Kovalam Travel Guide
Kovalam is an international beach town located in the state of Kerala in India by the Arabian Sea. Kovalam is situated 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. The word Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and here in Kovalam one can find huge number of coconut trees all around. Kovalam is also called as the paradise of south and is ranked the second best beach in the world after Miami. The silver colored sand and blue sea makes this place the ideal destination spot. This once calm fishing village has now become one of the major tourist destination spots in Kerala.
Kovalam is very popular with the western people due to its shallow waters and low waves. It was one of the famous destinations for the Europeans. Starting in the 1930s, the place started gaining its popularity. There are three important stretches of beaches in the 17 kms coastline of Kovalam. They are known as Lighthouse beach, Hawah beach and Samudra beach. All three beaches here have their own unique beauty. All the three beaches are separated by rocky hills. Kovalam is also famous for its yoga centers and Ayurvedic Massage centers where one can get the peace of mind and relaxation.
How to Reach Kovalam
- Air – Trivandrum International Airport is 15 km from Kovalam. It is connected through both national and international flights.
- Rail – Trivandrum Central is the nearest Rail head located 15 kms from Kovalam. Taxis ply from the railway station to the city.
- Road – Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai, Trivandrum and Nagarcoil are the cities that have regular bus connectivity to the city.
Distance of Kovalam from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Kochi |
212 |
|
Thiruvananthapuram |
20 |
|
Chennai |
736 |
|
Bangalore |
725 |
|
Coimbatore |
400 |
Weather
Kovalam Temperature
- Summer (Mar to May) – Temperatures are very high and range between (26°C) to (33°C)
- Monsoon – (Jun to Sep) – With heavy rainfall happening at regular basis, many of the tourists avoid this season. People looking forward to enjoy rain over the sea can plan for a visit durig the monsoon.
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are mild and range between (22°C) to (30°C). Occasional rainfall happens
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Feb is the best season for tourism
What to See In Kovalam
It is the largest beach of Kovalam, named after the lighthouse at a height of 30m. The beach has vast stretches of silvery sand and outlined by green palm trees. It is also an ideal location for adventure sports.
It is a fascinatic rustic area, untouched by complicacies of modernity and able to retain its original spark. It is separated from its nearby beaches by a stretch of fissures.
Hawah beach lies opposite to the Lighthouse beach. Palm trees decorate the landscape making it one of the most beautiful beaches of Kovalam. The beach looks splendid during sunset. For its captivating beauty, it is also known as the Eve’s beach.
It is one of the major rivers of the state. This river originates from the Western Ghats and flows into the semi urban area called Karamana. The river is marked by green patches of tropical plantations. Boating is an enjoyable venture here. Tourists can also avail water sport options like kayaking.
Halcyon castle
Halcyon castle or Kovalam palace was built by Rama Varma Thampuran as early as in 1932. It is representative of the traditional Keralite architectural style. One of the most cherished tourist spots, it has been well maintained.
It is the home of many Ayurvedic centers of Kovalam. The other attractions present here include beaches and fishing spots. It was earlier known to be a popular fishing village, now an ideal beach destination.
Other Details
What to Do
- Surfing — Surfing the waves that splash against the beaches. Hire a body board or a surf board and enjoy the sea to the fullest. In the process, do not ignore the life guard’s advice. Always be near them and make sure you are not flicked away by the strong currents.
- Boat Ride — You can take a wooden boat ride or a motor boat ride to the sea. There are registered boats available which cost generally between 300 to 600 rupees per person for a ride that can range from 15 to 120 minutes. Fishermen have also taken up some new boats that are motored and travel faster, but have strong environmental effects.
Where to Eat
- Fusion — A terrace restaurant at Beach Hotel 2, with a East-meets-west Menu, this is one of the places to go on and spend your night. French Coffee and Herbalteas are also available.
- Malbar Café —Tasty food, Candlelight, with a great view of the crashing waves through the potted plants, this is something to look forward to.
- Suprabhatham — This is an excellent option for people looking for veg food in Keralan Style cooking.
What to Buy
- Books at Ancy’s Book Store
- Beachwear including Sarongs, lungis
- Souvenirs
- Antique and Jewellery
- Keralan Spices.
Get Around
Taxis are the most convenient options to travel in and around the town of Trivandum. For the more adventurous souls there is the option of hiring a bike and moving around the city.
Top Destinations - Kerala
– Alleppey
– Kochi
– Kovalam
– Munnar
– Periyar Sanctuary
Popular Tour Plans - Kerala
1-3 Days
1. Munnar (2N/3D)
2. Alleppey (2N/3D)
4-6 Days
1. Ooty-Kodaikanal-Munnar (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Kochi-Munnar-Alleppey-Kovalam-Thiruvanathapuram (8N/9D)
2. Munnar-Alleppey-Periyar Sanctuary-Kovalam-Kanyakumari (10N/11D)
3. Alleppey-Kovalam-Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram (7N/8D)
>10 Days
1. Chennai-Pondicherry-Madurai-Rameswaram-Kanyakumari-Kovalam (12N/13D)