Introduction

Just 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) south of touristy Kovalam is a lesser-known fishing harbor, Vizhinjam. Vizhinjam is a natural port busy with fishing boats and fishermen jostling for space to venture into the sea. This fishing village is earthy and rustic, very different from the atmospheric, plush resort-speckled Kovalam. To be fair, Vizhinjam is quite a find within the circumference of Kovalam, and offers some fascinating historical treasures. The Kerala government is working towards making it a major port. The coming in and going out of fishing boats through the day imparts a foul fish smell to the beach which some might find nauseating. Look up the Marine Aquarium near Theatre Junction. The ramshackle, nondescript building in which it is housed betrays the wealth of aquatic species within.

Colorful shoals of exotic fish from clownfish, moon wrasse, squirrelfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, giant turtles, triggerfish, surgeonfish, piranhas, to sharks can be viewed at this aquarium. Interestingly, the marine aquarium has adapted the image-pearl production technique in which a mould made of lime is embedded into the pearl oyster. In a span of three months a mould-pearl is ready.

On one end of the bay is the 18th century rock-cut temple with brilliant rock-cut sculptures and a cave with a one-celled shrine to local deity Vinadhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall has a curious semi-carved idol of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvathi. At the other end is the orange-and-white Vizhinjam mosque standing sentinel over the bay. The mosque in the background of all fishing activity in the harbor makes Vizhinjam look like an old-world fishing town where time has stood still. The Kovalam beach lighthouse is a vantage point to take in breathtaking views of the mosque on the swathe protruding into the sea.

Vizhinjam opens up a new facet of Kovalam.

Special Attributes

The Marine Aquarium here is home to an assortment of exotic fish. With the mosque in the backdrop, the harbor opens up wonderful photographic opportunities.

Nuisance

There is a raucous gathering of fishermen in the harbor.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can hire a taxi from Trivandrum city centre. The village is within walking distance to Kovalam Beach.

Enjoyed by

Nature lovers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. In the morning and evening, the weather remains pleasant. But noon gets quite warm. You are advised to wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

The village is home to the Marine Aquarium and the 18th century rock-cut temple.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

From the rocky promontory on which the lighthouse stands you can take in brilliant views of the colorful Vizhinjam mosque extending into the sea.

Type of site

Natural fishing harbor