Amazing Beaches in Kovalam

Other than the majestic lighthouse, the Lighthouse Beach is also well known for its lush palm plantations and trees that dot the entire area. The Lighthouse beach is very tourist-friendly owing to many chic cafes and restaurants being nearby. This beach in Kovalam makes for a perfect spot to enjoy water activities and sports, such as surfing, parasailing and paragliding.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Surfing, parasailing, laze at the sunbeds
Eating Options: Many chic cafes and restaurants are located near the beach, small stalls and shacks are present as well.
Location: Light House Rd, Kovalam

Hawah is a stretch of isolated beach famous for its enchanting sunset views. Renowned as the second largest beach, it is also known as Eve's Beach for it being the first topless beach in India. However, topless bathing is banned now.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Surfing, boat rides
Eating Options: Small shacks offer fast food and a variety of seafood.
Location: Opposite to lighthouse beach

A large promontory separates this Northern beach from the southern side. Samudra Beach is where you can enjoy the sight of shoreline fishing and watch local fishermen ply their trade. There is also a mosque on this beach in Kovalam.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Beach picnics, laze at the beach.
Eating Options: Small shacks and stalls can be found at the beach
Location: Samudra Beach Park, Kovalam

Situated in the southern part of Kovalam, Chowara Beach is popular for its fishing spots. Besides the regular fishermen at work with their huge Chinese fishing nets and big boats, you will also find several picnickers gathered here with their basket of food. The highlight of this beach in Kovalam is a Chowara Ayyappa Temple which gives a hilltop picturesque view of the shores and adjoining villages.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Bird spotting, light surfing
Eating Options: Not many shacks or stalls nearby. Advisable to take one's own food.
Location: Chowara, along NH47

Pozhikkara is a beautiful beach in Kovalam at the inter-junction of the backwaters meeting the sea. Lined with tall towering trees and healthy vegetation, the beach is one of the greenest beaches of the city. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing, the beach also has myriad other options for a fun trip. One can also try the delicious mouth-watering local food from the stalls and shacks on the shores.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Overnight stays at the beach resorts
Eating Options: Local shacks  and stalls serve delicious seafood and fastfood
Location: 5 Km north of the city centre

A beautiful extension of the Samudra Beach, Ashoka Beach is a quiet, deserted stretch of land in Kovalam, Kerala. Mostly frequented by romantic couples owing to the serenity and solitude of the place, the beach also has several ayurvedic spa centres to help you destress, refresh and rejuvenate from the monotony of life.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Laze at the beach, beach picnics
Location: Ashok Beach, Kovalam P.O

Vizhinjam Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kovalam which houses a lighthouse and an impressive marine aquarium. Located in Vizhinjam town that's 3 km away from Kovalam, this beach was once known to be one of the largest ports in India.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Boating, visit nearby Vizhinjam Rock Cave
Eating Options: Local shacks and stalls serve light snacks
Location: Vizhinjam Harbour Road

Shanghumugham Beach or Shankumugham Beach is situated at a distance of 8 kms from Trivandrum and 18 Kms from Kovalam. The beach also houses the giant 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid known as matsya kanyaka which is also the prime attraction at the beach.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Horse rides, boating, visit the nearby park
Eating Options: Several shacks and stalls serving seafood and snacks can be found
Location:18 Km north of Kovalam via Kovalam Marg

Located next to the more popular beaches of Kovalam Beach and Lighthouse Beach, Grove beach is a relatively smaller and less crowded beach. This beach is mainly loved for a lazing spot under the warm sun and for kids to play and build sandcastles at. Due to being relatively less crowded, it is favoured by locals for morning walks and jogs.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Morning walks, laze at the beach
Eating Options: Small stalls near the beachside serving fruits and snacks
Location: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram. 2 Km from the city centre