Kerala is one of the top 26 travel destinations for 2026, according to Rough Guides, making it the only Indian destination on the list, right next to Bali, Tokyo, and Rome. Of course, the gorgeous allure of Kerala's backwaters draws international attention, but it is the extensive, stunning beaches of Kerala that seal the deal.
Kerala has 43 beaches spread across 9 of the 14 districts, resting on a 580 km stretch of coastline next to the Arabian Sea. The deep investment into infrastructure has made the 2026 season the best time to visit Kerala. This includes a new 5-star resort at Asia's longest drive-in beach.
Want to know why these 10 famous beaches in Kerala are among the best to visit in 2026? This guide breaks down each beach, what kind of visitors enjoy them best, and highlights what features have been added.
Kovalam is located in the southern beach resort state of Kerala. There are 3 main beaches at Kovalam with each segment having its own vibes. The most popular and energetic area is Lighthouse Beach. There, people can find water sports, food stalls and a lighthouse. Samudra Beach is at the other end of the spectrum. It is very laid back and attracts those who prefer longer stays and focus on health related activities.
Kovalam is a hot spot destination for international tourists who have not yet made a trip to India's southern beach region. The stretch of sand has a very developed beach tourism. Clean beaches and trained lifeguards are not a problem here. Even the Ayurvedic resorts are top-notch, with great accessibility to public transport available.
Best for: First-time visitors, international tourists, Ayurveda.Water sports.
District: Thiruvananthapuram | Distance from Airport: 15 km | Best Season: October to March
No beach in India looks anything like Varkala. The 15-meter red laterite cliffs house Papanasam beach, which is constructed by natural freshwater mineral springs, and which attracts Hindu pilgrims and wellness travellers. Traversing the cliffs leads to a view of the constant line of bistros, Ayurvedic clinics, yoga centers and boutique guesthouses.
Varkala offers one of the most Instagrammable cliff top sunset walks in Kerala. Varkala beach is also one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. The spiritual cliffs and natural beauty scene are combined with sunset dining, making Varkala an unparalleled beach scene.
The best season to travel is from October to March.
Kappad is India’s beach that has the most historical importance and is the first heritage beach in Kerala. Here at Kappad, on May 20th, 1498, the first Europeans to reach India by sea, Vasco da Gama and his crew of 170 men, landed. Today, there is a stone monument that inscribes, “Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498.”
This was a monumental event that changed and influenced history by opening up the spice routes for trade between Europe and the Malabar Coast, along with the start of the European Age that influenced India.
Kappad also has a historical significance, as of 2026, it will be India’s first Blue Flag Beach. This is an international recognition for beaches with great cleaning, water quality and environmental management that also care for the safety of beachgoers. Also, Kappad has a rock that stretches into the sea, an 800-year-old temple, and Olive Ridley turtles. Kappad Beach will be the heritage beach you remember beyond all others.
Muzhappilangad beach is the only driving beach in Kerala, and 2026 has made it even more unique. In February 2026, CTDC Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan laid the foundation stone for the new five-star hotel which is part of the ₹238-crore project of Muzhappilangad beach, Dharmadam beach, and Dharmadam Island. Many new additions and upgrades were made to the beach, including a new walkway, a children’s play area, refreshment centres, and upgraded parking.
This beach is truly amazing, with 4 to 5.5 km of packed sand on the Malabar Coast, where people drive cars and bikes along the beach with the Arabian Sea on one side and coconut trees on the other. It is the only Asian beach on the top six list of driving beaches made by BBC Autos. The shore has black rock formations which are safe for swimming.
Kicking off the summer season every year, the Muzhappilangad Beach Festival is a showcase of car and bike stunts along the beach, with cultural performances and the freshest seafood from the Malabar coast. Only 200 meters from the shore lies the tiny Dharmadam island, which is a lush forested island and can be reached by foot at low tide.
Just 25 kilometres from Kochi, Cherai is where the Arabian Sea meets the backwaters. With Kerala being home to several unique beaches, the geography at Cherai is among the most distinctive. Since Cherai borders the Arabian Sea, many pods of dolphins can be seen swimming off the coast in the mornings. Because of the slow pace of life in Cherai, the clean and wide beaches with palm trees and rice fields remain refreshing.
For the travellers coming through Cochin International Airport from other parts of India and beyond, Cherai is the top-rated day trip in 2026. This is due to Cherai being the most accessible of the popular beaches to Kochi.
Marari has developed significantly since the time it was a small fishing village. It became one of the favorite beach destinations in Kerala. Its unspoiled, uncrowded beaches are in direct competition with the best beach resorts of the state. Early in the morning, before the relaxing, wide and still beach becomes crowded in the middle of the day, Marari Beach is the best place to visit if you want a Kerala beach that is as beautiful as it is tranquil.
Bekal is the most beautiful coastal destination in Kerala, India. The buzzing Bekal Fort, the biggest fort in Kerala, at over 300 years old, is the only thing separating three sides of the fort from the expansive ocean. The beach below is more picturesque than all the other photogenic beaches in Kerala. It’s surrounded by the lush Kappil Backwaters and the gentle surf.
By 2026, prestigious international travel publications and luxury travellers will put Bekal on their itineraries when visiting India, due to the world-class resorts sprouting in this region.
The backwaters and houseboats of Alappuzha (Alleppey) can easily distract visitors from the city's beach, but it is a must-see. One of India's oldest piers stretches 137 years old into the Arabian Sea and serves as a great framing feature to the beach. The backwaters host the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, one of the most popular events among tourists in Kerala, every August.
Payyambalam Beach is one of the cleanest and most well-maintained beaches in Kerala. In addition to being an ideal evening/seaside walk location, there are family-friendly characteristics about the beach. There is a landscaped park/garden, sculptures, and a children's park, and along with all of that, the sprawling shore is perfect for a nice evening stroll. There is also a beach sculpture of a couple that attracts many visitors, and is also a famous Kerala landmark.
Kollam’s beach is one of the longest in Kerala, and along with being the widest and most breezy, it is also the least visited beach when compared to other beaches located in the southern parts of the country. Historical remnants of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial ruins, along with the Tangasseri Lighthouse, offer a unique historical and natural experience for those looking for an authentic Kerala beach experience.
| Region | Top Beaches | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| South Kerala | Kovalam, Varkala, Kollam | International tourists, Ayurveda, cliff beaches |
| Central Kerala | Cherai, Marari, Alappuzha | Families, backwaters, luxury, quiet retreats |
| North Kerala | Kappad, Muzhappilangad, Bekal, Payyambalam | Heritage, adventure, and new 2026 infrastructure |
Want to discover private beaches in Kerala that are not flooded with tourists? Here are some less popular options:
April and May are warm and calm. A must-see is the Muzhappilangad Beach Festival in April. Along with skips and tricks with cars and bikes, there are cultural events and Malabar food stalls.
From June to September, it is monsoon season, and many beaches are closed for swimming. Rough seas make swimming dangerous. However, the monsoon in Kerala becomes beautiful, with powerful seas and skies, and more interesting waves. Kovalam and Varkala's beaches stay open in part, and allow ocean access for those who want to spend time there.
In 2026, Kerala's beaches are not just beautiful — they are globally recognised, actively developing, and more accessible than ever. Whether you drive along the sands of Muzhappilangad, stand where Vasco da Gama changed history at Kappad, or watch the Arabian Sea ignite at sunset from Varkala's cliffs, every beach here leaves a memory that stays long after the sand is off your feet.
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