Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a tranquil hill station in Kerala known for its lush greenery, wildlife, and serene landscapes. Although being an inland destination, the Arabian Sea is pretty close. Plenty of beautiful beaches near Wayanad provide the perfect coastal getaway on a visit, making it a great combination of mountain retreats with a dose of sun, sand, and surf. Exploring the best beaches near Wayanad that promise relaxation, adventure, and beauty, is a must.
10 Best Beaches Near Wayanad
Here are the popular beaches near Wayanad in Kerala that assure a vacation full of adventure, serenity, and sun-bathed beauty of nature:
1. Kappad Beach
Dijaraj Nair / Wikimedia Commons
Situated near Kozhikode, Kappad Beach is the place where Vasco da Gama of Portugal anchored in 1498 during his first anchorage in India. This benign beach is known for its calm atmosphere, golden sands, and sunset views. The beach has less crowded surroundings, labelling it to be the best destination to spend time amongst Wayanad beaches. One can take long walks along the shore, explore the rocky outcrops, and visit the local 800-year-old temple. Swimming and beachcombing are possible at Kappad Beach, with a few local eateries offering good seafood and traditional Kerala cuisine.
Distance From Wayanad: About 100 km
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2. Beypore Beach
Beypore Beach, close to Kozhikode, is known for its ancient port and shipbuilding yard. The beach is unique, with a long stretch of sandy shore, calm waters, and a historic pier that reaches out into the sea. Beypore has happened to be one of the famous trade and maritime centres for centuries, and visitors can witness this tradition of building wooden ships; locally called ‘Uru’. It is great for leisure walks, fun in the cool sea breeze, or observing local fishermen at work. The nearby Beypore Lighthouse offers a panoramic view along the coastline, being a popular spot for photography.
Distance From Wayanad: About 90 km
3. Payyambalam Beach
Photo : Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikimedia Commons
Payyambalam Beach, located in Kannur, has pristine sands, clear waters, and a serene environment. It is one of the favourite spots for locals and the visiting tourists with its serenity being ideal for setting for relaxation and recreation. This unsullied beach is well-maintained, with an attached beach park mainly used for picnics and evening strolls. Payyambalam Beach is famous for its memorials of some legendary individuals and the beautiful sculpture of mother and child by Kanayi Kunhiraman. Swimming, beach volleyball, and sunset-watching over the Arabian Sea are some activities the beach provides.
Distance From Wayanad: Approximately 115 km
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4. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Photo : Goutham Mohandas / Wikimedia Commons
Situated near Thalassery, Muzhappilangad Beach is one of the few drive-in beaches in India where you can drive your vehicle along the seashore. The kind of adventure this place offers brings a lot of visitors to Muzhappilangad, who enjoy driving on hard-packed sands. There is a superb beach backdrop for a day out, surrounded by tall coconut trees and rocky cliffs. Muzhappilangad Beach is famous for its clean environment and safe swimming areas, with sports like parasailing and paragliding. The nearby Dharmadam Island, which can be reached during low tide, adds adventure and exploration excitement to one’s itinerary.
Distance From Wayanad: 100 km
5. Thottada Beach
Photo : Shareef Taliparamba / Wikimedia Commons
Located near Kannur, Thottada Beach, is a hidden gem with a secluded and pristine environment. With its soft sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush green surroundings, this relatively unknown beach offers seclusion from vast crowds. Thottada Beach is perfect for relaxation, meditation, and bonding with nature. It is a haven for birdwatchers, as different species of birds regularly visit the place. A few well-maintained homestays and guesthouses are available nearby that provide comfortable vacations and a flavour of the local way of life.
Distance From Wayanad: 110 km
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6. Kannur Beach
Photo: Ajeeshcphilip / Wikimedia Commons
Kannur Beach is an enthralling beach in Kannur, known for its long-winding shore, historical imperatives, and dynamic local culture. The beach faces an enclosure of coconut palms and casuarina trees, offering a comforting shade and ambience. Kannur Beach is known for its calm waters, which are safe for swimming and wading. Arts and cultural events and traditional Theyyam performances on the beach make one feel for the region’s rich cultural heritage. Other attractions nearby like St. Angelo’s Fort and Arakkal Museum make this beach an attractive spot.
Distance From Wayanad: 115 km
7. Meenkunnu Beach
Photo : Sreejith K 2000 / Wikimedia Commons
Meenkunnu Beach lies close to Azhikode in Kannur, providing the retreat one needs, being one of the less-crowded beaches. This beach has golden sands, clear blue waters, and scenic surroundings. Meenkunnu Beach helps visitors to relax and soak in the beauty of the coastline of Kerala. This is an excellent spot for photography with the beauty of the Arabian Sea in front and the chance to see a traditional fishing boat at times. These calm and serene surroundings make it one of the many preferred beaches among locals and tourists preferring experiences in secluded beaches in Kerala.
Distance From Wayanad: 120 km
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8. Bekal Beach
Photo : Vijaya Rajapuram / Wikimedia Commons
Bekal Beach in Kasaragod, famous for its beauty, has the historic Bekal Fort rising above the sea. The golden sands and transparent waters of the beach invite flocks of visitors to this place amidst serenity, along with examining the historic fort. The views of the Arabian Sea from the ramparts of this fort at Bekal Beach are fantastic. The well-maintained beach park with pathways and sitting facilities is apt for evening strolls and picnics. Photography is exciting in Bekal Beach due to the fort and coastline, presenting a fantastic backdrop.
Distance From Wayanad: 140 km
9. Ezhimala Beach
Photo : Sreejith K 2000 / Wikimedia Commons
Ezhimala Beach, located near Payyanur, is a pristine, relatively unexplored beach, combined with natural beauty and historical importance. The beach is part of the Ezhimala Hill range, covered with ancient ruins, and said to have been the site of a naval academy in ancient times. Ezhimala Beach offers one view of the Arabian Sea crashing against the hill ranges; perfect for a nature lover or history enthusiast. It’s ideal for leisure walks, swimming, and enjoying the serene atmosphere. The local Ettikulam Bay is famous and offers a good view of dolphins and marine life.
Distance From Wayanad: 140 km approx
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10. Chavakkad Beach
Photo : Fame Leaf / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful beaches near Guruvayur, Chavakkad Beach, is inundated with natural beauty and hot-blooded local culture. This beach’s golden sands and pristine waters attract people among locals and tourists. This beach is famous for the estuary at the junction where the river meets the sea, giving way to a unique and pictorial landscape. Visitors can swim, beachcombing, and watch traditional fishing. One can see the famous town of Guruvayur, known for its temple, making this beach a perfect spot for a relaxed day out.
Distance From Wayanad: 150 km
The beaches near Wayanad offer variant experiences, be it the historically rich Kozhikode and Bekal or the even more serene and secluded Meenkunnu and Payyoli. Whether it is some adventure or relaxation, these pristine beaches make it an affair from the green hills of Wayanad. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the best beaches near Wayanad in Kerala.
Cover Photo: Vivek Obey / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only