Things to do in Kovalam for a Perfect Beachside Vacay

One of the prime things to do in Kovalam is visiting the Lighthouse Beach. Scrumptious food, comfortable and affordable lodging, and breathtaking views - the Lighthouse Beach of Kovalam offers it all. This is precisely why the beach is today one of the most visited places in the entire region of Kovalam, and why tourists make it a point to visit this beach the first thing in Kovalam. Located in southern Kerala, it boasts of a lighthouse that is 30 metres in height, which is what gives the beach its name.

Hawah is a stretch of isolated beach famous for its enchanting sunset views. Renowned as the second largest beach, it is also known as Eve's Beach for it being the first topless beach in India. However, topless bathing is banned now. However, it still attracts a large tourist influx all through the year. Visiting the beach is one of the top touristy things to do in Kovalam.

Kovalam is a coastal town surrounded by several beaches and a lot of these beaches give you the option to indulge in the very exotic and thrilling water sports. Trying out these water adventure sports is one of the most thrilling things to do in Kovalam. The water activities which are offered by the sports clubs include parasailing, snorkelling, wind surfing and back water cruise.

One of the most popular freshwater lakes, Velliyani Lake is located 7km away south from Kovalam in Trivandrum, Kerala. Velliyani lake is also known as 'Velliyani Kayal' in the regional language Malayalam. Spread over 7.5 acres, the lake is a significant water source for irrigation and drinking purposes. Surrounded by a scenic landscape of coconut groves and backwaters, the lake is a favourite picnic spot among locals as well as tourists. It bustles with entertainment during Onam, the traditional festival of Kerala. Be sure to include visiting here in your list of top things to do in Kovalam.

A large promontory separates this Northern beach from the southern side. Samudra Beach is where you can enjoy the sight of shoreline fishing and watch local fishermen ply their trade. There is also a mosque on this beach. Besides, the beach boasts of endless peace and serenity and is away from the hustle bustle and chaos of the commercial crowd. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Kovalam, especially for the solitude seekers.

Originating from the southern part of the western ghats, the Karaman River is a prominent tourist attraction in Trivandrum. The river flows through a small suburb called Karamana. There are extensive tropical plantations around the river which lets every visitors engage themselves in nature's beauty. Tourists can enjoy the scenic landscape along the river bank. The Thiruvalam Boating Camp anchored on the bank offers various water sports like canoeing, kayaking and houseboat cruises. There are many houseboats which can be reserved for a night's stay by the tourists. Making a visit here is one of the best things to do in Kovalam.

Every year in October, the surfing federation of India organises a surfing competition in Kovalam. Most of the surfers are from the fishing communities of Kerala hence the surfing club has got its own praise. The Kovalam Surf club supported by a more large wing, NGO SISP is one among the many surf clubs in the coastline of Kovalam. They provide surfing classes for all age groups between 6- 60 years. The activity is one of teh most thrilling things to do in Kovalam.

Vizhinjam is a seaside hamlet, and one of the earliest rock-cut caves in Kerala is very close to the scenic Kovalam Beach. It is situated 17 km from Trivandrum. Vizhinjam Caves have rock cut sculptures from the 8th century that houses one-celled shrine of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi with the outer wall depicting an unfinished statue of Lord Shiva holding a bow and Parvathi on either side. The icon of Tripurantaka with a bow and arrow in two of his four hands, with his left foot resting on Apasmara, the crown of his head that's elegantly carved and highly ornate is a beautiful model of the 8th-century art. It is incomplete yet mesmerising to see.

Staying in a houseboat is one of the unique experiences and one of the most exotic things things to do in Kovalam. In addition to relishing amazing Malabari cuisines, you can also enjoy stunning locales, rich green paddy fields and emerald plantations. You can avail the opportunity at the Ashtamudi Lake or the Karamana River.

Honoured as India's first offshore coral reef, Artificial offshore coral reef in Kovalam has gained popularity. This major project aimed to protect and enhance the environment by the government of Kerala in association with the Department of harbour engineering. However, artificial coral reef became a major tourist attraction after surfing was introduced. The surfing sport has boosted a large number of tourist to this region. Here visitors are provided with a diving outfit and safety arrangements underwater. You should definitely include visiting here in your top things to do in Kovalam.

Kovalam Art Gallery is home to many intricate paintings, artefacts and one of the favourite tourist spots in Kovalam. It is at a proximate distance from Hawah Beach, Trivandrum located on the Samudra beach road. The paintings showcased provide rich knowledge not just for adults but also the kids by bestowing inspiration and motivation. If you are art connoisseur, you should definitely include visiting here in your list of things to do in Kovalam.

One of the most unique things to do in Kovalam is riding on a catamaran. Floating on top of the serene blue waters and letting the wind rush at your face is definitely going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You can try out the activity at the Vellayani Lake or the Hawah Beach. The boats are mostly traditional and are rowed with the help of paddles.

Halcyon Castle was as a family retreat built for the royal family of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai. The castle is located in Travancore in God's Own Country, Kerala. The splendid castle is an example of the traditional architecture of Travancore. The beautiful expansive lawn all around the magnificent castle is a treat to the eyes. The castle was sold to the Government of Kerala after which a hotelier bought it and opened it to the public as a 5-Star Hotel in Kovalam. Visiting the magnificent castle is one of the topmost things to do in Kovalam.

When in Kovalam, you absolutely have to indulge in treating yourself with the world-known Ayurvedic massages and spas. This is one of the topmost things to do in Kovalam. With a variety of techniques and herbal oils, the massages leave you completely relaxed and wanting for some more. Some hotels have this in-house facility while there are other places as well where you can avail it.

The Veli Tourist Village is a famous picnic spot in the mouth of the River Veli. Situated 12 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the site offers various indulging activities. The most prominent ones are the pedal/speedboat that explores the lagoon on the southern banks of the river, the children's park, horse rides and swimming pool. Tourists can book boat rides and engage in activities like games, horse rides and the children can play around in the park. The swimming pool, shopping complexes and cafeterias are other recreational activities at the Veli Tourist Village. Be sure to include visiting here in your bucket list of things to do in Kovalam.

Valiyathura Pier became one of the most famous spots of south Kerala in 1950. Earlier it was extensively used for transport of cargo and currently its mostly used by fishermen to launch catamarans during rough weather. It is significantly famous sightseeing for tourists for its mesmerising view. The 60-year-old pier is 703 foot supported by 127 concrete piles and made of 571 tonnes of cement and 250 tonnes of steel. The exciting part of visiting the dock is watching the sky change colour in the evening. Make sure to include visiting here in your topmost things to do in Kovalam.

German Bakery is one of the most popular bakeries in Kovalam and it serves mouth watering German cuisine. Besides the English ambiance and delicious food, you can also enjoy the beachy views as the restaurant is located on the Lighthouse Beach. You can also relish sumptuous Ayurvedic meals in the cafe. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Kovalam.

Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is situated on the banks of Karamana River. It is known to be the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Parasurama. According to the folklore the 2000-year-old temple is believed to have visited by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Built in the 12th century by the legendary king Athiyaman Perumal, the Parasurama Temple is a Trimurthy temple with the shrines of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. The temple is a venue to pay respects to the ancestors.

Located about 2km from Kovalam near Theatre Junction, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is situated in one of the busiest fishing harbours. Officially known as Sagarika marine research aquarium, the place houses a large variety of rare aquatic species like squirrelfish, clownfish, moon wrasse and a school of invertebrates and ornamental fishes. A treasure trove of colourful corals, giant turtles, lionfish, piranhas, triggerfish, sharks surgeonfish and a lot more. It is very informative and exciting for sea explorers who can get a closer look at the mysteries of marine life.

Pozhikkara is a beautiful beach in Kovalam at the inter-junction of the backwaters meeting the sea. Lined with tall towering trees and healthy vegetation, the beach is one of the most green beaches of the city. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing, the beach also has myriad other options to make your trip fun. You can also try the delicious mouth watering local food from the stalls and shacks on the shores. Visiting here is one of the top touristy things to do in Kovalam.

Situated in the southern part of Kovalam, Chowara Beach is popular for its fishing spots. Besides the regular fishermen at work with their huge Chinese fishing nets and big boats, you will also find several picnickers gathered here with their basket of food. The highlight of the beach is a Chowara Ayyappa Temple which gives a hilltop picturesque view of the shores and adjoining villages.

Vizhinjam Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kovalam which houses a lighthouse and an impressive marine aquarium. The beach is also known to be one of the largest ports in India.

Fishes, fruit salads, chicken and regular Malayalee preparations are available here. Along with this one will find the widespread Idli, Dosa, Vadas and Uttapam along with an almost exotic range of seafood like a lot of areas around it. This range includes crabs, prawns, lobsters and more. Sometimes slightly Indianized Israeli and European grub is also available. Alcohol is easily available, but must be discreetly consumed.