Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters
It is kind of similar to the iconic Maravanthe beach of Karnataka where the NH 66 highway runs parallel to the Arabian sea and the Sowparnika river. This beach located in Southern Kerala is tucked in between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters of the Edava Narayana lake. And a beautiful road runs right through the heart of it. This road is not any national highway, but it is a cosy stretch with coconut palms on its sandy banks and to one side is the green water of the lake while on the other is the blue sea. I am talking about the offbeat Kappil beach that is located right between Kollam and Varkala.
Just 7 kms to the north of the more popular Varkala beach, Kappil beach is more a hit with the locals. They prefer its remote location, quiet atmosphere, scenic backwaters and ample water sports options. It is the kind of place where you and your family can have a peaceful beach holiday with your own picnic lunch. And when you feel like some adventure, you can indulge in some water sports on the backwaters, trek up to the top of the nearby Kodi hills or let your hair down on its marine drive.
For those who are in the mood for some serious adventure can actually try the cliff walk between Varkala beach and Kappil beach. The route is not well laid out, but if you ask your way, you should be able to find it.
Kappil beach is the kind of place where you go to listen to the sound of the waves, feel the strong sea breeze brush against your hair and enjoy a relaxed time with family and friends on its sandy beaches and under the swaying coconut palms. It is a beach holiday destination at its simplest best. Do give it a visit the next time you are in this part of Southern Kerala.
How to get there:
The nearest airport would be the Thiruvananthapuram international airport, about 50 kms away.
The nearest railway station would be Varkala railway station, about 7 kms away.
The nearest bus station would be that of Varkala and Kollam.
Where to stay:
The nearest place to stay and one that caters to a wide range of budgets would be Varkala village and Varkala beach. You could stay at Varkala and visit Kappil beach by bike, autorickshaw, bus or cab.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Varkala beach: That stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash way all your sins
2) Punalur suspension bridge: Historical gem of Kerala
3) Lesser known mountain railways of Kerala: A treat for nature lovers
4) Thenmala forest and Palaruvi falls: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway
5) Courtrallam falls: A great place to enjoy herbal baths under a waterfall
6) Ponmudi: The offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree panorama
7) Tenkasi town: Famous for its 13th century Kasi Viswanathar temple with its big gopurams
8) Kollam: A coastal town known for its beaches, light houses, backwaters and riverine islands
9) Papanasanathar temple: 1000 year old temple by the river Thamarabharani where you can wash away all your sins
Note: The 2nd photograph in this article has been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons license. It has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.
