Kerala & Tamilnadu Beaches

KERALA
Kovalam
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.It has been a favourite haunt of tourists,especially Europeans,since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages,special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc.The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes.Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort.The beach complex includes the Ashoka Beach Resort (owned by ITDC),a string of budget cottages,Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc.Thiruvananthapuram,the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle.But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city.

Location :Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram central,about 16 km
Nearest airport :Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 10 km.

Alappuzha beach
Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Location: Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town, south Kerala.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

Cherai Beach:
The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. The sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east give this upcoming tourist destination, a uniqueness which can be found only in Kerala. Thick coconut groves and chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.

Location : Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes journey) from Ernakulam

Getting there :
Nearest railway station : Ernakulam Junction, about one km from the main boat jetty.
Nearest airport : Kochi International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.

Valapattanam:

Kannur is that part of the legendary Malabar Coast where King Solomon's ships anchored to collect timber to build the 'Temple of the Lord' and to secure most needed spices. Here in the little hamlet on the banks of the river Valapattanam, is a giant of the modern timber industry - Western India Plywood Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in South East Asia.The timber industry of Valapattanam thrive on the rich forest resources of the district. Teak, Iruli, Elavu, Karimurukku, sandalwood (Sandalum album) etc. are found in plenty in the forests here. In addition are cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, tobacco, cashewnuts etc.

Location:Valapattanam about 7 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala. Attractions

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 7 km from Valapattanam.
Nearest airports: Karipur international airport, Kozhikode, about 93 km from Kannur town.

TAMILNADU
Marina
With its natural sandy beauty and spacious promenade, the Marina beach continues to be the sought-after rendezvous. With its distinctive aura and vendors hawking wares ranging from shell and glass baubles to kites and fruit juices, the Marina, should not be missed. The Covalam beach with a fishing village takes pride in being the favourite haunt of many.