About City
Mararikulam, an enchanting beach village where time stands still and allows you to unravel the miraculous beauty of nature in every forms! Be it the vast open sea or its never-ending waves, the shimmering charm of the golden sands or the picturesque settings that complements each other, everything in Mararikulam imbibes life into the visitors’ souls!
Located only 12km from Alleppey and around 60km from Kochi, this beach village is still deep rooted to the fishing culture of Kerala. On a usual visit here, visitors would find the local men busy with their fishing nets and preparing for their next fishing excursions. Women, on the other hand, can be found busy with their household. Locals in Mararikulam are extremely friendly and greets everyone as one them.
A much sought after destination for the beach lovers, Mararikulam is the home to the prismatic Mararikulam Beach. Visited by thousands and millions of beachgoers, this beach is known for its magical charm, serene ambience and varied leisure options. Stippled with swaying evergreen coconut groves, this village also offers exciting backwater cruise options. Visitors to Mararikulam can hire houseboats and embark on these exhilarating cruises to have a tryst with the alluring backwaters of Kerala!
Marari Beach, Alleppey
One of the great delights of the Malabar Coast, the Marari Beach is an idyllic serene beach. About 11 km from the city of Alleppey, this beach is a hotspot for fishing activity, deriving its name from the local fishing village Mararikulam. Visiting in August gives tourists the exclusive opportunity to view Snake Boat races across the waters. The serenity and quietude on the beach are beyond description, so much so that Marari Beach has been enlisted among the top five hammock beaches of the world by National Geographic Survey.
Activities to Do at Marari Beach
1. The beach is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Read a book, soak in the sun, laze in a hammock.
2. The extensive coastline with sunkissed sands make for an extremely relishable walk on the beach.
3. Try the water sports available in the area including sea surfing, parasailing, water skiing, deep sea fishing etc.
4. Buy prawns, fish and fresh seafood from the local fishermen and fall in love with the regional cuisine.
5. Taste the incredible local alcohol called ‘kallu’ from the toddy shops.
Things to Do in Mararikulam
Beach Visits: Mararikulam is a destination that can easily put other beach destinations to shame! Located within a proximity to several impressive beaches, this hamlet is an ideal destination to go for beach tours and get indulged in exciting beach activities.
Heritage Walks: Being a fishing village, Mararikulam offers enough of opportunities to its visitors to get acquainted with the rustic cultures of Kerala. Visit this hamlet and participate in the heritage walks to come across its rich heritage and vivid cultures.
Religious Tours: Dotted with religious establishments of different faiths, Mararikulam is also an abode of many renowned and sacred places. Whether a Hindu, Christian or Muslim, visitors would find a unique sense of devotion in this quaint village.
Backwater Cruises: The backwaters around Mararikulam are ideal to embark on exciting backwater cruises. The traditional Kettuvallams around this place would keep you engrossed with their lively offerings and would make your cruise more fun-packed.
Places to visit in Mararikulam
1. Marari Beach: A perfect beach escapade in Mararikulam, this pristine beach is known for its serene outlook and soul-soothing ambience. While the golden sands across this beach incite liveliness, its untouched beauty works as a wonder for the tired souls! This beach is a hotspot for fishing activity, deriving its name from the local fishing village Mararikulam.
2. St. Francis Church: Built in 1503, it was once the final resting ground of Vasco da Gama, the renowned Portuguese explorer, believed to be the oldest European Church in all of India. Originally built by the Portuguese, the church is a venerated tourism spot.
3. Dutch Palace: situated in Mattancherry is an ancient historical building, again built by the Portuguese as a gift to Vira Kerala Verma- the then ruler of the place. Its intricate detailing, flamboyant decors, wood works, and artefacts make it a must visit tourist attraction in Mararikulam.
4. Mararikulum Shiva Temple: The Temple is famous for its architectural grandeur and is dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Parvathi.
5. Alappuzha Beach: Nestled amidst plenitude of alluring water bodies; Arabian Sea on one side and several lakes, alluring rivers and blue lagoons on the other, Alappuzha Beach boasts of its pristine beauty and bucolic charm. Located in Alleppey, the ‘Backwater Capital of Kerala’, this beach also offers an ample of exciting tourist activities.
6. Cherthala: Located only 12km from Mararikulam, this pictorial town is more of a relaxed tourist destination in Kerala. A revered religious centre in the entire state, Cherthala is a home to several pious Hindu temples and a number of churches.
7. Thumpolly Beach: One of the closest beaches to Mararikulam, Thumpolly Beach is among the most spectacular virgin beaches in Kerala. A natural treasure trove, this beach attracts a large number of local and migratory birds throughout the year.
8. Aroor: If you are a seafood lover, Aroor is the place that can make your taste buds greedier! A sleepy suburb adjacent to Kochi city, this town is a major exporter of seafood in the entire country.
9. Chinese Fishing Nets: A major tourist attraction centre in Kochi, these traditional fishing nets are as old as the history of the city. Visit these Chinese nets to revisit history and come face-to-face with Kochi’s colourful cultures.
10. Kokkamangalam Apostle St. Thomas Pilgrim Centre: The Kokkamangalam Apostle St. Thomas Pilgrim Centre is a devout pilgrimage for the Christianity followers. A remarkable site in Mararikulam, this shrine is believed to be built by the Christian community itself.
11. Arthunkal: Only 8km away from Cherthala, Arthunkal also serves as a prominent pilgrimage among the Christians. Set amidst a scenic locale, one can also enjoy amazing views of the beachside from this church.
12. Poochakkal: Drive around 14km from Cherthala, you will reach this picturesque town, which is a part of a small islet. This tiny little town is an ultimate example of how all religions and beliefs can thrive together.
Best Time To Visit Mararikulam
The beach has hot and humid climate all through the year. June, July in the summers and late October to December in winters receive a heavy downpour; so we advise you against visiting the beach at the time. The ideal time to visit the beach is between late December and March when the weather is dry and pleasant. Late March onwards, the beach can get unbearably hot and sultry.
How To Reach Marari
By Air: Kochi is the nearest airport to reach Marari beach. ...
By Rail: The nearest railheads are at Alleppey (16 kms), Kottayam (42 kms), and Cochin (Ernakulam) (55 kms).
By Road: Cochin is easily accessible by road, which is at the distance of 60 km.
Tips For Visiting Marari Beach
1. Do not forget to bring your favourite sun tan lotion to protect your skin while you bask in the sunlight.
2. Carry your favourite swimsuit as the beach will allow you to swim heartily (owing to the low tides).
3. Carry a book if you wish to just soak in the natural beauty and spend some quality time, all by yourself.