Located along the sun-kissed Arabian Sea coast of Kerala, Kovalam is a tropical paradise known for its palm-fringed beaches, Ayurvedic wellness, seafood delights, and cultural richness. Whether you’re chasing waves, rejuvenating with a spa, or diving into South Indian traditions — Kovalam is the perfect escape! Here are the top 15 places you must visit in Kovalam, with travel tips, food picks, cultural insights, and exclusive Kreative Routes deals!
1. Lighthouse Beach 🏖️🌅
Description:
Kovalam’s iconic Lighthouse Beach offers golden sands, turquoise waters, and panoramic views from the towering red-and-white Vizhinjam Lighthouse. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, and soaking in coastal sunsets.
History 🏛️:
The lighthouse was built in the early 20th century during British rule to guide ships arriving at the busy Vizhinjam Port.
📍 Distance: 1 km from Kovalam center | ⏱️ 5 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗 How to Reach: Walkable; or take an auto-rickshaw
🍛 Food Tip: Try grilled seer fish at “German Bakery” or coconut prawns at “Santhosh Restaurant”
🎭 Cultural Insight: Look for live Kathakali shows on the beachfront during festive evenings
✨ Unlock unbeatable Kovalam travel deals including flights, hotels & curated experiences — only with Kreative Routes! ✨
2. Hawah Beach (Eve’s Beach) 🌊🌴
Description:
A quieter alternative, Hawah Beach is loved for its serene environment and local fishing activities. Early risers can catch fishermen pulling in their nets and enjoy meditative beach walks.
History 🏛️:
Named “Eve’s Beach” due to its popularity among women in earlier times, it became a hub for international backpackers in the 70s.
📍 Distance: 1.5 km | ⏱️ 5–10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗 How to Reach: Walk or auto-rickshaw from Lighthouse Beach
🍛 Food Tip: Coconut pancakes and seafood thali at “Fusion Restaurant”
🎭 Cultural Insight: Observe the daily lives of fishermen and their traditional catamarans
✨ Relax where time slows down — with wellness-focused packages by Kreative Routes! ✨
3. Samudra Beach 🌺🌊
Description:
Less touristy and more laid-back, Samudra Beach is ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking peace. The crashing waves and palm-lined coast make it a perfect photography spot.
History 🏛️:
This beach developed organically as tourism spread in Kovalam and remains a hidden gem for those avoiding crowds.
📍 Distance: 3 km | ⏱️ 10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to February
🚗 How to Reach: Auto-rickshaw or taxi from Kovalam town
🍛 Food Tip: Fresh tuna fry and banana fritters at “Curry Leaf Restaurant”
🎭 Cultural Insight: Local artists often paint or sell seashell jewelry here
✨ Discover Kovalam’s hidden shores with offbeat beach trails from Kreative Routes! ✨
4. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium 🐠🐚
Description:
Explore marine life up close at this compact aquarium with colorful species, including lionfish, clownfish, and turtles. A great stop for kids and nature lovers.
History 🏛️:
Managed by CMFRI, the aquarium supports marine research and public awareness about conservation.
📍 Distance: 3.5 km | ⏱️ 15 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Year-round
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or local bus from Kovalam
🍛 Food Tip: Try fish cutlets and lime juice at nearby stalls
🎭 Cultural Insight: Educational programs often run during school holidays
✨ Fun meets learning with family-friendly Kovalam tours by Kreative Routes! ✨
5. Halcyon Castle 🏰🌴
Description:
A former royal residence turned heritage hotel, Halcyon Castle is known for its colonial architecture, lush gardens, and royal vibes.
History 🏛️:
Built in 1932 by the Travancore royal family, the castle later became a luxury retreat attracting dignitaries and celebrities.
📍 Distance: 2.5 km | ⏱️ 10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or taxi
🍛 Food Tip: Enjoy royal-style Kerala meals at the in-house restaurant
🎭 Cultural Insight: The site hosts private Kathakali and classical music evenings
✨ Step into Kerala’s regal past — exclusive heritage stays with Kreative Routes! ✨
Kovalam Tour Packages
6. Vellayani Lake 🌄🛶
Description:
This large freshwater lake offers scenic boat rides and is a haven for birdwatchers. A peaceful escape from the beach crowds.
History 🏛️:
Linked with Vellayani Devi Temple, the lake holds spiritual importance during the local temple festival.
📍 Distance: 7 km | ⏱️ 20 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or rented two-wheeler
🍛 Food Tip: Visit “Vellayani Toddy Shop” for authentic seafood and tapioca
🎭 Cultural Insight: Snake boat races held during festivals in the area
✨ Sail through still waters with nature tours from Kreative Routes! ✨
7. Vellayani Devi Temple 🕉️🔥
Description:
A sacred site known for its powerful deity and vibrant festivals. The stone architecture and temple pond create a spiritual ambiance.
History 🏛️:
Over 700 years old, it’s a key center for Devi worship in southern Kerala.
📍 Distance: 7.5 km | ⏱️ 25 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: March–April (festival time)
🚗 How to Reach: Auto or cab from Kovalam
🍛 Food Tip: Temple prasad (sweets) and nearby payasam stalls
🎭 Cultural Insight: The annual Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam features fire rituals and processions
✨ Experience spirituality the Kerala way — with temple tours by Kreative Routes! ✨
8. Ashoka Beach 🏖️🧘
Description:
A clean, uncrowded beach ideal for yoga, morning walks, and Ayurvedic treatments. Great for wellness seekers and digital nomads.
History 🏛️:
Named during Kovalam’s early tourism boom for hosting international wellness groups.
📍 Distance: 1.5 km | ⏱️ 10 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to February
🚗 How to Reach: Walk or rent a bicycle
🍛 Food Tip: Health smoothies and millet pancakes at “Sea View Café”
🎭 Cultural Insight: Hosts yoga retreats and meditation workshops
✨ Heal, detox, and rejuvenate with curated wellness tours by Kreative Routes! ✨
9. Aruvikkara Dam 🌿💧
Description:
A peaceful dam site with beautiful gardens and riverside views. A nice picnic spot and photography stop.
History 🏛️:
Built over the Karamana River, it’s a vital water source for Thiruvananthapuram.
📍 Distance: 26 km | ⏱️ 45–50 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: July to December
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or rented car
🍛 Food Tip: Try dosa and sambar at “Sree Krishna Bhavan” en route
🎭 Cultural Insight: Features local village festivals nearby in harvest season
✨ Blend nature and leisure with off-city escapes by Kreative Routes! ✨
10. Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium 🐟🔬
Description:
A fascinating spot for marine enthusiasts, this government-run aquarium houses a variety of exotic and ornamental fish species. It’s educational and fun for both kids and adults.
History 🏛️:
Operated under the Department of Fisheries, this research facility aims to promote marine biodiversity awareness among tourists.
📍 Distance: 3.5 km | ⏱️ 15 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Year-round
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or local auto from Kovalam
🍛 Food Tip: Enjoy masala tea and fish puffs at a small café nearby
🎭 Cultural Insight: School groups often visit as part of eco-awareness drives
✨ Dive into discovery with family-friendly marine tours by Kreative Routes! ✨
Honeymoon in Kovalam
11. Karamana River Boating Point 🚣♂️🌿
Description:
This scenic river offers kayaking and canoeing amid tranquil greenery. It’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for an offbeat experience.
History 🏛️:
Historically, the river supported trade and transport for nearby fishing villages and farmlands.
📍 Distance: 10 km | ⏱️ 25 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or auto via Bypass Road
🍛 Food Tip: Try Kerala-style fish curry at “Kunjamma’s Riverside Kitchen”
🎭 Cultural Insight: Riverbanks host local Onam boat races and cultural boat songs
✨ Paddle through paradise with river adventures from Kreative Routes! ✨
12. Ayurvedic Retreats of Kovalam 🌿💆♀️
Description:
Kovalam is famous for its Ayurvedic wellness centers offering treatments like abhyangam, panchakarma, and shirodhara. Ideal for healing and stress relief.
History 🏛️:
Kerala’s Ayurveda dates back over 5,000 years. Kovalam became a wellness hub in the 1970s as global travelers sought holistic healing.
📍 Distance: Various centers within 2–4 km | ⏱️ 5–15 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to March (dry season is best for treatments)
🚗 How to Reach: Walk or taxi from any beachside resort
🍛 Food Tip: Detox meals and herbal teas at in-house clinics
🎭 Cultural Insight: Some centers offer Ayurvedic cooking classes and yoga sessions
✨ Heal your body and soul with curated Ayurvedic journeys by Kreative Routes! ✨
13. Kovalam Art Gallery 🖼️🎨
Description:
Located near Lighthouse Beach, this small but charming gallery showcases contemporary and traditional South Indian art. A great place to appreciate Kerala’s vibrant visual culture.
History 🏛️:
Established to support local artists, the gallery features rotating exhibitions and supports indigenous talent.
📍 Distance: 1 km | ⏱️ 5 min walk
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Year-round
🚗 How to Reach: Walk from Lighthouse Beach
🍛 Food Tip: Enjoy a fresh fruit lassi and idiyappam at nearby “Malabar Café”
🎭 Cultural Insight: The gallery often hosts live painting, music, and folk art performances
✨ Uncover the creative soul of Kerala with art & culture tours from Kreative Routes! ✨
14. Poovar Island 🌴🛥️
Description:
A short boat ride from Kovalam takes you to Poovar — a scenic island where backwaters meet the sea. Relax on golden sandbanks, explore estuaries, or take a romantic sunset cruise.
History 🏛️:
Poovar was an ancient spice-trading post visited by King Marthanda Varma and European merchants.
📍 Distance: 18 km | ⏱️ 35–40 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: October to February
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi to Poovar Jetty, then boat ride to the island
🍛 Food Tip: Fresh seafood platters at “Floating Restaurant Poovar”
🎭 Cultural Insight: Watch fishermen at work and traditional boat festivals during Vishu
✨ Sail into serenity with romantic island getaways by Kreative Routes! ✨
15. Padmanabhapuram Palace (Day Trip Option) 🏯👑
Description:
Although a little outside Kovalam, this wooden palace is worth a day trip. Admire its intricate carvings, antique furniture, and murals — a true architectural gem.
History 🏛️:
Once the capital of the Travancore Kingdom, the palace dates back to the 16th century and showcases traditional Kerala-style architecture.
📍 Distance: 50 km | ⏱️ 1 hr 30 min
☀️ Best Time to Visit: November to March
🚗 How to Reach: Taxi or tour vehicle arranged via Kreative Routes
🍛 Food Tip: Vegetarian Thali and banana chips from roadside dhabas en route
🎭 Cultural Insight: A peek into royal Kerala, with historical exhibits on governance, culture, and rituals
✨ Walk through royal history with expertly guided heritage tours by Kreative Routes! ✨
🌟 Kovalam Travel FAQs with Kreative Routes ✈️
What are the best travel packages for Kovalam with Kreative Routes?
We offer curated packages including beachside resorts, Ayurvedic retreats, backwater cruises, and art & heritage tours starting from ₹8,999!
How can I reach Kovalam from major Indian cities?
Fly to Thiruvananthapuram (15 km away), then take a taxi or pre-arranged Kreative Routes transfer.
What local dishes should I try in Kovalam?
Must-tries include Karimeen Pollichathu (fish in banana leaf), appam with stew, prawn curry, and tapioca with chutney.
How safe is Kovalam for solo or family travelers?
Must-tries include Karimeen Pollichathu (fish in banana leaf), appam with stew, prawn curry, and tapioca with chutney.
Can I combine Kovalam with other destinations?
Yes! Explore Kerala combos with Alleppey, Varkala, Thekkady, and Munnar. Ask for custom itineraries.
What's the best way to get around Kovalam?
Walk for beach hopping, or use local autos and cabs. We also offer private car services.
Does Kreative Routes offer wellness or Ayurveda packages?
Yes! We offer personalized wellness retreats including treatments, diet plans, yoga sessions, and heritage resort stays.