South of Thiruvananthapuram, along the majestic Arabian Sea, lies the picturesque coastal town of Kovalam. This idyllic haven, renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches, clear blue waters, and ayurvedic retreats, attracts travellers from around the globe seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and a taste of authentic Kerala. Plan your perfect Kerala vacation with this guide to the top things to do in Kovalam, the ‘Paradise of the South.’
Kovalam is just one of the many stunning coastal destinations in Kerala. Discover the beauty of ‘God’s Own Country’ by exploring other exquisite beaches along the Kerala coast.
Things to do in Kovalam: Experience the best of sun, sea and sand
Explore the aquatic world through scuba diving
Kovalam is a popular scuba diving spot in India. PADI-certified trainers guide you to the Arabian Sea and help you navigate underwater. Lionfish, stonefish, pipefish, stingrays, turtles, eels, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish are some species that call Kovalam’s waters home. The seas offer easy conditions for diving, and children above the age of 8 can participate. Bond Ocean Safari is the PADI-approved scuba diving operator in Kovalam.
Try watersports at the scenic beaches
A trip to Kovalam is incomplete without exploring the beaches! The city has a stunning coastline that wraps it with beaches like the iconic Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, Hawa Beach, and Vizhinjam Beach. These beaches have operators and schools that offer ample experiences that will make you fall in love with Kovalam’s water. Some adventurous activities you can partake in include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, speed boating, and riding the traditional catamaran. Don’t forget to check out the Vizhinjam Lighthouse, the red and white striped structure where you can find breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Also, check out this beginner’s guide to planning a kayaking adventure in Goa.
Enjoy wellness and relaxation
Learn about Kerala’s traditional Ayurveda practices in Kovalam. Several wellness retreats and resorts offer holistic therapies, such as Panchakarma, Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and herbal steam baths. Niraamaya, Amara Ayurveda, The Leela Kovalam, and Ayur Villa are fantastic Ayurvedic resorts. Yoga is also one of the top things to do in Kovalam, with several centres offering the unique experience of performing asanas under the cool sea breeze. Elephant Yoga Centre Kovalam and Yoga Darshan Kovalam provide great instructors and classes.
Book your stay at The Leela Kovalam via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Leela Kovalam via Agoda
Explore the backwaters
Thiruvallam is the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters near Kovalam. This serene destination is known for its canals, lagoons, and lakes that flow into the Arabian Sea. Traditional Keralite houseboat cruises, canoe rides, or kayaks are the best ways to experience it. The Killi and Karamana rivers meet at Thiruvallam, and the beauty is enhanced by the shadows created by the fronds of palm and coconut trees.
The key attractions in Thiruvallam, besides the backwaters, include the ancient Sri Parasurama Swamy Temple Thiruvallam and Pozhikkara Beach.
Experience heritage at Kerala Arts & Crafts Village
Spread across 8.5 acres of Vellar, the Kerala Arts & Crafts Village is an interactive space designed to showcase the traditional, folk, ethnic arts, crafts and performing traditions of the state. Have a first-hand experience of how artisans preserve ancient practises, and grab the opportunity to buy these unique pieces as souvenirs like Aranmula Kannadi (hand-crafted mirror), Balaramapuram Kaithari (handloom), Kerala mural art, metal crafts, Nettur Petti (ornamental box), coir craft and coconut husk crafts. The village is divided into an amphitheatre, museums, studios for craftspeople, an art gallery, a design strategy lab, game zones, a handloom village and reading rooms.
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Tuesdays).
Check out the official website.
Go back in time to the Vizhinjam Rock-Cut Cave
Dating back to the 8th century AD, this rock-cut cave is attributed to the reign of the Ay dynasty. The art is a fine example of the early phase of Dravidian architecture, representing the relics of the region’s ancient history. The quaint little cave has rich historical and architectural significance, with a sculpture of Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy as the highlight. It emphasises the cave’s association with Shavisim, portraying the Hindu God as the supreme teacher seated in a yogic posture, surrounded by his disciples. The cave is also etched with Vattezhuthu script, an earlier form of Malayalam.
Learn about the marine life at Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
One of the oldest in the country, the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium showcases the marine life found along Kerala’s serpentine coast. Also known as the Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium, the tanks represent the natural habitats of coral reefs, sea horses, jellyfish, sea turtles, clownfish, and more. The aquarium’s special interactive touch tanks allow visitors to feel the aquatic life without hurting or disturbing them. The aquarium also teaches about pearls and lets visitors make a pearl of their shape using the ‘Image Pearl Technique’.
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm.
The best time to visit Kovalam
Kovalam’s strategic location along India’s western coast promises tropical weather throughout the year. The best time to visit is the winter months, from October to February. The weather is dry, cool, and pleasant, with clear skies and sunshine so that you can enjoy the outdoors, especially the beach. The summer months are humid, wet, and extremely hot, making March to September not the best time for Kovalam.
How to reach Kovalam
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 12 km away.
By rail: Thiruvananthapuram South Station is approximately 13 km away.
By road: You can reach Kovalam by road from major cities like Bangalore, Madurai, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram.
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(Feature image credit: Joji Graison/Pexels)
Related: Beyond ‘The Gateway To Kerala, Indias’ Best Places To Visit Near Kochi
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Kovalam's Samudra, Lighthouse, Hawa and Vizhinjam Beach offer the best snorkelling in the destination.
Kovalam is famous for its three-crescent beaches and exciting watersports.
The best time to visit is the winter months, from October to February.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
