| Andhakaranazhy Beach | |
| Settlement Type: | Village |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Kerala, India |
| Coordinates: | 9.7479°N 76.284°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  India |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Kerala |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Alappuzha |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Official |
| Demographics1 Info1: | Malayalam |
| Timezone1: | IST |
| Utc Offset1: | +5:30 |
| Postal Code Type: | PIN |
| Postal Code: | 688531 |
| Area Code Type: | Telephone code |
| Area Code: | 0478 |
| Registration Plate: | KL-32 or KL-04 |
Andhakaranazhy (Andhakaranazhi' Beach) is a coastal village located 4 km west of Pattanakkad under Pattanakkad Panchayath under Cherthala Taluk. It is famous for its beach which draws a number of domestic and international tourists. There are many Beachside homestays and boating services over the village.
An azhy similar to an isthmus, is a sand sedimentation formed by the constant action of seawater where the backwaters merge into the sea. Two barges having large mechanized shutters are erected near the north and south end of the azhy. These shutters, operated by traction motors, help to regulate the flow of saline water entering into the neighboring paddy fields of Thuravoor, Pattanakkad, Ezhupunna, and Kuthiathode panchayats connected to thbackwaters. Water is released into the sea by lifting these shutters to prevent flooding in these paddy fields during excessive rains. A tall and majestic lighthouse near the azhy stands like a signal tower guiding the seamen during night. This lighthouse was open to the public during Onam, but is restricted now. This place is also one of the popular locations for Malayalam film shoots.
One can reach Andhakaranazhy via the Thanky – Andhakaranazhy – Pallithode beach road or divert towards west at Padmakshi Kavala - Kavilpalli junction on NH 66 between Pattanakkad and Thuravoor. Another easy road to reach the beach from highway is just take left side road from Padmakshikavala junction which is just 200 meters north of Ponnamveli bus stop when coming from Cherthala or Alappuzha side.
The nearest railway station is Vayalar. This place was one of the seriously affected areas in the tsunami which hit the Kerala coast on 26 December 2004.[1]
A new bridge is constructed near the southern barge across the isthmus lake. An aerial walkway is also constructed, extending up to the sea wall. Standing on the walkway a splendid panoramic view of sun set can be enjoyed. The walkway ends up to the new tourist complex. A large number of localities and passing tourists visit the beach during the weekends.
Smt.K. R. Gowri Amma, one of the cabinet ministers in the Kerala State's first elected government, is from this village. She was the sitting MLA from Aroor constituency for many years.
P R Ramachandran, One of the notable Educator, Author as well as a Philanthropist. He has done notable works for the upliftment of Students.
Distance to Andhakaranazhy
| From | Distance (km) | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 2569 | 40 hours | |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 187 | 3 hours 45 minutes | |
| Kochi | 32 | 40 minutes | |
| Kottayam | 43 | 1 hour | |
| Alappuzha | 31 | 40 minutes |