Kovalam is a town on the coast of Kerala in southern India. It is located around 20 kilometers from Trivandrum City and 15 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport. It is well known for its three curved beaches, relaxed vibe, and its nearness to the Kerala backwaters and Ayurvedic wellness clinics. Kovalam’s main attractions are its three beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. The town is also a well-known center for Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system that focuses on overall wellness. In addition to the beaches, Kovalam is a starting point for exploring Kerala’s scenic backwaters.
Major Attractions of Kovalam
Here are some of the major attractions in Kovalam:
Kovalam Lighthouse Beach
The most famous of the three, Lighthouse Beach is known for its beautiful golden sands, swaying palm trees, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It’s a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like parasailing and surfing. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and coconut palms, creating a beautiful scene. The blue-green waters of the Arabian Sea, along with the rugged rocky formations at the northern end, add to its beauty. The well-known Vizhinjam Lighthouse stands tall at the southern end of the beach, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The beach has shallow waters and soft sand, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. Lighthouse Beach is conveniently located near various shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Kovalam. The beach offers amenities such as restrooms, changing rooms, and sun lounger rentals. There are also several vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Kovalam Hawa Beach
Kovalam Hawa Beach, also known as Eve’s Beach, is a peaceful spot near the lighthouse beach in Kovalam. The calm waters make it perfect for swimming and relaxing with Ayurvedic therapies. Unlike the busier Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach offers a more peaceful and private atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax and soak up the sun. You can also enjoy traditional Ayurvedic massages at several beach shacks. The beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets, with the sky bursting into vivid colors as the sun sets beyond the horizon. Hawa Beach, surrounded by palm trees and clear blue waves, boasts breathtaking natural beauty and is just a short walk from Lighthouse Beach.
Kovalam Samudra Beach
Samudra Beach is a beautiful spot located at the northern end of Kovalam, Kerala, India. It is known for being quiet and secluded, in contrast to the busy Lighthouse Beach. Samudra Beach is separated from the other beaches by rocks and strong currents, making it perfect for those seeking a more peaceful and less crowded beach experience. With its clean golden beaches, clear waters, and impressive rock formations along the shore, Samudra Beach offers a glimpse of Kerala’s natural coastline beauty. The beach is famous for its strong currents and waves, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.
Kovalam Shangumugham Beach
Kovalam Shangumugham Beach is situated on the western side of Trivandrum, near the Trivandrum International Airport. It’s a long stretch of white sand with a calm and peaceful atmosphere, offering a nice break from the city crowds, especially in the evenings. The beach offers beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and breathtaking sunsets. It has lovely white sand and gentle waves, making it perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply relaxing in the sun. The Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic Signs for Children is a unique park that’s great for families with young children. Here, kids can learn about traffic rules in a fun and interactive way. The Star Fish Restaurant is a popular spot for locals and visitors, serving a wide variety of fish dishes. Shangumugham Beach is considered the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan, the city’s patron deity. Thousands of Hindus perform the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ ceremonies here on auspicious days. The seashore is also a well-liked location for Ganesh Nimarjan during Vinayaka Chaturthi.
Kovalam Light House
Timings: 03.00 PM to 05.00 PM
Entrance fee: Foreigner – Rs.50 & Indian – Rs.20
Camera or Mobile Camera fee: Rs.20
Video Camera fee: Rs.25
Holidays: Monday
The Kovalam Lighthouse, also known as the Vizhinjam Lighthouse, is a red and white striped lighthouse near Kovalam Beach, 24 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport. It was built in 1972, is 30 meters tall, and is a notable landmark in the area. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase or take the elevator for a charge to reach the top of the lighthouse and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the coastline, Kovalam beaches, the Vizhinjam fishing harbor, and the Arabian sea. The lighthouse provides stunning views of Kovalam Beach, palm trees, and the Arabian Sea. The lighthouse played an important role in guiding ships to the Vizhinjam harbor and is a reminder of Kerala’s maritime past. Lighthouse Beach, named after the lighthouse, is known for its tranquil waves, golden sand, and relaxed environment.
Other Interesting places nearby Kovalam
Vellayani Lake
Vellayani Lake, also called Vellayani Kayal, is the second-largest freshwater lake in Kerala. It’s located 21 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 6 kilometers from Kovalam. The lake and the area around it is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. The lake provides drinking water and irrigation for the local communities. You can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake and go birdwatching at the nearby Punchakkari marshes. The lake is known for hosting the yearly Ayyankali boat race during Kerala’s harvest festival, Onam. It’s also a great place to experience the tranquility of Kerala village life and see local farmers at work in the green fields around the lake.
Thiruvallam
Thiruvallam is a beach community just 11 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 9 kilometers from Kovalam. It’s a popular destination for those who want to explore Kerala’s beautiful backwaters. These calm stretches of water are perfect for exploring on a houseboat, a traditional Kerala boat with a thatched roof. You can take in the stunning views of palm-fringed canals and lush plants while watching local birds and animals. Thiruvallam’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind away from the busy city. It’s well-known for activities like canoe rides, kayaking, houseboat cruises, and boat tours to nearby islands and coir production facilities.
Chowara Beach
Chowara Beach is a beautiful beach near Kovalam, located 29 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 9 kilometers from Kovalam. Unlike the busy beaches of Kovalam, Chowara Beach offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a calm retreat. The beach has gentle waves, making it safe for swimming and enjoying the Arabian Sea. It also maintains its rustic fishing village charm, where you can watch local fishermen at work or even try fishing with their assistance. In addition, there are several Ayurvedic centers in the area that provide traditional treatments and rejuvenation programs for holistic well-being.
Valiathura
Valiathura is a fishing village and beach attraction located 13 km from Trivandrum Airport and 11 km from Kovalam. It used to be a major port city and important center of trade and commerce in southern Kerala. Today, it still functions as a fishing harbor where you can watch local fishermen in action. The 60-year-old Valiathura Pier is a notable landmark, stretching 703 feet into the sea. During the monsoon season, fishermen launch their catamarans from the pier. Valiathura Beach offers a peaceful environment with beautiful views of the Arabian Sea, perfect for leisurely walks and relaxation.
Poovar Golden Sand Beach
Poovar Golden Sand Beach is a beautiful beach located on the southern edge of Trivandrum. It’s known for its clean golden beaches and unique location where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea. This creates a beautiful interaction of water bodies. The beach has a combination of golden sands, waving palm trees, and calm blue waters. It’s bordered by swaying coconut trees, creating a picturesque background. One of the unique features of Poovar is the confluence of the Neyyar River and the Arabian Sea, providing a breathtaking environment to enjoy both the calm backwaters and the vast ocean. The area also offers boat rides through canals, lagoons, and palm-lined waterways to explore the unique ecosystem and way of life. There are Ayurvedic resorts in Poovar where visitors can experience traditional Indian medicine for healing and rejuvenation. Additionally, a short boat ride from Poovar Beach takes you to the small island known as Golden Island, offering a quiet hideaway with beautiful beaches and clear waters for relaxation.
Kottur – Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
Timings: 08.00 AM to 05.00 PM
Entrance fee: Rs.40
Holidays: Monday
The Kottur Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, also known as the Kottur Elephant Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre, is located near Kappukadu in Trivandrum. It’s a place that rescues, rehabilitates, and cares for elephants in need. The center specializes in caring for elephants that have been rescued from abuse, neglect, or poor living conditions. The enclosures are designed to be spacious and as close to the elephant’s natural environment as possible, including features like lakes, mud wallows, and plenty of trees for shade and foraging. The center also provides veterinary care for the elephants. Additionally, the Kottur Elephant Rehabilitation Centre plays a significant role in elephant conservation efforts in Kerala, raising awareness about elephant suffering and the importance of safeguarding their habitat. The center also serves as a research facility for studying elephant behavior and health.
Ponmudi Hill Station
Ponmudi Hill Station is a beautiful hill station in Trivandrum, located in the Western Ghats mountain range. It is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, hiking paths, and a mild climate that provides relief from the hot and humid weather of the lowlands. The temperature in Ponmudi ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making it an ideal holiday spot, especially during the hot summer months. The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is dry and comfortable. The roads to Ponmudi pass through lush foliage and tea plantations, offering picturesque views. The hill station is surrounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and mountains. It is a great place for trekkers, offering various trails for all skill levels. Some popular trails include the Kallar-Meesapulimala walking track, which leads to a viewpoint with panoramic views. Ponmudi is also home to waterfalls like Valiyar, Kallar, and Meenmutty Falls, which are particularly stunning during the monsoon season. The woodlands in Ponmudi support a diverse range of animals, making it a great place for bird watching. Some notable bird species in the area include the Indian koel, Malabar grey hornbill, and Nilgiri langur. Ponmudi also offers amazing viewpoints such as the Golden Valley Viewpoint and Echo Point. The Kallar River in Ponmudi provides opportunities for swimming and picnicking, making it an excellent place to escape city life and appreciate nature’s beauty.
Jatayu Earth Centre, Kollam
Timings: 10.00 AM to 05.30 PM
Entrance fee: Rs.555
The Jatayu Earth Centre, also known as Jatayu Nature Adventure Park or Jatayu Rock, is a park and tourism center located in Chadayamangalam, Kollam district, Kerala. It is approximately 48 kilometres from Trivandrum and 64 kilometres from Kovalam. The park features a gigantic bird sculpture of Jatayu, a figure from the Indian epic Ramayana. The sculpture holds the Guinness World Record for size and is regarded as the world’s largest bird sculpture. The park covers 65 acres and includes walking pathways that provide scenic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can reach the top of the hill where the sculpture stands by boarding a cable car or hiking the 826-step stairway. Once at the top, visitors can explore the interior of the sculpture, which includes a museum and a 6D theater narrating Jatayu’s story. The park also offers various adventurous activities such as Ayurvedic spa treatments, ziplining, paragliding, archery, and paintball. Additionally, there are walking routes through the surrounding forest that offer breathtaking views of the Kerala countryside.
Varkala
Varkala is a coastal town in Kerala, located 50 kilometers northwest of Trivandrum and 37 kilometers southwest of Kollam. Varkala Beach is well-known for its beauty, with stunning red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The beach has unique cliffs that offer shade and breathtaking views of the coast. It is a clean and serene golden sand beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely walk. The area is also known for its Ayurvedic culture, with many resorts and Ayurvedic centers providing a variety of therapies for relaxation and revitalization. The beach is lined with stores and restaurants, where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Activities in Trivandrum / Kovalam
Scuba Diving: Scuba diving can be safer than driving, skydiving, or marathon running. When you dive in, it’s like entering a whole new world. There’s no noisy traffic, just silence and the sound of your heartbeat. It’s a simple way to feel really happy. Beginners and those wanting a peaceful dive can enjoy scuba diving in Trivandrum. Although there may not be as many types of sea animals as in other places, the calm waters and good training make it a great choice for anyone who wants to explore the underwater world near Trivandrum. The best time for diving in Kerala is from October to May when the weather is calmer and the seas are clearer.
Parasailing: Try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view and an exhilarating experience. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities, and you don’t need prior experience. Qualified instructors will guide you through the process. Once you’re up in the sky, you’ll leave behind the pressures of daily life and enjoy the sound of the water below, the rush of wind, and the panoramic view ahead.
Special Remarks: Both activities are solely dependent on the weather conditions on that given day.
Famous Malls in Trivandrum
Mall of Travancore: It is located 8 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 12 km from Kovalam. The Mall of Travancore, a Malabar Group company opened on March 23, 2018, in the heart of Kerala’s capital city and has become a popular spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This green mall stands in front of the Trivandrum International Airport and has become a well-known landmark in the city.
LULU Mall: It is located 8 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 16 km from Kovalam, near Techno Park on the NH 66 bypass in Akkulam. The LULU Mall Thiruvananthapuram is part of the renowned Lulu Group, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The mall has a total built-up area of 185800 square meters and consists of two levels above ground. Covering 18500 square meters, the mall features 12 anchor stores, including the Lulu Hypermarket, and over 300 national and international brands.
Local Festivals in Trivandrum
Onam Festival (September)
The Onam Festival is a major event in Kerala, celebrated regardless of caste or group. It takes place over four days, with a ten-day festival of Keralan culture and traditions leading up to it. The festival celebrates the homecoming of a mythological ruler, Mahabali. On the eve of Onam, people rush to finish their shopping, which is regarded as the state’s largest urban shopping festival. Homes are decorated with flower carpets, and traditional crafts and activities are on display throughout the state. The celebration this year runs from September 14th to September 17th.
Navarathri Sangeetholsavam (October)
Venue: Navarathri Mandapam, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
To celebrate the auspicious occasion of Navaratri, the lights shine brightest at Thiruvananthapuram’s historic Navaratri Mandapam in the Fort Palace complex. Every year, it hosts the renowned Navaratri Music Festival, a nine-day music extravaganza featuring some of the most prominent personalities in the classical music world. The main attraction is Swathi Thirunal’s exquisite kritis (compositions), who was a well-known composer and former Travancore ruler. Oil lamps adorn the stage, illuminating the performances with grandeur. This year, it takes place from October 3rd to 13th.
Alpasi Utsavam (October / November)
Venue: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
The Alpasi Utsavam, held in October or November at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, is a spectacular festival. The main event is the Aarattu ceremony, where the deities are given a sacred bath in the sea. The ceremony is followed by a grand procession from the temple to Shangumugham Beach, led by the head of the Travancore Royal Family with a sword in hand. The procession includes caparisoned elephants, mounted police, and columns of armed police, attracting hundreds of faithful supporters who flood the streets to witness this unique and historical event. This year’s celebration will take place from October 31st to November 9th.
Vettukadu Feast in Trivandrum (November)
Venue: Madre-de-Deus Church in Thiruvananthapuram District
The Vettukadu Feast in Trivandrum is an annual event that takes place at the 500-year-old Madre-de-Deus Church in Vettukadu, a coastal area of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital city. The festival, known as the ‘Christ the King’ Festival, is a significant event that attracts people from all walks of life. According to tradition, the renowned missionary St. Francis Xavier attended the festival between C.E. 1543 and 1547. The festival occurs between the 15th and 24th of November.
International Film Festival (December)
Every December, passionate fans of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) flock to Thiruvananthapuram to experience the enchantment of cinema. The festival, considered one of the country’s biggest cultural events, showcases top films from international, Indian, and Malayalam cinema at different venues across the city. This year’s festival is scheduled to run from December 13th to 20th.
Classical Music Festival (January)
The ten-day Swathi Sangeethotsavam (Swathi Music Festival) commemorates Maharaja Swathi Thirunal’s musical works. Kuthiramalika, near Trivandrum, hosts the festival every year from January 4 to January 13. It is said that the Maharaja wrote many of his compositions there. The event celebrates Swathi Tirunal and is solely dedicated to his musical compositions. The concerts do not require tickets. The Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore Trust, led by Prince Rama Varma, oversees the celebration.
Attukal Pongala Festival (February / March)
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is famous for its annual Pongala festival, which holds the world record for the largest gathering of women for a religious activity, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Over three million women participate in this celebration, where they prepare a traditional porridge offering for the goddess. The temple hosts a ten-day celebration every February or March. The festival reaches its peak during the Pongala ritual, where millions of women come together to cook a sweet rice dish as an offering to the goddess Bhadrakali. Pongala, which means “to boil over,” is a ritual in which women prepare a delicious dessert called payasam, made of cooked rice, coconut, jaggery, and plantains, and offer it to the Goddess, also known as Bhagavathy. The sight of a large number of women dressed in white sarees chanting and preparing the offering is both striking and unforgettable. During this time, only women are allowed to enter the temple complex, making it a unique women-centric festival. Men can assist in preparing the large quantities of food required for the festival.
Conclusion
This travel guide offers a comprehensive overview of what to see, do, and experience in Kovalam and Trivandrum, making it easier for travelers to plan their visit to this beautiful part of Kerala. Kovalam and Trivandrum together offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual tranquility. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach getaway, an immersive cultural experience, or a rejuvenating Ayurvedic retreat, this region of Kerala has something to offer every traveler.
With its pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant festivals, Kovalam is truly a paradise waiting to be explored. So pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey to Kerala’s coastal gem, where every moment is a celebration of nature and tradition.
