Surfing Guide to Kovalam, India

 

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

India is not necessarily on top of many surfers’ list. However, it does offer a few options for surfers and Kovalam is a very good one as far as Indian surfing goes. Exposed to the same swells as Sri Lanka and the Maldives it is a nice complement to anyone willing to do an Indian ocean surfing trip.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 

On top of being one of the cheapest country to live in, it has a very rich culture that will not leave anyone indifferent. All the stereotypes are true… India is hectic and rough at times but it is also incredibly rewarding, charming and beautiful. 

 

The little surf town of Kovalam is located on the southern tip of India not too far from the nearest international airport of Thirvananthapuram (Trivandrum). It is very lively and welcoming with a lot tiny pedestrian roads giving it some tranquility compared to the typical Indian city.

 

You might be interested in : Our surf guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

 

Kovalam stands out as a surfing destination in India due to its artificial surfing reef, completed in 2010. This man-made feature definitely did not bring Kovalam to become a world-class surf spot, but it surely helped making the spot way more consistent and organized.

 

The surf in Kovalam is somewhat unpredictable…There are waves right on main beach where a few surf schools take beginners out for their first steps. Advanced surfers will be able to find some point breaks in the area even if some of those breaks are driving distance from town.

 

One of the downsides of surfing in Kovalam, or India in general, is the overall water quality. Ocean can be pretty murky, extremely hot and prone to contracting infections.

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf Kovalam, India is from May to October when south swells are way more consistent. However, this also happens to be during the wet season in Kerala.

 

Winter will be much drier but waves are smaller and unpredictable.

 

 

Also read: The World’s 25 Best Surfing Islands!

 

 

 

Where to stay in Kovalam

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Kovalam!

 

Best surf hotels in Kovalam

Niraamaya Retreats

The Leela Kovalam

Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach

 

 

Getting there

The best way to get to Kovalam is to fly into Trivandrum airport and take a taxi to Kovalam that will cost you less than 10USD.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-Food borne illnesses are common for travelers in India. Make sure to bring a good medicine kit.

-Driving in India can get very hectic. The use of public transportation (tuk tuk, train etc.) is advised opposed to renting your own vehicle.

-Malaria

-Water pollution

 

 

Surf Spots in Kovalam

Lighthouse beach

Right next to the lighthouse is a wide and exposed beach break that catches most of the south swells. Artificial reef was put into place back in 2010 for more consistent conditions. Works for beginners and experienced surfers.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand and rocks
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NE

 

Poovar

About 25 minutes from Kovalam, Poovar is a rivermouth that produces lefts and rights for experienced surfers

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Hawa’s beach

The bay in between Lighthouse beach and Kovalam beach is a small fisherman harbor that can produce some waves but rarely gets better than the other two.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Kovalam beach

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : S
Optimal wind direction : NE