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Lighthouse Beach

Пляж Маяк
India · Beach · Kovalam
Blue Flag high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for families, couples and surfing and water sports enthusiasts. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and silence.

Best month

January

Water
+28.0°C
Length
500 m
The most popular of Kovalam's three beaches, named after the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. It features golden sand and crystal-clear water, popular for swimming and snorkelling.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
The most popular of Kovalam's three beaches, named after the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. It features golden sand and crystal-clear water, popular for swimming and snorkelling.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Blue Flag five years in a row
  • Scenic lighthouse
  • Golden sand
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Excellent surfing conditions
  • Many restaurants and cafes

Cons

  • Crowded in season
  • Possible jellyfish
  • Strong currents in some areas
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families, couples and surfing and water sports enthusiasts. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and silence.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Lighthouse Beach is the largest of Kovalam-s three beaches, named after the 35-metre Vizhinjam Lighthouse. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag five years in a row and is one of the most popular surfing spots in Kerala.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.8 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
October November
Season end
March April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
moderate
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
5.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Dangerous creatures
jellyfish
Insurance & Connectivity
Get travel insurance and mobile internet before your trip
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
20 pcs
Best restaurants

Catamaran Restaurant

Kerala

Restaurant with sea views and fresh seafood

Bait

Seafood

The Leela hotel restaurant with panoramic views

Nearby cuisines

Local

Kerala cuisine with seafood and coconut

Must try: Fish curry, appam, prawn fry

European

European cuisine in beach cafes

Must try: Pasta, pizza, salads
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Headwear Towel Swimsuit Cash First aid kit
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is from October to March. For surfing, the best time is from October to March, with waves suitable for beginners.
Local Rules
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Swimming only in designated areas. Exercise caution due to strong currents.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
Flights
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Local car rental
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Vizhinjam Lighthouse

35-metre lighthouse with panoramic coastal views

Kovalam Palace

Historic palace by the sea

Ayurvedic Centres

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine centres

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Lighthouse Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Lighthouse Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Lighthouse Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Lighthouse Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Lighthouse Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in October, November. It ends in March, April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Lighthouse Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — moderate. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Lighthouse Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Lighthouse Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Lighthouse Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Lighthouse Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Catamaran Restaurant, Bait. Cuisines available: Local, European. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Lighthouse Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Headwear, Towel, Swimsuit, Cash, First aid kit.
Lighthouse Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is from October to March. For surfing, the best time is from October to March, with waves suitable for beginners.
Lighthouse Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving litter on the beach is prohibited. Swimming only in designated areas. Exercise caution due to strong currents.
Lighthouse Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Lighthouse Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families, couples and surfing and water sports enthusiasts. Not suitable for lovers of solitude and silence.
Lighthouse Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Lighthouse Beach is the largest of Kovalam-s three beaches, named after the 35-metre Vizhinjam Lighthouse. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag five years in a row and is one of the most popular surfing spots in Kerala.
Lighthouse Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Blue Flag five years in a row, Scenic lighthouse, Golden sand, Developed infrastructure, Excellent surfing conditions, Many restaurants and cafes. Cons: Crowded in season, Possible jellyfish, Strong currents in some areas.
Lighthouse Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Kovalam Palace, Ayurvedic Centres. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Lighthouse Beach: does the beach have a Blue Flag?
Yes, the beach holds the international "Blue Flag" certification. This means the beach meets high standards of water cleanliness, safety and infrastructure.
Lighthouse Beach: how do I get to the city of Kovalam?
The beach is located near the city of Kovalam. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Kovalam.

City

Kovalam

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.