Kovalam Beach (Covelong Beach)

The Basics

Covelong Beach is one of the few beaches on the eastern coast of India to offer windsurfing, as well as regular surfing, swimming, and a variety of other water sports. Like Marina Beach, it’s an excellent place for sitting back and people watching, as you’ll often see locals playing cricket, collecting sea shells, and bringing in their fishing boats after a day on the water.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Covelong Beach is a must-visit for those looking to surf.

• The quietest place to enjoy the beach is just in front of the former site of the fort, now a resort.

• Waves can be strong here, so be careful if swimming.

How to Get There

Covelong Beach is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of central Chennai. It can easily be reached by taking one of the many buses that run along East Coast (EC) Road, but travelers not on a strict budget might find it more comfortable to hire a round-trip taxi from the city.

When to Get There

When to visit Covelong depends a lot on what you want to do there. The waves are at their wildest during the monsoon season (June through September), and surf competitions are held during this time. Temperatures peak in April and May, and if you happen to be in Chennai during this time, a visit to the beach can provide a cooling retreat.

Surfing at Covelong

Covelong Beach is gaining increasing popularity among windsurfers, with numerous surfing schools for beginning and advanced students. There's also an annual festival and surfing competition here—Covelong Point Surf, Music, Yoga Festival—which features live music, yoga classes, and a hodgepodge of athletic and cultural activities.