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Kerala Beaches: 5 Best Picks and More
Kerala's beaches range from lively bays to quiet fishing-village shores. The five best are Kovalam (Lighthouse and Eve's Beach), Marari, Cherai, Varkala and Bekal, each with its own mood, from Ayurvedic stays to cliff-top yoga.
Kerala's best beaches at a glance
Some Kerala beaches hum with activity, others are quiet. What they share is a gentle pace and the chance to meet fishermen in the coastal villages. The state's coastline runs for almost 600 km, according to World Travel Guide, so it helps to choose by mood. For a full list, see this overview of Kerala's beaches.
| Beach | Area | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Kovalam (Lighthouse and Eve's) | South of Trivandrum | Red-and-white lighthouse, sunsets, Ayurvedic stays |
| Marari | Near Alleppey | Fishing-village feel |
| Cherai | About 30 km north of Kochi | About 15 km of golden sand |
| Varkala | At the foot of high cliffs | Cliffs, yoga, surf |
| Bekal | North Kerala, near Bekal fort | Lit after sunset, evening strolls |
Our trips in India show how Kerala fits into a longer journey.
Kovalam: Lighthouse Beach and Eve's Beach
Kovalam is a cluster of sandy bays south of Trivandrum, and the sand is naturally dark, which reinforces its singular character. The old red-and-white lighthouse marks Lighthouse Beach, which has a unique atmosphere, especially at sunset.
Right next to it, Eve's Beach (also called Hawah Beach) has turquoise water and a calm that suits swimming. Between the two you'll find beach activities that appeal to couples and families alike.
Kovalam is also a popular base for Ayurvedic stays in Kerala, so a few days here can mix sea time with treatments.
Marari Beach
Marari, not far from Alleppey, is where Kerala's fishing-village life meets the sea. It makes a good stop between a backwaters cruise and a visit to Kochi, and it suits people who enjoy doing nothing.
The beach is little visited and clean. You can watch local life unfold along the shore, and admire superb sunsets. Nature lovers can add the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatching.
Choose Marari if you'd rather have a quiet shore and a village rhythm than a row of beach activities.
Cherai Beach
About 30 km north of Kochi, Cherai stretches along some 15 km of golden sand, lined with coconut palms and rice paddies. What sets it apart is the view: sea on one side, backwaters on the other, separated by a narrow strip of land.
Plenty is on offer: jet skis, boat rides, or relaxing in the family parks.
Varkala Beach
At the foot of high cliffs, Varkala is often called the star of Kerala's beaches. It is both peaceful and lively, with spots for yoga and surfing and a wide panorama over the Arabian Sea.
The beach is backed by the Janardanaswamy temple, and the whole place is steeped in spirituality and local legends. That mix of sea, cliff and temple makes it feel different from the other beaches here. Pick Varkala if you want a beach that comes with a sense of place, not only sand.
Bekal Beach
Bekal lies in the north of Kerala, near the famous Bekal fort. Fine sand and palm trees give it a postcard look, and the beach is lit after sunset, so an evening stroll is the thing to do here.
It suits holidaymakers who want tranquillity.
Other Kerala beaches worth a detour
Kerala has many more beaches off the beaten track: Shanghumugham, Poovar, Payyambalam and Kappad, each with its own pleasures. For more of the state's shoreline, browse Kerala Tourism's beach pages.
Plan your Kerala beach stay with a local expert
Kerala beaches work best as part of a route: a few days on the sand after the backwaters, or before a longer journey through the south. You can also link it with the Kerala to Tamil Nadu route.
Tell us how many days you have and which beaches appeal to you, and a local expert will shape a Kerala trip around them. Start your Kerala trip request.
Published 10 November 2026
Kerala beaches FAQ
Avoid going too far out to sea because of the currents, and stay vigilant whenever you swim, notably at Varkala. Treat the sea with respect wherever you are on this coast, and swim only where you feel comfortable with the conditions on the day.
Favour suitable clothing and respect local customs, in particular regarding beachwear. The beach is above all a place of local life, so an attitude of respect goes a long way.
Kerala's beaches remain relatively spared by mass tourism, which keeps the environment clean and calm. Some are lively, while others are almost deserted, so the feel changes from one stretch of coast to the next.
