Sightseeing in Kovalam

Samudra Beach sees fewer resort crowds than the southern stretch of Kovalam, with fishing boats still drawn up on the sand each morning, and a scenic cliffside path connects it to Hawa Beach for those walking the full length of Kovalam’s coast. Samudra Beach sits at an elevation of 8 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 Varkala Cliff, Sivagiri Mutt, and Janardanaswamy Temple. Other notable highlights include watching local fishermen haul in morning catch, quiet sands for unhurried beach walks, and fresh fish grilled at beachside shacks. It falls within Thiruvananthapuram district and Kerala, India.

The Vizhinjam lighthouse at the southern end of the beach can be climbed for panoramic views over Kovalam’s coastline, and the promenade below it is lined with the resorts, seafood shacks and Ayurveda centres that have made this stretch the anchor of Kovalam’s tourism since the 1970s. Lighthouse Beach sits at an elevation of 7 m and is typically explored in about 2-3 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 Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour, Vellayani Lake, and Kovalam Beach. Other notable highlights include climb the red-and-white striped lighthouse for panoramic views, watch fishermen haul traditional catamarans ashore at dusk, and spot dolphins playing offshore during calm morning walks. It falls within Thiruvananthapuram district and Kerala, India.

Standing around 30 metres tall at the tip of the headland separating Lighthouse and Hawa beaches, Vizhinjam Lighthouse’s viewing deck gives an uninterrupted look down over Kovalam’s curving shoreline and out to the Arabian Sea, making the modest entry fee and climb one of the town’s most popular short activities. Vizhinjam Lighthouse is typically explored in about 30-45 minutes. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, and Vizhinjam Beach. Other notable highlights include spiral climb of 148 steps to top, 360-degree view of Kovalam’s twin beaches, and spot fishing boats returning to Vizhinjam harbour. It falls within Thiruvananthapuram district and Kerala, India.

The second-largest beach of Kovala, and it takes less than five minutes to walk from Lighthouse Beach. It is named for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India, although topless bathing is banned now.