With its three adjacent crescent beaches, Kovalam has gained international recognition as a top beach destination in India. One of the oldest tourist enclaves in India, Kovalam, started gaining popularity in the 1930’s. The queen of Travancore, Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai, built the Haylcon palace in the rock top near the beach, which brought Kovalam to the public eye. In post-independent India, the arrival of hippie tourists revived Kovalam Beach in the 1970s.
Kovalam is the ultimate laid-back beach experience that travellers dream of. So if you are planning to spend a well-earned vacation on the beautiful shores of Kovalam, you should experience the full potential of this beach town. In this article, we are going to go through the places and activities you shouldn't miss on your Kovalam trip.
Sites and activities in Kovalam
After being one of the pioneer spots on the Indian hippie trail in the 1970’s , in the 1990's, Kovalam started to develop into the tourist destination it is today. The beach town is perfect for all types of travellers because it has something for everyone. Unlike Goa, Kovalam is laid-back and crowd-free, while never compromising on the beauty of the beaches or the vivid sunsets. Kovalam has historic landmarks, beautiful beaches, mesmerising temples, backwaters, and islands to draw your fancy.
Kovalam Beach: Kovalam Beach, popularly known as the Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam, is notable for its 35-metre-tall Vizhinjam Lighthouse, a stone building with red and white bands perched on top of the Kurumkal hillock. The beach offers water sports such as surfing, parasailing, and paragliding. Volleyball is also a very popular sport on the lighthouse beach. The mouth-watering food and easy accessibility make this beach a favourite among tourists. Standing 36 metres tall, the Vizhinjam Lighthouse offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and Kovalam Beach. Established in 1972, the lighthouse has a spiral staircase with 144 stairs for visitors to climb to the top and click stunning pictures of the beach.
Poovar Island: Poovar is a small town 27 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and the unspoiled golden sand beaches and beautiful Kerala backwaters make this little hamlet a must-visit site in Kovalam. It is also a fishing village that lies between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. Hiring a boat to explore the mangrove forest of backwaters, especially during the sunset, is an experience you shouldn't miss here. Poovar Beach is secluded and accessible only by boat. Swimming is allowed year-round, except for the monsoon season.
Hawah Beach: Hawah is an isolated beach known for its breathtaking sunset views. It is known as Eve's Beach since it was India's first topless beach. However, topless bathing is currently prohibited. The variety of cafes that serve wonderful continental cuisine is also a delicious detail about this beach that you can not miss.
Chenkal Mahadeva Temple: Chenkal Mahadeva Temple in Trivandrum is a fascinating destination near Kovalam that features the world’s tallest Shiva linga. The tranquil, well-maintained temple complex has several meditation halls for you to relax and rearrange.
Azhimala: Azhimala Cliff & Beach holds a unique blend of beauty and charm. Standing at 100 feet, the cliff offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding area. The ancient Azhimala Siva Temple, which features a 58-foot-tall statue of Lord Siva, adds to the serene atmosphere of this beautiful cliff.
Samudra Beach: Samudra Beach, located in the northernmost area of Kovalam Beach, is a hidden gem with secluded charm and serenity. Despite tourism thriving in Kovalam, the beach remains untouched due to the giant ridge separating the north and south coasts. Here, you can enjoy privacy and watersports like kayaking and surfing. Due to the privacy this beach offers, Samudra Beach is included in most of the Kerala honeymoon tour package.
Halcyon Castle: Halcyon Castle was a family retreat for the royal family of Travancore. The castle showcases traditional architecture and features a magnificent lawn that attracts many visitors from all over the world.
Vellayani Lake: Velliyani Lake, located 7km south of Kovalam in Trivandrum, is spread over 7.5 acres. The cool breeze and red lotus that bloom in the lake in Abudunce are major sources of nostalgia for people who visit here.
Apart from gorgeous beaches and backwaters, Kovalam features an artificial offshore coral reef. The richest temple in the world, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, is an important landmark on the map of Trivandrum and the world! If you are an adventurous soul, you can take surfing lessons from the Kovalam Surf Club. There are many downbeat locations in Kovalam, like the Valiyathura Pier, the Art Gallery, Pozhikkara Beach, etc. You can enjoy a houseboat ride or a catamaran ride in Kovalam according to your taste. Don't forget to explore the ayurvedic massage parlours and yoga centres in Kovalam.The delicious local cuisine and aesthetic cafes scattered around the beaches with stunning views of the Arabian Sea will feed your tummy and soul, we promise!
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