
Covelong (Kovalam) Beach Chennai
Covelong Beach: Chennai's surf haven, offering thrilling waves, vibrant festivals, and serene sunrises by the Bay of Bengal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful mornings & afternoons

Covelong (Kovalam) Beach Chennai
Best Time
Peaceful mornings & afternoons
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Covelong Beach: Chennai's surf haven, offering thrilling waves, vibrant festivals, and serene sunrises by the Bay of Bengal.
"Covelong Beach is a premier surf location, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and coastal beauty."

Surf Lessons Available
Book surf lessons in advance with local schools like @surfturfindia for a great experience! :wave:
Weekday Calm
Visit on weekdays for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience. Weekends can get crowded. :familywomanwoman:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Covelong Point
Kovalam Beach
India's surf hub! Catch waves or watch skilled surfers ride the Bay of Bengal's consistent swells.
Covelong Classic Festival
Kovalam Beach
An epic annual event featuring surf competitions, live music, fitness, and local crafts.

Sunrise Serenity
Kovalam Beach
Witness breathtaking sunrises over the Bay of Bengal, a peaceful start to the day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Surf's Up!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Surf Lessons Available
Book surf lessons in advance with local schools like @surfturfindia for a great experience! :wave:
Weekday Calm
Visit on weekdays for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience. Weekends can get crowded. :familywomanwoman:
Post-Sunset Caution
It's advised to leave before sunset as pathways may not be safe or clean afterwards. :flashlight:
Festival Fun
Don't miss the Covelong Classic festival for surf, music, and fitness! Entry is often free. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
Surf Lessons Available
Book surf lessons in advance with local schools like @surfturfindia for a great experience! :wave:
Weekday Calm
Visit on weekdays for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience. Weekends can get crowded. :familywomanwoman:
Post-Sunset Caution
It's advised to leave before sunset as pathways may not be safe or clean afterwards. :flashlight:
Festival Fun
Don't miss the Covelong Classic festival for surf, music, and fitness! Entry is often free. :musical_note:
Romantic Dinners
Experience unique candle-light dinners on the beach, especially magical around full moon nights. :sparkling_heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Covelong Beach is praised for its surfing opportunities and the vibrant atmosphere during its annual festival. Visitors enjoy the sunrise views and unique experiences like beachside dinners. However, some caution is advised regarding safety and cleanliness after sunset, and weekends can be crowded.
"It's quite a good place for a morning walk and chill out with frnds nd family.. My advice is to vacate the place before sunset as the pathway is not safe and clean..."
anirrudha v
"This is a private beach not even 1km away from the main kovalam beach. Covelong beach is very famous for its surf festival which happens once a year. This beach is very clean compared to the main kovalam beach and they take surfing classes here. You can enter the place even from the main kovalam beach walking along the beach side towards the right hand side of the kovalam beach."
Trini xavier
"Quaint spot to catch the sunrise and watch the surfers get warmed up."
Shaji I
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Covelong Beach, also known as Kovalam Beach, is located about 30-40 km south of Chennai on the East Coast Road (ECR).
You can reach it by car, taxi, or bus. Many travelers opt for a scenic drive along the ECR. Public transport options are available, but may require transfers.Yes, buses run along the East Coast Road (ECR) towards Covelong. From Chennai Central railway station, it's approximately 40kms.
It's advisable to check local bus routes and timings for the most convenient journey.For surfers, driving or hiring a taxi is often preferred for ease of carrying equipment. Many surf schools are located directly on or near the beach, making direct access convenient.
Parking availability can vary, especially on weekends and during festivals. It's best to arrive early or be prepared for potential street parking or designated areas near the beach.
Covelong is a village located near Kovalam, south of Chennai. While often referred to as 'Covelong Beach Chennai' for search purposes, it's a distinct location on the outskirts of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entry fee to access Covelong Beach itself. However, specific events like the Covelong Classic Surf, Music and Fitness Festival might have separate ticketing or entry requirements, though sometimes entry is free.
Covelong Beach is typically accessible throughout the day and night. However, for safety and cleanliness reasons, visitors are advised to leave before sunset.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book surf lessons in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season, weekends, or the festival period. This ensures availability with schools like @surfturfindia.
Basic beach access is usually free. Any charges would typically be for specific activities, rentals, or services offered by private vendors or surf schools.
Absolutely! The festival is a major draw, and while it can be crowded, it's a fantastic time to experience the vibrant atmosphere. Entry for the festival itself is often free.
🎫 🏄 Surfing & Activities
Covelong is renowned for its surf schools. @surfturfindia is a popular choice, offering introductory and structured classes for all levels.
Other surf schools are also available in the area.The waves at Covelong are consistent, but they tend to get better during the monsoon season.
Surfing is possible year-round, with varying conditions.Yes! You can enjoy sunrise views,
relax on the beach, and during the festival, there's live music, fitness workshops, and flea markets. Candlelight dinners on the beach are also a unique offering.Definitely! Covelong is an ideal spot for beginners, with surf schools offering lessons tailored for those new to the sport.
It's one of India's largest surf festivals, celebrating surfing, music, fitness, and local culture. It typically takes place annually in August.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers stunning views, especially during sunrise.
Capture surfers in action at Covelong Point, the vibrant festival scenes, and the picturesque coastline.Early mornings for sunrise and golden hour before sunset provide beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but dynamic for capturing surf action.
Yes, the surf festival offers a lot of visual interest. Also, the unique candlelight dinners on the beach can make for very romantic and memorable photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and beach scenes. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing surfers from a distance. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water colors.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over the beach or surrounding areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific restaurants directly on the beach might be limited, you can find local eateries and cafes nearby. Some reviews mention a 'Pure veg cafe' with great food.
Being a fishing village, fresh seafood is likely available in local restaurants. It's worth exploring the nearby eateries for authentic coastal cuisine.
Yes, at least one pure vegetarian cafe is mentioned, suggesting vegetarian options are available.
It's always good to inquire at local establishments.The festival typically features food stalls and vendors offering a variety of cuisines, making it a great place to sample local and international food.
Beyond casual eateries, unique experiences like candlelight dinners on the beach are offered, providing a romantic and memorable dining setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the morning for a peaceful beach walk. While direct supervision is always key near the water, the calmer sections of the beach can be enjoyable. Be mindful of the advice to leave before sunset due to pathway safety.
🏄♀️ Adventure Seekers & Surfers
Beyond surfing, the adventurous can explore the coastline, enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere, and perhaps even try other water activities if available. The East Coast Road itself is also a popular route for scenic drives and bike rides.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Visiting during weekdays ensures a more peaceful and private atmosphere, allowing couples to enjoy leisurely walks along the shore and soak in the serene coastal beauty. The vibrant energy of the Covelong Classic festival can also be a fun shared experience, offering live music and a lively ambiance.
🧘♀️ Wellness & Relaxation Seekers
The fitness workshops during the Covelong Classic festival also cater to those interested in wellness activities. While the beach can get lively, finding a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty is certainly possible, especially outside of peak festival times or weekend crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rise of Covelong as a Surf Destination
Several surf schools have established themselves here, offering a range of services from introductory lessons to advanced training. These schools play a crucial role in promoting surfing culture and making the sport accessible to a wider audience. The annual Covelong Classic Surf, Music and Fitness Festival has been instrumental in putting Covelong on the global surfing map, drawing international attention and participants.
This evolution from a quiet fishing hamlet to a vibrant surf hub highlights the potential for community-driven tourism and the impact of specialized events in boosting local economies and cultural exchange. The beach's transformation is a testament to its natural advantages and the efforts to develop it as a premier adventure tourism spot.
Experiencing the Covelong Classic Festival
Beyond the competitions, the festival is a cultural melting pot, offering a platform for local artisans and vendors. It's an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a lively beach culture, enjoy diverse culinary offerings from food stalls, and witness the fusion of sports, arts, and community spirit. The event's return post-pandemic has been met with enthusiasm, reinforcing its status as a must-attend coastal event.
Attending the festival provides a unique perspective on Covelong's identity as more than just a beach, but a destination that fosters adventure, creativity, and community bonding. It's a chance to experience the energy and excitement that draws people to this coastal gem year after year.
Beyond the Waves: Unique Experiences at Covelong
For a truly memorable evening, @surfturfindia offers exclusive candlelight dinners on the beach. These dinners are particularly spectacular around full moon nights, creating a romantic ambiance perfect for celebrations or special occasions. This offers a different, more intimate way to enjoy the coastal setting.
Covelong's charm also lies in its historical roots as a port established by Saadat Ali for the Carnatic Nawabs, later controlled by the French. While not a primary tourist attraction, this historical context adds a layer of depth to the visitor experience, hinting at the area's rich past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit