Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.

The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city.

What To See

Lighthouse Beach This crescent shaped beach is the main beach at Kovalam. It attracts the most tourists and therefore has the most facilities. It didn't feel too crowded when I visited and still seemed to have a local atmosphere. As well as shops there are many places here to have a meal.

Rocky Outcrop Where the beaches of Hawa and Lighthouse meet there is a rocky outcrop. Standing on the rocks you get magnificent full length views of both beaches. The rocks are also a popular place for people to gather and watch the sun setting.

Hawa Beach The beach is said to derive its name from the topless women who used to sunbathe there. It's reputed to be India's first topless beach, this practice is now banned. The beach is easy to get to as there is a parking area where taxis and auto-rickshaws can drop you off and pick you up. It's not as built up as the nearby Lighthouse Beach.

Vellayani Lake The Vellayani Lake is one of the famous fresh water lakes in Kerala and is located seven kilometers from Kovalam. 
The Vellayani Lake is the venue of the world famous annual snake boat race organized during the Onam festival. A must visit when in Kovalam.

Veli Tourist Village The Veli Tourist Village is a popular picnic spot and the number of tourists that throng this place bear a testimony to its charm. Children are especially fond of the place as it gives a free reign to their playful spirit. 
Ferry rides are quite popular among the children. Located in close proximity to the airport, Veli Tourist Village offers pedal boats, rowboats and motored boats for thrilling water sport activities.

Neyyar Dam

The Neyyar Dam, located about 32 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, is a popular picnic spot featuring a beautiful lake. The place is particularly famous for some of the rarest medicinal herbs. Boating is the ideal way to explore the beauty of the surroundings. The area circumscribing the Neyyar Dam also houses the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram, which is a heaven for peace lovers. Here, visitors can learn and practice Yoga and relax amid natural surroundings. The green coconut groves and serene environment make for a nice escape from the hustle-bustle of a city.

Karamana River Originating from the southern tip of the Western Ghats, Karamana River flows through the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The river is called so because it flows through a small suburb called Karamana. Tourists can enjoy boating on the lake, which is dotted with expansive green patches of tropical plants on its banks. Located on the riverbank is the Thiruvallam Boat Club that offers kayaking, houseboat cruises and canoe rides.

Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium

Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is a must-visit attraction located in one of the busiest fishing harbours in Vizhinjam, near Theatre Junction. The aquatic life preserved here is a treasure trove of marine wealth, comprising a variety of fish, corals and other aquatic animals. This aquarium is known for a unique technique of Image Pearl production. In this procedure, a mould of any random shape, made of shell cement is embedded into the pearl oyster and within 2-3 months, one gets a beautiful pearl in the shape of the mould.

How To Reach

Nearest railway station Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 16 km  

Nearest airport Trivandrum International Airport, about 10 km