Kovalam Beach is situated at 6 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala, India. This beach is spread over 4 Kms and popularly known as “Paradise of the South”. Kovalam beach is the world famous beach of India. It has been a favourite tourist destination for many years. Kovalam has three crescent beaches. The southernmost and the most popular is the Lighthouse Beach where a lighthouse is situated and it belongs to the British era. You can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque from here but photography is prohibited. The middle beach is called Hawah, a base for the local fishermen. The northern most Samudra beach is a quaint beach relatively and dotted with elementary wooden fishing vessels. Eve’s beach of Kovalam is a semi-circular beach and renowned for its peaceful environs. Kovalam came on the tourist map, when its beautiful and secluded beaches were discovered. It is a prominent international tourist beach since 1930. This beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, herbal body massages and cultural events. There is plenty of seafood available on the beachside restaurants. You can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops along the waterfront. You can even opt for backwater cruise to the beautiful countryside enjoying its lush greenery. The best time to visit Kovalam beach is from September to March.
Travel South India Itinerary Option
Kovalam Beach Trip package assistance
Places of attraction in and near Kovalam
The Lighthouse: The lighthouse is located on a hillock named Kurumkal. The southern end beach is named after it. The lighthouse is 35-meter tall structure that is painted with red & white color that is easily visible from a long distance. It is open to visitors and offers spectacular views of the lighthouse beach, Eve’s beach and its surroundings. The lighthouse road is a convenient venue for cycling and walks.
Karamana River and Boating: The Karamana River crosses the highway at Thiruvallam, 12 kilometers from Kovalam on the Kovalam-Trivandrum route. The place offers breathtaking views of the backwater and greenery. The Thiruvallam boat club, located on the bank of the river offers cruises, canoe rides, kayaking and houseboat cruises.
Vellayani Lake: The place is located 7 kilometers from Kovalam. There are boat services available from Kovalam. It is one of the few freshwater lakes in Kerala that looks enchanting in the moonlight. The Vellayani Lake is the venue of world famous annual boat race organized during Onam festival. The Vellayani Durga Temple is located close to the lake; the specialty of this temple is that it allows only non-Brahmin priests.
Valiyathura Pier: It is situated around 10 kilometers away from Kovalam. The coastline of this region up to Kovalam is visible from this pier. The Valiyathura literally means ‘Big Port’. There is another port in this region named Cheriyathura, literally means ‘small port’. This place offers excellent views of the setting sun and sea. Angling is the main activity here.
Edakallu: Edakallu is the popular sunset viewing point lies between the Lighthouse Beach and Eve’s Beach. It offers enchanting view of the orange sun setting in the horizon. It is one of the best places to view the sunset.
Kovalam Art Gallery: The Kovalam Art Gallery in Kovalam displays artifacts, paintings and art works. This is a must visit place for art lovers.
Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple: It is situated 12 kilometers from Kovalam. It is an important Hindu shrine. It is a 2000 years old temple that is located on the banks of the Karamana River. It is the exclusive temple that is dedicated to Parashurama.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple: It contains the rock cut sculptures of 18th century. The temple is dedicated to Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. There are unfinished sculptures of Lord Shiva and Parvaty.
Aruvikkara Dam: This dam is situated 10 Kms from Kovalam. It is a beautiful picnic spot on the shores of Karamana River. The Durga temple and fish tank are the main attractions. Aruvikkara dam provides water to the capital city. The place is easily accessible by road.
Varkala / Papanasham Beach: Varkala is located close to Kovalam. The tourist destinations include beach, Sivagiri monastery and 2000-year-old Janardhana temple. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage.
Kanyakumari / Cape Comorin: It is situated 90 Kms east of Kovalam. Kanyakumari is situated at the southernmost tip of India where the three water bodies, Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset. It is a famous tourist destination consists of Kanyakumari Temple, Gandhi Smarak Mandir and Vivekananda Rock There is a boat ride service from the beach to the Vivekananda Rock. Kanyakumari is located in Tamil Nadu.
