Beaches in Kerala

[sherlyk]

Kappad beach


Kappad, or Kappakadavu locally, is a famous beach near Kozhikode (Calicut), India, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on May 20, 1498. His voyage established the sea route from the Europe to India. This heralded the arrival and permanent route from Europe to India. This heralded the arrival and permanent presence of various European merchant companies, leading to eventual domination and rule by the East India Company and later the period of British colonial rule.

A small stone monument commemorates the landing by Vasco da Gama with the inscription, "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498." His expedition gave the Europeans a sea route to reach the wealth of the Malabar Coast, and resulted in European domination of India for about 450 years. At that time Malabar was ruled by the Zamorins (Samoothiris, spoken locally) who gave a warm welcome to Gama. Malabar was abundant in spices, and produced a calico textile. Currently it is one of the most important tourist places in Kerala, with a wide and beautiful beach.



In 2007 a R.s. 1.5-crore program to beautify the beach was launched by Tourism Minister [[Kodiyeri Balakrishnan]]. Now it is completed and Kappad beach has a beautiful corniche and park. The park includes a rest room, restaurant and seating.

Nearest railway station is Kozhikode, about 16 km. Nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town. Private transport buses are available from the main bus stand. Or you can reach the spot by alighting Thiruvangoor en route of National Highway 66 (Old 17) between Calicut and Vadakara.





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Marari Beach



Marari Beach is a beach in Alappuzha District of Kerala, India. Barely 11 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey) town, this sleepy little village (also called Mararikulam), is an idyllic location for a vacation. Currently there are only a few resorts in the area: the 'Marari Beach Resort' belonging to CGH Earth chain of resorts, the 'Turtle Beach Resort' by Abad Group,the new 'Carnoustie Beach Resort' 10km north of Mararikulam and the new 'Erandia Marari', a stylish ayurvedic beach resort. There are a couple of small boutique properties: 'Marari Villas' and a 'A Beach Symphony', as well as a number of homestays. Muthoot Leisure & Hospitality Services, part of the Muthoot Group, has begun construction of a 20 keys resort which would open early 2014. The beach is clean and safe for swimming.



Location

Mararikulam is connected by rail and has a railway station by the same name. It is also well connected by road. NH 47 passes through S.L.Puram, which is 5 km to the east of Mararikulam. Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.It was rated as one of the worlds top five HAMMOCK BEACH by National Geographic survey.