Lighthouse Beach in India
In the Indian town of Kovalam, in a state famous for its resorts and Ayurvedic clinics Ayurvedic clinics — the state of Kerala — there is a beach with the unusual name «Lighthouse». It is a cosy and quite well-equipped recreation area where you can bask on the hot sand and splash in the sea. Lovers of new experiences climb to the observation platform of the neighbouring lighthouse, and gourmets will enjoy dishes made from freshly caught seafood.
A lighthouse known far beyond Kerala
The Kovalam Lighthouse is one of the most famous and accessible lighthouses in India. To see the tower proudly rising above the shore, there is no need to make a long journey through hard-to-reach places; moreover, you can not only admire it from afar but also climb up to the observation platform. The tower is open to visitors daily except Monday, during daytime hours, and the entrance costs very little.
A guiding mark for sailors has stood on this spot for a long time: every evening it sees the fishermen off to their dangerous trade, and in the morning, before sunrise, it shows them the way home. The former tower fell into disrepair over time and was demolished; the present lighthouse — a cylindrical tower 36 metres high with red-and-white bands — has been in operation since 1972.
Photos of the Lighthouse Beach in Kerala
A safe and interesting holiday
The «Lighthouse» beach is the southernmost of three on this stretch of coast. During the day, from the top of the lighthouse a most beautiful view opens onto the ocean, the beaches and the tropical greenery of the coconut groves. But many come in the evening or stay for the night in one of the nearby hotels to admire the bright light shining over the expanses of the sea like a star.
The ocean here is fairly shallow, but one must not forget that it is still not a quiet pond. Long ocean waves are dangerous even for excellent swimmers, and sometimes the surf completely hides the narrow strip of sand. The rocky cliffs framing the beach serve as breakwaters and somewhat tame the fury of the elements. The safety of the holiday is watched over: lifeguards are always on duty in the tourist zone and police patrols appear regularly.
At the end of the day, stalls line up along the beach where fish is cooked literally before the customer’s eyes. The fresh catch can be bought straight from the boat — locals often come here especially for the seafood.
Information for tourists
In the coastal restaurants you will find both dishes of Indian national cuisine and a menu oriented towards Europeans. On the beach sun loungers and umbrellas are rented out; regular customers can count on a discount. The usual charge is about 300 rupees a day, with a discount about 100 rupees (prices may change). Nearby there are a car rental point, a filling station and a car park.
Nearby are a mosque and a temple. A cultural programme is provided by an art gallery, St. Mary’s Church, palaces, parks and other attractions of Trivandrum, which can be reached in a few minutes by bus or car. There are souvenir stalls and shops, Ayurvedic clinics and small massage rooms. There are many itinerant traders and touts.
The locals look at tourists with interest, may comment on their clothing or behaviour, but never show aggression. They love being photographed with visitors, so do not be surprised if a stranger comes up to you and asks to take a photo together.
Only guests of the front-line hotels may come to the beach straight in their swimwear; everyone else had better choose more covering clothing. It is also worth visiting the lighthouse and walking through the coconut groves in modest outfits that cover the legs.
Kovalam is a convenient base for a trip — an Ayurveda tour to India combines beaches and wellness.
