Thangasseri (5 km from Kollam town)
This seaside village of historic importance
has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built
in the 18th century. The Thangasseri lighthouse is open to
visitors from 1530 - 1730 hrs.
Thirumullavaram (6 km from Kollam
town):
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic
centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.
Alappuzha Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots
in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is
about a 140 years old.
Cherai (45 km from
Ernakulam city):
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island
is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.
A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves
nearby is an added attraction.
Tanur
The small coastal fishing town of Tanur is
one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed
that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3
km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated
to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples
in Kerala.
Padinharekara
At the end of the Tipu Sultan Road near Ponnani,
the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of
the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Atabian Sea.
Vallikunnu
A beach resort set in the middle ofa coconUt
grove is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
is just a short distance away.
Beypore (10 km
south of Kozhikode)
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar river,
Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of
ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre.
Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western
Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard
here is famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional
Arabian trading vessel.
Kappad (16 km from Kozhikode)
This is the historic beach where Vasco da
Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three
vessels. The rock-studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu.
An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock
that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed
to be 800 years old.
Thikkoti Lighthouse
The lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu - the rock much
dreaded by mariners - off Moodadi coast, was built after a
shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The
region around the Velliyamkallu rock is the home of migratory
birds.
Muzhappilangad
(15 km from Kannur)
Black rocks protect this long, clean beach
from the currents of the deep, making its shallow water a
swimmer's paradise. This is perhaps Kerala's only drive-in
beach where you can drive down the entire length of 4 km.
Ezhimala (50 km from Kannur)
The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high).
Ezhimala also has a Naval Academy.
Payyambalam (2 km from Kannur)
This long, lovely beach is a local picnic
spot.
Kizhunna Ezhara (11 km from Kannur)
This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded
beaches in Kerala.
The Dharmadam Island (17 km from
Kannur)
The small five-acre island covered with coconut palms and
green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission
is required to enter this privately owned island (100 metres
away from the mainland at Dharmadam).
Pallikere (1 km
from Bekal Fort)
This enchanting beach offers a specracular
view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and
relaxation.
Kappil (6 km from
Bekal Fort)
Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming
a major tourist attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a
panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
Kanwatheertha (3
km from Manjeswaram)
A large swimming pool-like formation of the
sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.
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