Backwaters or beaches, Kerala is the perfect retreat for a languid vacation - a refreshening break from the mundane hurried-one, studded with must-see destinations. Close your eyes, stretch your legs and let the world hurry on, while you escape into another world at the Spa parlors here. Ayurveda (Indian herbal medicine) and Yoga (exercise) centers alone are drawing more than 20,000 foreign tourists per year. The raves here are calmer than those at Goa, but pulsating nevertheless. December to May offers the ideal season to head for Kerala. The 600 km shoreline is laced with some of the best beaches, coconut groves, lagoons and here is a bird's eye view starting from the southernmost district.


The Beaches » Beaches at Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam Beach (16 km from city): Three crescent shaped beaches - Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra - has made it an international favorite ever since. The Ayurvedic spas, resorts (Ashok Beach Resort), add to the fun with the sands. Stalls sell colorful fabrics, pseudo-ethnic hippie trinkets, and fresh fruit, fish, and coconut water.

Varkala Beach (40 km from city): An otherwise Hindu pilgrimage center, Varkala is known for the therapeutic mineral springs and the closely guarded age-old massaging techniques. The seaside resort and the spa, needless to say, are traveler-busted here.

Shanghumukham Beach (8 km from city): The neighboring spots include the Veli Tourist Village and the Thiruvanathapuram Airport. The 250 m tiled walkway with granite seats make perfect seats to watch the sunset vista. The recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a 35 m long mermaid sclupture), the star-fish shaped restaurants are what awaits the vision out there, other than a smart beach.


» Beaches at Kollam
Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km from town): Ideal for early morning walks, with the fishermen swarming the shore-line. Bathing and lounging under the sun is pleasant out here.

Thangassery Beach (5 km from town): A sea side village of historic importance with ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and the 144 ft lighthouse are the other beach attractions.


» Beaches at Alappuzha
Alappuzha Beach (66 km from Kochi Airport): This golden piece of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals in south Kerala is often labeled as 'The Venice of the East'. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. The Ayurvedic steam bath, herbal and oil treatment provided by some centers in the vicinity is something one should not miss.


» Beaches at Malappuram
Tanur Beach: Among the earliest Portuguese settlements in India, comes a small coastal fishing town of Tanur. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in the year 1546 AD. The Keraladeshapuram temple, 3 km south is believed to be the oldest in Kerala.


» Beaches at Kozhikode
Beypore Beach (10 km south): This was an once important ports and fishing harbors of Kerala, still retaining part of its ship building industry in the form of constructing Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.

Kappad Beach (16 km from town): It is the historical gateway to the Malabar coast - the one where Vasco da Gama landed way back in 1498 and a solitary pillar still stands tall with the inscription of the event. It is one of those placid and quiet beaches honeymooners would rate ideal.


» Beaches at Kannur
Muzhappilangad Beach (15 km from town): Fringed by huge black rocks, this beach is the longest in Kerala, with shallow waters just perfect for swimming. This beach is also the only drive-in beach in India.

The Dharmadam Island (17 km from town): Coconut palm groves and plenitude of greenery make it a seeming treasure trove from the distance and once there, you realize it is more than true. However, this is a private island and prior permission is required to enter it. Our agents will get the formalities done, at your behest.


» Beaches at Kasaragod
Bekal Beach (14 km from town): The beach embellishment is the ancient Bekal Fort with canons on its ramparts reminiscent of the trading ships approaching the shore under strict guard against pirate ships and rival merchant ships. A nearby mosque built by Tipu Sultan adds to the historic attractions of Bekal Beach.


Snore by the Shore Beach Resorts with Ayurveda centers, spa joints are the ideal lodging spots. Budget accommodations, though not very popular, also exist in plenty.