Plan Your Trip To Kovalam
"Beaches, Ayurveda and Shopping"
Kovalam Tourism
Kovalam is an idyllic coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Famous for its three adjacent crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches, Kovalam is dotted with resorts and ayurvedic massage centres.
Earlier a fishing village, Kovalam started attracting tourists in the 1930s and shot to fame in the hippie epoch of 1970s. It still sees the influx of tourists from Israel and Europe. Ayurvedic treatments and massages are one of its most popular indulgences along with yoga, meditation as well as other cultural activities. Kovalam perhaps comes full circle as it is also a shopping destination given the rich spices, wooden statues and handicrafts that can make popular takeaways.
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Must Visit Places in Kovalam
Places To Visit In Kovalam
Top Hotels In Kovalam
Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa Kovalam
(231 reviews)
$ 117 onwards
Niraamaya Retreats, Surya Samudra, Kovalam
(150 reviews)
$ 127 onwards
Gokulam Turtle On The Beach
(279 reviews)
$ 76 onwards
Little Elephant Beach Resort
(144 reviews)
$ 13 onwards
Ideal Ayurvedic Resort Kovalam
(181 reviews)
$ 21 onwards
Johny's Beach House
(77 reviews)
$ 42 onwards
View All Hotels In Kovalam
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Beaches of Kovalam
1. Lighthouse Beach
The Lighthouse beach is the largest beach in Kovalam named after the 30-m high lighthouse located on the beach. It houses an observatory which can be accessed through a lift or by climbing a flight of stairs consisting of 142 steps. The observatory provides a beautiful panoramic view of the beach, and you can also see the Poovar and the famous Beemapalli mosque from there.
The Lighthouse beach is the largest beach in Kovalam named after the 30-m high lighthouse located on the beach. It houses an observatory which can be accessed through a lift or by climbing a flight of stairs consisting of 142 steps. The observatory provides a beautiful panoramic view of the beach, and you can also see the Poovar and the famous Beemapalli mosque from there.
2. Hawa Beach
Water sports facilities are available at Hawa Beach, and it stands out with its palm groves that line the shore. People come here from the bus stand and railway station. It's also a good place to try out the local cuisine in the small restaurants that you find near the beach. This beach provides the best view for sunset and also has an experience in store for you in the mornings when the fishermen set out into the sea chanting and singing the folk songs.
Water sports facilities are available at Hawa Beach, and it stands out with its palm groves that line the shore. People come here from the bus stand and railway station. It's also a good place to try out the local cuisine in the small restaurants that you find near the beach. This beach provides the best view for sunset and also has an experience in store for you in the mornings when the fishermen set out into the sea chanting and singing the folk songs.
3. Samudra Beach
Samudra Beach is located in the northern part of Kovalam. It is the least crowded and this coastline is also preferred by the fishermen for fishing.
Samudra Beach is located in the northern part of Kovalam. It is the least crowded and this coastline is also preferred by the fishermen for fishing.
Ayurvedic Massages in Kovalam
Some popular massage centres include Ayur Kerala Ayurvedic Centre, Lakshmi House Ayurveda and Spa and the Chakra Ayurvedic Resort. They offer many options for treatments like rejuvenation therapy, body purification therapy, anti-stress treatment and rheumatic therapy, among others. Some places like the Chakra Ayurvedic Resort, offer exclusive packages during the monsoon season, which is considered to be the best season for treatment. The Leela Beach Resort Kovalam is also the right choice, which is India’s only cliff-top beach resort.
Nightlife in Kovalam
The mellow night-life of Kovalam can be enjoyed at one of the few bars of the town. Enjoy a relaxed evening with good food, drinks and a fantastic view at The Sky Bar in Leela Kempinski. Other good options include the Neera Bar at the Taj and The Bar. Kovalam’s nightlife is generally a low-key affair, intended to be a soothing mix of great music, peppered with drinks and food.
Shopping in Kovalam
Kovalam offers some exciting shopping options. At the Kovalam Lighthouse beach, there are beautiful silk sarongs, colourful lungis and exquisite ornaments made from sea-shells for sale, in addition to other trinkets. The Heritage Handicrafts shop has handicrafts made from teak wood and other souvenirs. Shop for authentic Malabar spices and other condiments cardamom, fenugreek and saffron at the Joseph and Sons shop. The SM Handloom centre is a good option for getting some traditional garments.
Restaurants and Local Food in Kovalam
Fishes, fruit salads, chicken and regular Malayalee preparations are available here. Along with this one will find the widespread Idli, Dosa, Vadas and Uttapam along with an almost exotic range of seafood like a lot of areas around it. This range includes crabs, prawns, lobsters and more.
Sometimes slightly Indianized Israeli and European grub is also available. Alcohol is easily available, but must be discreetly consumed.
View Top Restaurants in Kovalam
Sometimes slightly Indianized Israeli and European grub is also available. Alcohol is easily available, but must be discreetly consumed.
View Top Restaurants in Kovalam
Suggested Itinerary for Kovalam
Day 1 - Reach Trivandrum by morning and travel to Kovalam by road. Reach Kovalam before noon. In the afternoon go to the beach for activities like sunbathing, surfing, water sports etc. Watch the beautiful sunset on the beach. Don't miss out on going to the observatory of the lighthouse in the lighthouse beach to see the beautiful view. Day 2 - During the day get one of the ayurvedic spas to feel rejuvenated and detoxified. Spend the evening on the beach and watch a starlit sky which has become a rare site in the polluted cities. Depart from Kovalam the next day. You can also explore the areas near Kovalam by hiring a tourist vehicle which would be the most comfortable and affordable option.
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FAQs on Kovalam
What is famous about Kovalam?
The place has many resorts and home stays available which provide you with yoga programmes and various ayurvedic spa treatments. Kovalam is a destination where you can connect back to nature and yourself.
What is not so good about Kovalam?
It does offer much to those who are looking for something beyond relaxation.
Who should visit Kovalam?
If you are looking for a place to detox, free from the hustle-bustle and pollution, and relax in a calm environment listening to the sounds of nature, then Kovalam is an ideal place for you.
What is the best time to visit Kovalam?
September to March are the best months to visit Kovalam in terms of weather for travelling. Monsoons experiences heavy rainfall, but this is a good time if you want to just rejuvenate yourself in a great weather within your resort or to take Ayurvedic treatments.
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What is the local food in Kovalam?
Fishes, fruit salads, chicken and regular Malayalee preparations are available here. Along with this one will find the widespread Idli, Dosa, Vadas and Uttapam along with an almost exotic range of seafood like a lot of areas around it. This range includes crabs, prawns, lobsters and more.
Sometimes slightly Indianized Israeli and European grub is also available. Alcohol is easily available, but must be discreetly consumed.
Read More
Sometimes slightly Indianized Israeli and European grub is also available. Alcohol is easily available, but must be discreetly consumed.
Read More
What is the best way to reach Kovalam?
Trivandrum has both the nearest airport and railway station. Regular buses connect Kovalam to various cities. The drive across the Trivandrum bypass is also another delightful take-away.
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How much does a package cost for Kovalam?
The packages for Kovalam start at INR 7500 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
What are the top hotels in Kovalam?
There are 137 in Kovalam which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Kovalam are Devikripa Homestay, Johny's Beach House, Johny's Beach Hotel, Padmini House, Bougainvillea Home Stay, Capital O 45944 Club 7. You can see all the hotels in Kovalam here
What are the things to do in Kovalam?
The top things to do in Kovalam are Water Sports in Kovalam, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Halcyon Castle, Vellayani Lake, Kovalam, Samudra Beach. You can see all the places to visit in Kovalam here
What are the places near Kovalam?
The top places near to Kovalam are Kanyakumari which is 70 km from Kovalam, Poovar which is located 13 km from Kovalam, Trivandrum which is located 18 km from Kovalam, Varkala which is located 46 km from Kovalam, Alleppey which is located 130 km from Kovalam
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Popular Questions And Answers on Kovalam
Q. Is Kovalam a nice getaway from Tiruvananthpuram? What modes of transport can I take?
Divya Santosh
3 years ago
Yes, kovalam is good place. There is public transport. AC low floor buses are there . otherwise you can also take taxi.
Q. Can we set a camp fire and stay on the beaches for a night?
Naman Sarawagi
3 years ago
Haven't seen anyone do it. Should be tough.
Kovalam Reviews
Your rating
Kokil Das
2 years ago
Best time is to visit in the month of January to March. Ideal time should be around in the mornings, usually the night is more calmer.
One con though, the place gets closed by 11p.m
Gopal Jindal
3 years ago
There is Shankumugham beach which is the best beach here and Old Coffee house there is really good for all day food. Also, visit Sree Padmanaswamu temple and Napier Musuem.
Brahmani Keni
3 years ago
Kovalam is a beach town that is internationally known for its three connected beaches - Hawa beach, Palm backed beach and the Samudra beach. All these three beaches together form Kovalam beach. The l (Read More)eisure options are plenty such as sunbathing, sea swimming, health resorts along with various health, yoga and ayurvedic centers.