Introduction

Something very like the famed cliff divers of Acapulco in Mexico, the local fishermen of Kovalam plunge into a swollen sea during monsoon to swim and latch on to their unmanned catamarans drifting on the sea. Queer as it sounds, at Valliathura pier, about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from Kovalam, during monsoon when the sea turns tumultuous making it difficult for fishermen to launch their boats from the beach, they carry their catamarans to the edge of the pier and hurl them into the sea. After which they jump with nonchalance into the roaring water and race against the waves to their catamarans. It could be a routine affair for the fishermen but an onlooker is mostly left dumbstruck at such a display of courage. Visitors from afar turn up to witness this impossible feat. The pier also serves as a vantage point to soak up a sweeping view of the long coastline up to Kovalam to the south and Shankhumugham beach to the north against a moody sky.

In the early days Valliathura was used as a port where the heavy ships transporting textiles and spices met. Soon it emerged as a popular fishing destination and a monsoon getaway for many travelers. But with the coming up of Kochi port with facilities for harboring huge cargo ships, the Valliathura port lost its significance. And in the early eighties it began to be called a ‘dead port’. The cranes here were all dismantled and sold as scrap metal, and four godowns were let out to local industrial units. Of late the Valliathura Vikasana Samithy has taken on them the task of preserving the pier which is running a risk of collapsing. The government is considering converting the pier into a fish landing centre-cum-tourist spot.

If you are planning a monsoon visit to Kerala, make sure you also include Kovalam’s Valliathura pier in your itinerary.

Special Attributes

In monsoon, fishermen launching their boats from the pier by hurtling it into the turbulent sea and then plunging into the water to catch up with it is truly a spectacle.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can rent a private taxi from Kovalam to this pier.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Kovalam. The weather remains pleasant though a tad sultry in the day.

Avoidable Season

Any time of the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

The pier is best visited during monsoon.

Type of site

Pier/beach/fishing village