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Beaches
Mythically born from it, the gentle swirls of pristine translucent waters can ever be heard pampering the shores of
Kerala.
Kerala enjoys an extraordinary kinship with the sea. By virtue of having most of India's finest beaches, Kerala offers surf and sand like no other place. Though extremely popular worldwide, the beaches remain strangely uncoil and bewitching. The beaches of Kerala have a character unique to them. Because of the wide acres of sumptuous palm groves bordering them. The cool breeze that blows on the beaches will work like balm to your soul.
ALAPPUZHA
Alappuzha has a long, sandy and spectacular beach. Bordered by dense palm groves at one end and an ancient towering lighthouse at the other, the Alappuzha beach is a delight for your eyes.
Access: Alappuzha is one hour from Kochi and four hours from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Frequent train services operate from these cities.
Other Places:Krishnapuram Palace is situated 42 kms from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam (travel time 1 hour). This 18th century palace houses the largest mural in Kerala - the Gajendra Moksham.
Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is situated 14 kms south of Alappuzha (travel time 20 mins). Devotees throng this temple during its festival held in March-April.
BEKAL
Bekal has one of the most enchanting beaches of Kerala. Bekal Fort projecting into the sea offers a spectacular view of the surroundings. Bekal Fort is the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala, and is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Access: Bekal is 16 kms south of Kasargod the northern most district of Kerala. The nearest Airport is Kozhikkode.
KAPPAD 
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded, pleasant 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. The Kappad Beach Resort is one of the leading centers for Ayurvedic health holidays in Kerala (16 km from Kozhikkode)
Access: Access to Kozhikkode (Calicut) is very easy with flights operating daily from Mumbai (Bombay), Bangalore and Chennai (Madras). Kozhikkode (Calicut) is easily accessible by rail from all major Indian cities. By rail or by road Kozhikkode is just 5 hours away from Kochi.
Sidelights:Beypore, the small coastal town eleven kilometers south of Kozhikkode has built up a reputation worldwide as a shipbuilding center where large wooden vessels called 'Urus' are built.
Pazhassiraja Museum displays ancient murals, antique bronzes and rare coins as well as models of temples and megalithic monuments.
KOVALAM
Kovalam is one of India's internationally renowned beaches. Popular since 1930, Kovalam consists of three successive crescent shaped beaches. A sheltered natural bay, Kovalam beach is juxtaposed between serene blue waters of the Arabian Sea and an expansive spread of luxuriant palm groves. Kovalam offers a range of good hotels for boarding.
Access: Kovalam is just an hour's drive from Thiruvananthapuram city.
Other Places:Ponmudi is a hill resort situated at an altitude of 1066 meters, which is 60 kms northeast of Thiruvananthapuram city.
Veli - Akkulam the lagoon becoming increasingly popular among tourists.
VARKALA
A narrow winding road leads away from the town, flanked by thousands of palm trees and fertile paddy fields. In fact, this is a holy beach, known as ‘Papanashini’ meaning, that which destroys sins. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Mineral water springs gushing out from these cliffs are well known for their medicinal property. There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Worship at the ancient Janardhana Swamy (Vishnu) temple and pay homage to Kerala’s saint and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru.
Access: Thiruvananthapuram is a major entry point of Kerala as well as India. Flights connecting Thiruvananthapuram with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai operate daily. Rail connections exist to every major city in India. Varkala is around 50 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Train services are available to Varkala almost every hour.
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