Visitor Information
- Famous for: Sightseeing, Hangout spot, Photography, Beach side
- Entrance Fee: Free of charge
- Visiting Time: 10 AM to 5 PM, Open every day
- Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Valiyathura Pier in Kovalam was once a part of one of South India’s most famous ports. Situated near Kerala’s capital city, Thiruvananthapuram in a town called Kovalam, this place has now become a famous tourist destination. It would not be wrong to say that a trip to the city of Trivandrum, would be incomplete without a visit here. With beautiful fishes swimming in the waters, fishermen casting their nets around, and the waves crashing against the pier, this place is bound to mesmerize you. Array colors in the sky make it one of the best places to watch the sun move swiftly down the horizon. If you are planning to click a few (or more) pictures while on your trip to Kovalam, you have got to come here for the stunning views.
Traveler Tips
- Kovalam can be extremely hot and humid at times, so your best bet would be to wear comfortable clothing and carrying a pair of sunglasses.
- Make sure your camera is fully charged as this place may make you want to keep clicking pictures.
- The Valiyathura Pier is an old and crumbling structure, and hence not very safe to walk on. Be careful as you move on it towards the sea.
- The evenings at the pier can get especially crowded. So if you are looking for a quiet hangout, time your visit earlier in the day.
Things to Do
- Watch the sky change colors in the evening and the stunning sunset from the Pier.
- Walk around the area and get a glimpse into the lives of the fishermen of the city.
- Buy some fresh catch from the fish sellers around the Pier.
- Let your camera lens capture the unforgettable beauty of the place.
Availability of Guides
A fully guided tour to Thiruvananthapuram would include a visit to the Valiyathura Pier. As the place is more of a relaxing hangout, you may choose to visit here without a guide.
Best Time to Visit
October to February is the best time to visit the Valiyathura Pier, and Thiruvananthapuram in general. The city gets a light rainfall in the season and the temperature stays around a pleasant 18 degrees Celsius. The Pier is often closed at the time of high tides for safety purposes so do check if it will be open on the day of your visit before you go.
How to Reach
The Valiyathura Pier is situated on the Shanghumugham beach. It is at a distance of seven kilometers from the center of the city. You can easily get buses, taxis, or auto rickshaws from all around the city to reach here.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Valiyathura Pier
- The more than sixty-year-old Valiyathura Pier was once the only port in South Kerala and saw a large number of cargo ships moving to and fro.
- When the sea port in Kochi gained importance and improved facilities, Valiyathura was shut down and since then has not been used as a sea port.
- The Pier was once a 703 foot tall and sturdy structure but has been crumbling away with the passage of time.
- The Valiyathura port was very shallow so the bigger cargo ships had to drop anchor in the deeper waters, away from the coast. The smaller and lighter ships could easily come closer to the pier.
- Fishermen now use this pier to push their boats into the ferocious waters here.
Nearby Attractions
- Neyyar Dam
- Kovalam Art Gallery
- Bodhi Dharma Wellness Center
- Yoga Darshan
- The German Bakery
- Edakallu
- Vellayani Lake
- Vizhinjam Village
- Hawah Beach
- Lighthouse Beach
- Karamana River
- Samudra Beach
Nearby Restaurants
- Hotel Choice
- Villa Maya Heritage Restaurant
- Buhari Restaurant
- Azad Hotel
- Akash Fast Food Restaurant
- Shahi Durbar Family Restaurant
- MRA Restaurant
- Curry Chatty
- Surya Fast Food
The Valiyathura pier holds a long commercial history. It has changed from an imposing port pier to a relaxing hangout spot by the beach. And yet, even after all these years, it does not fail to make the visitors feel awe-struck. If you are planning to visit Thiruvananthapuram or Kovalam anytime soon, do include this place in your itinerary for a memorable evening by the sea.
