Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach is a sandy shore on the edge of the Laccadive Sea in Kerala, lined with palm trees and marked by a 19th-century lighthouse at its northern edge. Small wooden boats rest scattered across the sand while fishing nets hang between the trees, and the shore stretches for several hundred meters along the coast.

In the 19th century, this coastal section served as a key stopover for merchant ships carrying spices and coir to Europe and the Middle East. The lighthouse was built during this period to ease navigation along the Malabar Coast and guide ships safely into the nearby harbor.

The coastal strip takes its name from the town once known as the Venice of the East and still connects urban life with the daily routines of fishermen. Along the shore, nets dry in the sun while families walk in the evening and street vendors offer freshly grilled fish.

Between early morning and late afternoon, changing cabins, beach chairs and simple food stalls are accessible, while lifeguards are present during main bathing hours. The shore lies close to the town center and is easy to reach on foot, though sea conditions can vary greatly depending on the season.

The shore sits where the open sea meets the branching network of backwaters, so two distinct water worlds exist side by side. Near the lighthouse, you can sometimes watch freshwater from the canals flow into the saltwater and create small eddies.