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Kovalam Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. It is a beach with three crescent-shaped beaches adjacent to it. Since the 1930s, it has been a popular tourist destination. A large rocky promontory on the beach has formed a lovely harbor with calm seas that are great for swimming.
Kovalam is well known for its pristine beaches that attract tourists from all over the world, especially Westerners who love its shallow waters and low tides. This beach town has been an integral part of the Indian tourist circuit since the 1930s and remains a popular destination due to its scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
The Three Beaches of Kovalam
In its 17-kilometer coastline, Kovalam features three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings, which combined form the famed crescent of the Kovalam beach.
Lighthouse Beach: The southernmost beach, Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular among visitors. It was named after the historic Vizhinjam Lighthouse, which stood 35 meters high on top of the Kurumkal hilltop. The lighthouse is made of stones, with red and white bands, and stands at a height of 118 feet. Its nighttime intermittent lights give the beach an otherworldly allure.
Hawah Beach: Second, Eve’s Beach, also known as Hawa Beach, is a swarm of activity in the early morning, with fishermen sailing out to sea. On moonlit nights, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle with its high rock promontory and quiet bay of blue waves.
Samudra Beach: This section is separated from the southern side by a wide point. Tourists aren’t swarming Samudra Beach, and business isn’t brisk. This is where the local fishermen do their thing.
History of Kovalam Beach
The Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore built her beach resort, Halcyon Castle, in Kovalam around the end of the 1920s, which attracted a lot of attention. Her nephew, the Maharaja of Travancore, then brought the location to the attention of the public. In the 1930s, European visitors to the then-Travancore monarchy recognized Kovalam beach’s potential as a tourist destination. Many hippies arrived in Kerala on their way to Ceylon in the early 1970s, kicking off the transformation of a sleepy fishing village into a major tourist destination.
Activities and Accommodations
Kovalam beach offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. Some of them include sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, and a catamaran cruise. The tropical sun is so quick that a subtle blush of coppery tan can be seen on the skin in a matter of minutes. The beach life starts late in the day and lasts well into the night. Budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, commercial zones, swimming pools, and Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centers are all part of the beach complex.
Places to Visit Nearby Kovalam Beach
Here are the 5 places you can visit nearby the beach,
Wanna explore more? Check out the list of all places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram.
Planning Your Trip to Kovalam Beach
Here are a few things to know to visit Kovalam beach,
Best time to visit: Kovalam beach is open for visitors throughout the year, the best time to visit Kovalam Beach is from October to February.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to the beach but one should pay a small amount for parking.
How to Reach: Kovalam Beach is located 15 kilometers away from the Thiruvananthapuram international airport and 16 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram railway station. One can reach the beach using the frequent public transport bus or by hiring a taxi or autorickshaw.
Booking Your Stay: Kovalam Beach and its surroundings offer numerous options for accommodation, including hotels, resorts, and homestays. While some of them allow walk-in bookings, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as many of the establishments tend to fill up quickly. To select the ideal accommodation that meets your requirements, kindly click on the “Book Now” button available on this page.
Have more questions? checkout the FAQ section of this page where we’ve answered most of them.
FAQ's
Why is Kovalam Beach famous?
Kovalam is well known for its pristine beaches that attract tourists from all over the world, especially Westerners who love its shallow waters and low tides. This beach town has been an integral part of the Indian tourist circuit since the 1930s and remains a popular destination due to its scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
Is Kovalam Beach worth visiting?
The decision of whether or not to visit Kovalam Beach is subjective and dependent on individual preferences. While some visitors may appreciate its serene beaches with crystal clear waters, others may prefer a different type of holiday experience. Therefore, it's entirely up to you to determine if Kovalam Beach aligns with your interests and is worth a visit.
How to reach Kovalam Beach?
Kovalam Beach is just 15 kilometers away from the Thiruvananthapuram international airport and 16 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram railway station. One can reach the beach by KSRTC bus or by hiring a taxi.
What is the Entry Fee for Kovalam Beach?
There is no entry fee to the beach, visitors have to pay only for the parking.
What is the Best Time to Visit Kovalam Beach?
One can visit the beach anytime throughout the year, the best time is from October to February.
What are the Things to do at Kovalam Beach?
There are many things to do at Kovalam Beach in Kerala. You can experience Ayurveda treatments and therapies, explore the scenic Vellayani Lake, visit Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, take a houseboat cruise, capture the splendid view of Lighthouse Beach, embrace the beauty of Karamana River, and indulge in water sports such as parasailing and scuba diving.
How many days are required to explore Kovalam?
You can certainly explore all three beaches of Kovalam in a single day, but to truly experience and appreciate everything that the beach has to offer, it's recommended to stay for at least a couple of days. This way, you can take your time to soak up the sun, relax on the beach, and indulge in some of the recreational activities available. Additionally, extending your stay will give you the chance to explore the surrounding areas and nearby attractions, making your trip to Kovalam even more fulfilling.
Is Kovalam beach safe for family and female travelors?
Kovalam Beach is a safe destination for families and solo female travelers, thanks to its popularity and the presence of shallow waters and low tides that make swimming safe. The beach is regularly monitored by lifeguards, who are available 24/7 to respond to any emergency situations. Nonetheless, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while visiting any destination.
