Beaches
Hawa Beach
Separated from Lighthouse Beach by a rocky outcrop. Hawa Beach’s relatively sheltered waters make it a favoured swimming spot. Catamaran rides and basic water sports offered by local operators along its shorter stretch of sand. Hawa Beach sits at an elevation of 7 m. Is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are July, January, February, and December. Conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Hawa Beach Lighthouse, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Separated from Lighthouse Beach by a rocky outcrop, Hawa Beach’s relatively sheltered waters make it a favoured swimming spot, with catamaran rides and basic water sports offered by local operators along its shorter stretch of sand. Hawa Beach sits at an elevation of 7 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are July, January, February, and December, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Hawa Beach Lighthouse, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, and Hawa Beach Sunset Viewing Deck. Other notable highlights include calm, wave-free swimming cove between two beaches, rocky headland viewpoints for watching Kovalam’s main shores, and quiet morning walks along the shallow waterline. It falls within Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district, and Kerala, India.
Highlights
- Calm, wave-free swimming cove between two beaches
- Rocky headland viewpoints for watching Kovalam’s main shores
- Quiet morning walks along the shallow waterline
- Safe, gentle entry for older swimmers at low tide
- Shaded palm grove behind the sand for rest
- Sunset view of Lighthouse Beach’s red-and-white tower
Getting There
Things To Do
Try fresh coconut water and local snacks at beach shacks
Stop at one of the small, family-run kiosks just behind the sand for tender coconut water or a plate of banana fritters (pazham pori). Chat with the vendors, who often share tips about the best tide times for swimming.
30 minutes
Visit the nearby St. Andrew’s Church (Arthunkal)
A short auto-rickshaw ride (about 15 minutes) takes you to this historic 16th-century Portuguese-built church, famous for its annual feast and peaceful atmosphere. The cool, tiled interior offers a quiet break from the sun.
1.5 hours
Early morning beachcombing for shells and sea glass
Walk the northern stretch of Hawa Beach just after low tide, where the receding water leaves behind tiny cowrie shells and frosted sea glass. This is a slow, meditative activity, best done before 9 a.m. when the beach is nearly empty.
1 hour
Walk the shoreline to Lighthouse Beach
Take a leisurely 20-minute stroll south along the water’s edge to the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, watching local fishermen pull in their morning catch. Pause at the rocks for a quiet view of the Arabian Sea before turning back.
1 hour
Morning swim at the calm cove
Start your day with a gentle swim in the protected waters between Lighthouse and Samudra beaches, where the waves are milder and the sand is soft. The low current makes it ideal for older visitors to enjoy a relaxed dip.
1.5 hours
Sunset viewing from the eastern rocks
As the sun drops, settle on the low laterite rocks at the beach’s eastern end, a popular local spot for watching the sky turn orange over the water. Bring a small mat or shawl, as the stone can be cool.
45 minutes
Travel Tips
Carry your own foldable chair or mat
Beachside seating is limited and benches may be far apart. A lightweight, portable chair or mat lets your group rest comfortably without squatting on sand or standing for long periods.
Visit during early morning or late afternoon
The sun is harsh between 11 am and 3 pm, which can be tiring for seniors. Plan your beach walk for before 9 am or after 4 pm to enjoy cooler temperatures and softer light.
Keep a small first-aid kit and hydration pack handy
The nearest medical shop is about 2 km away, and there are no shaded water stalls on the beach. Carry ORS sachets, band-aids, and a bottle of water per person to avoid dehydration or minor cuts from shells.
Walk in groups and stick to the marked lifeguard zone
The northern end of Hawa Beach has stronger currents and uneven rocks. Stay together within the flagged safe swimming area, and always have one member of your group keep an eye on the tide, especially during high tide hours.
Arrange a private auto or taxi for the return
Public buses are infrequent after sunset, and walking back to the main road can be slippery on the sand path. Book a return ride in advance through your homestay or a local auto driver to avoid waiting in the dark.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Hawa Beach — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Cocoland Panchakarma Centre0.3 km
- Dhanvantari0.3 km
- Merry Land0.3 km
- Oliva0.6 km
- Government Hospital1.6 km
ATMs
- SBI ATM0.3 km
Restaurants
- The King of Good Times0 km
- Sea Rock0.1 km
- Sea View0.2 km
- Smile Tea Shop & Meals0.3 km
- Suprabatham Veg.0.5 km
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are a few basic public washrooms and freshwater shower points near the main access steps and the small cluster of snack shacks at the north end of the beach. However, these are not always spotless, so carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Better-equipped facilities are available at nearby resorts or the Varkala Cliff area, about a 10-minute walk away.
Early morning (6:30 am to 9:00 am) is ideal for a peaceful walk and soft light, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Late afternoon (4:00 pm to 6:30 pm) is also pleasant, but expect more families and local crowds during weekends and holidays. Carry a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water, as shade is limited on the open sand.
Yes, there are several small kiosks and shacks right on the beach serving fresh coconut water, tea, and simple South Indian snacks like banana fritters and vada. For a proper sit-down meal, walk up to the cliff where you will find restaurants offering Kerala fish curry, appam, and mild continental dishes. Always ask for food freshly cooked, and avoid raw salads or ice from unknown sources to prevent stomach upsets.
Hawa Beach, located near Varkala, has a gentle slope and calmer waters compared to many other Kerala beaches, but the sea can still have strong undercurrents during monsoon months (June to September). For senior travellers, it is safest to wade only up to knee-deep water and always swim within the marked lifeguard zones, which are active during daylight hours. Avoid swimming after sunset or during rough weather.
From Varkala Cliff, it is a flat, pleasant 15-minute walk along the cliff path that ends with a short flight of about 40 steps down to the beach. For those who prefer not to walk, auto-rickshaws are available from Varkala town (around ₹50-80) and can drop you at the beach access road, which is a flat 200-metre walk to the sand. The beach itself is not wheelchair-friendly, so plan for walking on soft sand.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Hawa Beach
Day 1
Arrive at Hawa Beach in the morning and settle into the gentle rhythm of this quiet cove. Spend the day acclimatizing to the coastal air, walking along the soft sand, and enjoying the calm waters that make this spot ideal for a relaxed swim. In the evening, watch the sunset from the beach and take a short walk towards the nearby Lighthouse Beach for a different perspective.
- Morning swim in the gentle, shallow waters of Hawa Beach, with lifeguards on duty
- Leisurely walk along the shoreline towards Samudra Beach, collecting shells and spotting local fishing boats
- Climb the short path to the nearby lighthouse (if open) for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the three beaches
- Evening beachcombing and photography session as the sun dips below the horizon
Day 2
Dedicate the second day to exploring the immediate surroundings of Hawa Beach, including the quieter stretches and the small local community. After a morning swim, visit the nearby fishing village to see daily life, and then enjoy a relaxed afternoon at Samudra Beach, which is less crowded. End the trip with a traditional Kerala seafood dinner at a local eatery near the beach.
- Morning yoga or stretching on the sand, followed by a refreshing swim
- Walk to the adjacent Samudra Beach (about 10 minutes) and spend time on its wider, less rocky shore
- Visit the small fish market near the beach to see the morning catch being unloaded and sold
- Try a short boat ride along the coast (if available from local fishermen) to view the shoreline from the water
- Relax under a palm tree with a book or simply nap to the sound of waves
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