Edava BeachIndia Beach Guide
Wild golden shore where backwaters meet the open sea
About
— Edava Beach — sits on a narrow land strip along the Kerala coast near Varkala, part of Elakamon Island in Thiruvananthapuram district. Golden sand stretches along an undeveloped shoreline, with blue open water on one side and a backwater lagoon just 100 metres behind you. There is no tourist infrastructure here — no sunbed vendors, no beach shacks, no signage — just the sound of waves and birdsong drifting in from the lagoon. It's a genuinely wild stretch, and that rawness is exactly the point.
How to get there
From Varkala town, the beach is a 20-minute drive by car. Alternatively, hike in from Kappil Beach — a 20-minute walk along the sand spit, doable daily. There is no parking at the beach itself; leave your vehicle at Kappil Beach or Edava village and walk the remaining distance on foot.
Who it's for
For couples
The empty shoreline and the dual landscape of open blue sea and a quiet backwater lagoon make this a genuinely private escape — no vendors, no noise, just the two of you and Kerala's wild coast.
For families
The lack of any facilities and the flood risk on the narrow land strip during monsoon months make this a challenging outing for young children; families who do visit should come November through April, carry all supplies, and keep little ones away from the water given the absence of any lifeguard.
Our take
No lifeguard, no facilities, no tourist infrastructure — Edava Beach asks something of you before it gives anything back. Come prepared with water, supplies, and a plan, and you'll find a wild, undeveloped stretch of Kerala coastline that rewards the effort. The backwater lagoon 100 metres behind the beach is the real draw: calm, bird-rich, and accessible by kayak in a way that most Kerala beaches simply aren't. Avoid June, July, and August without exception — the land strip floods and the sea is rough. Hit it between November and April, arrive early, and you'll likely have golden sand and blue water almost entirely to yourself. Worth the detour.
What to do
The Edava-Nadayara Backwater system, just 100 metres behind the beach, is the star attraction — paddle or kayak its calm waters and watch for birds along the reedy banks. Kappil Beach, about 3 kilometres away, is worth the walk for its Chinese fishing nets at the estuary mouth. A local fisherman village about 2 kilometres away gives a grounded glimpse into coastal Kerala life.
The thin golden sand strip with blue sea on one side and the lagoon glinting behind it makes for a striking symmetrical shot — best captured from a low angle at golden hour.
The backwater lagoon edge at dawn, with birds in the reeds and mist on the water, is the most atmospheric frame on this stretch of coast.
Where to eat
A cluster of eateries including Buzz and Breeze, The Surfer Cafe, Theeram, Novella Café, and Sea San are all within 0.1 kilometres of the beach — close enough to fuel up before or after your visit. The beach itself has zero food options, so eat before you head onto the sand strip.
Where to stay
Palm Beach Resort is the closest option, within 0.1 kilometres of the beach. Blue Sea Beach Resort, SK Beach Resort, and Green Bay Resort are all within 0.2 kilometres, while The Gateway Hotel is a short 0.3-kilometre walk away.
Photography
Shoot the lagoon at dawn — the still water mirrors the sky and the birdlife is most active in early morning light. For the sea side, golden-hour late afternoon gives the golden sand a warm glow with the blue water as a clean backdrop.
Good to know
There is no lifeguard on duty — swim with caution and never alone. The narrow land strip that defines this beach can flood during the monsoon, and the sea turns rough from June through August, so avoid those months entirely. Bring everything you need: water, food, sun protection — there are no facilities on the beach. During monsoon season, the strip may become impassable, so plan your visit between November and April for the safest, driest conditions.
Map
Nearby places
Buzz and Breeze
The surfer Cafe
Theeram
Novella Café
Sea San
Palm Beach resort
Blue Sea Beach Resort
SK Beach Resort
Green Bay resort
The Gateway Hotel
Things to see around Varkala
Edava-Nadayara Backwater
Extensive backwater lagoon system with birdwatching and kayaking
Kappil Beach
Sand spit with Chinese fishing nets at estuary mouth
Varkala Cliff Beach
Iconic laterite cliff beach and pilgrimage site
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Other beaches in the region
Other wild beaches in India
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Suresh G · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — paularps · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — Koshy Koshy from Faridabad, Haryana, India · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 4 — Devender Goyal · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 5 — Aleksandr Zykov · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 6 — Marcus Sümnick · source · CC BY-SA 2.0