India's long coastline comprising the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal has given rise to some of the best beaches in the world. The exotic beaches of Goa on one hand and the some of the beaches of Kerala are virgin white with silver sands, swaying palms and coconut trees and lots of sun.

We list some of the exotic beaches of South India.

KERALA

Kovalam

Welcome to Kovalam. Located on the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line, Kovalam was a sleepy seaside village till the Westerners discovered it for the world. Today, it is perhaps one of best known seaside resort towns of the world.
Kovalam actually means a grove of coconut trees. And true to the word, the large number of secluded coconut groves all along the Kovalam beach gives it a relaxed look. If your idea of paradise is blue waters and miles of white sands, Kovalam is where you should be.
With a sheltered, natural bay and gentle waves, you can indulge in swimming or sunbathing. And, when you are tired of all that, explore the little shops all around on the waterfront. Better still, have a meal of giant fresh lobsters at one of the beachside restaurants. The evenings are filled with entertainment for Kathakali performances are held. They are a veritable feast for your eyes. Heaven, did you say? The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern beach and the most popular, is the Lighthouse Beach. On the beach is the Vizhinjam mosque.
Nearby is Hawah beach from where fishermen go out each morning in their boats to catch fish. The northern-most beach, Samudra, is a secluded place where you can find a few wooden fishing vessels. Kovalam has hotels to suit every pocket. Additionally, one can Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by experts.
The nearest airport to Kovalam is Thiruvananthapuram. The place can also be reached by direct and regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place from Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife sanctuary.

Varkala

Varkala wears two caps. It is a seaside resort as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. On one side are high cliffs which rise immediately from the coastline. The two main attractions of the place are the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre. Nearby are the mineral water springs which are known for their medicinal properties. People visiting the beach take a dip in the holy waters of the Papanashini beach to cleanse themselves of sins. Others who are not religious can enjoy the beautiful beach.
The nearest airport to Varkala is Thiruvanathapuram which is 54 km away. The railway station is 3 km from the beach. Varkala can also be reached by road transport from Kollam.

Alappuzha

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. The beach also known as Alleppey beach is one of the most popular spots in the district. Often referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has a variety of animal and birds.
The place has grown in importance as a backwaters tourist gateway, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. The attractions are the famous boat races, marine and coir products. There are entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park on Alappuzha beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby.
The Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town while the nearest railway station, Alappuzha, is about 5 km from the beach.