11 Beaches in Kochi That You Must Visit on Your Vacation

Kochi is a major attraction for tourists in Kerala - God’s own country. Also called Cochin, the city is situated southwest of the Indian peninsula, nearby the Lakshadweep Sea. Kochi also stands out as a commercial, industrial and financial city of Kerala. A perfect amalgamation of rich history and modernity, Kochi ensures that the travellers enjoy an eclectic journey. It is the finest place where you can experience the real beauty of Kerala. However, Cochin sightseeing would be incomplete without visiting its picturesque beaches. The city boasts of some of the most striking beaches in the country. Swimming, sun-bathing, and some adventurous water sports are famous activities at these beaches in Kochi. So, here we provide the list of the top 10 beaches in Kochi that you must visit on your next trip.

1. Fort Kochi Beach

A beautiful and serene beach adjoining the Arabian Sea, Fort Kochi is the most famous beach in Kochi. The colonial-style bungalows, along the shoreline, the remains of Fort Emmanuel, rows of Chinese fishing nets, and the Vasco da Gama Square, make the place more appealing for visitors. You can just stroll and enjoy the beautiful sights or participate in diverse water activities like fishing, dolphin sighting, boat cruising, and more. The Fort Kochi beach is also popular for Kochi Carnival, which was started during the colonial era. Some nearby attractions include Dutch Palace -Mattancherry, Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue – Mattancherry, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Indo Portuguese, and Maritime Navy Museums, and many Handicrafts Shops.

2. Cherai Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Kochi, Cherai beach attracts tourists with its pristine water and picturesque surroundings. Dotted with rocks and knolls and hemmed by coconut trees, the beach serves as an ideal place for tourists to enjoy a vacation away from the hectic city life. Located at the northern end of Vypeen Island, this 10-km long beach is clean and has unique seashells. The gentle waves and low tides at Cherai Beach in Kochi make water sports quite feasible for tourists. Those who are not fond of water activities can relax and enjoy the amazing view of the sunset with a variety of scrumptious foods and drinks.

3. Vypin Beach

Situated around 5 km from Ernakulam in Kochi, Vypin Beach is a part of Vypin Island. Sprawling in an area of 25 Km, Vypin Island is in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. With thrilling trekking trails, beautiful beaches, sun-kissed shores, and old lighthouses, the Vypeen Island makes a perfect spot for tourists. Apart from the Vypin Beach in Kochi, Vypeen also has other attractions like Pallipuram Fort, Sree Perumpadappil Bhagavathi Temple, Elamkunnapuzha Temple, Criz Milagress Church, Njarakkal Fish Farm, and more.

4. Andhakaranazhi Beach

One of the best beaches in Kochi, Andhakaranazhi Beach, is located at a distance of 30 KM from the city. The beach is a confluence of the Kerala backwaters and the Arabian Sea. Nested in the lap of nature, Andhakaranazhi Beach is a quaint or hidden gem in Kochi. The striking beach also houses some popular shacks, serving delicious snacks, coffee, and juices. If you love to discover traditions and new cultures, Andhakaranazhi Beach should be on your itinerary. It is a picture-perfect destination with clean and clear water, giving you the opportunity to click some memorable photographs.

5. Marari Beach

Nestled in the Alappuzha district, Marari Beach in Kochi is known as the cleanest beach in the region. The calm surroundings and natural beauty make it an ideal escape from the busy city life. The name of the beach is inspired by Mararikulam – a fishing hamlet on the Arabian Sea Shore. One of the best places to visit in Kochi, Marari Beach, is famous for its relaxed and laid-back vibes. The bright golden sand and the tall coconut palm trees take scenic touch of the beach to a next level. The beach is deserted at most times, so you can clearly hear the sound of waves hitting the shoreline. This striking beach in Kochi also offers many adventure activities like parasailing, sea surfing, and water skiing.

6. Kuzhupilly Beach

Located near Cherai Beach in Kochi, Kuzhuppilly Beach is also a hidden and untouched spot in the city. This long sandy beach is an ideal place to enjoy vacations with friends and loved ones. Lines of huge rocks on the shore and the shade of pine trees make it a perfect spot to spend a few days away from the hustle-bustle of daily life. Known as the best beach in Ernakulam, Kuzhupilly is dotted with palm trees and paddy fields, giving it a perfect background for clicking pictures. It is also a place of spiritual significance as it is home to many temples near the beach.

7. Puthuvype Beach

One of the less-visited beaches near Kochi, Puthuvype Beach, is known only among the locals and tourists who love to visit unexplored areas. Situated near the lighthouse in Kochi, Puthuvype Beach is adorned with golden sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and an ancient lighthouse, enhancing the magnificence of this beach. This serene beach in Kochi city provides a perfect setting for those willing to take a break from their monotonous city life. Here, you can relax on the shore and go up on the vantage end of the lighthouse to witness some breathtaking sights of the surroundings. Most people come here to see the tallest lighthouse that is open between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

8. Alappuzha Beach

Located at a distance of 53 Kilometers from Kochi, Alappuzha is known as the Venice of the East. This place is a landmark between the Arabian Sea and rivers flowing into it. This Cochin beach is famous for its magnificence and an ancient pier that stretches into the sea. Also called Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha is a perfect spot for weekend getaways and long vacations with your loved ones. The beach also houses some meandering lakes, freshwater rivers, and lagoons. Most people come here to spend time and relax in the lap of Mother Nature. You can also enjoy boating, cycling, and many other water activities on the beach. The Alappuzha Beach is also famous for Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a grand event that happens in August every year.

9. Veeranpuzha Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Kochi, Veeranpuzha Beach, is located at a distance of 29 km from the city center. With golden sandy shores and stunning blue waters, the Veeranpuzha Beach is an ideal spot for spending your vacations amidst the captivating beauty of nature. The beach is lined up with green vegetation and a surreal environment, untouched by any modernity. It is a fishing paradise and livelihood for villagers nearby. Here, the spectacular sunset and rural environment is the major highlight, making it worth the visit. It is a remote beach where you can enjoy boating, sightseeing, fishing, and a village tour.

10. Njarackal Arattuvazhi Beach

Also called Narakkal, Njarackal Arattuvazhi beach is situated in the heart of the Vypeen islands in the district. The beach is very popular among the locals, but it remains a hidden gem for travellers. Also known as a silent beach, Njarackal Arattuvazhi beach wins the heart with its beauty and serenity. Here, you can enjoy the magnificent sunset, relax on the beach and spend some quiet time amid the sound of wind and sea waves.

11. Marine Drive

The most popular beach in Kochi city, Marine Drive, is a picturesque promenade facing towards the backwaters of Kochi. It is a hangout place for locals in the city. Marine Drive is a 140 m walkway, starting from the Jankar Jetty in the north to the Ernakulam Boat Jetty in the South. Often, people come here to enjoy the famous boat rides that take them to several tourist destinations, including Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue. There are many eating joints and shopping malls, sprinkled along the walkway. Marine Drive is also famous for three bridges - the Rainbow Bridge (near GCDA shopping complex), the Houseboat Bridge, and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, displaying exceptional architecture.

Along with these, Muziris Beach or Munambam, Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Willingdon Island, and Puthenthode Beach are some other beaches near Kochi that you cannot miss out on. Beach vacation is a special way to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. However, you should choose the best Kochi trip package to enjoy a unique vacation experience.