/  Asia   /  India   /  Tamil Nadu   /  Colachel   /  
Visit Colachel - Tamil Nadu's Hidden Beachside Treasure

Visit Colachel : Tamil Nadu’s Hidden Beachside Treasure (2024)

The state of Tamil Nadu is known to be one of the most beautiful Indian states that is full of natural beauty and splendor. While the state is most well-known as being the Land of Temples, there are many untouched beaches and magnificent waterfalls that Tamil Nadu has to offer to tourists. If you are planning a trip to Tamil Nadu and want to visit the offbeat places here, then a trip to Colachel will fulfill this purpose. Colachel is perhaps Tamil Nadu’s best-kept secret. Here’s everything you need to know about this beautiful port town.  Hidden Beachside Treasure of Tamil Nadu -Colachel

Image Source

Tamil Nadu’s coastline has been a beach lover’s paradise for years now. There is no denying that there are all types of exciting and unique beaches that dot the coastline of this state. While you may have visited several beaches of Tamil Nadu, but no beach experience is complete without a visit to the quaint little town of Colachel to check out the beautiful Colachel beach.

Untouched and Unblemished Colachel – A Town Steeped in History

The untouched and cozy beach of Colachel has been long hidden away on the coast of Kanyakumari, the very endpoint of the Indian subcontinent.

What makes Colachel so unique is that there is a huge amount of history attached to this quaint beach town. The town of Colachel has played a major role in defending India from early Dutch invasions. This was during the reign of Travancore kings. This ancient town was initially named ‘Calachi’ by Vasco Da Gama, who discovered India. During the 1700s, the Battle of Colachel took place between the Travancore kingdom and the Dutch East India Company. This battle was especially significant because, for the first time in the history of India, any Asian country managed to win a war against the European naval forces.

As a tribute to this great battle, a victory pillar was later erected in honor of King Marathanda Varma, who led the Travancore forces to battle. This Colachel pillar, standing tall at 17 feet, is one of the key attractions of the town. A magnificently huge conch placed on top of this pillar enhances the overall magnificence of the monument, lending a sense of just how grand a battle took place. Colachel is today home to various historical sites and, of course, its unspoiled beaches that remain most unexplored throughout the year.

 

The town of Colachel is located about 23 kilometers from Nagercoil and is part of the Malabar Coast, situated in the Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.

If you are wary of visiting the over-crowded tourist places in Tamil Nadu, then a trip to Colachel is just the thing you need. You will cherish Colachel for the amount of pristine solitude the port town offers. The beaches of Colachel are actually clean, and the waters blue since they remain untouched by people. This makes for an excellent experience for any beach lover.

The first thing you are likely to notice as you visit Colachel is the immense amount of Dutch influence on the town. You will see plenty of ancient churches that have a distinct touch of Dutch architecture. Take out the time to pay a visit to these churches to see the magnificent European architecture combined with a dash of ancient Indian heritage attached to these sites. There are also numerous temples in Colachel, all of which warrant a visit just to check out the stunning architecture.

Things To Do In Colachel

So now that you are in Colachel, what to do and where to start? Well, it is recommended that you begin your visit with a walk at the Paraikal beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches of Colachel. But, do not expect to see any water sport activities being carried out here. 

Take out the time to visit one of the many ancient churches mentioned above, such as the St. Joseph’s church, Kalimur St. Antony’s church, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Presentation. 

The Colachel market is also a must-see, and you can find many interesting local treasures at the small, but beautifully laid out market. If you are a foodie, then consider making a stop at the local fish and other seafood markets of Colachel.

The many temples of Colachel are all exquisitely carved, and if you are lucky, you might get the opportunity to catch some of the ancient dance and theater art forms being held in one of these temples. 

How do you get to these places, you may ask? Well, since it is a small town, the best way to see the beauty of Colachel is to simply take a leisurely walk through most of it. You can also take an auto-rickshaw that ply through the town or hitch a ride on the local buses.

Additionally, if you have some extra time on your hands and you are a history buff, then take out the time to visit the nearby town of Eraniel. The town of Eraniel is famous for the Eraniel Palace, a place which now lies in ruins, but a big thrill for history buffs nonetheless.

When is the Best Time to Visit Colachel?

Being a coastal town, Colachel has a warm and humid climate throughout the year. Avoid going in the peak summers due to the extreme heat and humid conditions. The best time to visit Colachel is from November to March when the weather is considerably pleasant. 

Where to Stay in Colachel?

Colachel is a small town with no four or 5-star hotels here. The best place to stay in is actually in the city of Nagercoil, which is just half an hour away from Colachel. Hotels such as the Parvathi Residency and Pioneer Grand Palace are recommended, though there are many other hotels and Bed & Breakfasts you can choose from.

So if you are looking for a break from visiting the crowded and loud mainstream beach destinations in Tamil Nadu, but still want to lounge by a tranquil beach, then Colachel is the answer to your problem. Colachel is well-connected to the rest of the country by road, air, and trains. Eraniel hosts the closest railway station, at just ten kilometers away, while the nearest airport to Colachel is Trivandrum airport, around 70 kilometers away. You can easily get taxis or cabs for hire to Colachel.

Where do you want to go?

Get a Quote

Medical Tourism Enquiry

Selected Value: 0
No, thank you. I do not want.
100% secure your website.
WhatsApp Chat