Kerala is an exotic picture-perfect tropical paradise too stunning to believe. Tucked between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats with a coastline running 550 km long, it is a destination unparalleled, a place for unwinding and relaxing. The beaches of Kerala are considered among the best in the world lined with tall swaying palms while the water flirts unabashedly with the sand. The beaches are as peaceful as it is beautiful coupled with a relaxin dose of ayurveda treatment and friendly hospitable natives. All these combine to make Kerala one of the "10 paradises of the world". Keralas beaches were first rediscovered by back-packers in the sixties and soon accelerated to win international stardom owing to the waves of hippies who came crashing soon after.

Some of the leading beaches of Kerala are:
Kovalam Beach: Internationally famous destination since the 1930s especially among the Europeans. It is 10 km from the capital city Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam comprises three adjacent crescent beaches with the southernmost one, the Lighthouse Beach, being the most popular. Apart from swimming and sun-bathing, there are plenty of other activities such as catamaran cruise, herbal body toning massages, and special cultural programmes, etc. Accommodations of various ranges are plenty here.

Varkala Beach: Famous for its spa Nature Care Centre and 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple, this beach is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The Hindu temple is a major pilgrimage centre and the mineral water of the hills is believed to rid one of all sins bedsides possessing medicinal properties.

Poovar Beach: A relatively isolated beach with a breathtaking beauty. It is surrounded by backwaters giving it a dreamy look and approachable only by water taxis.

Shanghumugham Beach: It is a famous sunset point but also widely visited for its
indoor recreation club and a starfish-shaped restaurant. It is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport.

Alappuzha Beach: Lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers blend to form this beach into a natural beauty. It is one of the most popular picnic spots also famous for its 140 years old pier.
Cherai Beach: Covered with lush coconut groves and accessible only by boat; sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east, Cherai is indeed lovely. It is ideal for swimming and dolphins are spotted here occasionally.
Kappad: It is where Vasco da Gama landed on May, 1498 and today there is a pillar with inscription that commemorates this historic event. The beach is studded with rocks but the most striking part is the backwater ride to get to it.

Other popular beaches are Nattika, Muzhappilangad, Bekal, Fort Kochi Beach, Bekal, Marari, Beypore, etc.