Dreaming of watching the endless sea all day and witnessing the sun bid farewell for the day? It’s time to visit a calm, quiet, not-so-crowded, truly unique beach just 40 km off Chennai. We are talking about Kovalam Beach, also called ‘Covelong’ Beach. Unlike other famous beaches in Chennai, like Elliots or Marina, which people often swarm, this place offers you the privacy and exotic scenic beauty you’ve always wanted. Kovalam has a long history of French, Dutch and British colonisation. Is Kovalam beach worth visiting? Let’s dig in and find out more. Also, you will be provided with a list of activities you can perform here and tips on spending your holiday memorably in such a quaint relaxing zone of the ever-busy Chennai city.
Why Visit Kovalam Beach?
Unable to pronounce it right, the British named this coastal village ‘Covelong’. Kovalam is the original name of this fishing village, located on the East Coast Road, 40 kilometres from Chennai. The village is in between Chennai and Mahabalipuram. Kovalam is famous for its surfing schools. Kovalam proudly stands as India’s first surfing village. This is the unique attraction of Kovalam village, which is also popular for fishing activities. It is a natural beauty and is visited mostly by the locals here. It is relatively less crowded and stays as a non-commercialised beach in the state so far.
What can you do in Kovalam Beach, Chennai?
Kovalam Beach is a rare place where surfing is a common sport. Kovalam hosts a surf school, a resort, and a community yoga school near the beach. Kovalam has a river mouth, with water flowing throughout the year. If you are an adventurer, and interested in water sports, you can choose to spend a vacation with thrilling activities at Kovalam Beach by staying from one of the top resorts in Chennai. Also, if you want to learn surfing professionally, Kovalam Beach is a perfect option in South India, as it is not completely popularised for commercial benifits and is left with few locals. Such Kovalam Beach activities help you learn something for the season.
Kovalam Beach – How can you Enjoy the View?
Imagine finding yourself immersed in the boundless beauty of nature’s dimension, as you leisurely spend a tranquil night reclining on the glistening golden sands. As you gaze upward, the night sky unfolds before you, displaying a mesmerizing spectacle of celestial wonders. When the full moon graces the heavens, its luminous glow casts a surreal brilliance upon the azure waters, evoking a profound sense of awe and inspiration. The rhythmic whispers of the tireless tides provide a soothing soundtrack to accompany the warm, balmy nights, creating an ambience that embraces every traveller seeking solace and connection. In the company of your loved ones’ spirits, you are enveloped by an atmosphere of serenity that seems to transcend time itself. This idyllic setting on the pristine beach bestows upon you a priceless gift—the fulfilment of your deepest longing to revel in the unspoiled beauty of nature. Yes, watching Kovalam Beach Night Viewis a gift, that you cannot deny.
Food Options that are Available in Kovalam
Kovalam is a coastal village known for its variety of delicious seafood. Freshly caught fish is readily available from local fishermen, and there are restaurants of all sizes that will cook the fish to your liking. Shopping for fresh fish is one of the catalytic activities in Kovalam. For a true seafood lover’s experience, consider buying fish directly from the fishermen early in the morning as they unload their fresh catch.
Kovalam is home to the famous Bayview restaurants, and it’s not uncommon to see people flocking to buy Red Snapper fish and squid from the morning hauls. The fishermen carefully sort their catch into categories of what’s ready to be sold and what can be released back into the sea. The local seafood includes a variety of sea animals such as Squid, Crabs, Red Snappers, Pomfrets, Shrimps, large kingfishes and even Sting rays depending upon the season and the fishermen’s luck at the ocean.
Kovalam Things to do
Your perfect beach escapade should also include watching the sunset by sitting on the soft, warm, golden sands of Kovalam Beach, which glitter like crystals in the moonlight. Spend time having endless conversations with your friends and family, playing with the young ones, and admiring their excitement every time the silver tides kiss their feet. Afterwards, relax by the beach at night after witnessing the sun slowly sliding down the horizon to make your holiday absolutely perfect. Kovalam Beach sunset will transport you back in time and evoke the joy of childhood.
Places of Worship in Kovalam Beach
There are a lot of religious places of worship that covers Hindu temples, Churches and Mosques. Some of them are listed down. A visit to the Kovalam Beach would be incomplete if you miss any of them. Try visiting these shore places with family in the early hours or in the evenings to escape the hot Sun and enjoy the picturesque scenery while offering your prayers to the almighty.
- Arulmigu Nithya Kalyana Perumal Kovil
- Kailasanathar Kovil
- Sai Baba Temple
- Jagannath Temple
- Thiruvidanthai Perumal Temple
- Anjaneyar Temple
- Mathsya Narayana Temple
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shine
- Bern Church
- All Lady of Scapular Church
The Sai Baba Temple and Mathsya Narayana Temple are well-known for their picturesque artistry and the delicious prasad offered every morning and evening. A visit to Kovalam Beach will surely impress you, especially if you include visits to these temples every time you are there.
To recap, Kovalam Beach stands as one of the most pristine and lesser-known beaches in Chennai. It fulfils all your desires, whether you seek to revel with friends, embark on a leisurely family trip, or simply find solitary peace, letting the rejuvenating winds of the Bay of Bengal cleanse your spirit. How can one overlook the splendour of nature, just an hour’s drive from the rushing city of Chennai? Breathe in the fresh air, and find tranquility as you immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of Kovalam Beach.