Vizhinjam Poovar, Kerala | Beach, Port, Lighthouse, Images, Timings

Vizhinjam, Poovar Overview

Vinzhinjam is a popular fishing village located only 17 kms from the city centre of Thiruvananthapuram. You can witness a rare and curious sight of hundreds of fishing boats lined across the fishing harbour as they cruise in perfect harmony without colliding into each other! Its geographical setting makes it a natural port and quite an important one. Other than its political and economic significance, Vinzhinjam is a very popular tourist attraction and one of the favourite getaways of the south. The village is blessed with spectacular scenic beaches that lend a peaceful and tranquil aura to the town. Relaxing on the white sand beaches as you stare into the azure waters is a perfect way to melt away all the tensions and stresses of the fast-paced lives.

Apart from its enthralling beaches, the Rock Cut cave is another famous attraction of Vinzjhinjam which is a one-celled shrine dedicated to Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. This 18th-century temple houses beautiful semi carved statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and holds immense religious significance to the locals. The Vinzhinjam Marine Aquarium draws hundreds of tourists every year and provides one with the opportunity to meet and witness a wide variety of colourful fish and gorgeous aquatic creatures in all their glory. Vizhinjam is a picturesque and charming little village that provides an all-in-one vacation for people looking for a peaceful excursion, a religious trip or a curious exploration of marine animals!

1. Vizhinjam Beach, Kovalam

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 (Read More)known to be one of the largest ports in India.

Located about 2km from Kovalam near Theatre Junction, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is situated in one of the busiest fishing harbours. Officially known as Sagarika marine research aquarium, the place hou (Read More)ses a large variety of rare aquatic species like squirrelfish, clownfish, moon wrasse and a school of invertebrates and ornamental fishes.

Timings : 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Vizhinjam is a seaside hamlet, and one of the earliest rock-cut caves in Kerala is very close to the scenic Kovalam Beach. It is situated 17 km from Trivandrum. Vizhinjam Caves have rock-cut sculpture (Read More)s from the 8th century that houses the one-celled shrine of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi with the outer wall depicting an unfinished statue of Lord Shiva holding a bow and Parvathi on either side.

Timings : 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Perched on the top of the palm-covered Kurumkal Hill, the Vizhinjam Lighthouse is set on the coastline of the Arabian sea, near Kovalam beach in Kerala. The lighthouse has a cylindrical structure buil (Read More)t entirely with stones. It has a height of 36 m and is painted in a candy pattern with red and white bands. Remarkably, the Vizhinjam lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Kovalam that offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding area. Arabian sea and Kovalam beach.

Opening Hours : Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:45 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (closed on Monday)

History of Vizhinjam

Vinzhijam was originally the administrative capital of the Ay Dynasty during the period between 850 AD and 1400 AD. Later, it was the interest of dispute between the Chera Dynasty and the Chola Dynasty for years with the Chola kings emerging as the rulers. Recent explorations led to the discovery of the remnants of a fort which was built under the rule of the Ay Dynasty somewhere between the 8th and 9th century, making it one of Kerala's oldest forts. Remains of an educational institution known as 'Kanthalloor Sallai' which was also built by the kings of the Ay Dynasty between the 9th and 10th century.

Best Time To Visit Vizhinjam

The winter season is ideally the best time to visit Vinzhinjam. The temperature ranges between the low of 16 degrees Celsius and the high of 34 degrees Celsius. It is the best time for beach hopping, sightseeing and touring the village.

The summers experience a high of over 37 degrees Celsius but is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. Visiting in monsoons will give you a chance to witness Vinzhinjam in its rain washed glory with blossoming flora all around.

How To Reach Vizhinjam

The Trivandrum Central Railway Station is located about 15 km from Vinzhinjam and is the closest railhead to the city. This railway station is well connected to all major cities in and around Kerala. One can hail an auto or a cab outside the station which will take you to Vinzhinjam in no time and at affordable rates. The KSRTC Vinzhinjam Bus Depot has buses plying in and out of Vinzhinjam quite frequently. Buses connect different spots of the village and the bus depot is a stop for many luxury buses managed by famous bus operators.