Valiyathura Pier
A historic, weathered pier on the coast of Thiruvananthapuram, offering dramatic sea views and a glimpse into Kerala's maritime past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Valiyathura Pier
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, weathered pier on the coast of Thiruvananthapuram, offering dramatic sea views and a glimpse into Kerala's maritime past.
"A skeleton looking pier... the awesomeness of this place is incomparable."
Respect Restrictions
The pier is often cordoned off due to its condition. Heed all warnings and do not enter restricted areas. :warning:
Sunset Photography
Even if the pier is closed, the beach offers incredible sunset views. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Valiyathura Pier
Valiyathura Beach
A historic, albeit weathered, concrete pier offering dramatic sea views and a glimpse into Kerala's maritime past.
Valiyathura Beach Sunset
Valiyathura Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Arabian Sea from this coastal stretch, a popular spot for locals.
Old Harbour Charm
Valiyathura
Explore the remnants of a once-thriving port, now a picturesque location for reflection and photography.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand the Pier's Condition
Best Time for Views & Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect Restrictions
The pier is often cordoned off due to its condition. Heed all warnings and do not enter restricted areas. :warning:
Sunset Photography
Even if the pier is closed, the beach offers incredible sunset views. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Local Fishing Spot
Fishermen still use parts of the area. Observe their activities respectfully. :fishing_pole:
Walk with Caution
If access is granted, walk carefully as the pier is old and not well-maintained. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Restrictions
The pier is often cordoned off due to its condition. Heed all warnings and do not enter restricted areas. :warning:
Sunset Photography
Even if the pier is closed, the beach offers incredible sunset views. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Local Fishing Spot
Fishermen still use parts of the area. Observe their activities respectfully. :fishing_pole:
Walk with Caution
If access is granted, walk carefully as the pier is old and not well-maintained. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Valiyathura Pier is a historic landmark with a dramatic, weathered appearance, offering stunning sunset views from the adjacent beach. While the pier itself is often inaccessible and in disrepair, its past as a port and its picturesque coastal setting make it a point of interest for visitors seeking a glimpse of local life and natural beauty.
"VALIYATHURA MEANS BIG SEA FACE.THIS AREA WAS ONCE A MAJOR PORT AND CARGO TRANSFER LOCATION .DECLINED IN LATE 1980'S.
AROUND 200 - 250 METER LONG CONCRETE BRIDGE. MISSING HANDRAILS, CORRODED BEAMS AND A SKELETON LOOKING PIER....... NOW THE BRIDGE IS IN THE RENOVATION AGE. MAYBE COMPLETED IN
2017 - 18. . A GOOD SPOT FOR AN EVENING PICNIC FOR THE CITY DWELLERS......."
Joshy anand
"You'll get an amazing experience if you walk to the end of the pier but you should do it at your own risk. The place is not maintained and is like an abandoned bridge. The bridge piers are corroded and the government has issued multiple warnings to people who use it. Nevertheless, the awesomeness of this place is incomparable. There's huge amount of wind and it's a very nice place to hang out."
Param
"Valiyathura Pier
Make your weekend unique with a visit to the most extraordinary tourist place in Kerela. Valiyathura Pier is somewhere else which is an unquestionable requirement visit destination in Kerela. This 214-meter long Pieris situated at the old port of Valiyathura, an unwinding shoreline at Kovalam.
This dock was utilized by the angler amid the high tide and is currently a well-known spot for calculating and photography. Upheld by 127 solid heaps, the dock had four 3-ton cranes and one 10-tonner to empty load from the boats. Since the wharf was situated in shallow waters, substantial boats needed to grapple in the remote ocean and transport their product in little vessels.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━"
Muhammed Irumbuzhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Valiyathura Pier is located near Trivandrum International Airport. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the city center. The journey is relatively short, making it an accessible spot for a day trip from Trivandrum. 
While local buses might pass through the Valiyathura area, taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw offers more direct and convenient access to the pier and beach.
Valiyathura Pier is approximately 10-15 kilometers from the heart of Trivandrum city, making it a short drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entry fee to visit Valiyathura Beach. However, access to the pier itself may be restricted due to its condition and ongoing renovations, and there might be security personnel managing entry.
As the pier's access is often restricted and it's an outdoor location, there are no official opening hours. However, evenings are popular for sunsets, and it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety.
Photography might be restricted on the pier itself due to safety concerns and ongoing work. However, you can usually take photos of the beach and the pier from the shore.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach offers great vantage points for photographing the pier, especially during sunset. The weathered structure of the pier itself provides a dramatic backdrop.
Absolutely! The western horizon over the Arabian Sea provides spectacular sunset views, making it a prime location for photographers.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
The pier is in a state of disrepair, with corroded beams and missing handrails. It has undergone renovation attempts but is often inaccessible to the public for safety reasons.
It is generally not recommended to walk on the pier due to its dilapidated condition and government warnings. Visitors are advised to enjoy the views from the beach.
You can enjoy the beach, watch the sunset, observe local fishermen, and take in the views of the old pier. It's a good spot for a relaxed evening stroll.
Historically, Valiyathura Pier was a significant port and cargo transfer location, equipped with cranes for loading and unloading ships.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to keep a close eye on children, as the tides can be strong. Opt for visiting during calmer periods and avoid areas near the dilapidated pier. The focus for families should be on enjoying the open space and the coastal atmosphere rather than exploring the pier itself.
📸 Photographers
+1The real magic happens during sunset. The western sky over the Arabian Sea often explodes with color, casting a warm glow on the pier and the beach. This makes it an ideal location for landscape and sunset photography. Even if the pier is closed, the beach provides excellent vantage points for capturing these breathtaking views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Decline of Valiyathura Pier
However, over time, the pier faced significant challenges. Shallow waters meant larger ships couldn't dock directly, necessitating the use of smaller boats. This, coupled with the natural wear and tear of the sea environment, led to its gradual decline. By the late 1980s, its operational capacity diminished, and it eventually fell into disuse, becoming a skeleton of its former glory.
Today, the pier stands as a testament to its past, a weathered structure that evokes a sense of nostalgia. While it's often inaccessible due to its dilapidated state and ongoing renovation efforts, it remains a significant landmark, drawing visitors interested in its history and the dramatic coastal scenery it offers.
Experiencing Valiyathura Beach
While the pier might be off-limits, the beach provides excellent opportunities for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The contrast between the weathered pier and the vibrant sky creates a picturesque scene. It's also a great spot to simply relax, feel the sea breeze, and observe the local culture.
+1Visitors should be mindful of the tides and the sea's power. It's advisable to stay within safe distances from the water, especially during high tide. The beach is a place for quiet contemplation and appreciating the natural coastal landscape of Thiruvananthapuram.
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