ക്‌സാന്താരി! Best Beach in Kerala? - Xandari Pearl Beach + Arthunkal Church + Marari Temple

ഇതാണോ കേരളത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും നല്ല ബീച്ച്? This time we decided to explore one of the most beautiful beaches and tranquil coastal surroundings in Kerala—Marari Beach. Is this peaceful paradise worth adding to your Kerala travel itinerary? We started our journey from Kochi and our first stop was the famous St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal Church. Located in the Alappuzha district, this historic 16th-century Portuguese church is one of the most prominent Christian pilgrimage sites in South India. Famous for the feast of St. Sebastian, the church grounds sit right near the pristine ocean, giving visitors a serene blend of spirituality and sea views. From Arthunkal Church, we continued our journey to Marari. Our stay was at Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, located just a 5 to 10-minute drive from the church. Spread over 18 acres of lush green land, this luxury eco-friendly resort features fewer than 30 private villas, a top-tier restaurant, organic farms, a spacious lobby, and a common swimming pool. We stayed in a beautiful private pool villa within the property and explored all its wonderful amenities. We kicked off our stay with an evening tea and local snacks from the traditional 'Chayakkada' set up inside the resort grounds. Later, we walked toward the quiet, secluded beach right in front of the property to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. After a delicious naadan atthaazham (traditional Kerala dinner) at the resort restaurant, we called it a night. The next day, around 7 AM, we hopped on the complimentary bicycles provided by the resort to visit the historic Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this ancient temple is unique as the deities are worshipped facing each other in a rare union pose. Known for its serene traditional Kerala architectural charm and quiet spiritual atmosphere, it remains a central cultural heart of the Mararikulam village. After our temple visit, we stopped by the renowned Marari Beach. Known for its quiet fishing village vibe, coconut groves, and clean sandy shores, Marari is celebrated as one of National Geographic’s top hammock beach destinations. Early mornings here are vibrant as local fishermen return with their fresh ocean catch, conducting traditional live fish auctions right on the beach. While returning to Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, we stopped at a local tea shop for a hot morning tea, followed by a hearty breakfast buffet at the resort's open-air dining area. After breakfast, I took a walk to explore the organic vegetable garden and cattle farm on the property, while George relaxed at the Ayurveda Spa—where I joined in later for a rejuvenation session. We visited this beautiful location in September 2026. 📍 Location Links & Details: Arthunkal Church: https://maps.google.com/?q=Arthunkal+... Marari Temple: https://maps.google.com/?q=Mararikula... Marari Beach: https://maps.google.com/?q=Marari+Beach Xandari Pearl Beach Resort: https://maps.google.com/?q=Xandari+Pe... Website: https://www.xandari.com/xandari-pearl Contact: +91 484 434 4666 / +91 99617 38888 #MarariBeach #KeralaTourism #XandariPearl #Alappuzha #KeralaFoodVlogger