Kerala attracts travellers with its stately Western Ghats and the beautiful beaches. The state is blessed with a 580-km coastline where the Arabian Sea clasps the land.
Each of Kerala's beaches presents a pretty sight, but there are some beaches that still stand apart.
Muzhappilangad drive-in beach
This is Kerala's longest drive-in beach. Visitors can take their vehicles smoothly along the four-km pristine stretch. People bring vehicles like the local auto-rickshaws and luxurious Audis to the beach for a drive.
The sea is always calm here as rocks a little way off the shore form a protective wall. Bathing on the beach is safe as the waters are not deep.
The route to the beach is along a picturesque road lined with coconut groves on both sides. Muzhappilangad beach, which is considered Asia’s biggest drive-in beach, is also a haven for several species of birds.
Things to remember
Never drive fast on the beach. There is no one to control traffic and accidents can take place. Also, drive carefully.
Ensure that the vehicles are washed thoroughly at a service station after a visit to the beach as salt from the sea water may cause damage.
Nearest railway station: Kannur
Nearest town: Thalassery
Dharmadam
The biggest attraction at Dharmadam is an island off the shore, not the beach itself. It is known as Kakkathuruthu (Island of the crows). During sunset, the island becomes the haunt of crows retiring for the day. The sight of the birds alighting on the island at dusk is stunning.
During low tide, visitors can venture to the island by wading through the water.
The sea is relatively shallow at Dharmadam beach. As the Muzhappilangad beach is nearby, visitors can come to Dharmadam to enjoy the sunset after a drive there.
The red stone formations offer good photo opportunities. Vehicles can be taken to Dharmadam beach also, but a drive is risky.
Things to remember
For a trek to Kakkathuruthu, the help of local people should be sought as the depth of the water varies at each spot.
Bathing in the sea beyond the rocky formation should be avoided at all cost.
Varkala
The beach here is distinguished by a unique geographical formation. A steep cliff overhangs the beach and the beauty of the seashore can be best enjoyed from there. However, bathing in the sea is not totally safe. Relishing the breeze from top of the cliff is the best part of a visit to Varkala.
Other notable spots in the area are a two-thousand-year-old temple and Sivagiri Matt, established by Sree Narayana Guru.
Nearest city: Kollam
Nearest railway station: Varkala
Things to remember
As there is no protective fence at many areas of the cliff, care has to be taken while taking stroll.
Kannamaly
Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has beaches galore. Famous and popular among them include Fort Kochi, Munambam and several others. However, the charms of the beach at Kannamaly are not known to many people. It is, in fact, the only drive-in beach in Kochi. Though the stretch is not very long, visitors can enjoy a drive on the beach.
Bathing is also safe on beach where the sea has formed a bay-like area about a km towards the land.
Nearest town: Thoppumpady
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam
Things to remember
Though Kannamaly is a drive-in beach, the path to the seashore is sandy and driving along this stretch could prove difficult.
Before venturing with the vehicle into the beach, take a walk to judge the depth of water. There is a steep incline from the shore to the sea.
Bekal - Pallikkara
The historic Bekal fort and the calm waves are the biggest attractions of Bekal beach. A garden under the Tourism Department is nearby and facilities are available for a shower after a dip in the salty sea water.
A panoramic view of the beach can be enjoyed from the top of the Bekal Fort. A large stretch of the clean and well-maintained beach is deserted most of the time.
Nearest town: Kanhangad
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod
