BEAUTIFUL MARARI BEACH TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO KNOW

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Long stretches of golden sand coupled with the gentle swaying of palm trees lining the shores of a beach that is a little slice of paradise and remains undiscovered to many. I am talking about why you must visit Marari Beach in the district of Alappuzha (Alleppey) on the Arabian Coast. This Marari Beach travel guide aims to highlight why it is a perfect place to spend some quality beach time after a more spiritual tour of God’s own country. Discover the best things to do in the area as well as where to stay and the logistics of how to spend a couple of days relaxing on a coast which still feels very untouched.

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Why Visit Marari Beach?

Marari is the abbreviated name for Mararikulam, which is the very quaint and beautiful fishing village, sitting along the Arabian coast in Kerala. Although Marari Beach is known to many, it still remains relatively undiscovered with a sleepy village vibe to it. There are many beautiful hotels and homestays located along the coast that benefit from a private stretch of beach. It is not really a tourist beach and is perfect for enjoying a slower pace of life, it can become rather crowded at weekends and national holidays, however it is still possible to find a quiet spot to relax. Marari Beach is referred to as one of Kerala’s best kept secrets and is perfect to add onto a longer stay in the state,’ such as a 10 day itinerary through Kerala.

Marari Beach travel guide: long stretch of beach with swaying palm trees in the distance

Where is Marari Beach Located?

This paradise like stretch of beach is located just North of Alleppey, around 37 miles (60 kilometres) from Kochi. Driving time by car is around 90 minutes from Kochi.

How to Get To Marari Beach

The closest train station is located in Alleppey 15 km, 30 minutes south of Marari. Theer is also a local train station at Mararikulum but unless you know the local times and reliability, stick with Alleppey station. From Alleppey train station to Marari beach, an auto rickshaw would cost in the region of 300 rupees (INR), £3.

The closest airport is Kochi International and is around 75 Km or a 90 minutes to two hour drive away. It’s possible to arrange a pre-paid taxi from the airport, that will cost 2,500 rupees (INR), around £25. Being an airport, taxis will be on hand 24 hours a day.

When is the Best Time to Visit Marari Beach?

Marari is blessed with a warm and humid climate all year round but to enjoy the beach and make the most of spending balmy days relaxing, December through to March are the best months to book a stay. It’s dry, and the sunsets are amazing. July and August are generally monsoon so at any cost these should be avoided, if beach time is what you’re craving.

How Long to Spend on Marari Beach

The location is ideal to visit towards the end of a longer busier Kerala itinerary to round off with some time to relax and enjoy lazy days basking in the sun, soaking up the sea air and watching the slow pace of life unfolding at the beach. We would recommend three days at Marai Beach, staying at one of the luxury hotels or homestays located just off the sandy shores.

Bejal standing on the sand on Marari beach at sunset with sea lapping against feet. The sun has just about disappeared into the sea line. Grey clouds are in teh sky as the darkness comes

Marari Beach Travel Guide: Things To Do

Spend Time on the Beach

The beautiful golden sandy beach with tall swaying coconut palms are perfect for anyone wanting to relax in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

Many people will check into one of the hotels or homestays that back onto the beach and split their time with activities at their resort and laying on the beach.

Work up a gentle sun-kissed tan on the beach during the day, watch the fishermen coming in with their catch of the day and do not miss the stunning sunset that glistens off the sea in the evenings.

To discover the small village and meet locals walk the length of the beach and you’re sure to come across friendly fishermen and their families who make a livelihood off the coastal vicinity.

Sunset on Marari Beach with calm waves. Bright red and ornage sun filling the sky

Visit One of the Traditional Ayurvedic Centres

Kerala is renowned for it’s ancient Ayurvedic treatments and wellness programmes promoting a healthy body, mind and soul. It’s a good time to restore some balance and wellbeing. If you are already at the beach for a few days of rest and relaxation, why not book yourself into one of the Ayurvedic centres for a massage or yoga class. Additionally if you have any complaint, it’s a good opportunity to see the Ayurvedic doctor who can prescribe a certain type of massage as well as a plant-based treatment plan.

Always ensure you consult your doctor beforehand and do not stop any medication that you are currently taking prescribed by a doctor in your country of residence.

Marari Beach Travel Guide: Ayurvedic plants at Abad Turtle Beach. A mango tree with a plaque saying it helps with anti-fungal ailments.

Luxury Ayurvedic Spa

The Marari Beach Ayurvedic Centre is located at the luxury sustainable CGH Earth Marari Beach Resort is a great spa option offering a menu of therapies and massages. The yoga centre is also open daily with classes being led by expert yogis. See Map Location

Be-lavie Recommendation: The Abad Turtle Beach Resort which offers much more affordable luxury options, is home to the Revival Ayurveda Centre, which comes with a pristine reputation as being a renowned Ayurveda spa and centre in Marari. They have some of the best trained masseurs and masseuses in the state and a consultation with the resident doctor of Ayurveda is a must for many of the treatment plans. See Map Location

Relax at Your Resort, Guest House or Homestay

Many of the resorts, hotels and homestays are surrounded by gardens, mangroves and of course hammocks. It’s the perfect place to sit back relax and partake in the activities on offer at your accommodation. Many will offer beach sports, such as volleyball, fishing, sustainable talks round their gardens and practices that they are putting into place to be more eco-friendly. Homestays and hotels often have cookery demonstrations as well as classes where guests can make local Kerala dishes.

Swimming pool at Abad Turtle Beach Resort

Climb Alleppey Lighthouse

Built in 1862, this is the first of its kind of lighthouse in the the Arabian sea coast of Kerala.

You can climb to the top and look at the views which stretch out to the Arabian Sea, It can get pretty warm in the tower so early morning or late afternoon is a better time to visit.

Red and white striped exterior of the Alleppey lighthouse with a palm tree framing the photo

Location: CCSB Road, Civil Station Ward, Alappuzha, Kerala 688012 I Tel. +91 4772253459
Find it Here: Map Location
How To Get There: Take a auto rickshaw or taxi
Opening Hours: 09:00-11:45, 14:00-17:30 Mon-Thrs.
Entrance Fee: INR 20 Indian Citizens & INR 50 for Foreign nationals.

Take a Walk on Alleppey Beach

If you can spare the time, it’s worth spending a couple of hours at Alleppey Beach. It is pretty close to the Lighthouse and has a pier which is over 150 years old. The beach hosts many local events such as the annual Alleppey beach festival and sand art festivals to name a couple.

Find it Here: Map of Alleppey Beach

Marari Beach travel guide: bejal walking down the beach with golden sand and the waves coming in, with palm trees swaying in the background. Bejal is wearing a khaki dress, Fedora hat with a pink flower necklace

Be-lavie Tip: In our opinion, Marari Beach is far more beautiful than Alleppey beach but just incase you want to have a little peek as it’s a stones throw from the lighthouse.

Educate Yourself at the International Coir Museum.

This museum is definitely worth a visit for culture vultures and those wanting an insight into the local economy. The museum showcases the traditional processes and development of the coir industry, including retting and fibre extraction, advent of mechanisation in the coir sector. You can watch a short video that takes visitors through the world of coir over the ages and gives information on the origin and growth of the industry and the latest developments made through research and development.

There is the opportunity to see the weavers at work as this is where those learning the Coir industry come to train. You will see theory classes being undertaken as well as weavers making rugs, baskets, carpets and many more things. There is an on-site shop filled with souvenirs too.

Lady weaving rugs from coloured coir using a traditional machine at the International Coir Museum

Location: Kanyakumari Hwy, Kalavoor, Alappuzha, Kerala 688522. I Tel. +91 4772258067
Find it Here: Map Location
Further Info: Website
How To Get There: Take a auto rickshaw or taxi
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 09L30-17:00, Closed on Mondays
Entrance Fee: INR 250

Explore the Nearby Alleppey Backwaters

If you fancy leaving the beach and are not planning on heading to the backwaters on this trip, we’d highly recommend, booking a day cruise down the smaller canals to get a feel for the backwaters and experience the local relaxing way of life. It’s possible to take a smaller fishing boat on the Alleppey backwaters too, There are a number of companies who offer day cruises as well as tours of the area on foot, auto rickshaw or even bicycles. This way you will be exploring the backwaters from a different perspective.

Beautiful Kerala backwaters: Bejal sitting at the front of a small fishing boat gliding through the canals surrounded by villages and locals on the banks.

These tour options are perfect for exploring the villages around the backwaters

A Sustainable Way to See the Backwaters – Kayaking

An alternative way to discover the backwaters is by booking onto one of the, now many, kayaking tours which focus more on the quieter canal networks around Alleppey, focussing on village life. This is also a great option for ornithologists with the variety of birds at the nearby Kumarakom bird sanctuary.

Coir making business at Back 2 Village showing Kerala one of India's most sustainable states. A small hit with lots of coconuts laid out to dry on the floor ready to be made into coir

Local lady making coir string during a visit to Back @ village: Showing why Kerala is one of India's friendly states. Lady wearing blue top twisting coir thread between her fingers to make a thicker rope like structure.

Some great kayak tours along the Backwaters

Head to the Village of Mararikulam

You can walk or grab a bike from your resort or homestay and ride into the neighbouring villages and absorb village life. Chat with the locals and take a pew and watch as they go about their daily business. Marari is a very friendly place and feels pretty safe during the day.

Marari Beach with dog sitting in front of fishing boat and nets. Fishermen sorting nets in the background with the sunset behind them and the lapping waves.

Where to Stay in Marari Beach

There are a number of great options to suit all budgets from luxury hotels, more affordable luxury resorts as well as budget-friendly homestays. Marari Beach is also home to some of Kerala’s more eco-friendly hotels.

Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Marari Beach

Located in Marari, Alleppey, Turtle Beach resort has a wonderful beach front location with it’s own private white sandy beach and a rivulet flowing along one side. The resort itself is located close to the coastal village of Mararikulum and occupies an area of around 13 acres of land with beautiful gardens, cottages for couples, families as well as some with pools, a farm, vegetable garden, restaurant as well as its own Ayurvedic Centre.

There is also a swimming pool bathing area and so many small walks to be taken around the property to discover fishing areas, a butterfly garden and countless birds. We stayed three nights here and it truly was one of the most memorable parts of our time in Kerala.

The rooms come with all the mod-cons and each has their own garden area with hammocks. Do not miss the Thattukada or chai stall at 17:00 before heading off to the beach to see the most glorious sunset.

10 day Kerala Itinerary. Turtle Beach Cottage with Pool

Shower room at Abad Turtle Beach, Marari

Tea and pakora snacks at tea stall at AbadTurtle Beach Resort, Marari

Sustainability Practices at Abad Turtle Beach, Marari

Food is made from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh meat and seafood
Vegetables and herbs are used from the resorts garden
Guests are encourages to discover the local village of Marari to meet the locals and learn the local way of life
The resort is plastic free and also provides filtered water in glass bottles
All bathroom toiletries are made in Kerala with natural ingredients
Guests are encouraged to walk and discover the local village.
Staff at the resort are employed from the surrounding area
Rooms are serviced and linens changed only on guest request.
The hotel encourages guests to partake in wellbeing and head to the Ayurvedic retreat for ailments.
Milk is used from the small herd of cattle on-site
Guests can enjoy cycling as well as fishing with locals arranged by the hotel.

Eco-friendly hotels in Kerala black cows at Abad Turtle Beach

Butterfly on Lilly pad at Butterfly garden at Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Marari

Gardener at at Abad Turtle Beach, Marari in the vegetable garden

Plants in the vegetable garden at Abad Turtle Beach, Marari Beach

Location: Varankavala, Pollathai Church Korthussery Rd, Mararikulam, Kerala 688567 I Tel. +91 9400069202
Find it Here: Map Location

Style: Affordable Luxury with focus on Sustainability
Details: Check-in time: 13:00 Check-out time: 11:00
Perfect For: Family holidays and couples
Price Range: ££/£££

Check Rates For Abad Turtle Beach

CGH Marari Beach Resort

Probably the most exclusive and luxurious resort along Marari Beach, this place is more of a sea side style village set amongst 30 acres of land surrounded by coconut groves, lily ponds, an organic farm and pretty fruit trees.

It has been styled as an ode to the fishing families who live in Mararikulam with the guest cottages looking authentic from their exterior yet filled with eco-friendly staples inside. The food, activities and serenity of the Marari Beach Resort echoes the ocean and the way of life here is beautifully.

There is a health spa and wellness centre, restaurants serving delicious local cuisine as well as regular kalari (traditional Keraln martial arts) performances.

Location: Marari Beach P.O, S.L.Puram, Mararikulam, Kerala 688549 I Tel. +917594012555
Find it Here: Map Location
Further info: Website
Style: Luxury Sustainable Hotel
Details: Check-in time: 14:00 Check-out time: 11:00
Perfect For: Family holidays and couples
Price Range: ££££

Check Rates & Images For CGH Marari Beach Resort

Marari Dreamz Homestay

This small homestay offers luxury accommodation with three of the cottages having their own private pool and the others a shared one. Marai beach is only 500 metres away and very easily accessible. The local family who live on site share the space with guests and are on hand to help through the stay as well as organise days out to the local areas. The homestay is scattered over half an acres of greenery and each of the cottages have their own en suite bathroom, balcony and dining area outdoors.

At Dreamz Homestay, guests can enjoy home-cooked food by the hosts as well as the opportunity to do cookery classes.

Location: Aali Road, Mararikulam North,Alleppey, Mararikulam, Kerala 688523 I Tel. +91 8111963309
Find it Here: Map Location
Further Info: Website
Style: Great value
Details: Check-in Time: 12:00 Checkout time: 10:30
Perfect For : Families, couples, those wanting a very authentic Keralan home experience.
Price Range: £

Check Rates & Images For Marari Dreamz Homestay

The Best Day Trips From Marari Beach

These are some great day trip suggestions for day boat cruises as well as Alleppey tours if you fancy some time away from the beach. They are really authentic ways to see the surrounding area of Marari Beach and experience a different pace pf life to that along the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions: Marari Beach Travel Guide

Is Marari Beach Clean?

Yes to a large degree – this stretch of beach appears incredibly clean. During our three day visit there was no litter lying on the sand. Many of the resorts have their own private areas of the beach which also helps it remain clean BUT be warned, local fishermen do defecate on the beach in the early mornings.

Is Marari Beach Safe?

During daylight, the beach is very safe to walk along and enjoy. Children shoud be supervised at all times as in most situations. We would not recommend walking at night due to the harsh currents as well as poor visibility. Many of the resorts along the beach, have security guards at their entrance to the beach who will not allow guests to pass during the evening and will always take your room number during the day.

Is it Safe to Swim in the Sea?

Marari beach looks idyllic, clean and unspoiled but for transparency, it is slightly deceptive. As mentioned previously, local fishermen defecate in the early mornings sunrise. It gets washed away in the tide later in the mornings but as you can imagine the bacteria will remain in the sea. This does not generally happen around the resort areas but more towards the more remote ends of the beach.

Swimming is also discouraged on this beautiful beach as the sea is pretty rough, with often high waves. Paddling and walking along the water line is much safer.

Marari beach is best for relaxing on the sand with a book and the odd paddle to cool off. It’s best to leave swimming to your resort pool.

Fishermen on fishing boat coming into the shores of Marari Beach during sunset time

What Can You Wear on Marari Beach?

As a rule of thumb, you won’t see ladies wearing bikinis and swimsuits in Kerala, at waterfalls, hotels or even at the beach. It is pretty conservative from this point of view. Instead the women opt to wear shorts and a T-shirt in the water, so if you are at a remote location, it’s best to do what the locals do. You will most probably get attention of disrespect if you do flaunt around in a string bikini and not cover up at communal areas,

Related Article: A Guide on What to pack for Kerala

Is Marari Beach Safe in The Evening?

It’s best to stay and enjoy the entertainment around your resort of homestay in the evenings. It is possible to go out in a taxi or resort car but walking is not recommended due to unlit roads and cars passing by. Resorts will advise on returning by a timely hour too.

Which is the Better Beach, Marari or Alleppey?

Hands down Marari is the better of the two. Alleppey beach is pretty busy and doesn’t have the remote, serene sleepy vibes as Marari Beach.

Marari Beach Travel Guide: Essential Things to Know: Round-Up

Marari beach is the perfect spot to relax after a longer trip around the state of Kerala. This Marari Beach travel guide should give visitors all the inspiration to spend a few days enjoying the area. Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas but it’s not the place for water sport activities, beach huts or anything fancy.

If you’ve opted to stay at a resort, then chairs at your private portion of the beach will be complementary and there will be pools within the resort complex available for swimming and relaxing around. It is best to assume that spending a few days in Marari Beach is all about slowing down and spending some down time after a busier trip. It’s the perfect way to end your Kerala Itinerary.

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