Grove Beach, Kovalam Overview

Grove Beach is one of the two sections of Kovalam Beach, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Secluded from the crowd, this part of the Kovalam beach offers visitors an undisturbed environment. The beach also offers several boating and parasailing options, accompanied by stringent safety protocols. Grove Beach is known for its proximity to the famous Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach.

Visitors can explore these beaches on foot, taking a leisurely stroll in the morning or evening. Fishing activities can be observed in the morning between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, making it an interesting experience for visitors. Notably, there is also a mosque and temple located in the vicinity of the beach, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.

As per the Kovalam master plan and recent announcement, Grove Beach is expected to witness a significant transformation. This includes the creation of an open-air theater, a yoga deck, a welcome entrance arch, a rain harvesting facility, boat-shaped seats for tourists, a cafe and toilets, stone-paved walkways and a bicycle track, a roller skating area, and other enhancements. This construction work for upgrading the infrastructure facilities in the first phases of Kovalam Beach has received administrative sanctions of rupees 9.9 crores by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.

Must Know Before You Visit Grove Beach

Must Know before you visit Grove Beach :

Check the weather forecast before visiting Grove Beach, as the beach may be closed during heavy rains or strong winds.
June to September isn't the best time to visit the temple due to heavy rainfall.
There are restrictions on alcohol consumption, littering, and use of plastic items on the beach.
Visitors are advised not to venture into the sea after 6:00 PM.
There are limited food and beverage options available on Grove Beach. Visitors are advised to carry their own food and water.
Parking facilities are available near Grove Beach, but it can get crowded during peak tourist season.
Dress modestly while visiting Grove Beach, as it is a public beach
Carry extra pair of clothes if you are planning to participate in the water activities.
Swimsuits and beachwear are acceptable on the beach but not in public areas.

Read More on Grove Beach

Best time to visit for Grove Beach

The best time to visit Kovalam is from September to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and it is the ideal time for tourists to enjoy water activities, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby attractions. Those who prefer less crowded beaches can consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October) when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are thinner. Kovalam experiences heavy rainfall during monsoons, which lasts from June to August. It is not advisable to go here during these months as mobility is highly affected during the monsoon months.

How to Reach Grove Beach

Kovalam is well-connected to the Thiruvananthapuram city center by road, and one can reach there easily by road from any city. The journey to GroveBeach takes approximately 30 minutes from Thiruvananthapuram and 10 minutes from the main Kovalam city. You can take a taxi or hire a local auto-rickshaw. Alternatively, you can also avail of public transportation, such as buses, which operate regularly between Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam.

Is Grove Beach safe for swimming?

Although, Grove Beach is considered safe for swimming, but Lighthouse Beach is the safest option. It's recommended to check the weather and sea conditions before going for a swim. There might be strong undercurrents during certain times of the year, so it's always better to take caution and follow any posted warnings or advisories from local authorities. It's also a good idea to swim within designated swimming areas and to avoid swimming alone or after dark.

Fees and Charges that visitors should expect

The beach is open to the public and visitors can enjoy the beach and its surroundings free of cost. However, there may be charges for certain activities such as boating, and visitors may also have to pay for parking if they come by car.

Tips

To shield yourself from the harsh heat, you could potentially consider taking sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Carry basic first aid items like bandages and pain relievers in case of an emergency
Do not venture into the sea during high tide or rough weather conditions.
Do not litter on the beach and dispose of waste in the designated bins.
Beware of slippery rocks and wear comfortable shoes.
There are a variety of accommodation options available, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts for staying nearby the beach.
Grove Beach and the nearby area is home to several Ayurvedic centers that offer traditional treatments and massages.
Grove Beach offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants located in the vicinity.