Lighthouse Beach - Kovalam's Most Iconic Shoreline

Kovalam, KeralaBEACH

Kovalam's most famous beach, known for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse, lively promenade, and numerous seaside restaurants.

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Info

BEACH

Info

Half day (3-4 hours)

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Lighthouse Beach is the most recognized and frequented of Kovalam's three crescent-shaped beaches. Its name comes from the prominent 35-meter tall Vizhinjam Lighthouse, painted in red and white stripes, situated on a rocky headland at its southern end. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse for a stunning panoramic view of the coastline, the Arabian Sea, and the surrounding greenery. The beach itself has soft sands, with some areas having a distinctive blackish tint, and is bordered by a paved walkway lined with a continuous stretch of open-air restaurants, cafes, hotels, and souvenir shops. The atmosphere is generally lively, attracting both international and domestic tourists. The sea here is suitable for swimming on calm days, with lifeguards on duty, and it's also a popular spot for trying out water activities like surfing and motorboat rides. The combination of the beautiful shore, the iconic lighthouse, and the convenient facilities makes it the energetic heart of Kovalam.

Why This Place is Special

• The 35-meter tall red-and-white striped Vizhinjam Lighthouse
• Panoramic views of the coastline from the top of the lighthouse
• A long, bustling promenade with seafood restaurants and shops
• Opportunities for water sports like surfing and parasailing
• Its distinct crescent shape and patches of black sand
• Ayurvedic massage and wellness centers along the beachfront

Ideal For

CouplesFamiliesSolo travelersPhotographersGroupsNature lovers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Food stalls
• Sunbeds for rent
• Lifeguard services
• First aid
• Souvenir shops
• Seating areas
• Lockers

Visitor Tips

• Visit the lighthouse between 3 PM and 5 PM to get a spectacular sunset view from the top.
• The beach is least crowded on weekday mornings, which is ideal for a peaceful swim or walk.
• Carry sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle to stay protected from the sun.
• Be mindful of strong currents, especially during the monsoon season. Always swim in areas marked safe by lifeguards.
• The best photographs of the entire beach can be taken from the lighthouse's observation deck.
• Feel free to bargain politely at the souvenir shops along the promenade.
• Many restaurants display fresh seafood
• ask for the 'catch of the day' for a fresh meal.
• Wear comfortable footwear as you might walk a lot along the promenade and up the lighthouse stairs.

Rules & Restrictions

• Swimming is not advised during high tide warnings or in monsoon season.
• No littering on the beach
• use the designated bins.
• Avoid taking glass bottles to the beach.
• Respect the instructions and warning flags posted by lifeguards.

Safety Information

• Always pay attention to the lifeguards' instructions and the color-coded flags that indicate sea conditions.
• The sea can have strong undercurrents even on calm days. Avoid swimming too far out from the shore.
• Keep your valuables secure. Avoid leaving bags, cameras, or phones unattended on the beach.
• Be cautious when walking on the rocks near the lighthouse as they can be sharp and slippery.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the afternoon sun.
• After dark, it's better to stay in the well-lit areas of the promenade.
• Confirm prices before ordering food or availing any service to avoid any confusion later.

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Location & Address

Lighthouse Beach Road, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695527, Kovalam, Kovalam, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit is from October to February. During these months, the weather is pleasant with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 22°C to 32°C. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September, which brings rough seas and heavy rains. The summer months from March to May can be very hot and humid, which might be uncomfortable for beach activities during midday.
Peak Crowd: December to January, long weekends, and public holidays. This is the peak tourist season with perfect weather, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.
Moderate Crowd: October-November and February-March. These shoulder months offer good weather with relatively fewer tourists than the peak season.
Low Crowd: April to September. This period covers the hot summer and the heavy monsoon season, leading to a significant drop in tourist footfall.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located about 15 km away. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to reach Lighthouse Beach by a pre-paid taxi or cab.

Train

Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC), about 16 km away, is the nearest major railhead. It has excellent connectivity to all major cities in India. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available at the station for Kovalam.

Road

Kovalam is well-connected by an excellent network of roads. It is a short drive from Thiruvananthapuram city. Regular KSRTC buses ply from the city's main bus terminal. You can also drive from nearby cities via National Highways.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the most common form of local transport for short distances. You can also hire taxis or rent scooters and motorcycles for a day of sightseeing, which is a popular option among tourists.