BEACH TOURISM IN KERALA

Introduction

Kerala is increasingly rated as one of the must visit destinations not only by the

highly discerning foreign tourists but also by the domestic tourists. Tourism is a major

phenomenon of modern world and is one of the world‘s highest priority industries and

employers. Kerala is today the most sought after and trusted tourism brand in India.

Kerala is famous for different facets like pilgrimage tourism, cultural tourism, medical

tourism, beach tourism, backwater tourism etc.

Among them one of the important facets of Kerala tourism is beach tourism.

Kerala beaches, most of the India‘s finest beaches are in Kerala. Its entire 700 kilometer

length coastline is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms.

Each year a large number of visitors (both foreign as well as domestic tourists) visited

there in search of tranquil, palm fringed beaches and also for the various packages linked

with beach tourism like Ayurveda tourism or health tourism. The factors stimulating a

flourishing beach tourism sector include scenic splendor, moderate climate, clean

environment, a friendly and peace – loving people with high tolerance or cultural

diversity and the potential for creating unique tourism products like beach resorts,

Ayurvedic centres, spa centres, health tourism etc. Kerala enjoys an extraordinary kinship

with the sea or beaches which offers a surf, spice and sand like no other place. Though

extremely popular worldwide, the beaches remain strangely unexploited and bewitching.

Importance of beach tourism in Kerala

1. To increase foreign exchange

Beach tourism is an industry that earns foreign exchange for a country

without harming natural resources and also without exporting any material goods. Both

domestic as well as foreign tourists are frequently visiting various popular beach

destinations of Kerala tends to show an increasing rate of revenue generation.

2. Development of infrastructural facilities

The improvement and development of infrastructural facilities is another

important benefit offered by the beach tourism industry. Some of the infrastructural

facilities like roads, water supply, hotels, resorts, ayurvedic centers, spa centers, and other

sectors of the economy have a positive impact due to it. The provision of infrastructural

may provide the basis as an encouragement for economic diversification. And also, a

variety of secondary activities may be promoted in presence of beach tourism.

3. Generation of employment opportunities

Beach tourism is a sector that offers a wide range of employment opportunities

for highly skilled, semi–skilled, and unskilled labors in sectors like hotels, spas,

restaurants, travel agencies, tour operators, travel guides, tourism officers, shops etc.

4. To maintain a balanced regional development

It greatly benefits underdeveloped regions of various places or beach

destinations. There are some places which have places of high scenic beauty, natural

environment, potentiality etc., but they are not been given importance for improvement

initiatives to bring a lot of prosperity and development to the regional sector.

5. Importance in maintaining peace and understanding

Beach tourism in Kerala plays an important role in promoting national as

well as international goodwill. It creates awareness and appreciation of other countries

culture and tradition and paves a way for cultural exchange and enrichment. Beach

tourism can be considered as a mediator for international understanding by way of

bringing diverse people from different countries, cultures, customs, and traditions to be

together.

Challenges of Beach Tourism in Kerala

Even though beach tourism is considered as a positive phenomenon, there are

some challenges that are faced during the promotion of beach tourism which includes

1. Disposal of waste, hygiene and cleanliness

The waste disposal system of the beaches like Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey is

not properly availed, even though if they are available they are not properly maintained

which makes the beaches an dilemma and also, the usage of plastics articles, waste

plastics etc makes beaches a polluted one.

2. Guided services

The services of the guide for the tourists to , the beach destinations in Kerala is

below the standard to Goa beaches and the guide there was not properly trained so as to

cope up with the tourist demands is one of the major challenge faced in beach tourism.

3. Lack of proper infrastructural facility

Even though Kerala is labeled a God’s Own Country, it is not able to meet the basic

current requirement of various infrastructural facilities such as toilets, kiosks, fireplaces,

benches, parlors, information centers, waiting sheds etc to be needed in various beach

destinations like Kovalam, Varkala and Alleppey. Lacking of basic infrastructural

facilities in those destinations can be considered as the reason for the decline of tourists

visiting beaches. In order to raise the availability of infrastructural facilities necessary

funding is to be provided and steps is to be taken to access infrastructural facilities by the

concerned authorities.

4. Basic Amenities

The basic amenities are the factor that promote beach tourism in Kerala. By

focusing on various beach destinations like Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey the basic

amenities such as transport facilities, hotels , car parking areas, toilets, restaurants,

hotels, waiting sheds etc were absent which makes destinations a weaker one. So

necessary initiatives is to be implemented in order to solve the issue.

Popular Beaches in Kerala

Some of the destinations popular beaches of God’s Own Country, Kerala include:

Kovalam Beach

It is one of India‘s internationally renowned beach. Kovalam is situated just 13 kms from

capital city of Kerala, Thiruvnanthpuram and journey takes only about half an hour. 

Kovalam beach is an ideal destination of honeymoon couples, families, lonely hearts and

adventurers due to its ambience combined with good facilities.  This beach is named as

golden beach due to its golden sand. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe in the

golden sands. Kovalam in fact is stretched among three crescent beaches which are

separated by natural rocky promontories as barriers. These beaches are samudra beach,

Eve’s or the Hawah and Lighthouse beach. Kovalam beach is excellent for sunbathing,

swimming, surfing and boating. The beach is guarded by lifeguards. Kovalam beach is

highly commercialized having most of the modern facilities.  Ayurveda massages,

panchrakma, spas, sauna and Jacuzzi are very common and are offered by most of the

hotels/resorts. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that

have sprung up all over the place. The volleyball court and the hammocks are the spots

around the Kovalam beach resorts, popular with the tourists in Kovalam beach. Apart

from the usual sunbath and surfing, many marine activities are possible at Kovalam. In

2004-05, the number of tourist visited Kovalam destination was 855,787 and those visited

on 2007-08 has an estimation of 948,579 indicates an increase in trend of inflow of

tourists for about four years and the number of International tourists visited during 2007-

08 was about 193,924 as compared to 103,558 in 2004-05 also exhibits an increase in

tourists inflows in an continuous manner.

Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is been ranked as a top ten seasonal beach by discovery

channel. Situated in South Kerala at North end boarder of Trivandrum District, Varkala is

an amazing seaside resort and spa. Varkala spa, 42 km away from Thiruvananthapuram,

is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun melting into

the sea would blossom your poetic sense. The mineral water gushing from the hill is

believed to have medicinal properties. The Varkala sand has become an ideal spot for

confluence of cultures exotic and alien. The Varkala Beach has something for everybody

I As a tourism destination Varkala is filled with Hotels, Restaurants, Ayurvedic and Yoga

centers, Spa centers and Travel Operators. It is an ideal location for those looking for a

relaxed and quieter holiday. The Beach with its brown sand, panoramic landscape and

seascapes is a tropical paradise. Varkala beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the sight of sunset

in Kerala Red laterite cliffs that borders the beach just dramatically into the sea; Varkala

is a seaside resort and spa, as well as important Hindu center of pilgrimage. Various

beach activities like, beach volleyball, swimming, surfing, sailing, parasailing or scuba

diving can be enjoyed at the Varkala family beach. Else just laze in the sun or try your

hand at building a sand castle or participate in any of the numerous beach activities

offered on the beautiful beach.There is Nature Cure Centre at Varkala beach, which is

ideal for naturaotherapy and Ayurvedic treatments. It offers a wide range of quality stay

facilities from luxury accommodation to budget rooms to the tourists. The tourists inflow

for the period 2004-05 has 865,048 and 948,579 during 2007-08 and the International

tourists visited there was about 193,924 in 2007-08 as against 94,835 in 2003-04.

Alleppey Beach

Allapuzha is known as Venice of East. Alappuzha beach in Kerala is located o

a strip of land, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada backwaters.

Tourists can fly upto Kochi airport in Nedumbassery and can get a cab to travel the rest

90 kilometer towards south of the state- Alappuzha beach is quite a popular hangout and

relaxation spot in the district of Alappuzha. Alappuzha is a district of enormous natural

beauty. Facilities at the Alappuzha Beach include boating, a children's park with toy train

and bicycles. The tourists participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered on

the beautiful Alappuzha beaches! For instance, indulge in any of the exciting water sports

such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your

hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball! Water sports are one

of the most thrilling beach activities, and Alappuzha beach have the best of aqua-sport

equipment such as water-scooters and high-speed boats .The Alleppey beach is a

spectacular one. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of

Kerala’s landscape. Most of the tourist visited there in order to experience its natural

scenic beauty and clean environment which made them an experience of rich and

nourishing.

The domestic tourists during 2003-04 has an estimation of 172,119 as

compared to 170,731 shows an decline in tourists visit in the destination and the

International tourists in the destination was about 38,024 in 2003-04 and the arrival of

tourist in 2007-08 was 40,463 indicates an inflow of tourists.

Bekal Beach

Bekal beach is located towards the northern tip of Kerala and is 14kms away

from Kasargode. The Kazargode district is blessed with so many beaches like bekal

beach which has an historical background which makes one of the most tourist

destination beach spot. The 2 km long Bekal beach is a perfect place for individual, who

knows nothing then swimming and sightseeing Bekal beach with Bekal fort in the

background is been developed as international tourist spot which is 300 years old and the

largest and the best preserved fort in Kerala. Largest best preserved Fort in Kerala

spreading over 40 acres that runs in to the Arabian Sea. The Bekal fort is also among the

five centers selected by the government of India to be developed as Special Tourism

Area.

The tourists arrival in the destination has an estimation of 134,661 during

2003-04 and 135,191 as in 2007-08 shoes an increase trend in visits. And the

international tourists arrival was 868 in 2007-08 as compared to 689 in 2003-04.

Muzhupilangad Beach

Muzhappilangad beach of Kannur is one of the longest beaches of Kerala. It is

situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Kannur. The Muzhapilangad beach is the

only drive-in beach of India. This is what makes it unique among all other beaches of not

only Kerala but also India. The long stretch, which measures around 4 kilometers, is the

ideal place to laze around or go for a drive. The beach is about 5 km long and curves in a

wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow beachgoers to

drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is clean and well

maintained and is one of the best places to hang around in Kannur. It is Kerala’s only

drive in beach where one can drive about 4 kilometer from Kannur to Tellichery. It is one

of the beach that welcomes to have an experience of swimming, sunbathing etc. The

beach is famous for a number of water activities and a naval academy, Muzhupilangad

beach. It is a suitable place for Ayurvedic therapies, Spa treatments etc.

Kappad Beach

Located at a distance of 16 kilometer from the Kozhikode town, the kappad

beach is wrapped in a sheet of history. It is a land where the famous portugese sailor,

Vasco Da Gama set his feet in the year 1948 along with 170 men which marked the

beginning of a new era and new relationship earlier. Today, Kappad attracts a whole lot

of visitors desirous of knowing more about the Portuguese and the native Indians of that

time. Travel to Kappad Beach and get immerse in various beach activities. Marvel the

beauty of nature that engulfs this beautiful sandy beach. A mere sight of the beach evokes

the feelings of joy and content. Play beach volleyball or football or just lie down on the

powdered sands makes the Kappad beach an distinct one.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. It is a long

golden sandy beach extending for 10 kilometers, famous by families for its ideal wind

conditions and good restaurants. Cherai Beach is located in Vypin island, Kochi, India.

Cherai Beach is just 25 km from Kochi, the business capital of Kerala and 30 km from

Cochin International Airport. The place is a unique combination of sea and backwaters

rimmed by lush green coconut palms and paddy fields. It is an ideal location for

swimming, surfing etc. angling is one of the best leisure sports that test both the agility

and the patience of the sportsman. Fishing and angling tours on the magical cherai waters

can be the most fascinating experience .The crystal clear waters around Cherai waters are

ideal for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. Besides these, there is an ample scope for

bird and animal watching. Cherai is well known for the mouth lingering fresh sea food

and country wine Toddy.

Cherai also has some ancient historical monuments in its close proximity.

Fort Kochi Beach

“The Queen of Arabian Sea”, Kochi, beckons one and all to relish and relive

the glory of the bygone years. Fort Kochi beach is among the finest beaches of world and

popular beach holiday on the map of Kerala beach tourism and renowned for Indo-

European architecture and cultural roots with Portugal, Judaism Culture. The Fort Kochi

beach has secured a top position in the itineraries of tourists and businessman alike Fort. .

People come to beach to play, exercises, meditations and many other things. The main

attraction on this beach site is the historic fort which helps you to get familiar with its

eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it. Cochin Carnival on the New

Year eve is a colorful festival not to be missed at the beach site. The experience of the

beach is worth cherishing the entire life. The main attraction on the beach site is the

historic fort which helps to familiarize with the eventful colonial history and European

regimes who ruled it. The raw and unused stretch of beach is a loner's delight, where one

could swim, play cricket or volley ball and even manage to practice yoga. It is offering

some of the beach activities like water and beach sports activities.

Kappil Beach

Kappil beach is just 6 kms away from Bekal fort. Kappil Beach is a

beautiful, calm and secluded one which is an ideal spot for such nature lovers and attracts

a large number of tourists everywhere. The Kappil beach is sun-drenched and it is an

exact getaway to spend time after a hectic toured Bekal Fort The sun drenched Kappil

Beach is a perfect gateway after a hectic tour of the nearby Bekal Fort, some 6 kilometer

away. The beach covers an area of about twenty-five acres land and it is the most exciting

location to relax and enjoy the pleasure The long stretch is wide and clean enough for

swimming and beach walking. The beach has the massive rock, the Kodi Cliff, which act

as a resting place for the visitors. It is an ideal location for relaxation and rejuvenation

which offers a high spirit of peace and solitude from the place.

SWOT ANALYSIS

For the purpose of the study, a SWOT analysis was conducted by

concentrating mainly on three popular beach destinations of Kerala like Kovalam,

Varkala and Alleppey among the stakeholders and the results of the analysis is given as:

Strengths Weaknesses

Natural environment Inadequate infrastructure

Scenic beauty Taxation policy of Government of India

Smooth law and order Restrictive coastal regulation zone

Innovative brand and positioning Waste disposal system

Beach products and services Lack of trained staffs

Advanced society and full literacy

Opportunities Threats

Unused potentialities of beach tourism Pollution and ecological hazards

Employment opportunities Natural calamities

Cultural distortion

Recommendations for the Promotion of Beach Tourism in Kerala

Based on the SWOT analysis conducted above, some suggestive measures can

be taken into consideration for the purpose of promoting beach tourism in Kerala which

includes:

1. Provide special attention and care to tourists, both domestic and foreign

while they are visiting beaches by setting up of Information Centers, Help

me Desk, Trained staffs and guides, medical care facilities etc in order to

support the tourists and tackle the issue and improves the beach tourism in

Kerala.

2. Maintain smooth law and order and proper enforcement ensuring the safety

and security of those using various beach destinations of Kerala.

3. Provide necessary basic facilities like hotels, shops, toilets, transport

facilities, car parking facilities to the tourists in various beach destinations.

4. The lack of trained staff and guides in some of the popular beach

destinations such as Varkala Beach, Alleppey Beach, Cherai Beach makes

the domestic as well as foreign tourists visits a difficult one. So it is the

responsibility of Tourism Promotion Council to provide the experienced,

well trained guides to different beach destinations to tackle the situation.

5. The availability of affordable hotels, restaurants, spa centers, parlours to the

foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists is an inevitable one which

makes beach destinations a popular one. So inorder to cope up with the

demand the Government should take initiatives to provide these facilities

both on peak season as well as off seasons

6. Maintain cleanliness in beaches such as placement of waste dumping

baskets in various places helps to minimize the wastages here and there

7. Promote quality service such as medical facilities, personal care facilities,

transport facilities, accommodation facilities to the tourists visiting different

beach destinations.

8. Development of infrastructural facilities such as toilets, kiosks, fireplaces,

benches, waiting sheds etc for the tourists visiting beaches.

9. It is very important to get the feedback from the tourists visiting different

beach destinations in order to know what the experiences that they got from

the destinations are. For that a mechanism should be developed, reported

and maintained about the feedback so as to improve the beach tourism in

Kerala.

Conclusion

In the forth coming years, beach tourism will develop in an exorbitant stage which

makes Kerala an identifiable and attractive destination among the world. Kerala is

blessed with so many potentials to a great extent and the only way that we to promote

beach tourism are to protect, promote and preserve the beaches of Kerala so that Kerala,

God’s Own Country will be a place of beach tourism.

Bibliography

Websites

www.keralatourism.org

www.hinduonnet.com

www.keralatourismdomain.com