Once a quaint fishing village, Kovalam today prides itself as the most developed beach resort in entire Kerala. Breathtakingly beautiful, this idyllic destination has three curve shaped beaches backed by fertile coconut palms and stony outcroppings. Let’s have fun in the promising waves, relax with an ayurvedic massage and relish some authentic sea fish in the local shacks.
Lighthouse Beach
The crescent shaped beach got its name from the 30m tall lighthouse standing tall on Kurumkal Hill just along the beach. By climbing 140 steps, one will reach the observation area to see the village Poovar and Beemapalli Mosque. Beach sports lovers can try out paragliding, parasailing, swimming or surfing. Stop at the beach shacks for local sea food cooked in authentic spices.
Hawah Beach
Go sunbathing in a peaceful beach full of coconut and palm plantations. Stroll on the beach sand, laze out or go for a catamaran ride on the tides.
Samudra Beach
The calm and cool beach is a favourite hangout for the newlyweds who want to spend some quiet moments away from the city crowd. Nothing special, it is only for viewing sunrise and sunset or to click for romantic pictures.
Karamana River Backwaters
Originating from the southern Sahyadri Range, this broad and gentle river flows through the outskirts of Kovalam known as Karmana, hence the name. Tourists can enjoy boating and float through the dotted with coconut, tapioca, pepper plantations and paddy fields. Facilities for kayaking, houseboat cruises and canoe riding are available.
Vellayani Lake
The large freshwater body, about 7 km from the city is a unique biome comprising a wide range of flora and fauna. This is the best place to capture the mystical charm of Vellayani Lake, especially in moonlight. Boating facilities are available here. Mahatma Ayyankali boat race is held at Vellayani, in September every year.
Halcyon Castle
Also known as Kovalam Palace, the castle was built by Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran in 1932 as a summer retreat. Later he sold this palace to Kerala Government in 1964. Today it is a 5-star luxury hotel run by Ravi Pillai, an NRI businessman. Even if one cannot afford to stay in this expensive hotel, but can surely admire its architecture and click photos.
Kovalam Art Gallery
Marvel at the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich in the Kovalam Art Gallery or Sree Chithra Art Gallery. Also worth admiring are the ancient traditions, heritage and culture of the Mughal and Rajput. Artifacts from China, Japan and Tibet too can be found.
Valiyathura Pier
One of the most tranquil places to visit in Kovalam, the 214 m long jetty pier offers mesmerizing views of the Malabar Coast and the Arabian Sea. The place is ideal for a relaxing walk, taking pictures and to spend some leisure time with loved ones. The wharf, at one time was used by fishermen during the high tides.
Boating at Neyyar Dam
An ideal picnic spot, this gravity dam, on the Neyyar River nestles on the beautiful foothills of the Western Ghats. The entire area is surrounded by forests, which is home to animals like Nilgiri Tahr, gaur, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs, deer and wild elephants. Safari and boating can also be done in the beautiful dam.
The German Bakery
Enjoy lip-smacking creamy milkshakes, pancakes, coffee, pastries, cheesy quiche and pizza in the famous German Bakery at the Lighthouse beach. Book lovers can walk into the bookstore attached. They also serve Ayurvedic food and drink.
The Great Elephant Festival (9th -12th January
A three-day annual Kovalam elephant festival is one of the most popular festivals of Kerala. Decorated elephants move around the city accompanied by musical instruments as an epitome of the royal heritage of Kerala. Locals take this opportunity to feed the elephants and also take their blessings. Numerous fairs are organised during this time.
Gramam or the Village fair (January)
The 10-days long Kerala Village Fair is set on the shores of the Kovalam Beach. With the help of wood and tiles, craftsmen make quadrangular mansions in Keralan style. Most prominent feature of this fair is Nalukettu, which was the traditional home of a matrilineal family. Everything that belongs to the bygone era like exquisite paintings, ethnic jewellery, sandalwood and curios can be found in this fair. Visitors can also try out traditional foods and drinks like, 'Kappa', 'Meen' and 'Puttu'.
Shopping in Kovalam
Just like sightseeing, shopping in Kovalam is also an adventure. Markets here are famous for statues made up of rosewood and teakwood, spices, tamarind, carpets, clothes, sarees, batik lungis and handicrafts.
Shopping in Kovalam
Kovalam Beach: Located near the Lighthouse Beach area, buy Silk Sarongs, which is a good quality lungi.
SM Handloom Center: In this shop you can buy silk and cotton garments, linen etc. This place is near Hotel Jeevan House.
Joseph & Sons Shop: While on a trip to the lighthouse beach, visit buy spices like nutmeg and mace, Cardamom, saffron, coriander, vanilla pods, cinnamon, dry ginger, fenugreek, mustard, star anise, turmeric, tamarind, aniseed, asafetida, palm jaggery and more.
Shops of Varkala Beach: Great place to buy beachwear and jewellery made of seashells.
Best things to do in Kovalam
Winters
(November to February), winters the best time to visit Kovalam. The temperature ranges between 16 - 34 degrees Celsius and hence is perfect for sightseeing, beach picnic and honeymoon.
Summer
(March to May) is when the average temperature goes upto 37 degrees. This is good time to spend some quiet moments in the beaches as they will be less crowded.
Monsoon
(June to August), watch Kovalam in its rain-washed glory during this time and enjoy the flora and fauna. Don’t forget carry raincoat and umbrella.
By Air:
About 15 kilometres from Kovalam, Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport. It is connected to all major airports in India and world cities like Singapore and Colombo. Taxis, bus and auto are available from the airport.
By Rail:
Trivandrum Central railway station, 15 kilometres from Kovalam, is the nearest railway station to Kovalam. The station is well connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, taxi, cab and busses are available for Kovalam.
By Road:
Kovalam can be easily reached by road from most of the major cities in India. It is a great opportunity to stop and enjoy the natural beauty of God’s own Country. Travellers mostly hire a taxi or a car from the tour operators.
