How to visit the best beaches in Kerala, India

Kerala’s coastline is a blend of lively shores and hidden retreats, making it one of India’s top beach destinations. Kovalam is the most famous, with four distinct beaches — Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach — each offering a unique vibe. Further north, Varkala’s Papanasam Beach is framed by dramatic cliffs, while Cherai Beach near Kochi combines golden sands with backwater scenery. For those seeking solitude, Marari Beach in Mararikulam and Valiyaparamba in the north offer unspoiled stretches of sand. Whether you want to surf, sunbathe, or watch fishermen at work, Kerala has a beach for you. Here's how you can visit the best beaches in Kerala.

Tips for visiting the beaches of Kerala

Kerala’s coastline is diverse, with lively beach towns, quiet shores, and dramatic cliffs. Good planning helps you make the most of your trip, from transport options to the best time to visit.

How to get to Kerala?

• By air: Kerala has four international airports — Cochin (Kochi), Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Calicut (Kozhikode), and Kannur. Trivandrum is the best option for Kovalam, while Cochin is ideal for Varkala, Cherai, and Marari.
• By train: Kerala’s rail network connects major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Trains stop near popular beaches, including Varkala and Trivandrum.
• By road: Buses and private taxis run from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Road trips offer scenic views but can take longer.

How to get around Kerala?

• Taxis and auto-rickshaws: The easiest way to reach beaches from towns and railway stations. Auto-rickshaw fares should be negotiated before the ride.
• Buses: Public buses are budget-friendly and frequent, though they can be slow and crowded.
• Trains: For longer distances, Kerala’s coastal rail network is a reliable choice. Varkala, Trivandrum, and Kannur have well-connected stations.
• Boat rides: In backwater regions like Valiyaparamba, local ferries and houseboats offer a scenic way to travel.

What is the best time to visit Kerala?

• September to March: The best season for beach visits, with pleasant temperatures, calm seas, and little rainfall. This is the peak tourist season, so it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.
• April to May: Hot and humid, but beaches are less crowded. Early morning and late evening visits are more comfortable.
• June to August (monsoon season): Heavy rains make swimming unsafe, but the beaches look stunning. It’s a great time for Ayurvedic treatments and watching dramatic coastal storms.

Best beaches in Kerala

Now that we've sorted out the organizational aspects, let's get to the fun part. The beaches of Kerala are considered to be some of the best India beaches, and below we take a look at what each beach is famous for.

1. Kovalam Beach, Kovalam

Best for: a mix of lively atmosphere and peaceful spots

Kovalam is one of the most popular Indian beaches, offering a combination of energy and relaxation. It is made up of many coves, each with its own character. Kovalam beach itself is dominated by the five-star Leela resort, perched high on the cliffs with panoramic sea views.

On weekends, the place is packed with crowds of local tourists, but on weekdays it has a more relaxed atmosphere.

Where to stay near Kovalam Beach:

• The Leela Kovalam – A luxury resort with cliff views and a private beach.
• Turtle On The Beach – upscale boutique hotel with sea-facing rooms and a spa.
• Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel – mid-range option with beachfront access and Ayurvedic treatments.

2. Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam

Best for: iconic views, swimming, and beachfront cafés.

Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and developed stretch of Kovalam’s coastline, drawing both international tourists and locals. A paved esplanade runs along the shore, lined with beachfront cafés, souvenir shops, and hotels. At the southern end, the red-and-white striped Vizhinjam Lighthouse rises above the palm trees. Climb its 142 spiral steps and twelve ladder rungs to reach the top, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea.

The beach itself is ideal for swimming, thanks to its gentle waves, though lifeguards keep an eye out for stronger currents.

Where to stay near Lighthouse Beach:

• The Travancore Heritage Beach Resort – a heritage-style stay with sea-view cottages.
• Jasmine Palace – a mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and a pool.
• Sagara Beach Resort – a great option for families, with spacious rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

3. Hawah Beach, Kovalam

Best for: a quieter alternative to Lighthouse Beach with a local feel.

Separated from Lighthouse Beach by a small rocky headland, Hawah Beach (also called Eve’s Beach) is a more peaceful alternative to its busier neighbor. While it shares the same golden sands and palm-fringed backdrop, it's far less commercialized, with most of its length lined by swaying coconut groves instead of cafés and hotels.

In the early morning, you can catch a glimpse of local life here: fishermen hand-pull their massive nets, humming rhythmically as they work. Toward evening, sunbathers come here to enjoy the calm atmosphere and gentle waves. It's a great place to relax, swim or just watch the boats bobbing on the horizon.

Where to stay near Hawah Beach:

• Sea Face Hotel – beachfront stay with sea-view balconies and an outdoor pool.
• Little Elephant Beach Resort – a cozy, family-run guesthouse with great views.
• Beach Hotel Neelakanta – mid-range hotel with spacious rooms and a beachfront restaurant.

4. Samudra Beach, Kovalam

Best for: a quiet escape with fewer crowds.

Samudra Beach, the northernmost of Kovalam’s beaches, is a peaceful alternative to its busier neighbors. While this Kerala beach used to be a popular destination for European package tourists, it now attracts Indian and Russian vacationers who stay in large hotels behind the rocky headland. Despite the development, the beach itself remains relatively unspoiled, offering a tranquil retreat overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Unlike Lighthouse and Hawah Beach, Samudra has fewer cafés and shops, making it perfect if you’re looking for solitude. The waves here can be strong, so it’s not the best for swimming, but it’s a great spot for long walks, watching the fishermen at work, or simply unwinding to the sound of the waves.

Where to stay near Samudra Beach:

• KTDC Samudra – beachfront resort with lush gardens and direct sea views.
• Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa – a luxury option with lagoon-style pools and private cottages.
• Abad Harmonia Ayurveda Beach Resort – a mid-range choice with Ayurvedic wellness treatments.

5. Papanasam Beach, Varkala

Best for: stunning cliffside views, cultural experiences, and spiritual significance.

Papanasam Beach, just 2.5 miles (4 km) from Varkala town, is one of Kerala’s most striking coastal spots. Backed by dramatic burnt-clay cliffs, it offers breathtaking ocean views, especially at sunset when fishing boats dot the horizon with their lanterns. This Kerala beach is also deeply spiritual — its name, Papa Nashini (“sin destroyer”), reflects its association with Hindu rituals. Pilgrims visit the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple before performing final rites for their ancestors on the shore, guided by local pujaris (priests).

While the waves can be strong, the northern end of the beach is safer for swimming. The clifftop is lined with small hotels, cafés, and yoga retreats, making it a popular hangout for travelers looking to soak up Varkala’s laid-back vibe.

Where to stay near Papanasam Beach:

• Clafouti Beach Resort – Mid-range stay with traditional Kerala-style cottages and sea views.
• Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resort – a peaceful stay with Ayurvedic treatments and oceanfront cottages.
• Zostel Varkala – A budget-friendly hostel with a social atmosphere, perfect for backpackers.

6. North Cliff, Varkala

Best for: clifftop cafés, ocean views, and a laid-back traveler scene.

North Cliff in Varkala is a beach destination with a difference. Unlike the more spiritual Papanasam Beach, this area is known for its backpacker-friendly vibe, stunning cliffside views, and lively café culture. The dramatic escarpment drops steeply to the golden sand below, creating one of the most striking beach settings in Kerala.

The clifftop is packed with bamboo-and-thatch cafés, guesthouses, and yoga retreats, making it a great spot to unwind. A few steep staircases carved into the rock provide direct access to the beach, or you can take a gentler path from the main beachfront. This is the best place in Varkala to enjoy fresh seafood, sip a coconut while watching the waves, or browse local handicraft stalls.

Where to stay near North Cliff:

• Cliff Stories – a boutique stay with cozy cottages and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Oceano – a peaceful retreat slightly away from the main cliff area.
• The Gateway Hotel Varkala – a well-known mid-range option with sea-facing rooms.

7. South Cliff, Varkala

Best for: secluded stays, peaceful surroundings, and quiet beach walks.

South Cliff is the calmer, less touristy side of Varkala. Unlike the bustling North Cliff, this area is lined with leafy lanes, residential homes, and a handful of mid-range hotels and guesthouses. The beach below, though narrow and often disappearing at high tide, offers a quiet and scenic escape when the water recedes.

Access to the beach is via rock-cut steps from several hotels, adding to its hidden, off-the-radar feel. With fewer cafés and shops compared to North Cliff, South Cliff is ideal for those looking to unwind, practice yoga, or enjoy ocean views without the crowds.

Where to stay near South Cliff:

• Palm Tree Heritage – a peaceful beachfront resort with cozy cottages.
• Magnolia Guesthouse – a quiet, family-run stay with ocean views.
• Villa Akasa – a tranquil homestay with spacious rooms and a lush garden.

8. Cherai Beach, Kochi

Best for: a mix of beach and backwaters, swimming, and dolphin spotting.

Cherai Beach, 15 miles (25 km) north of Kochi on Vypeen Island, offers a combination of coastal beauty and backwater charm. This 2-mile (3 km) stretch of golden sand is perfect for long walks, sunbathing and even dolphin watching in the distance. With the Arabian Sea on one side and serene lagoons and fishing villages on the other, giving a glimpse of local life.

Granite sea walls protect the coastline from erosion, but the beach is narrow in some areas, especially at high tide. The waves can be strong, so check conditions before swimming. If you’re looking for a break from the city but don’t want to travel too far, Cherai is a great option.

Where to stay near Cherai Beach:

• Maliekal Heritance Cherai – a stylish beachfront boutique resort.
• Sea Lagoon Health Resort – a heritage-style resort with an infinity pool and spa.
• 36 Palms Boutique Retreat – a peaceful, oceanfront stay with yoga sessions.

9. Marari Beach, Mararikulam

Best for: luxury eco-resorts, quiet escapes, and an unspoiled beach experience.

Marari Beach, located 9 miles (14 km) north of Alappuzha, is a world away from Kerala’s busier coastal spots. This long, pristine stretch of white sand remains largely untouched, making it ideal for those looking to relax without the crowds. There are no noisy beach shacks or water sports here — just swaying palms, gentle waves, and the occasional sight of fishermen heading out to sea.

While the beach itself is peaceful, luxury eco-resorts have put Mararikulam on the map as a destination for sustainable tourism. If you’re after an upscale beach retreat with Ayurvedic treatments, organic dining, and laid-back vibes, this is the place.

Where to stay Marari Beach:

• Marari Beach Resort – a luxury eco-resort with garden villas and an Ayurvedic spa.
• Xandari Pearl – a boutique beachside resort with private plunge pools.
• Flamingo Marari – a cozy homestay offering a local touch.

10. Valiyaparamba, Hosdurg Taluk

Best for: secluded beaches, backwater cruises, and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Valiyaparamba, located 31 miles (50 km) north of Kannur, is one of the most tranquil coastal corners of Kerala. If crowded backwaters and busy tourist centers aren't your thing, this hidden stretch of coastline offers a quiet retreat. The white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms remain virtually untouched, while the surrounding backwaters create a landscape perfect for leisurely travel.

The backwaters of Waliyaparamba are formed by a 19-mile (30 km) delta fed by four rivers, creating a maze of lagoons and islets. Local ferries cross these waters daily, but there’s little modern development here — just fishing villages, traditional houseboats, and endless natural beauty. Unlike Kerala’s more famous houseboat destinations, Valiyaparamba sees few foreign visitors, making it perfect for those looking to explore a lesser-known side of Kerala.

Where to stay near Valiyaparamba:

• Neeleshwar Hermitage – a luxury beachfront retreat with Ayurvedic wellness programs.
• Kanan Beach Resort – a peaceful stay with private cottages near the sea.
• Sree Gokulam Nalanda Resort – a comfortable mid-range resort overlooking the backwaters.

How to plan your Kerala itinerary

Kerala isn’t just about India beaches — though with places like Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari, you might be tempted to stay by the sea. But this state has so much more to offer. Think misty tea plantations, meandering backwaters, dense jungles, and centuries-old temples. A well-planned India itinerary lets you experience Kerala’s full range of landscapes, culture, and adventure.

If you’re putting together a 10-day India itinerary, you’ll have time to mix beach days with backwater cruises, wildlife spotting in Thekkady, and hill station escapes in Munnar. Stretching it into a 14-day India itinerary means you can go further off the beaten path — maybe trek in Wayanad, visit Athirappilly Waterfalls, or explore the lesser-known beaches of North Kerala.

Some of the best things to do in India are right here in Kerala. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum is an architectural marvel, while Kochi’s colonial streets are packed with history. Love nature? Spot elephants in Periyar or cruise through the dreamy Valiyaparamba backwaters. Getting around is easy — trains and buses connect most places, but renting a car with a driver makes the trip smoother.

Kerala is the kind of place that keeps surprising you. One moment, you're lounging on a quiet beach, the next, you're cruising through palm-lined backwaters or hiking misty hills. The beaches are stunning, but so are the waterfalls, spice plantations, and ancient temples. However you choose to explore, Kerala’s mix of nature, culture, and adventure guarantees an unforgettable trip.