9 Captivating Places to Visit in Kovalam

Kovalam is a beautiful beach town situated along the Arabian Sea within the boundaries of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, this small yet beautiful place enthrals a large number of tourists throughout the year. Once known as a small fishing village clustered around crescent beaches, Kovalam has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the southern part of the country. If having some fun under the sun is your idea of a vacation, Kovalam is just the right place to be. From indulging in adventurous water sports to getting relaxing massages, there are plenty of things to do in Kovalam.

With so many options available, it can be quite a challenge to decide which places to visit and what activities to do on your trip. For your convenience, here is an ultimate guide to planning your Kovalam trip and making the most of it.

Lighthouse Beach

Situated on the coast of the mighty Arabian Sea, Lighthouse Beach (also known as Kovalam Beach) is one of the most important places to visit in Kovalam. This pristine beach got its name because of the 35-meter-tall lighthouse, which is located on its southern end. The lighthouse is entirely made of stones and has been coloured in white and red bands. Situated on the top of Kurumkal hill, this lighthouse offers absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings. It also features an observation platform that gives stunning views of Poovar on one side and Beemapalli mosque on the other.

If you want to indulge in water activities on your trip to Kovalam, there is no better place than this beach. From parasailing to scuba diving and swimming, you can do almost everything on this beach. Other than this, with turquoise water, beautiful palm fringes, rocking waves, and golden sand, this beach offers a perfect setting for some Instagram-worthy pictures.

Hawah Beach

Sandwiched between the lighthouse and the Samudra Beach crescent, Hawah Beach is definitely among the must-visit places in this coastal town. Also known as Eve’s Beach, it is also the second-largest beach in Kovalam. Famous for its enchanting sunset views, this beach is hugely popular among locals and tourists alike. Or, if you want to spend a lazy afternoon, there can be no better place than this beautiful beach. It is not suggested to go for a swim at Hawah Beach because of its strong undercurrents. However, there are so many other things to do at this beach in Kovalam, such as boat rides, sunbathing, etc.

Samudra Beach

Located in the northern part of Kovalam, Samudra Beach is famous for offering the most enchanting views. This is one of the most secluded places in Kovalam, so if you are looking for a place to spend some alone time, this is the perfect place for you. Here, you can sit on the shore for hours, enjoy the calming breeze, and watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch.

Vellayani Lake

Situated amidst the rich flora and friendly fauna, Vellayani Lake is another important place to visit in Kovalam. There is an interesting story associated with this freshwater lake. The story is about a thirsty beggar who saw a meditating saint and approached him for water. The saint wanted to help the thirsty beggar, but there were only a few drops of water left in his vessel. So, he collected all that water in his palms and threw it while reciting a prayer. The spot where those water droplets were thrown turned into a large lake, which is known as Vellayani Lake. In today’s time, this lake has become a prominent tourist attraction in the town. Every year, snake boat racing competitions are also held at this lake as a part of Onam celebrations.

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

This famous temple is known to be one of India’s 108 holy temples associated with Vaishnavism and is an important place for sightseeing in Kovalam. The major highlights of this beautiful structure are the Chera-style and Dravidian-style architecture on the temple walls and its pillars. For tourists coming from across the world, this temple is no less than an architectural marvel. The main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu, and the main idol is in the reclined posture of eternal yoga, also known as the Ananthashayana Posture.

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also known for being the wealthiest place of worship in the world. It is believed that the vaults of this chamber hold enough money (in different forms) to eradicate poverty and all its issues from the entire world. But whoever dares touch the vaults gets punished with the ancient curse.

Aruvikkara Dam

Situated on the banks of the Karamana River, Aruvikkara Dam is one of the best picnic spots in Kovalam. This scenic spot has lush green surroundings and offers stunning views. Dotted with a number of resting places to laze around, this can be a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Other than this, the dam is also known for the Durga Devi temple, which is located within close proximity. This temple is frequently visited by locals and is also popular among tourists.

Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium

Are you fascinated by marine creatures and want to know more about different species? If yes, you should definitely visit the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium in Kovalam. Officially known as the Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium, this museum is managed and administered by the Central Marine Fisheries Institute. Here, you can learn about unique marine species like triggerfish, angelfish, seahorses, cowfish, piranhas, etc.

Chowara Beach

This picturesque beach is known for having plenty of fishing spots. With turquoise water, glistening sand, and towering palm trees, the pristine Chowara Beach attracts a large number of visitors. Over the years, this beach has gained huge popularity as a picnic spot among locals and tourists alike. Other than this, there is an ayurvedic resort also nearby, which you must visit for an amazing ayurvedic experience. Another major highlight of this place is Chowara Ayyappa Temple, which gives an amazing hilltop view of the shores.

Kovalam Art Gallery

For people who have an interest in exploring different types of art, Kovalam Art Gallery is no less than a paradise. Exhibiting a large art collection, this place is the true abode of traditional Indian art. Here, you can find a number of beautiful sculptures and paintings by some renowned Indian and Western artists, including Noclas Roerich and Raja Ravi. Entry to this art gallery is free for everyone. If you want to get into more details about every art piece, you can hire a guide that comes with an additional charge.

With this list of some of the best places to visit in Kovalam, you can start planning a trip now. At Veena World, we offer an extensive range of all-inclusive Kovalam vacation packages that you can choose from.