Archive for the ‘Kerala Beaches’ Category
May 3rd, 2009 | 
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The backwaters are an integral part of the people of Kerala both in terms of economy as well as lifestyle. They are also used for transportation of people and products between villages as well as towns. The boats used are termed as “Kettuvalloms” i.e. stitched boats since the boats are constructed by stitching coconut ropes together with wooden planks. Across the state of Kerala, the backwaters comprise of several canals, rivers, lagoons and lakes.
Adding to the backwater holidays at Kerala coconut trees, marshy groves, shallow lakes, deep canals and long boats are the meticulously planned backwater cruises. The facilities and the simplicity of the entire holiday make it a luxurious holiday in India. Off late the 
backwater tourism has really caught up with the Indian as well as the foreign tourists. The gentle rhythm of the boat journey adds to the magic of the backwaters. Life can be enjoyed at an unhurried pace. The swaying coconut canopies make the heart of the tourists swing too.
Watching the sun go down, savoring the fresh seafood and being entirely relaxed to the soul makes the holiday cruise on the Indian backwaters of Kerala an unparallel experience. In order to promote backwater tourism without losing out of the authentic feel of the cruise traditional meals are served on banana leaves that comprise of several dishes, supplemented by fruits. The backwater cuisine, which comprises of delectable fresh fish like pearl spotted fish, barramundi, crabs, mussels and prawns is finger licking good.
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Kovalam is not only national but internationally renowned beach of Kerela, with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam has been a favorite spot of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse – sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc.
The beach offers many facilities for keeping tourists amused. Apart from sunbathing and swimming, the beach is ideal to take long walks and watch the magical sunset while the warm water softly laps at your feet. The fishermen in the beach offer to take you out in the sea while they go out to claim their catch for the day. Sail with them during sunrise and come back as the sun sets, painting the horizon a beautiful shade of ochre.
Since Kovalam is just 16 kms away from the capital city of Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram, reaching your holiday destination is hassle-free. Thiruvananthapuram happens to be the nearest railway station as well as the airport. Though Kovalam is pleasant throughout the year the best time to visit Kovalam is from September to May.
How to Reach Kovalam Beach
By Air : The Trivandrum/ Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 10 kilometers from this beach.
By Rail : The railway station of Trivandrum/ Thiruvananthapuram is at a distance of around 16 kilometers.
By Road : The Kovalam beach is well connected to Kerala by a wide network of roads.
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach 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. The sea shore is called `Papanasm’ and hundreds of Hindu devotees perform ‘Vavu Bali’ on new moon days of th Malayalam month of Karkidakam.
Varkala is less crowded with less number of shops, beach sellers and still lesser amount of commercialization.
The development we see today in Varkala happened only in a period less than two years. The raw and unused stretch of beach is a loner’s delight where one could swim, play cricket or volley ball and even manage to practise yoga. If you are lucky, you also get sight of a naughty dolphin.
Warning to the Visitors
Like much of the Kerala coast, Varkala too experiences strong coastal rips. Many lives, even that of experienced swimmers have been lost in the turbulence of the tides. It is not advisable to swim too far into the sea. Varkala has only one lifeguard post with two lifeguards and it is advised to swim around this area. On a crowded day spotting when in trouble becomes difficult.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is the only beach resort of Kerala, and is very popular with the Indian as well as international tourists. Industry is relatively small scale in this area and the prices low. The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village. The fishing village of Kovalam lies 10 kilometres south of Thiruvananthapuram,the capital of Kerala.
Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs – ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque.
Swimming on the beaches is not always safe, as the undertow can be very strong, therefore it is essential to follow the warnings of the safety flags. However, days can be spent here just lolling around on the sands or retreating under the awnings of the beach cafes.
There are numerous craft and carpet shops (usually of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Rajasthani origin), clothing stores and general stores, yoga schools, travel agents and massage parlours lining the beach.
Mr. Steven from Missouri, US have beautifully described the enchanting green paradise of India – Kerala. He explored the endearing place in the August 2004.
Kerala opens it’s magnificent gateways with love for the visitors. It is Beautifully located and wonderfully blessed with natural charisma, Kerala beholds spectacular magic.
In fact, I was mesmerized by the beauty of it’s virgin beaches and lush green wildlife sanctuaries. The colorful culture echo the melody of passion and desire to welcome relentless explorers like us. Kerala boost a rich folk tradition, of the volume and variety of its performing art. No other state could match the splendor and creativity of Kerala performing art.
I was specially impressed by the their cuisine- Sambhar and Dosa. What I liked in Kerala dishes is mildly falvoured, gently cooked and certain soft delicacies on the stomach.
I was enticed by Kerala
Kerala – an abode where heaven meets the Earth. A land of sparkling blue,enchanting green and houseboats. Popularly known as God’s own country , the land adorns serene beaches, emerald backwaters, lush hill station and exotic wildlife.
As I was too tired of my daily routine, I needed a decent break. I wanted to go to a place where I get the time and facilities to rejuvenate myself and Kerala was one such place where natural beauty and ayurveda provided me the healing touch that I needed.
The Path Taken !
Since there are very few international flights to Kerala, I decided to land on Mumbai airport and from there took a flight to Kerala. Kerala is well connected to New Delhi, Madras and Mumbai through railheads and airways.
The Resonance with the melody of Nature !!
Through various travel books that I read earlier, one thing became clear that Kerala endorses exotic beaches which one should definitely visit. As Kerala boasts a long coastline lined with the swaying coconut palms. Out of all the beaches I visited, Kovalam and Varkala beach had the most enthralling coast.
Be Wild !!!
Well! This land should have been called the Green land of India. Since 30 % of this exotic land is covered by forests, it houses some of the major major wildlife sanctuaries in India. I covered few of the leading wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar wildlife sanctuary , Eravikulam National Park and Parimbikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Knowledge of Life !!!!
Ayurveda was one of the major thing that lured me to Kerala. Since I needed to rejuvenate from my monotonous life and 24 x 7 work routine, Ayurveda provided me with therapies that assisted me to recover from my hectic past.
Touch the Undiscoved Zone !!!!!
Kerala is quite famous for their backwaters and I was one of the lucky few in the world to actually experience the magic that they hold. The magic of ‘Kettuvallams’, a special type of houseboat, that provided with accommodation for a stay. The major towns and cities that endorses backwaters are Kollam, Alleppey, Kumarakom and Cochin.
Holidays in Kerala!
My trip to Kerala is one thing I am not going to forget all my life. In fact if God give me another chance to visit Kerala, I will not like to miss the opportunity. Today when I recall Kerala, I feel as if the green land again calls me with open arms.
The sensational coastlines, coconut, exotic beaches, rolling grasslands, Kettuvallams all give grand welcome to the magnificent land.
“What was the best thing in Kerala?” asked Mathew, my friend. “ Boat cruises”, I exclaimed. The backwaters indeed holds a distinct attraction to every visitor in Kerala.
I particularly liked Kettuvallams, the specially designed houseboat. I had an incredible experience when I sailed in those beautiful ornamented houseboats along the soothing water.
Memories to Cherish!
Another thing that attracted me was the greenery around. Since most of the Kerala is still covered with forests, the land boasts some of the very famous wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar. I couldn’t forget the boat safari which I took in Periyar wildlife Sanctuary. The animals were so near that I could have literally touched them. “Sher” yelled an Indian child in fear, all of us became cautious and soon found it was merely a wild dog.
Kerala is strikingly blessed by nature with lush vegetation, tranquil beaches, stunning mountains and hill stations.