Beaches in Kerala- Your beach vacation is South India wob't be complete without visiting the nbeaches of Tamil Nadu, India's last coastal destination for rides on motorized boat or wind surfing.

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. The tiny town has been given the sobriquet of the 'Venice of East' because of its uncanny resemblance with the Italian city in terms of intricate maze of backwaters, canals and rivers. Alappuzha was once a busy port, serving as the entrance point of Kerala for boats that brought goods from other regions and also carried the same from the town. The port was the brainchild of Raja Kesava Das, the Deewan of Travancore in the 18th century.

On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered.
Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches give a ravishing look.

Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.
The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions of Varkala Beach. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Varkala is a beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. This beach of Kerala is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value.
A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore. At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.