16 Things to do in Kovalam

There are many things to do in Kovalam. Also known as the ‘Paradise of the South’, Kovalam is situated in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. The shores of the many magnificent beaches in this town are perfect to relax and unwind. Read further to find out what this serene town has to offer!

1. Relax at the famous Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach has a beautiful crescent-shaped shoreline that connects three beaches namely, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. 

You can relax with the serene view of the waters, and try different local cuisines from the shacks located at the beach. You can also swim in the waters and have an adventurous experience by doing watersports like parasailing and surfing.

Kovalam Beach welcomes you with its scenic beauty and a 15-kilometer vast coastline to relax and unwind!

Kovalam Beach (Picture credits: The Leela Palace)

2. Visit the famous Vizhinjam Lighthouse

You can experience the scenic beauty of Kovalam from a height of 35 meters from the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Situated at the end of Lighthouse Beach, the top of the lighthouse is accessible by climbing the spiral staircase or the lift (if it is working). Witness the panoramic view of the clear sparkling waters, and click some photos of the beautiful view.

You can visit the Lighthouse at any time between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm by paying the entry fee and it is closed on Mondays.

Vizhinjam Lighthouse

3. Visit the Aazhimala Shiva Temple

Known to be the tallest sculpture in Kerala, Aazhimala Shiva Temple has an 18-meter tall sculpture of Lord Shiva in Gangadhareshwara form. The temple was built in the 8th century AD during the Pandya dynasty, while the gigantic sculpture of Lord Shiva was unveiled in 2021 after six years of construction.

There is also a meditation hall near the statue. When visiting, you should dress modestly. Photography is allowed in the temple, but confirm with the authorities before taking pictures of the deities. 

The temple conducts its annual festival between January and February that attracts devotees from all over the country.

Aazhimala Shiva Temple

4. Visit the Kerala Art and Craft Village

If you want to know about the rich culture of Kerala, then Kerala Art and Craft Village is a must-visit. It has an exhibition of folk and ethnic artifacts of Kerala and provides insights into the details of each handicraft.

You can attend the workshops conducted there and even purchase handicraft items.

Kerala Art and Craft Village

5. Visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Between February and March, this temple conducts an annual Attukal Pongala Festival where millions of women cook together for offerings to the deity. The structure of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is breathtaking, with vibrant and intricate carvings of the deities that show the culture of Kerala.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

6. Go on a shopping spree!

Kovalam is a perfect place to purchase spices, aromatic oils, sarees, and handicrafts from the Kovalam Beach Market, or the local markets near Lighthouse Beach. The town is very famous for coconuts, so you can buy those too. 

7. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave

The Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave was formed in the 8th century AD. The cave temple shows the early phase of Dravidian architecture which can be understood through the inscriptions and sculptures found in the cave. The cave’s most popular sculpture is the image of Lord Shiva as ‘Dakshinamurthy’, where Shiva is shown as the teacher surrounded by his disciples. You can get a better understanding of history and Kerala’s cultural roots here.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave

8. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

If you love to explore and surround yourself with flora and fauna then Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place. With a wide variety of animal species and plantations, it is an enriching experience with nature.

The best time to visit the wildlife sanctuary is between November to March as you can go trekking and do wildlife safaris.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

9. Enjoy the brunch at German Bakery

With the beautiful view of Lighthouse Beach, you can enjoy a scrumptious meal at the German Bakery. Their shrimp biryani, Malabar fruit flambe, and pancakes are a must-try. They also offer Ayurvedic meals on request which is a unique experience for tourists.

10. Experience the scenic beauty at Vellayani Lake

At the beautiful Vellayani Lake, you can take a boat ride to see a variety of birds that come to the lake. You can visit the lake during the early morning or evening hours to avoid the heat. It is the best spot for having a picnic or just for going for a stroll at the lake.

Vellayani Lake

11. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium

Explore the diverse marine life of the Indian Ocean in this beautiful marine aquarium. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium has interactive touch tanks where tourists can touch the creatures. The aquariums have been built to replicate the habitat of the species. You can also get pearls customized according to your preferences here!

12. Indulge in water sports

You can have an adventurous experience by doing different water activities at Lighthouse Beach. Parasailing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling – you can enjoy all of these water sports at Kovalam Beach and have a thrilling experience.

13. Ayurvedic Massage

Treat yourself with signature Ayurvedic healing and wellness therapies in Kovalam. Kovalam is known for the best Ayurvedic massages, spas, and yoga that can help you tune your mind, body, and soul.

Ayurvedic massage in Kovalam- (Photo Credit Gundula Vogel )

14. Houseboat stay

You can spend one night in the serene backwaters and enjoy the scrumptious Malabari food in a boathouse in Ashtamudi Lake or Karamana River. Take in the picturesque scenery as you enjoy some time in the serene waters of Kovalam.

15. Catamaran Ride

A wooden catamaran boat is a medium for experiencing the spectacular fishing villages during high tides at Hawa Beach. Catamaran Rides are a peaceful experience, surrounded by the water on all sides while the winds rush to your face.

16. Visit Halcyon Castle

Also known as Kovalam Palace, Halcyon Castle was built in 1932 by M.R. Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran for his family. With Kerala’s rich architecture and colonial influences, the place is now turned into a luxurious hotel with scenic views making it a worthwhile stay for tourists.

Halcyon Castle

So which spot is first on your radar in Kovalam? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you, based on your requirements. Contact us, and together, we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!