Introducing Kovalam

Best Places to visit in Kovalam India include three beaches, Lighthouse Beach having the Vizhinjam Lighthouse for a dominant landmark is the largest and the most popular among tourists. Hawah (or Eve's) Beach (second largest) and Samudra Beach are the other two pristine beaches in Kovalam that offer lesser crowded restful weekend getaways, being just 15km drive away from the capital city Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum). Either of the Kovalam beaches promises luxurious stay amidst nature's bounties thanks to the much evolved Kovalam tourism facilities about these crescent coastlines.

Heritage Places / Sightseeing in Kovalam

• Lighthouse Beach

  Lighthouse Beach is the southernmost beach most popular among tourists courtesy the old and charismatic Vizhinjam Lighthouse dominating its palm-fringed coastline. The lighthouse is located on the crest of the 35 meters high Kurumkal hillock and looks over the beach from a further height of 118 feet. The light beams that leave from the lighthouse at regular intervals also add to the idiosyncratic appeal of the beach. The Lighthouse beach is not only picturesque but also dotted with several swanky restaurants serving delicious local and continental delicacies.

• Hawah Beach or Eve's Beach

  Another star attraction in Kovalam sightseeing line up is Hawah Beach, second only to the Lighthouse beach in terms of rate of tourists. The beach is neater and advantageously separated from the Lighthouse beach by a protruding promontory called Edakallu. Watching the sun set from the foreland Edakallu is a sight to behold.

• Samudra Beach

  The least visited of the three beaches; Samudra beach is more popular among the local fishermen than tourists. The beach is located at the northernmost side and is ideal for those who find idling on the sun-kissed sand in isolation more important than otherwise.

Places to see around Kovalam Beach

When in Kovalam, water buffs like to surf. The beaches of Kovalam enjoy the best of surfing conditions around the year. The sea waves tend to soar up to 6 feet during the monsoon season between May and September. Beginners keen to paddle may visit here from October to April.

Another tourism highlight of Kovalam is Ayurveda. The beaches here have plenty of Ayurvedic treatment centers that cater superb Ayurvedic massages and Yoga retreats. In fact, the chances are that the hotel one is staying in may also be catering yoga classes for tourists to join and benefit. All one need to do is ask.

• Snorkeling

  It is another viable time pass for which tourists tend to throng Eve's Beach, where water is fit for observing marine life underneath. Snorkeling is also possible on Hawah, Samudra and Ashok beaches.

  As far as shopping in Kovalam is concerned, the beachside is popular for statues made of teakwood and rosewood. Besides, handicrafts and showpiece items made up of sea shells are also popular among tourists.

How to reach Kovalam

The nearest airport to Kovalam is barely 10 km away at Thiruvananthapuram. Tourists can hire a pre-paid taxi as well as a private cab or an auto rickshaw or shuttle service by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation from outside the airport to reach Kovalam.

The nearest railway station to Kovalam also lies at Thiruvananthapuram. The railway station connects Kovalam to an organized and comprehensive rail network spread out and across the rest of the country

A well-laid out road network connects Kovalam to the rest of the states. While Kerala and the neighboring states run regular Volvos, deluxe and shuttle services from respective margins, tourists may also rent a car from Thiruvananthapuram for smoother transfers.

What is the best time to visit Kovalam?

A typical coastal holiday destination, Kovalam welcomes tourists to a pleasant weather throughout the year. When the rest of the country proceeds towards colder climate, Kovalam also witnesses more footfalls. The best time to visit Kovalam is between September and March when the weather is the most tourists friendly