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Kovalam Tourism

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About Kovalam

Kovalam is a beautiful beach town along the Arabian Sea, located within Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala. Known for its scenic coastline, calm atmosphere and golden beaches, Kovalam has long been one of the most loved travel destinations in India. Many travellers who explore the region through Kovalam tour packages visit this town to enjoy its relaxed vibe and stunning seaside views. The beauty of Kovalam lies not only in its beaches but also in its culture, food and warm hospitality.

Kovalam also has an interesting historical background. The town first gained importance when the Regent Maharani of Travancore, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, built the Halcyon Castle as a beach resort in the 1920s. This marked the beginning of tourism in the area. By the 1970s, Kovalam became even more popular as hippies travelling from Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) started visiting the beaches, bringing global attention to this peaceful coastal destination.

The charm of Kovalam mainly comes from its stunning beaches, each offering a unique beachfront experience. The town is lined with beautiful beach resorts that make it an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday. Nearby, the Vizhinjam seaport - located just 3 km away- is well known for its fresh seafood, especially its delicious varieties of fish. Kovalam also has several ancient Hindu temples, grand churches and serene mosques, giving visitors a chance to explore the cultural and spiritual side of Kerala.

Over the decades, Kovalam has continued to be one of India’s top beach destinations. Tourists from Europe, Israel and many other parts of the world still flock to this coastal town to enjoy sunny beaches, water activities, local food and peaceful sunsets. Because of its natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere, Kovalam is frequently included in many Kerala tour packages, offering visitors a perfect blend of relaxation, culture and seaside adventure.

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The overall trip was a fabulous one. The hotels, food and travel were all up to the mark. This was my second trip from Thrillophilia. My 100% recommendation to those who ...Read More
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On: 02 Dec 2025
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The lush greenery, serene backwaters, and clean beaches created the perfect setting for relaxation. The houseboat ride in Alleppey was a highlight calm waters, beautiful ...Read More
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The team was flexible with letting us pick up the itinerary when we landed. The driver was always available on whatsapp and very reliable. The hotels were good quality and the staff was nice.

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Kovalam FAQ's

Travel Advice:

  • Choose your stay carefully: No matter what location or destination one plans on spending their holidays at, it is essential that certain travel tips are kept in mind. Hence, if you’re still in the stage of hatching your plans for Kovalam, make sure that you plan well and plan well ahead of time. Make a good, well-researched note of all the important information like accommodation options, local transportation, hospitals, restaurants, resorts and more. It is quite obvious that you’d want to experience a hassle-free journey if you’re actually spending money on your holidays.

  • Transportation: When it comes to transportation in Kovalam, there is very little that you need to worry about. The holiday destination is well connected and one can easily make use of the local transport while visiting different locations within the space. However, what is better advisable is to ensure a private fare while you’re in the region. The simple reason for this tip is that it becomes much easier to visit the places around at one’s own convenience. Cars and bikes are easily available on rent at these places.

  • Water and eatables: Travellers travelling to any destination in the whole have the potential of developing the travellers’ diarrhea. People consume contaminated water or food and fall sick. However, make sure that you have bottled water throughout your journey in Kovalam.

  • Drinking laws: If you are a frequent alcohol consumer, there is a little problem that you may face in Kovalam. The consumption of liquor is banned since August 2014. Chief Minister of the place, Oommen Chandy had announced back in 2014 that the state has implemented a permanent band on the consumption of alcohol. However, if you do want to make ends meet – there are always ways to do so. You just have to be smart enough to figure them out.

Things to do in Kovalam:

  • Explore the rocky croppings of Hawah Beach: Kovalam is filled with many beaches. Chief among them is the Hawah beach. Hawah beach, also recognized by the name – Eve’s Beach ranks second in being one of the most popular locations in Kovalam. The place is also quite common for fishermen to conduct their fishing activities.

  • Emancipation at the Lighthouse: The Lighthouse beach is located on the southern most portion of Kovalam. It is perhaps, the most frequented beaches by tourists that come flocking from all over India and the world. The main reason why the place is called Lighthouse is due to the old Vizhinjam lighthouse that is located at the beach. Check it out while taking a nice, sweet stroll through the beauties of this beach.

  • Water activities at Samudra: Another popular location in Kovalam is the Samudra beach. It is quite popular for the number of water sports activities that the place offers. One can go swimming, boating or even simply walk by the waves of this beach. Located in the southern side of the Kovalam, it is away from the hectic life that throngs in the heart of this city.

What will you like in Kovalam:

  • Chilling by the Karamana River: Karamana river originates from the Sahyadri Range and the river flows through the outskirt region of Kovalam. Lining the place quite spectacularly, this is the perfect location for those who are interested in having a relaxed time by the place.

  • Appreciate the architectural genius of Halcyon Castle: This place was once upon a time predominately ruled by the Dutch and thereafter, the British. These folks may have gone away but their remains still prevail in the location. Visit the Halcyon Castle to understand just what we are referring to.

  • Explore art at the Kovalam Art Gallery: What better than this? Enjoy the beautiful art while visiting the Kovallam art gallery. This is one of those must-have experiences in Kovalam. Discover art that is truly ethnic to the place.

  • Spiritual oneness at the beautiful temples of Kovalam: There are numerous temples located in Kovalam such as the Thiruvallam Parasurama temple and the Vishinjam Rock Cut Cave temple which the visitors can visit every once in a while to gain spiritual oneness with themselves.

Recommended reads for destination

Government website: 

Kerela Tourism

Others: 

Kovalam Attractions

Books on Kovalam: 

Seasoned by salt, Lonely planet – Kerala.


What are the best water sports to do on the Kovalam tour?

1. Kayaking: Kerala is a beautiful tourist destination where the tranquil backwaters enchant visitors. It is also one of India's most beautiful kayaking spots. Kovalam, which is connected by a network of backwaters, is a great kayaking location in God's Own Country. Kovalam kayaking isn't simply about rowing the quiet backwaters! Kayakers can visit local villages, walk through paddy fields, mingle with residents, do bird watching, and participate in a variety of other activities while on their wonderful journey through Kovalam.

2. Surfing: Plan a trip to God's Own Country between December and March if you're an adrenaline junkie who wants to experience the thrill of surfing in Kerala. During this time, water sports lovers can enjoy the fresh breezes while surfing the Arabian Sea's powerful waves.

3. Rafting: If you're an adventure seeker visiting Kerala in the months of June, July, August, or September, you may participate in this adrenaline-pumping activity at a variety of locations. Though the rapids are not as challenging as those found in Rishikesh and other rafting places, river rafting in Kerala is thrilling and exciting in its own right. Some of Kerala's most popular rafting spots are the Tejaswini River in Kannur, the Vythiri River in Wayanad, the Iruvanjhipuza and Chapuza rivers in Thusharagiri, and the Bhoothathankettu River in Ernakulam.

4. Catamaran Sailing: A catamaran is a tiny wooden boat that resembles a yacht but has a hull on either side, and it is largely utilised by the fishing population in Kerala. It is greatly preferred by fishermen who go deep into the sea for fishing because of its increased agility, balance on splashing waves, and docility.

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