Kovalam Beach is a mesmerizing coastal paradise in the state of Kerala. You might have heard that this state is often referred to as “God’s own country”. Known for its tranquil waters, swaying palm trees and golden sands, Kovalam is a must-visit destination in Kerala for travellers seeking a combination of adventure and relaxation and beach lovers. If you are planning a trip to Kovalam, this blog post discusses everything you should know about its beach:
Kovalam Beach – An Introduction
Kovalam Beach located near Thiruvananthapuram is a popular tourist destination for people from Kerala and tourists from nearby states. Kovalam has three beaches. They are Samudra Beach, Hawah Beach and Lighthouse Beach. Each of them offers unique experiences. The serene atmosphere and a wide range of activities make these beaches ideal for families, honeymooners and tourists alike.
Kovalam Beach is generally very clean and safe. Apart from its three beaches, Kovalam also offers thrilling beach activities. Also, in this destination, you can find wellness centres, shopping centres and ayurvedic rejuvenation centres. Before you visit this beach destination, you can learn a lot from this post:
How to Reach Kovalam Beach?
Kovalam Beach is easily accessible by different modes of transportation from other parts of Kerala and India. Read on to learn about reaching this beach destination:
By Bus
Kerala Road Transport Corporation operates regular buses to Kovalam not only from Thiruvananthapuram but also from nearby cities. Also, private bus operators operate buses from Bangalore, Kochi and other cities to take you to Kovalam.
By Train
Thiruvananthapuram Central is the nearest railway station to Kovalam. Trains from different cities connect this station. You can reach Kovalam Beach from this railway station by hiring a cab. The distance is around 15 km.
By Flight
Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kovalam Beach. From this airport, you can reach Kovalam within a 12 km drive. This is possible by hiring a cab. This is an international airport. However, you can also take domestic flights from other Indian cities to reach Trivandrum International Airport.
By Car
Kovalam is connected well by well-laid roads. Particularly, NH 66 road connects Kovalam to other cities. When you drive from Thiruvananthapuram, the drive will take around 30 minutes. The route will be scenic.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
During your visit to Kovalam Beach, you have a lot of activities to engage in. My post on Top 15 Things to Do in Kovalam – Discovering the Paradise might help you plan. Here are a few important attractions and things to do in this beach destination:
Surfing Destination
The tranquil waters of Kovalam Beach are known to provide the best opportunity for surfing enthusiasts. Surfing is one of the activities not to miss out on when you are in Kovalam. The beach houses the popular Kovalam Surf Club that uses the attractive coastline to provide both amateurs and experts with a great surfing experience on the friendly waves.
Kovalam Beach houses an artificial reef. This is why many surfing enthusiasts find Kovalam Beach surfing a bit competitive. It is an ideal leisure activity and it will take you to the centre of the beach.
Visit the Serene and Beautiful Kovalam Town
Kovalam apart from housing the Kovalam Beach is a town you can plan your visit to. If you do not want to stay in a resort close to the beach, you can choose an accommodation in Kovalam Town. The town itself houses many attractions to explore like:
- Aruvikkara Dam
- Neyyar Dam
- Halcyon Castle
- Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
- Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple
- Vellayani Lake
- Karamana River
- Hawah Beach
- Samudra Beach
- Lighthouse Beach
Visit Art Galleries
If you are an art enthusiast, you can find many art galleries to visit in Kovalam. They are:
- Lakshana
- Little Designs Studio
- Adorn Arts & Handicrafts
- Hastkala
Indeed, these art galleries are owned by creators. However, these galleries provide an opportunity to meet new talents and artists regularly. Also, some of these galleries provide an opportunity for budding artists interested in showcasing their talents.
Kovalam Art Gallery is one of the popular tourist attractions in Kovalam. It is situated on Hawah Beach and you can reach by hiring a cab.
Spend a Night in Houseboats
With tranquil and soothing surprises, the Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most attractive places to visit in Kovlam. Indeed, Kovalam backwaters are not that popular like the Alleppey or Kumarakom houseboats. However, you can expect similar tranquillity and serenity from Kovalam houseboats as well.
The houseboats are stationed at Ashtamudi Lake. A night stay in the houseboat is a popular choice among honeymoon couples. The houseboats assure luxurious stay with delectable Kerala cuisine.
Water-based Adventure Activities
Kovalam Beach offers a lot of adventure sports. In addition to being the best destination for surfing, Kovalam also offers other activities as well. The adventure activities can cost you somewhere between ₹500 and ₹3000. Here are a few adventure activities you can try when you are at Kovalam:
- Cruise trip
- Surfing
- Wind Surfing
- Snorkeling
- Paragliding
- Jet Skiing
- Parasailing
Enjoy Scuba Diving
Scuba diving facilities are also available in Kovalam Beach. However, this activity is limited in the beach as per the season. So, it is better to make prior bookings to avoid disappointments. Scuba diving activities are available on the beach only during the winter season.
Scuba diving organizers offer different packages on this beach. The package you choose should rely on the type of experience you expect. For instance, you can opt for a traditional scuba trip. Otherwise, you can opt for a BOND Safari. It is nothing but an underwater scooter trip that will take you deep into the sea.
The scuba diving rates differ and the starting price will be around ₹4500. For the best deals, you can talk to your hotel reception as some accommodations arrange for scuba diving experiences for guests.
Enjoy Delectable Cuisine
If you are a foodie, you will feel happy to know that Kovalam Beach is filled with hotels, shacks and small restaurants. They offer a wide range of dishes. The cuisines you can try here varies from South India, Kerala, Malabari and North Indian dishes. You can also find outlets that sell international dishes like Italian, Chinese, German, Israeli and French.
Enjoy Catamaran Rides at Hawah Beach
Many beaches in Kerala are known for Catamaran rides they offer. As you are interested to know about the things to do in Kovalam, you can take a catamaran ride. The Hawah Beach has this facility for tourists. Taking this ride is one of the best adventure experiences you should not miss out on.
When you explore Kovalam Beach, do not forget to visit the Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach and Hawah Beach. In these beaches, you can engage in activities like photography, food and adventure sports.
Kovalam Beach is considered one of the forerunning locations of Indian Hippie Trails. The attractive Arabian sea and the hill makes this place very gorgeous. Visitors coming to this beach destination spend days together to experience the beauty of the beach to the fullest.
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is located on the southern most side of Kovalam. It is popular among tourists and it gets its name due to the 30-metre high lighthouse. Due to the popularity of this beach, many resorts and hotels are located near the Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam.
Hawah Beach
Hawah Beach is popular for its thriving hippie life and strong currents. You can find a lot of dorms of travellers by this beach and also you can find a lot of affordable backpacker hostels. In addition to affordable stays, this beach is popular for its wide range of cafes that offer tasty continental cuisine.
Check out my post on Kasargod – The Place Where History Meets Natural Splendour.
Samudra Beach
This is the most inaccessible among the other beaches in Kovalam. However, hiking enthusiasts visit this beach in large numbers. It will be lovely to watch the waves crashing against the rocky shores on this beach. Many small tourist lodges are providing accommodation to tourists near the Samudra Beach. You can find tourists playing volleyball and taking sunbath on the shores of this beach. This beach is ideal for those looking for some privacy during their visit to Kovalam Beach.
In addition to these three beaches, you can also find Ashoka Beach in Kovalam. This beach is popular for its swimmable shallow waters.
Best Time & Season to Visit
The peak season to visit Kovalam Beach is between November and February. During this season, the weather will be pleasant. So, you can engage in a lot of outdoor activities by choosing this season.
Monsoon Season
Monsoon Season in Kovalam is between June and September. If you wish to enjoy the lush greenery of Kerala, you can choose this season. However, you should expect rains during this season. So, participating in outdoor activities can be tough.
Off-season
The off-season is the summer months between March and May. The reason is that the climate will be hot and humid during this season. But, this season is ideal for budget travellers as they can get off-season discounts for accommodation. The crowds will be less during this season.
Duration to See
You can explore Kovalam beach and its surrounding attractions within 2-3 days. If you plan to take an ayurvedic treatment or wellness retreat, you can consider staying for a week. My post on 5-day Kovalam Itinerary might help you plan your trip.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
- Devi Garden Restaurant
- German Bakery and Waves Restaurant
- Suprabatham
- Malabar Café
- The Crows Nest Café
Check out my post on Vattavada – Visit This Peaceful Village Near Munnar.
Where To Stay? Best Resorts
My post on 18 Best Hotels In Kovalam To Ensure A Comfortable Stay in the Coastal Town can help you choose an accommodation in the coastal town. However, here are some choices.
- Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach
- Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam
- Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa
- Soma Palmshore Beach Resort
- Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
- Wilson Aruyvedic Beach Resort
- Sagara Beach Resort
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
You need not have to pay any entry fee to visit Kovalam Beach. However, for most water sports, you will have to pay.
FAQ
Can I Swim in Kovalam Beach?
Yes, Kovalam Beach is known for its shallow waters. So, it is suitable for swimming. However, make sure to follow lifeguard’s instructions when you swim.
What is the Best Mode of Transportation to Explore Kovalam?
The best thing you can do is to rent a bicycle or scooter. With this vehicle, you can visit not only the Kovalam Beach but also the nearby attractions with ease. However, this mode will suit only if you are a solo traveller or a couple. Indeed, if you go as a group of friends, this idea might work.
Is it Possible To Visit Kovalam Beach from Thiruvananthapuram as a Day Trip?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. The reason is that the distance from Thiruvananthapuram to Kovalam Beach is only 22.8 km via the Kazhakootam – Karode Bypass.
Are Cultural Events Conducted in Kovalam?
Yes, Kovalam hosts cultural festivals and events like classical dance performances and Kovalam Surf Festival.
Is it Safe to Visit Kovalam Beach with Kids?
Yes, it is a safe place to visit with family and kids. The water in the beach is not so deep. However, take the utmost care when you let your kids play around the water.
Can I Safely Engage in Water Activities Near Kovalam Beach?
Yes, you can find companies near the beach that arrange for safe water-based activities even for beginners like you.
Conclusion
Kovalam Beach is a combination of cultural richness, adventure and natural beauty. It is an ideal destination for different types of travellers. You might be looking to relax on the sandy shores of the beach. Otherwise, you might be interested in engaging in water sports. Even, you might want to get a rejuvenating ayurvedic treatment. Kovalam has something for every tourist.
So, you can confidently plan your trip to Kovalam Beach, where you have lot of opportunities to explore nearby attractions as well. Get close to nature by spending quality time on the shores of Kovalam Beach. You can also visit the other two beaches located close to this beach. You can get a wholesome and satisfying experience. Get ready to capture some stunning pictures with your family.
Read my other posts on Kerala here:
How Are Houseboats of Kerala and Kashmir Different?
Top 100 Kerala Tourist Places to Keep on Your Bucket List
Guide About Thekkady, The Best Kept Secret Of Kerala
4 Days in Wayanad Itinerary – Things To Do & Places to Visit in Wayanad
Kerala Itinerary – 10 Days in Kerala Tour Plan
