Places to visit in Kovalam
Kovalam is Kerala's most famous beach destination, renowned for its breathtaking coastline along the Arabian Sea. Located just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, this picturesque beach town is among the most popular honeymoon and leisure destinations in South India. Fringed by swaying coconut palms and golden sands, Kovalam is famous for its three stunning beaches, Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. Besides its scenic beauty, Kovalam is equally celebrated for its Ayurvedic wellness centers, luxurious beach resorts, and exciting water sports, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure alike.
Originally a quiet fishing village, Kovalam gained international recognition during the 1960s when it became a favorite retreat for travelers from around the world. Today, it has evolved into one of India's finest tropical beach destinations while still retaining its laid-back charm. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, a solo getaway, or a relaxing beach holiday, Kovalam offers something for every traveler. The town boasts a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to comfortable guesthouses, ensuring a memorable stay for every budget.
Beyond relaxing on its beautiful beaches, Kovalam offers an array of recreational activities. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, surfing, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and other water sports in the calm waters of the Arabian Sea. Kovalam is also one of the best places in Kerala to experience authentic Ayurvedic therapies. Numerous wellness centers and spa resorts offer traditional massages and rejuvenation treatments designed to refresh the body, mind, and soul. Visitors can choose from a variety of wellness packages that combine ancient healing practices with modern comfort.
The vibrant beachside atmosphere of Kovalam is enhanced by its charming cafés, seafood restaurants, and open-air eateries serving delicious Kerala cuisine alongside Indian and international delicacies. Beach shacks, local markets, and handicraft shops provide excellent opportunities to shop for souvenirs, spices, coir products, handmade jewelry, and traditional Kerala handicrafts. Combining pristine beaches, wellness experiences, adventure sports, and warm hospitality, Kovalam continues to be one of the most sought-after coastal destinations in India.
Hawah Beach, Kovalam
Hawah is a stretch of isolated beach famous for its enchanting sunset views. Renowned as the second largest beach, it is also known as Eve's Beach for it being the first topless beach in India. However, topless bathing is banned now.
Poovar Island
Poovar is a small rustic town situated 17 kms from Kovalam with unspoilt, unexplored golden sand beaches and beautiful backwaters of Kerala.
Also known as a fishing village, the tranquil Poovar island lies between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. Hiring a boat, (especially during the sunset)that will take you through the mangrove forest of backwaters is a must-do activity. The boat ride costs around INR 3000- INR 4000. The town has some of the beautiful resorts and hotels that are known for the hospitality they offer.
Poovar beach is secluded and is only accessible by a boat. Swimming is allowed here throughout the year except for the monsoon months
Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium: The astronomy gallery opens up the secrets of the skies and celestial objects in its display. Designed in the typical Indian style of architecture based on the Buddhist stupa of Sanchi, the Birla Planetarium is a popular tourist place.
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral: One of the largest cathedrals in India, St. Paul's Cathedral is noted for Gothic architecture. A popular tourist site for its historic appeal and incredible layout, the cathedral is testimony of the colonial days and the Anglican community that settled in India.
Vellayani Lake, Kovalam
One of the most popular freshwater lakes, Velliyani Lake is located 7km away south from Kovalam in Trivandrum, Kerala. Velliyani lake is also known as 'Velliyani Kayal' in the regional language Malayalam. Spread over 7.5 acres, the lake is a significant water source for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Vellayani Lake is in the premises of Vellayani Agricultural University which is also a must see place. It is ideal for an evening walk with the cool breeze and lotus blooming on the lake that rejuvenates any passerby. Vellayani Kayal gives a nostalgic feeling to anyone who wishes to experience the goodness of a village away from city life
Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam
Located in Kovalam (Southern Kerala), the Lighthouse Beach is known for the 35 metres tall Vizhinjam Lighthouse, located on the top of the Kurumkal hillock. The lighthouse is entirely made of stones and coloured in red and white bands. Visitors love to reach the top of this tall structure by using a spiral staircase to click some memorable photographs.
Lighthouse beach is a perfect spot to enjoy water activities and sports, such as surfing, parasailing and paragliding. Travellers also like to play volleyball on the beach. The beach is also well known for its lush palm plantations and trees that dot the entire area. Easy accessibility, lip-smacking food and affordable lodging add to the charm of this place.
Halcyon Castle, Kovalam
Halcyon Castle was as a family retreat built for the royal family of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai. The castle is located in Travancore in God's Own Country, Kerala. The splendid castle is an example of the traditional architecture of Travancore. The beautiful expansive lawn all around the magnificent castle is a treat to the eyes.
The castle was sold to the Government of Kerala after which a hotelier bought it and opened it to the public as a 5-Star Hotel in Kovalam. There have been several owners of the hotel till date. However, the majestic Halcyon Castle never fails to attract tourists from all over the world.
Samudra Beach, Kovalam
Samudra beach is a clean and isolated beach in Kovalam. A large promontory separates this northern beach from the southern side. This beach is also an excellent place to visit during one's honeymoon. November to February would be a great time to visit Samudra beach.
Samudra beach is where you can enjoy the sight of shoreline fishing and watch local fishermen ply their trade. There is also a mosque on this beach. There are a couple of food stalls on the beach as well. Although the beach has its own high season, it is still quite untouched by large scale tourism, thus preserving its serenity.
Veli Tourist Village
The Veli Tourist Village is a famous picnic spot in the mouth of the River Veli. Situated 12 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the site offers various indulging activities. The most prominent ones are the pedal/speedboat that explores the lagoon on the southern banks of the river, the children's park, horse rides and swimming pool.
Tourists can book boat rides and engage in activities like games, horse rides and the children can play around in the park. The swimming pool, shopping complexes and cafeterias are other recreational activities at the Veli Tourist Village. Apart from these, the bay on the banks of Veli river is the spot for vast biodiversity with pigeons, swans, birds, fishes and tortoises.
The Kerala Tourism Department Corporation (KTDC) runs a floating cafe and a walkway that is adorned with stone and grass sculptures within the premises. This beautiful picnic spot also houses a floating bridge that connects to the Veli beach. Visiting the spot during sunset is an excellent time by the tourists as it bestows an exceptional view. It is a perfect leisure spot and a photogenic place for families and friends.
Excursion to Kanyakumari
Bordered by the three seas - Arabian, Indian and the Bay of Bengal, Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of Indian Peninsula. A small coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari was earlier known as Cape Comorin. The town is a mountainous terrain amid three seas, with elevated patches of hills, coconut trees and lined with paddy fields. Kanyakumari is also the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach.
The town is not only popular for its unique phenomenon but also its beaches, temples, iconic monuments that attract a huge number of tourists throughout the year. The Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Statue of the Poet Thiruvalluvar, the Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Vattakottai Fort, and the Gandhi Memorial are few of the most important sites in Kanyakumari.
Waterfalls in Kanyakumari that you should not miss out on include the Thirparappu falls, the Courtallam Falls, and the Olakaruvi falls. Kanyakumari has an authentic South Indian cuisine, with seafood and coconuts being an integral part of almost all dishes. While Kanyakumari is not a traditional shopping destination, you can buy plenty of souvenirs and curios from the numerous stalls and boutiques dotting the beachfront, with decorative seashell trinkets being a must-buy.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
One of the 108 Divya Desams, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Embellished in gold-plated covering, the temple is opened only to Hindu followers. Dedicated to Lord Padmanabha; one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the principal centres of Vaishnava worship in the dharma of Vaishnavism.
Built as a replica of the Adikesavaperumal Temple in Thiruvattar, the Padmanabhaswamy temple is well-preserved antiquity. Although the origin of this temple still remains a mystery, devotees believe it to have existed since the first day of the Kali Yuga, which was 5000 years ago. The Padmanabhaswamy temple also has a mention in the Bhagwad Gita. The scripture states that Balarama, the older brother of Lord Krishna frequented the temple, bathed in the Padmatheertham and also made several offerings the deity here.
Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Trivandrum
Famous for its Lion and Deer Safari, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for nature enthusiasts. The park houses a crocodile farm and elephant rehabilitation centre. Ask for a guided tour of the sanctuary which is quite informative.
