Beaches in Trivandrum for a Sun-kissed Getaway

Kovalam Beach, often dubbed the 'Paradise of the South', is a world-renowned beach located near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The backdrop of swaying coconut palms combined with the golden sands and clear blue waters ensures that visitors have a tranquil and rejuvenating experience, be it through sunbathing, surfing, or indulging in authentic Kerala cuisines.

Location: Kovalam, approximately 16-18 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Open all day, but for specific activities or organized events, it's advisable to check locally.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach, however, charges apply for certain activities or amenities.
Facilities: A range of accommodations, ayurvedic massage centers and wellness spas, restaurants with vistas of the sea,, a variety of water sports options, including surfing, motorboat rides, and deep-sea fishing.

Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham Beach, is a stunning coastal gem located in Kerala. Along with sunbathing and water activities, the beach area is dotted with several Ayurvedic centers, offering rejuvenating treatments. The nearby Janardhana Swami Temple, believed to be 2,000 years old, further accentuates the spiritual ambiance of Varkala.

Location: Varkala, approximately 50 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Open all day, but for specific activities or any organized events, it's better to check locally.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach; charges may apply for certain activities or facilities.
Facilities:  Traditional treatments and massages, multiple accommodations, cliff-top restaurants and cafes, local shops selling handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.

Shanghumugham Beach is a serene coastal retreat located near Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala. With its wide stretches of sand and scenic beauty, the beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. A distinguishing feature of the beach is the massive sculpture of a mermaid, known as 'Jalakanyaka' by Kanai Kunhiraman.

Location: Shanghumugham, approximately 8 kilometers.from Trivandrum
Timings: Open all day, but the best time to visit is during the early mornings or evenings.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Beachside seating, local eateries, children's park, ample parking, and proximity to Veli Tourist Village.

Puthenthope Beach, situated in Thiruvananthapuram, is a lesser-known gem, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Characterized by its serene ambiance, swaying palm trees, and golden sands, this beach is a favorite among locals seeking a quiet place to relax. Unlike many commercialized spots, Puthenthope maintains its natural charm, making it perfect for those looking to experience Kerala's coastal beauty in its purest form.

Location: Puthenthope, approximately 18 kilometers. from Trivandrum City
Timings: Open all day, with early mornings and evenings being the most picturesque times to visit.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Basic amenities include local eateries and stalls, with the beach's primary allure being its pristine and calm environment.

Veli Beach, situated near Thiruvananthapuram, is a popular coastal hangout where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea. Adjacent to the Veli Tourist Village, the beach is known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities. The connecting bridge between the beach and the tourist village allows visitors to wander around, offering an ideal blend of the lake's serene waters and the vast expanse of the sea.

Location: Veli, approximately 8 kilometers from Trivandrum
Timings: Open all day, though the best time to visit is during the early mornings or evenings.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach, but the tourist village might have separate charges for certain activities.
Facilities: Boating options in the lake, landscaped gardens, sculptures, floating restaurant, horse riding, and several children's play areas.

Lighthouse Beach, the most iconic of the trio that forms the Kovalam Beach stretch, is famous for its soaring lighthouse perched atop Kurumkal hillock. Its pristine shores, lapped by turquoise waters and dotted with palm fringes, make it a preferred choice for beach lovers. Visitors are drawn not only to its serene ambiance but also to the panoramic vistas from the lighthouse, overlooking the vast Arabian Sea.

Location: Kovalam, approximately 13 kilometers.from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Open all day, but the lighthouse itself has specific timings, usually from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Access to the beach is free, but there's a nominal fee to enter the lighthouse.
Facilities: Beach shacks offering local cuisines, sunbed rentals, lifeguards, surfing and water sports activities, and local shops selling souvenirs.

Hawah Beach, nestled alongside Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam, is often recognized as the 'Eve’s Beach'. Characterized by its soft golden sands and swaying coconut palms, Hawah Beach provides an ambiance of tranquility. Early mornings at this beach witness fishermen setting out for the day, adding a touch of local life to its serene landscape.

Location: Kovalam, approximately 14 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Open throughout the day, with dawn and dusk being the most serene times to visit.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Sun loungers, beach shacks offering a range of cuisines, and vendors selling handcrafted items and souvenirs.

Samudra Beach is the northernmost beach in the trio that constitutes the renowned beaches of Kovalam. Separated by rocky headlands from the main beaches, Samudra Beach offers a more secluded experience. It's a preferred spot for tourists seeking tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle. Overlooking the beach are several luxury resorts and local fishing communities, providing a blend of Kerala's natural beauty and culture.

Location: Kovalam, approximately 15 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Open all day, with mornings and late afternoons offering the most picturesque views.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Premium resorts, local eateries serving traditional Kerala dishes, sun loungers, and opportunities to observe local fishing activities.

Vizhinjam Beach, located near Kovalam, is renowned for its fishing harbor and the ancient rock-cut temple close to its shores. This beach offers a slice of local life, with colorful fishing boats dotting its landscape and fishermen engaging in their daily activities. The raw, uncommercialized beauty of Vizhinjam, combined with its cultural significance, makes it a unique destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Location: Vizhinjam, approximately 17 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Accessible throughout the day, but visiting during the early morning can offer a glimpse into the fishermen's bustling activities.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Observing the fishing harbor's operations, nearby ancient rock-cut temple, local seafood eateries, and small shops offering basic amenities.

Chowara Beach, a scenic stretch near Kovalam, is known for its pristine beauty and serene ambiance. Lined with traditional fishing hamlets and old wooden boats, the beach offers a glimpse into the local life and culture. Flanked by elevated terrains and rolling hills, the beach also hosts the Ayyappa Temple, perched atop a hill, making it both a relaxing and spiritually enriching destination.

Location: Chowara, approximately 21 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: Accessible throughout the day, with dawn and dusk being particularly picturesque.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Close proximity to the Ayyappa Temple, local seafood shacks, and opportunities to observe traditional fishing activities.

Poovar Beach, located in the village of Poovar, is a stunning and unspoiled beach where the river meets the sea. The unique estuary in Poovar offers a rare view of the confluence of a river, lake, beach, and the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by an extensive stretch of sand, lush greenery, and tranquil waters, Poovar Beach is a secluded escape, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

Location: Poovar, approximately 27 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram:
Timings: Open all day, but early mornings and evenings are ideal for the most serene experience.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Traditional boating options, nearby resorts and homestays, eateries serving local delicacies, and opportunities for bird watching given the diverse avian population in the region.

Kappil Beach, situated close to Varkala, is a serene coastal retreat where backwaters run parallel to the sea, offering a mesmerizing blend of blue and green landscapes. This less-commercialized beach, with its golden sands and swaying coconut palms, is an ideal getaway for those seeking tranquillity. The nearby Kodai bridge provides a panoramic view of the area, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Location: Kappil, approximately 7 kilometers from Varkala
Timings: Open all day; however, sunrise and sunset hours are especially picturesque.
Entry Fee: Free access to the beach.
Facilities: Boating in the backwaters, local eateries offering traditional Kerala dishes, and lookout points for scenic views.