Kovalam Beach Guide: Beaches, Sunsets, and Relaxation
One of Kerala’s most popular tourist destinations, Kovalam is famous for its crescent-shaped shoreline, lovely beaches, and a calm ambiance. The beach resides about 16 kilometers away from the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. For decades, draws travelers with its shimmering sands, blue waters, lush greenery, and coconut palms. It is a place where clocks slow down, and one will find themselves sitting on a beach chair, watching the waves flow and sunsets melt.
This lovely beach town has something for every traveler, be it a beach lover, family, solo backpacker, or wellness enthusiast. From water sports and Ayurvedic massages to seafood on the shore and welcoming coastal air, Kovalam really is an all-time destination.
Why Kovalam Beach Is Worth A Visit?
Kovalam’s natural beauty and calm sea waters are the pride of characterization. Once, it was a simple fishing village until the 1930s when the Travancore royal family recognized its potential as a beach resort. It has since blossomed into an internationally recognized getaway, with its fine and clean beaches, areas designated for safe swimming, and wellness resorts.
Adjacent to each other, the beaches are divided by rocky eminences along the coastline, making it crescent-shaped and unique to Kovalam. Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach abound with delightful experiences.
Top Things to Do in Kovalam
1. Lighthouse Beach
The most popular and busiest of Kovalam beaches, it is named after the tall red and white Vizhinjam Lighthouse standing on a rocky headland. The lighthouse is open to visitors and offers awe-inspiring views of the Arabian Sea, coastline, and distant villages.The beach is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and trying adrenalin-pumping water sports such as surfing and parasailing. In front of the beach are restaurants, shacks, and cafes that serve a good spread of local and international cuisines.
2. Hawa Beach
Hawa Beach, right next to Lighthouse Beach, is smaller but equally scenic and less busy. The mornings are wonderful here, with local fishermen rowing out from the shore in their traditional boats and the fresh sea breeze permeating the atmosphere.
Hawa Beach is perfect for a calm walk or sitting on the shore with a cup of chai watching sunset.
3. Samudra Beach
Being the northernmost of the trio are three beaches, the Samudra beach is separated from the other by a rocky promontory. There is rare commercial activity going on, making it a great spot for solitude. Mostly local fishermen use this beach, and colorful boats come-and-go from along its seashore.
In the evenings, the place becomes a charm for leisure walks, for photography, and for watching the unhurried life of the fishing community.
4. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
Located in the vicinity of the lighthouse, this small aquarium is quite interesting. It offers a display of typical marine environments, including exotic fishes, corals, and sea turtles.
5. Surfing and Other Water Sports
Kovalam is to be a decent place for surfing, particularly in the period from September to March when the sea is calm. Several local surf schools offer equipment and lessons for beginners. Apart from surfing, you can try parasailing, kayaking, and catamaran rides.
6. Ayurvedic Massages and Wellness Retreats
Kovalam is known for its authentic Ayurvedic treatments and wellness centers. Many resorts and standalone clinics offer traditional therapies like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and Panchakarma. These holistic treatments are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
7. Halcyon Castle
A historic palace made in 1932 by the Maharaja of Travancore as a summer residence. While it is now a luxury hotel, guests will still appreciate the colonial architecture and beautiful surroundings.
8. Kovalam Art Gallery
Kovalam Beach has a lovely, small art gallery located near Lighthouse Beach. This gallery represents both Indian and foreign artists, and has paintings and sculptures that reflect the culture and landscapes of Kerala.
Best Time to Visit Kovalam Beach
The best time to visit Kovalam is from October to March. Weather is pleasant in Kovalam, making beach activities and sightseeing worthwhile.
Winter from October to March is the peak tourist season in Kovalam. The temperatures range from 22°C and 32°C, and evenings are enjoyable with a refreshing sea breeze.
Summer from April to May is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C. Even thought it is less crowded, it is quite difficult to enjoy any beach activities, because the sun is harsh and hot.
Monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and rough seas. Although the scenery becomes lush and green, and Ayurvedic treatments are believed to be most effective during monsoon, swimming, water sports, and tight activities most likely will be neglected during heavy rain and rough seas.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, which is only 15 kilometers from Kovalam. It is well connected to important Indian cities and international locations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport directly to the beach town.
By Train
Trivandrum Central is the closest train station, situated about 12 kilometers away. There are regular trains between Trivandrum and Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available at the train station to take you to Kovalam.
By Road
Kovalam is easily accessible by road from nearby cities. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has a regular bus service from Trivandrum and other areas in Kerala, and taxis and rental cars are also available.
Local foods to try
Kovalam’s food scene offers a delectable variety of Kerala local food, seafood, and international cuisine. Many beach shacks and cafes serve fresh grilled fish, prawns, crab and squid from the sea.
Must try dishes are the Kerala-style fish curry and rice, Karimeen Pollichathu, Malabar prawn curry, and Appam with stew. For a lighter meal, enjoy a continental breakfast, fresh juices, smoothies and wood-fired pizzas at the cliffside cafes.
Prominent cafes and restaurants include the German Bakery, Beatles Café, and Waves Restaurant.
Nearby Places to visit
1. Vellayani Lake
Situated about 7 kilometres from Kovalam, Vellayani Lake is a quiet freshwater lake ideal for picnics and evening boat rides.
2. Poovar
Around 18 kilometres away, Poovar is a quiet village that is famous for the estuary where the river meets the sea. It is known for backwater boat
Shopping in Kovalam
Kovalam has beachside markets and souvenir shops offering items like handicrafts, seashell ornaments, wooden carvings, clothes, spices, Ayurvedic products and jewelry. Bargaining is common for small stalls, so don’t be afraid to negotiate the price.
Kovalam beach resorts list
| Hotel Name | Location | Rating | Approx. Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle On The Beach | Near Lighthouse Beach | 4.3 ★ | ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel | Samudra Beach | 4.1 ★ | ₹5,000 – ₹7,500 |
| The Leela Kovalam | Beach Road | 4.5 ★ | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Soma Palmshore | Lighthouse Beach | 4.0 ★ | ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 |
| Jasmine Palace | Near Hawah Beach | 3.9 ★ | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
Conclusion
Kovalam is one of those beach destinations where you can relax and enjoy the simple things in life. You can walk for miles on a deserted beach, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, or eat delicious grilled fish. You can never be bored in Kovalam!
Kovalam has nice beaches and cafes, and with warm and friendly locals, it is a popular holiday destination for tourists visiting Kerala. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy adventure and nature at its best. Kovalam is certainly worth a visit the next time you want to enjoy some quiet time by the sea.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kovalam located?
Kovalam is a coastal town in the southern state of Kerala, India. It is located around 13 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala.
Are there good hotels and resorts in Kovalam?
Yes, Kovalam offers a wide range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts with sea views and Ayurvedic spas.
Can I try water sports in Kovalam?
Yes, activities like surfing, parasailing, catamaran rides, and snorkeling are available during the tourist season at beaches like Lighthouse Beach and Hawah Beach.
What is Kovalam famous for?
Kovalam is famous for its crescent-shaped beaches, especially the Lighthouse Beach, calm waters ideal for swimming, Ayurvedic massage centers, and its picturesque sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
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