Edava Beach
Untouched and unspoilt by tourist activities, the Edava beaches are the virgin stretches circling a blue lagoon where sea and backwaters run parallel divided by a more-than-one km of straight road. There is also an estuary that connects the sea with the backwaters here.
Varkala Cliff
Balanced almost terrifyingly along the edge of a 15 m-high red laterite cliff, the North Cliff part of Varkala has an unsurprisingly attractive setting that has gradually grown into Kerala’s most popular tourist hang-out. A small strand of beach nuzzles into Varkala’s cliff edge, where restaurants play mild world music and stalls peddle kitschy memorabilia and jewelry. It’s touristy and the sales pitches can be tiring, but Varkala Cliff is still a great place to watch the days slowly turn into weeks, and it’s not hard to escape the crowds further north or south where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.
Bekal Beach
Bekal Beach also called Kappil Beach is a fabulous beach for strolling, especially at sunrise and sunset. The beach is clean, uncrowded and beautiful, fringed by coconut palms, which mimics a tropical paradise. The Kappil Beach is not advised for swimming, even for experienced swimmers, as the sand is uneven and drops abruptly into the ocean floor. You can gauge the unevenness of the ocean floor by watching the waves drop and rise abruptly. Moreover, there are no lifeguards at this beach so play it safe when entering the sea water.
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is a beach along the Arabian Sea in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala also known as Papanasham Beach. The word ‘papanasham’ means destroyer of sins. Hence many Hindu people come to this beach to take a dip in the waters to wash away their sins. Moreover, a segment of the beach is used by the Hindus to scatter the ashes of their dead relatives as is the belief that the water of the beach will cleanse the soul of the dead.
Chilakkoor Beach
Chilakoor Beach is located at a distance of about 6 kms from the Edava village in Kerala. Lined with gorgeous casuarina groves, the drive to the beach takes you through traditional coastal villages which lets you have a glimpse of the rural Kerala life. The beach is also popular for its serene environment and beautiful sunset views.
Ponnumthuruthu Island
Ponnumthuruthu is an island situated about 15 km from Edava village. To reach the island you can board a makeshift jetty where the walkway to the ferry is made up of coconut husks, mud and the waste from coconut coir from Nedunganda and cruise through the backwaters. The name Ponnumthuruthu plainly means Golden Island. Legends say that the queens of the Travancore Royal Family used to hide their reserve of gold and ornaments on the island for safe keeping, and hence it earns its name. It is popular for its 100 year old Shiva Parvathi temple situated amidst thick coconut groves stretched over the sandy beaches. This lush island is a perfect retreat for those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban life.
Janardhanaswamy Temple
Located in Varkala, Janardhanaswamy Temple is 25 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Arattu festival celebrated here every year is attended by thousands of devotees.
Janardanaswamy Temple is a 2000-year-old temple located on the summit of a table-land adjoining the sea at Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, known also as the Varkala Temple. Janardanaswamy is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and the temple dedicated to him is atop one of the hills, reached by a long and wearisome flight of steps.