Beaches and Coastal Biodiversity

Where sea meets soul – discover Kerala’s hidden shores and the life they nurture

Embraced by over 600 kilometers of serene shoreline, Kerala’s coast is a living mosaic of coconut groves, sun-drenched sands, and salt-kissed breezes. Yet, beyond the few well-known tourist spots, lies a world of quiet, lesser-explored beaches—unspoiled, soulful spaces where the land meets the sea in harmony. These coastal stretches offer a rare chance to slow down, observe nature undisturbed, and reconnect with the elemental rhythm of water, wind, and earth.

Where over forty rivers and countless backwaters embrace the Arabian Sea, Kerala’s coastline becomes an ecological meeting ground—lush, dynamic, and brimming with biodiversity. These estuarine landscapes support a range of interwoven ecosystems: mangrove forests, mudflats, lagoons, coral patches, sand dunes, and seagrass meadows. Each of these habitats plays a vital role in nurturing life.

The region is home to a remarkable diversity of species—crabs, sea cucumbers, fish, mollusks, and marine invertebrates form the backbone of local food chains. Migratory birds like terns and sandpipers rely on these shores for seasonal refuge, while the warm waters serve as nesting and feeding grounds for several endangered sea turtle species, including the Olive Ridley and the Green Turtle.

Beneath the surface, coral patches and seagrass beds act as nurseries for marine life and natural protectors of the coastline. On land, the mangroves shield inland communities from storm surges while offering shelter to birds, amphibians, and aquatic creatures. These living systems are intricately balanced—and vulnerable.

This Ekathra experience takes you into these delicate ecosystems not just as a visitor, but as an engaged listener. Through guided walks, local interactions, and community-led storytelling, you’ll encounter the coastal world from within: its challenges, its resilience, and the quiet dedication of those working to protect it.

You’ll meet coastal guardians—fisherfolk, conservationists, and local organizations—who are reviving traditional knowledge systems and spearheading efforts to restore the health of the ocean and its fringes. From protecting turtle nesting beaches to restoring mangroves, their work is a testament to coexistence and care.

The coast is not just scenery—it is a living classroom, a heritage in motion, and a reminder of the urgent need to preserve what connects us all.