Kerala has it all – backwaters, hill stations, ancient palaces, and museums. However, nothing beats the experience of feeling a cool breeze and the warm summer sun as you walk on the sandy shores of Kerala at some of the best beaches near Trivandrum. Known to be the perfect getaway for families and couples looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, these gorgeous beaches make an ideal addition to your itinerary if youâre looking for a fun beach getaway in Godâs Own Country!
Best Beaches Near Trivandrum
You and your loved ones will surely enjoy spending time on these beautiful beaches near Trivandrum. The first is Kovalam, whose name is derived from âcoconut treesâ. There are three beaches at Kovalam, separated by outcrops jutting out to the sea.
The second largest one is Hawah Beach. Its scenic beauty and serenity are supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. There are a lot of restaurants that provide grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns, and calamari caught fresh from the sea at Kovalam.
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1. Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is the most famous beach in Kerala and consists of three pretty crescent-shaped beaches with great names – Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, and Hawah Beach, which had been a sleepy village until the 1960s with narrow lanes and wide courtyards for drying fish as well as thatched dwellings with dry coconut leaves.
Kovalam was well known as the focal point of the hippie life in India. But things took on a slightly more demure attitude later and the beach is now well known for seaside sports, ayurvedic treatments, and exotic beach shacks.
Kovalam is well known for the view from its hilltop of the magnificent and ferocious Arabian Sea and the most visited beaches in Trivandrum.
Kovalam is also known as the Paradise of the South and the name of Kovalam is derived from coconut trees lining up on the seashore. Itâs also one of the most unique beaches in Trivandrum with rare black sand owing to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite. The lighthouse offers an amazing view of the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam Mosque.
To the north of Kovalam lies the Samudra where time seems to stand still. Hawah in the center is the hub of activities with daily views of fishermen setting out to sea. The rocky foreland blends with the calm blue bay to convert the shore into a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights!
The scenic beauty and serenity of Kovalam is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. There are lots of restaurants that provide delicious Western and Indian food.
The ample availability of seafood items like lobster, king prawns, and oysters as well as traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage parlors, yoga centers, and water sports are added attractions to the appeal of Kovalam that make it one of the best beaches in Trivandrum.
2. Lighthouse Beach – Kovalam
Lighthouse Beach is the southernmost beach and is the most popular of the three. This is the largest beach in Kovalam and is called the Lighthouse Beach for its 30-meter high lighthouse. Many hotels, restaurants, lodges, and shops are located here and it has the highest tourist attraction among beaches in Trivandrum.
It is frequented by outsiders who come here to stay in and enjoy Kovalam. Lighthouse Beach got its name from the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse which stands tall on a rocky headland.
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3. Hawah Beach – Kovalam
Hawah was India’s first topless beach. It is still among those beaches of India where top-less sunbathing is tolerated and well-appreciated by the locals. Currently, topfree bathing and parading are banned except in private coves owned by resorts.
The tourism department provides a vigilant lifeguard service on both the Lighthouse and Hawa Beach. There are strong currents, so it is wise to follow their instructions before proceeding to swim in these waters.
4. Samudra Beach – Kovalam
Samudra Beach is to the north of Ashok Beach and can be accessed only by taking a detour past Kovalam Junction. It is an awesome sight where you can watch the waves crash on the rocks below as you walk along the wall parallel to the coastline here.
Long walks by the coastline, sunbathing, surfing, beach volleyball, and swimming are some of the most fun activities that can be enjoyed at Samudra Beach, one of the most beautiful Kovalam beaches.
5. Shanghumugham Beach
Shanghumugham Beach is located at a distance of 8 km from Trivandrum and is the nearest beach to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
The Matsya Kanyaka, which is a gigantic 35-meter-long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish, are the most well-known attractions in Shanghumugham Beach, one of the best beaches near Trivandrum.
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6. Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is well known for its view of dramatic sunsets against a backdrop of red laterite cliffs overlooking Papanasam Beach and the Arabian Sea. This place holds a special attraction among all the other beaches near Trivandrum. Varkala isn’t the quietest beach, but you have shacks and peaceful spots in the vicinity where you can find solitude.
The beach also has some natural springs and streams which according to locals have holy properties to purge the body of sins and impurities. Varkala Beach is also famous for the Sivagiri Mutt and the Janardhana Swami Temple which is more than 2,000 years old. Kovalam is at a distance of 50 km from Trivandrum city.
7. Poovar Beach
Poovar is an isolated but spectacular beach as well as an estuary. Poovar is an island estuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its green coconut palms and unique backwaters as well as a lake. You can enjoy a backwater boat cruise over its emerald green backwaters flanked by coconut tree-lined shores.
When you arrive at Poovar Beach, youâll be fascinated by its golden sand, unlike Kovalam, along with its deep blue sea, breathtaking sunsets, fishing villages, and colorful boats lining the seashore which make it truly unique!
8. Vizhinjam Beach
Vizhinjam has been earmarked for one of the largest ports in India and is being developed into Vizhinjam International Seaport which is an International Deep Water Container Transshipment Terminal.
It has a beach, lighthouse, and a marine aquarium which houses a rich treasure of marine wealth along with a rock-cut temple at Vizhinjam.
9. Nellikunnu Beach
Nellikunnu Beach is situated between Vilinjam and Chowara and is a small beach with private beach-facing cottages at resorts like Kovalamâs Thapovan Heritage Home with quaint Eagleâs Nest rooms.
In the private resorts near Nellikunnu Beach, you can relax in truly splendid settings relishing the breathtaking views of lush green, palm-fringed surroundings of coconut trees. It’s considered to be one of the best beaches near Trivandrum.
10. Chowara Beach
Chowara Beach is at a distance of 10 km from Kovalam and leafy coconut trees dot the sandy shores. Its golden sands are an ideal place to relax and enjoy some peaceful moments with loved ones.
A lesser-known seaside destination, Chowara Beach also has an Ayurveda resort in the vicinity offering authentic Ayurvedic therapies and Spa.
11. Azhimala Beach
Azhimala is a quiet beach near Kovalam known for its Ayurvedic resorts and the revered Azhimala Temple housing a stunning idol of Lord Shiva, both of which are located very close to the beach.
Azhimala Beach is well known for its views of gorgeous sunsets from its calm shores when compared to other beaches near Trivandrum. It got its name from the words Azhi meaning ‘the sea’ and Mala which is ‘the hill’.
12. Puthenthope Beach
Puthenthope Beach is located about 19 km from the city center with two man-made hills. The beach is not very well known and is quiet and secluded compared to other beaches near Trivandrum.
However, it is fast gaining popularity owing to its tranquil vibe, beautiful scenery, and the fact that itâs clean and litter-free.
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Kerala has some of the worldâs best beaches that are tranquil, tourist-friendly, and offer the most wonderful experiences and activities in the Arabian Sea. Beaches always create a relaxed atmosphere where you can watch the constant rhythm of waves moving in and out of the shallows. But before you set out to these shores, it would be thoughtful to add sunscreen, hats, and chilled fruit-infused water to your bag among other beach necessities.
Have a mocktail at a poolside bar, gorge on delicious seafood at a shack, lay on the sands, watch the sunset, or enjoy a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage in an authentic Spa at any of these best beaches near Trivandrum beaches. When you are basking on these glorious shores of Kerala, there is no end to the fun you will have!
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Beaches Near Trivandrum
Can one wear swimsuits on the beaches near Trivandrum?
Yes, the beaches near Trivandrum are safe for people who wish to wear swimsuits, especially if you’re wearing them while accessing a private beach of your hotel or resort to avoid unnecessary attention from the locals.
Which is the best time to visit the beaches near Trivandrum?
The winter season from November to February is the best time to visit the beaches near Trivandrum as the temperature is moderate and conducive for sightseeing and beach hopping during this time.
Are the beaches near Trivandrum too crowded?
The crowd on any of the beaches near Trivandrum depends on the time you are visiting. Some beaches are very crowded while some are secluded and empty.
How can one reach the famous beaches near Trivandrum?
The beaches near Trivandrum are easily accessible by a local taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus. However, there is no option to reach the beaches via rail.
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