Nature & Beaches

Kappil Beach & Backwaters

The pristine Kappil Beach and backwaters is situated 7 km away from Varkala, the famed beach destination. The ideal blend of the backwaters and sea, itoffers an idyllic escape from the world. Located close to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, people come here to enjoy the scenic backwaters and the various water sports options.

It is a peaceful area with ample chances to simply relax or take a comforting boat ride. The Kodi Hills nearby offers a breath-taking view that is sure the capture the hearts of all those who make the trek up the cliff. A drive along the coastal road is also a delightful way to experience the delightful view.

Kappad Beach

Kappad Beach has historically played an important role in the history of Kerala. On these shores, over 500 years ago in 1498, 170 men led by Vasco- da-Gama first stepped onto Kerala. The entire State, especially the Malabar Coast, would never be the same again.

A visit to Kozhikode is incomplete without a visit to this legendary site. The spice route flourished through this Beach. A walk in and around the place gives one an idea of itshistorical relevance. The rocks and small hills add to its charm. The nearby shacks are always stocked with excellent local delicacies and tea. Migratory birds can be spotted occasionally as well. Kappad Beach is a truly majestic destination, which will always hold an important place in our history.

Kollam Beach

An array of beach activities attracts huge flocks of tourists throughout the year to thepristine Kollam Beach. The panoramic visuals of the Arabian Sea are enchanting.

A port city and one time bustling harbour for Chinese ships and trade, Kollam Beach is home to Chinese fishing nets, Chinese water pots and sampan-like boats even to this day. Go over for a cultural and spiritual joyride that shall stay with you forever.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists 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 and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.

Padinjarekkara Beach

Most say that the chief allure at the Padinjarekkara Beach is the visual of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea. But locals of Malappuram district talk about its ambience and sheer plethora of boating options being the driving force behind the huge crowds that keep returning here.

Water scooters, speed boats or idle cruises, take your pick and simply float out into the pristine aquatic behemoths that promise to envelop you. Don't miss out on the many migratory birds that flock its shores, another well-kept secret of the area. Located around 17 km from Tirur town and 45 km from Malappuram headquarters, drive over to this unique site which boasts of its own amenity centre, an amphitheatre and eco-shops.

Muzhappilangad Beach

It is famous for being Kerala's only drive-in beach. At about 7km from Thalassery in Kannur, you have a 4 km stretch of sand that awaits you to simply drive along as you soak in the view of the beautiful Malabar Coast. Along the way, one gets to munch on delicacies from a number of shacks that offer authentic Malabar cuisine. It is often considered a swimmers paradise as the black rocks protect the beach from deep currents. This is a perfect way to relax and soak in this clean and well maintained beach. One can also partake in adventure sports like paragliding, parasailing and micro light flights along with water sports, power boating or a simple catamaran ride.

Arippara Waterfall

It is the Iruvanji River that cascades down the rocky hills to form the Arippara Waterfalls. The waterfall in Kozhikode is a wonderful spot to unwind and observe nature at its most intimate yet devastating best. It is an eight level waterfall with SulluKallu, Vattakkuzhi, Nirannapara, Olichuchaattom, Shwasakkuzhi and Neelakkayathadaakam as its companions. There are tons of places around to simply relax and let the movement of the water ease away the stress in your limbs.

The pebbly bottom and the cool waters play host to mesmerizing scenery.

Edakkal Caves

A trip to Edakkal Caves is like a journey into our forgotten past. Located 10 kms from Sulthan Bathery, they have provided historians with great information regarding the lives and habits of our ancestors.

The caves are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock. The carvings inside are extremely beautiful. A trek up the majestic Ambukuthi Hills is required to reach these caves. The aroma of coffee stays with you the entire way. It is truly a surreal experience as we step into the palms of history.

Gavi

Gavi Eco-Tourism , a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, has caught the attention of tourists for a while now. The project is exclusive in many respects and the majority who visited were nature lovers and adventure tourists. Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased, especially after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India.

A highlight of the Gavi Eco Project is the involvement of the local populace in its activities as guides, gardeners and cooks. This provides livelihood for the locals and also helps to create awareness on the conservation of nature. Gavi, located in Pathanamthitta district offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents and night safaris.