Looking for places to visit in Kovalam, Kerala? There are LOTS! Kovalam has some of the best beaches around with dozens to check out, but there’s more to the area than just beaches.
When you visit Kovalam you can see beaches, backwaters, historic places, and so much more… and you can see even MORE if you do a quick day trip around the area. South Kerala is full of surprises, and Kovalam is the perfect place to start (if not because there’s so much to do, because it’s also SO close to the airport)!
Pack for the sunshine and get ready to learn, eat, explore, and enjoy these Kovalam tourist places. Just mak sure you have enough time to see it all!
Places to Visit in Kovalam for BEACHES + WATER
Hawa Beach
Hawa Beach is the top half of Kovalam’s main beach strip and one of the main places to visit in Kovalam. You’ll find it in front of some man restaurants next to the rocky point known for the small blue house. Hawa Beach also has strong currents, but its one of the better places to take a dip in the shallow waters (but be careful)!
This beach used to be called Eve’s beach as it was one of the first topless beaches in India… sadly, it’s not anymore! It’s still great for sunbathing, however.
Kovalam Lighthouse
The iconid red-and-white triped Lighthouse overlooking Kovalam’s main strip is one of the places to visit un Kovalam now to be missed! It was closed for a few years, but it is open and accepting many visitors now to its high platform where you can view beaches for miles around.
The Lighthouse has an elevator to the top for those who don’t want to walk about 6 floors around a winding staircase. The curculat platform at the top has plenty of space and always a nice breeze!
Lighthouse Beach
One of the most iconic spots in Kovalam is right at the foot of the famous Lighthouse… appropriately called ‘Lighthouse Beach.’ It’s the southernmost half of Kovalam’s main beach, with a strip of shops and restaurants along the whole length.
Enjoy great views of the lighthouse from here, or perhaps relax on the beach. It’s not the best area for swimming, but you can always watch the waves roll in from Beatles Cafe + Grill House or the popular German Bakery which serves up fresh baked goods and European meals.
Kovalam Beach
Next on the shoreline, we have Kovalam Beach. Kovalam beach is a bit more secluded as there aren’t as many restaurants and shops along its length. It’s sprawled with fishing boats and will most likely have some fisherman around setting up for their next journey.
This beach has some sun chairs you can rent from locals, and also some shallows to have a dip in the water.
Kovalam Surf Club
That’s right, Kovalam has a SURF CLUB! Surfing may not be what you expected from India, but why not try it out? On weekends in the high season, there are free surf classes every weekend to take advantage of the epic waves rolling into the bay on Lighthouse Beach.
Edakallu Rock Garden
Between Kovalam Beach and Hawa beach is a little rocky point that juts out with a small blue house in the middle. Walk out on this point for a spledid, nearly 360-degree sunset view over the water and beaches. Thi spot is popular for photographers who want to capture different angles of the beaches, waves, and sunset from one convenient place.
Grove Beach
Grove Beach is a small and authentic beach that draws hoards of fisherman in the morning and also people attending religious ceremonies at some of the places of worship in the area. It’s dotted with boats and one of the authentic Kerala places to visit where you can see locals going about their daily life. It’s just dow n the hill from the Raviz Resort.
Samudra Beach
Samudra Beach is separated from the other main Kovalam beaches by cliffs + rock inlets, so it offers more privacy. It is however still within reach to quite a few resorts and some restaurants on another strip of shops here.
This beach is popular for honeymooners or those who want a bit of the beach to themselves. It’s very serene and perfect for sunsets. You can also see local fisherman doing their thing here in the mornings.
Kovalam Water Sports
One of the lesser-known things to do in Kovalam is WATER SPORTS! You can go parasailing, jet skiing, and more right from the main Kovalam beaches. It’s important to note that they have a high level of safety here, so you don’t have to worry about a thing – just enjoy the views!
Valiyathura Pier, Beach, + Market
Valiyathura Pier is located quite close to the Tivandrum airport, north of Kovalam. What used to be a cargo pier in the 50’s has turned into a spot for local fisherman to bring in their morning haul. Walk to end of the pier for a serene experience with the Arabian Sea all around you, looking back at the village.
Next to the pier is a nice beach of the same name, and also a fish market and park to enjoy a warm afternoon. This is one of the best Kovalam places to visit for a lovely sunset.
Chowara Beach
Chowara beach is a LONG, flat, wide, and beautiful beach that seems to stretch kilometers down the coast. It’s dotted with colorful fishing boats and cows grazing in fields just beyond the sand. Chowara has some famous Ayurveda resorts on and around it, such as Somatheeram.
Ashoka Beach
Ashoka Beach is the southern part of Samudra Beach, and it’s a lovely secluded beach known for serenity and more privacy. It’s not likely you’ll find TOO many other people on this beach, which makes it a perfect destination for a getaway. There are also many Ayurveda resorts around this area.
Artificial Offshore Coral Reef
Kovalam is home to the first artificial coral reefs in India – making it one of the coolest Kovalam places to visit. The reef was constructed to encourage marine life to thrive and you can find submerged structures and even sunken ships here.
The reef has gained a lot of popularity in recent years for scuba diving and exploring the marine life. Sign up for a dive to check it out for yourself.
Places to Visit in Kovalam Vizhinjam Area
Vizhimjam is one of the closest places to visit in Kovalam, right next door to the main area.
Vizhinjam Fishing Village
A few beaches down from the main area, one of the most authentic places to visit in Kovalam is the Vizhinjam Fishing Village. If you arrive down on the beach in Vizhinjam, you will quickly spot dozens of locals coming in on fishing boats, gathering their catch, setting it out on tables under umbrellas to try and sell it, and regularly splashing water on the fish to keep it fresh.
It’s the kind of place where all of your senses will be engaged at once with people, fish, and tons of hustle and bustle. There are also lovely views of two distant mosques, dozens if not hundreds of colorful boats, and the sea.
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
If you’re looking for places to visit in Kovalam that are indoors due to rainy season or extreme heat, check out the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium! This research center, also known as Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium, is home to dozens of interesting fish species and even turtles and sharks that you can observe.
As its name suggest this is also a center there they research the different animals to learn more about them.
Vizhinjam Beach
Vizhijam Beach isn’t as serene anymore now that they are building a large new port right between it and the fishing village… but it’s worth checking out while in Vizhinjam. The beach is nearly completely full of colorful fishing boats, but there’s still sand free to relax.
Depending on when you arrive, you ca also probably watch large trucks hauling in the materials for the new port. Also, check out India’s version of Christ the Redeemer – a huge Jesus statue – on the way over.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple
In central Vizhinjam you will find a small 2000-year-old rock cut temple with Hindu gods carved into a rock with a shiva deity in the center. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a ‘cave,’ but this ancient temple is a quick stop in a tuktuk while driving through the area and it’s worth seeing while you’re here.
Places to Visit in Kovalam for Beautiful Backwaters
You can find beaches AND backwaters in Kovalam. Here are some other watery Kovalam tourist places that don’t have waves.
Vellayani Lake
Vellayani Lake is a large and beautiful freshwater lake just a few kilometers from Kovalam. There are plenty of scenic viewpoints of the lake scattered around it, and some bridges that offer nie views too.
You can talk a relaxing walk around the lake or also take a boat ride around the lake for a small fee. They also hold boat races on this lake during certain times of year.
Karamana River
The Karamana River flows out into the Arabian Sea just north of Kovalam after journeying from the Western Ghats – mountains a bit farther north in Kerala. It’s got a great Kerala backwater vibe, but you don’t have to travel all the way to Aleppey to enjoy it!
The most popular thing to do in the Karamana River is to go boating and enjoy the lovely scenery, surrounding villages, and coconut (and many other kinds of) groves. Or, you will likely cross a bridge on this river if driving in the area – so stop for a snap!
Historic/Religious Places to Visit in Kovalam
There are actually quite a few historic attractions in Kovalam. Here are the best.
Aazhimala Shiva Temple + Statue
This INCREDIBLE new 58-foot-tall Shiva Statue at the Azhimala temple boasts the title of the country’s tallest Shiva statue, and surely one of its most impressive. It was created by a young sculptor who molded incredible realistic shapes into the figure.
Unveiled in late 2020, this temple actually took 6 years to complete and is now attracting hoards of visitors who want to appreciate the work in central Kovalam.
Halcyon Castle
The Halcyon Castle was originally a private residence for a Travancore Queen, but has ben converted into a luxury hotel on a cliff overlooking the sea. It’s a popular Kovalam tourist spot because of the beautiful architecture that blends both local and colonial style, and for being able to stay the night in a heritage building!
It’s located inside the same property as the Raviz Kovalam, one of the lovely Kovalam resorts over the sea.
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Although located in Thiruvananthapuram/Tivadrum, it would be a shame to miss seeing the incredible Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple while visiting Kovalam. Definitely take an afternoon to peruse the center of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s financial center, and experience the hustle and bustle of the town and many different shops and markets.
The temple only accepts hindus and no foreigners inside, but it’s still a spectacle to see with incredible carvings and figures going up its tall facade. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and has a large gold figure of him inside that is divided in to 3 parts. The temple has a fascinating story of secret treasure buried in 6 vaults underneath – one of which is cursed and still has not been opened.
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
Near the end of the Karamana River, the 2000-year-old Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is minutes from the center and another of the interesting places to visit in Kovalam. It’s dedicated to Lord Parasurama, who is believed to be the 6th reincarnation of Vishnu and to have created Kerala himself.
Many people visit this temple to pay respects to ancestors and relatives who have passed away. While visiting the river, definitely pop over to this temple to check it out.
Kerala Arts & Crafts Center
The new Kerala Arts & Crafts Center is a massive art-focused venue that offers all kinds of workshops, events, displays, and exhibits celebrating art from the region. It also has a restaurant on-site and is a perfect place to visit in Kovalam with family/friends for a new experience.
Kovalam Places to Visit Within a Short Day Trip
Here are some places to visit around Kovalam that are worth the day trip – on a tour or with a tuktuk.
Neyyar Dam Area
The Neyyar Dam is perched atop the beautiful Neyyar River and has formed a lake below it at the foothills of the mountains. The dam is only one part of the Kovalam attractions in this area – there’s a lot to do. Many choose to enjoy a picnic overlooking the beautiful landscape, or take a boat trip on the Lake below with Neyyar Dam boating.
The area is also famous for Kerala wildlife, and you can spot tons of indigenous exotic animals in this area on a safari through the forests. If you desire some zen in the forest, visit Sivananda Yoga Ashram, which is only a few steps from the dam with lovely views and yoga/meditation programs.
Aruvikkara Dam
To visit another serene part of the Karamana River, head north of Tivandrum to see the Aruvikkara Dam. This is a perfect activity if it’s a bit too humid in Kerala and you’d rather escape to the forests in the hills.
This Dam is famous for feeding fishes, more boat trips, and nature walks.There’s a park with a perfect view of the dam, or you can sit in the Vaishnavi Auditorium for your picnic. You can also dip your toes into the slow-flowing river below the dam.
Veli Lake Tourist Village
Just north of the airport, this picturesque place is a quick drive from Kovalam to enjoy a bit of different scenery. Veli Lake Kovalam tourist area empties right out into the sea so you can have the best of both worlds.
There are plenty of parks for children to play and a popular ‘floating cafe’ and ‘floating bridge,’ and a pretty cool huge shell sculpture. It’s a great place to go on a boat ride.
Where to Stay in Kovalam
Kovalam has a huge amount of hotels, resorts, and ayurveda properties to stay at. Here are three that I have experienced myself and recommend!
Mid-Budget Stay in Kovalam: Soma Palmshore
I stayed here when I first arrived in Kovalam for a mid-range price point. The property is only a few minutes walk to Lighthouse beach, but looks out on its own semi-private beach with total selusion. You can hear the waves from all the rooms and have morning beach walks from the property. Food and drink is great too!
Resort Stay: The Raviz Kovalam
Now before you scroll just know that the price for a 5-star resort here hovers around $100! The Raviz is an exceptional resort chain with a beautiful and traditional clifftop property in Kovalam. The rooms overlook a fishing beach (which is accessible walking also) and the pool overlooks the ocean. Dining is also top notch.
Ayurveda Retreat in Kovalam: Somatheeram Ayurveda Village
Somatheeram is one of the oldest and best-known Ayurveda resorts in Kerala, and they actually have 3-4 different properties in their massive Ayurveda village in Kovalam, overlooking Samudra Beach. They have a beachside property, a forest property, and one in a traditional Kerala-style estate.
Ayurveda resorts include doctor consultations, 2 treatments/day, all custom meals, herbal medicines, and activities.
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I think that’s enough places to visit in Kovalam for weeks – let me know which activity is your favorite in the comments below!
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