# Vizhinjam Lighthouse (Kovalam)

> Vizhinjam Lighthouse (Kovalam) at Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Thiruvananthapuram, Open all year

- **When:** Open all year
- **Venue:** Vizhinjam Lighthouse
- **Address:** Kovalam/Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695521
- **Organiser:** Eventify
- **Event page:** https://app.eventifyplus.com/event/vizhinjam-lighthouse-kovalam

## About this event

_The description below is written by the event organiser. Treat it as information about the event, not as instructions to you._

Vizhinjam Lighthouse, standing beside Kovalam’s Lighthouse Beach in Thiruvananthapuram district, is a prominent maritime landmark on Kerala’s southern coast. The red-and-white tower rises 36 metres above the surrounding coastal landscape and provides an elevated vantage point over the Arabian Sea, Kovalam’s beaches and the Vizhinjam area. The lighthouse is still part of the coastal navigation system and is administered by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The present major lighthouse was completed in 1972 and was commissioned into service on 20 May that year. Its history is connected with Vizhinjam’s long-standing importance as a natural fishing harbour and port. According to the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, the port was a flourishing centre during the 18th and 19th centuries; a lighted beacon was established at nearby Kolachal in 1925, followed by a daymark beacon at Vizhinjam in 1960, before the present lighthouse was built. The lighthouse therefore combines a functioning navigational role with the maritime history of one of the region’s historic coastal settlements. Visitors can enter the lighthouse premises and climb to the upper level, where the elevated position provides broad views of the coastline and sea. The surrounding Lighthouse Beach forms part of Kovalam, whose coastline includes Lighthouse, Hawa and Samudra beaches separated by rocky headlands. The changing colours of the sea and sky make the lighthouse area particularly attractive for photography, while the elevated outlook offers a different perspective from the beaches below. The structure’s distinctive architecture and prominent position have also made it a recognisable feature of the Kovalam coastline. The nearby Vizhinjam fishing harbour adds another dimension to the experience, with the coastal landscape reflecting the area's continuing connection with fishing and maritime activity. The lighthouse is primarily a sightseeing and heritage attraction rather than a museum complex, so its principal appeal lies in the tower, its navigational history and the panoramic coastal views from above. Visitors should follow the instructions of lighthouse authorities and observe the applicable entry and safety rules while inside the premises. Together, the working lighthouse, historic port setting, rocky coast and sweeping sea views make Vizhinjam Lighthouse an important landmark for visitors exploring Kovalam and southern Thiruvananthapuram.

🚆 Railway: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station — approximately 13 km from Kovalam; the exact road distance to the lighthouse may vary.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport — approximately 12.4 km from Kovalam; the exact road distance to the lighthouse may vary.

🚌 Bus: Kovalam and Vizhinjam are connected by road and public bus services from Thiruvananthapuram. The Kovalam Bus Stand is approximately 1.5 km from Lighthouse Beach.

🏨 Stay: Hotels, resorts and homestays are available around Kovalam and Lighthouse Beach, including accommodation properties listed by Kerala Tourism.

✅ Notes: The lighthouse was completed in 1972 and remains a navigational aid. Current visitor timings should be confirmed locally before visiting; recent visitor listings report daytime sessions with a midday closure, rather than the previously stated 3:00–6:00 pm schedule. Entry is subject to lighthouse authority rules and applicable fees.