Kovalam
Three rocky-edged bays under a working lighthouse
A Kovalam tour centres on three crescent beaches south of Thiruvananthapuram, with the 36 m Vizhinjam Lighthouse, catamaran rides and Ayurveda stays.
Overview
Kovalam is a beach resort on the Arabian Sea coast of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, about 12 to 16 km south of the state capital. Its three crescent-shaped beaches suit swimmers, sunbathers and anyone who wants Ayurveda or yoga close to the sea, and most people plan a Kovalam tour for the months between September and March.
The bays lie in a row, separated by rocky headlands. Lighthouse Beach, the southernmost and the liveliest, is named for the Vizhinjam Lighthouse on Kurumkal hillock, a 36 m tower that has been working since 30 June 1972 and can be climbed for a view along the coast. Hawah Beach, also called Eve's Beach, curls beneath a high rock promontory. Samudra Beach sits beyond a large headland and is the calmer end of the resort. Catamaran rides, parasailing, surfing and jet skiing are sold along this shore, although the monsoon from June to September generally stops water sports.
The layout reflects a short but eventful history. The Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi built Halcyon Castle here in the late 1920s, European visitors began arriving in the 1930s, and the hippie trail of the early 1970s turned a fishing shore into a destination. Fishing is still part of the picture, and the coastal hamlets of Chowara, Vizhinjam and Adimalathura let visitors watch boats and nets at close range.
Away from the sand there are a few easy additions. The Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple is an old Hindu shrine cut into stone, Vellayani Lake offers boating and fishing, and the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Vellar stages cultural performances. Boat rides on the Karamana River and a trip to the Azhimala Siva Temple fill out a second day. Herbal massage and other Ayurvedic treatments are on offer at the resort, so ask about the length of a session and the practitioner's training before booking.
The approach is short. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is within about 18 km and under half an hour away by road. Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is roughly 13 to 16 km away, and buses and taxis run from the city. The resort has a bus stand about 1.5 km from the beach.
Known for
The southernmost and busiest of the three bays
Quick facts
Warm all year, with the south-west monsoon from June to September closing down most water sports.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), about 10 to 18 km depending on the page; under half an hour by road per Kerala Tourism
Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC), about 13 to 16 km
Buses, taxis and private cars run from Thiruvananthapuram city, 12 to 16 km away; the Kovalam bus stand is about 1.5 km from the beach. Drive times beyond the airport transfer (to be supplied).
Ask the operator before booking parasailing, surfing or catamaran trips in June to September, as sea sports usually stop in the monsoon
Pick the beach by mood: Lighthouse Beach for activity, Samudra Beach for quiet, Hawah Beach for a sheltered bay
Check locally whether the Vizhinjam Lighthouse can be climbed on your day, since no official timings or fees were found
Location
Packages that visit Kovalam
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5D / 4NVarkala and Kovalam Beach Break
A Varkala Kovalam beach tour in five days: red cliffs, Papanasam Beach and a temple, then three bays and a lighthouse at Kovalam, with private transfers.
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5D / 4NAlleppey Backwaters to Kanyakumari
An Alleppey to Kanyakumari tour in five days: a backwater houseboat stay, Kovalam's lighthouse beach and sunrise at India's southern tip.
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5D / 4NCapital City and Kovalam Coast
A Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam tour package: two nights in Kerala's capital for temple and museum, two by Kovalam's lighthouse and beaches, private car.
Thiruvananthapuram → KovalamBeaches & CoastlinePlan a trip to Kovalam
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