Kerala Tourism
Kovalam Tourism Photo Gallary
Kovalam Travel Guide
Kovalam is a destination on the Arabian Sea coastline in Kerala, South India. It is a tropical paradise known for its crescent-shaped beaches and palm-lined shores complemented by serene backwaters. It was once a small fishing village but became one of India's most-loved tourist spots, displaying the beautiful blend of a natural setting with cultural charm.
When it comes to this coastal jewel, it has Ayurvedic spas, active markets, and mouth-watering Kerala foods. The famous Lighthouse Beach, peaceful Samudra Beach, and peculiar Vizhinjam Village make Kovalam an ideal place for beach lovers as well as explorers.
No matter if you want to enjoy the sunlight while relaxing on the beach, participate in exciting water sports, or dive culturally into the heritage of Kerala, Kovalam always has something to do. It is a must-visit place for Kerala tourism.
Kovalam has something special for every traveler. If you long for golden sands perfectly kissed by blue waves, Lighthouse Beach and Samudra Beach are two such Kovalam beaches that are fabulous havens for you. Adventure enthusiasts can soak up all forms of water sports ranging from parasailing to surfing. Tourists can also enjoy wellness tourism in Kovalam as wellness freaks can pamper their souls with world-class resorts that offer authentic Ayurvedic therapies.
Nature lovers can enjoy tranquil backwaters, rich coconut groves, and picturesque places such as Vellayani Lake and Neyyar Dam, which are excellent for boating and picnics. In markets and traditional art galleries, Kovalam comes to life in heritage destinations such as the ancient Vizhinjam Village.
From families to couples, everyone will enjoy the great scenery, the famous Kerala dishes, and the wonderful hospitality. Its proximity to the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, makes the destination perfectly reachable for a quick getaway or a long holiday. Kovalam is such a wonderful place to have something special for every kind of visitor, whether looking for some relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration.
Kovalam nurtures its lush beauty along with remarkable cultural sites. It offers visitors three main beaches, namely Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. These beaches cater to various needs of guests, who can be sunbathers or adventure seekers, which makes it a great place for a perfect beach vacation in Kerala.
Historical insights of ancient tradition can be drawn from the vivid images of contemporary lives of people in the historic Vizhinjam Village. Vellayani Lake and Neyyar Dam are, however, perfect locations for nature lovers. The lovers of art and history would find Kovalam Art Gallery relevant, which is a museum for Kerala's art treasures. Chowara and Thiruvallam backwaters are places where one would want to escape for tranquility, while there is Valiyathura Pier, which boasts of Indian views across the Arabian Sea. Kovalam is a place full of unforgettable experiences. Let's look at a list of top visiting places in Kovalam.
The lighthouse beach is the crowning glory of Kovalam, as it has its most beautiful and iconic red-and-white lighthouse sitting on top of Kurumsal Hill. Golden sand and blue water make a beautiful ambience for sunbathing, indulging in beach sports, and taking casual walks on the beach. The lighthouse offers an amazing and most picturesque view of the Arabian Sea during sunset. It's crowded with various restaurants, shops, and activities, making Lighthouse Beach one of the must-visit beaches in Kovalam for tourists who are seeking relaxation as well as action. From mouthwatering fresh seafood to thrilling water sports such as parasailing, this beach offers unforgettable memories, which makes it a perfect destination for beach tourism in Kovalam.
Samudra Beach is rather quiet and one of the top tourist places for a visitor looking for an escape from all the noise. Lined by coconut palms and rocky outcrops, this beach provides a soothing ambience to relax with nature. Samudra Beach continues to sustain its uncleared legacy, as rustic as it has always been with its traditional fishing boats tied along the shores. Tourists here can watch fishermen doing their daily chores, have a quiet picnic for themselves, or simply enjoy the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Such calmness is what makes it a great honeymoon destination for couples and those in search of alone time. Samudra Beach is indeed the untouched beauty of Kovalam and a recluse for people from the harried crowd.
In proximity to the renowned Kovalam, Vizhinjam Village is the confluence of history, spirituality, and nature. It has beautiful rock-cut temples and a vibrant Vizhinjam harbor, thus giving the viewer an idea of Kerala's cultural heritage. The harbor, a hub lively with fishing activity, captures local life at its most real. Marine enthusiasts can visit the fascinating Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium with its exotic marine species. The quiet environment of this village, as well as other historical and natural attractions, makes it one of the top tourist places in Kovalam.
Nestled close to Kovalam, Chowara is a tranquil village for people who enjoy quiet moments. Be it in its pristine beach or well-known Ayurvedic retreats, Chowara promises relaxation and rejuvenation from all stresses of the city. The hilltop Chowara Ayyappa Temple, providing a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea, serves as a spiritual destination for tourists. The cool atmosphere of this village with its full foliage and beach shoreline is lovely for lying and soaking in Kerala's beauty. On top of that, Chowara blends spirituality into culture. It is one of the best places to explore in Kovalam.
Thiruvallam, lying along the banks of the Karamana River, is a place famous for the calm, pristine backwaters and spiritual importance. This quiet place is home to the Parasurama temple, built more than 2000 years ago by the creator of Kerala. Visitors will enjoy boat rides across the tranquil backwaters, shaded by coconut palms and edged with mangrove trees. Thiruvallam also conveys the culture of Kerala through its nearby villages. A serene visit for history-seeking travelers interested in culture makes it one of the must-visit attractions in Kovalam.
The pristine freshwater lake of Vellayani is situated near Kovalam, famous for its beauty and calm surroundings. Being surrounded by greenery, it is one of the natural places and a photographer’s paradise. The lake buzzes during the Onam festival with snake boat races. During a visit, you can either sail in a boat or sit idle on the smooth, calm shore. A beautiful scenery with calm, beautiful waters where one can enjoy colorful Kerala sunsets makes Vellayani Lake one of the best romantic spots and the best escape into nature for those preferring such an environment.
Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Western Ghats, Neyyar Dam near Kovalam has everything that a natural setting combined with recreational activities can provide. The reservoir of the dam is entirely lush with forests on its edges, and it has boating, trekking, and even wildlife spotting facilities as some of the top things to do in Kovalam, Kerala. There is Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which has an incredible variation of flora and fauna, including elephants and some rare species of birds. Adventurous trekkers will be tempted to trek up to the peak of Agasthyakoodam, which would reward them with all the breathtaking views of its surrounding areas. The peaceful and picturesque setting makes the Neyyar Dam a favorite destination for nature lovers and photographers visiting Kovalam.
The Valiyathura is one of the historical landmarks of Kovalam, which offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Once it was a busy port; it is now a neat little fishing and strolling paradise. It is a favorite place for photographers and sunset lovers, armed with crashing waves and striking golden hues. A special charm of this pier consists of its rustic beauty and serenity. It becomes an escape for a visitor seeking to experience something peaceful yet memorable.
The Kovalam Art Gallery is a jewel of Kerala's artistic and cultural legacy. It is located close to Lighthouse Beach, where traditional and contemporary artwork, from paintings to sculptures and artifacts, can be viewed. This encourages local artists to come out and show their talent while giving others a real feel of the highly rich art heritage in Kerala. The serene surroundings and thought-provoking exhibits make the gallery one of the best places to visit in Kovalam for any art and culture lover.
The ideal time for exploring Kovalam in Kerala is between October and March, when the pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities. During this time, a pleasant temperature of 20°C-30°C allows visitors to enjoy the beach activities, water sports, and sightseeing. The clear skies, along with calm seas, allows the traveler to enjoy the pristine beaches of Kovalam and visit the attractions of the surroundings.
The months between June and September are fully effective in the experience of Kerala's healing greenery and Ayurvedic treatments because of the optimum impact of heavy rains on relieving one's tension. Heavy rains, however, can be quite prohibitive when it comes to outdoor activities. The summer months run from April to May and are characterized by heat and humidity, but the soothing coastal breeze provides a little bit of relief. For most of the people who want peace and cheap accommodation, the off-season travel will also be a great time for visiting Kovalam.
Visit the following links to get more information on Kerala travel & tourism.
