Vizhinjam Village, Kovalam

Kovalam tourism is not limited to beaches rather it has a prime attraction  Vizhinjam Village. It is located approximately 3 km away from Kovalam. It has a rustic and ancient appearance due to its natural harbour. While visiting this village, you will be able to watch a big crowd of fishermen gather at the coast to go fishing every day. Do you dream of spending village life in its real passion? You can get the opportunity to experience a true village life by visiting Kovalam. You can also peep into the hardest fishing sports nearby Thiruvananthapuram.

Visiting information on Vizhinjam Village  Kovalam:

• Popular for – village life, natural sea-port, fishing, coastline

• No entry fee

• It is open all through the day

• Duration for visit – 4-5 hours.

This village holds a great dealing on history to mutter.

Historical background of Vizhinjam village:

The historical roots of Vizhinjam village lie in the Ay dynasty which can be in between 7 – 11th century. Before the Cheras, Ay Dynasty was the ruler of Kerala. During 850 – 1400 AD, this village was the battleground for many warriors of Cholas and Kulashekharas but the battle was won by the Cholas.

The diggings of modern archaeology state that in the ancient times Vizhinjam village was a gifted port-city. During the Roman era, this village holds trade relationships with a range of countries across the globe. After then between 14 – 15th century, Portuguese and Dutch traders came to establish their business here.

Best time to visit Vizhinjam village:

During the months of November – February, the temperature remains quite pleasant here, so this is the right to visit Vizhinjam village Kovalam. You may also receive some cool breezes and light showers in the morning and evening times.

How to reach Vizhinjam village :

You can reach Kovalam through bus, train or flight from any parts of the country. After reaching here you need to hire a bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach the village.

What to see:

• The port area of Vizhinjam village remains very busy and crowded with the fishing boats. Visiting the port area you are also able to see lots of fishermen on their venture sailing into the sea. The village looks earthy and rusty which matches the real-life of fishermen who work hard to catch fishes throughout the day.

• A marine aquarium is another place worth a visit here in Kovalam. You can spot some rare species of aquatic lives here which includes surgeonfish, lionfish, squirrelfish, clownfish, giant turtles, piranhas, butterflyfish, moon wrasse, sharks and triggerfish.

• Image pear production is practised here in Vizhinjam that is actually a lime mould filled with oyster of pearl. A mould-shaped pearl becomes ready within 3 months.

• The rock-cut temple is another major attraction of Vizhinjam which has roots in the 18th century. The intense sculptures of the temple display the efficiency of the workers who put their hard work after making this temple. Vinadhara Dakshinamurthi is worshipped here. You will love the semi-curved sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the exterior wall of the temple.

• If you move towards the opposite end of Vizhinjam, you can spot a white and orange painted mosque there. It witnesses every fishing activity performed in the harbour.

• And, never forget the fishing harbour of Vizhinjam village Kovalam. It is a popular place due to the demonstration plant responsible for generating electricity using the sea waves. This is transferred to the local net of Vizhinjam. The working principle of the plant is based on OWC or oscillating water column and the local people get benefitted through it.

Future aspects of Vizhinjam village Kovalam:

The tourism ministry have lots of project plans to improve the future of tourism here. They have planned to use the combination of marine ecology with biodiversity.

Apart from these marine museum, mari-culture system development unit, diving school, and marine museum are a few upcoming under-development projects in Vizhinjam which are progressing rapidly.

Tips for visitors:

• Remember when you are in Vizhinjam, you will mostly remain under the clear sky

• Weather often remains pleasant in the evening and morning times but the noon and afternoons are really warm here

• You must wear sunscreen lotions on your skin. Carrying a water bottle is a must.

• It’s better to avoid visiting Vizhinjam village Kovalam between March and September

Nearby attraction of Vizhinjam village:

• Rock-cut temple

• Marine aquarium

• Vizhinjam mosque

• Vizhinjam fishing harbor

• Samudra beach

• Lighthouse beach

• Grow beach

• Kovalam beach

• Vellayani lake

When you are planning a tour to Kovalam, you must visit Vizhinjam village as it will offer you a glance of the true village life which is really a relief from the frantic city life.

To spend a few days with the rural fishing community and living the ancient south-Indian traditions is refreshment for life. Get some unique snaps in the lap of nature. You will never forget this trip of lifetime!