, Kasaragod

Kanwatheertha Beach in Manjeswaram is popular and draws a lot of tourists due to a large formation in the middle of the water that resembles a swimming pool. Its vast beach is the ideal place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a delicious picnic.

Families can be seen joyfully strolling around and taking a cooling plunge as they take in the pleasant weather and picturesque scenery.

• Best Time to Visit: January and March
• Famous for: This beach is famous for the following -
  • Snorkelling
  • Taking sunbathes
  • Taking swims
  • Local cuisine