Kovalam is one of the most popular and visited places in Kerala. It garnered attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore built her beach resort by the end of the 1920s. Post that, Kovalam was rendered as a tourist location by the 1930s by the Maharaja of Travancore, who highlighted the tourist importance of the place. The culture however began to pick up pace in the early seventies when hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail visited Kovalam. There are numerous places to visit in Kovalam. Places with beauty such emphatic, memories would rarely be forgotten.
Attractions in Kovalam
Kovalam stands for ‘grove of coconut trees’ in Malayalam. It has been a place of tourist attraction since a long time now. It does not only highlight the haven of beaches that it holds in its chest. Kovalam is a place of significant historical importance. The way it binds with nature in most ways is almost poetic. From trees, to beaches, to lakes and backwaters, Kovalam brings all of it to you. It has elements of tourism, tourists would rarely find all of them at one place. A visit to Kovalam is definitely going to remain ingrained in memories.
Interesting and Amazing Things To Do In Kovalam
Kovalam has a variety of choices to pick from. The serenity of the beaches are certain to keep you captivated. Otherwise, one could always take a look at the backwaters that define Kerala. Popular eateries at every corner make sure eyes are not the only ones getting a treat. If not that, one can always visit places of historical importance and add valuable pieces to their knowledge. God’s own country has its own country in Kovalam. With unimaginable beauty and calm and happening at the same time, Kovalam feels like heaven on earth.
Now let us look at certain geographical aspects of Kovalam
Location: By the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala
Altitude: 16ft above sea level
Temperature: 25-32 degree Celsius
Rainfall: 2,700 mm
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Clothing: Cotton
Languages: Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and English
Boundaries of Kovalam:
North – Poonkulam district of Kerala
South – Thennorkonam
East – Muttakad district of Kerala
West- Lakshwadeep Sea
Kovalam witnesses a very diverse tourist variety. From Europe to visitors from India, makes up the tourist section of Kovalam. Given the variety of places to visit in Kovalam makes it one of the best tourist spots of India. The beaches define Kovalam. The backwaters, the boats, the food, Kovalam speaks calm everywhere. It has ancient ports and temples to fascinate oneself. It has more than one surprise held in itself. The sightseeing places in Kovalam would simply captivate a person. The soul and the heart would feel that Kovalam is where they belong. Kovalam should make it to every tour list.
Places of Interest in Kovalam
The Lighthouse Beach
The lighthouse beach of Kovalam is one of the three significant beaches of Kovalam. Its main centre of attraction is the Vizhinjam lighthouse. The lighthouse is a towering 35 metres tall. It is located on the top of the Karumkal Hill. The place can be travelled by foot. The roaming beams of light emanating from the head of the Lighthouse is known to spread the calm. The unearthly grace of the beach makes it a definite spot. The lighthouse beach is the largest beach in Kovalam. It is the southernmost beach of Kovalam. It is also one of the most popular places to visit in Kovalam.
The German Bakery
The German bakery is one of the most moderately priced bakeries in Kovalam. It is also one of the must-visit places. Located on the Lighthouse Beach, the German Bakery is famous for its breakfast menu. It is also a very pleasant place to spend your evenings at. The German Bakery is frequented by the tourists and would be included in every list with the names of places to eat at.
Hawah Beach
It is also known as Eve’s Beach. This second of the crescent shaped beaches of Kovalam is a moment of respite from the days of tire and exhaust. Corniced by boundaries of rock, one can almost let their breath taken away. The blue waters lapping under the feet would definitely hold one back. The bay holds its own charm and beauty. Hawah Beach, funnily enough draws its name from being the first and only topless beach India ever had. Now, however, roaming topless is banned in India. The name has stayed. The Hawah Beach is one of the sightseeing places in Kovalam.
Samudra Beach
The third of the crescent beaches, this beach does not see the usual din of the tourists clamouring at its berth. It houses fishermen on their way to conduct their usual business. One can always go for a swim in the shallow waters the beach is famous for. A pleasant walk along the sea wall should take you to this separated piece of the sea no less than the others. The black sand only makes it more serene. One can also suffice themselves with the multiple purchase items they can avail from the shops at the beach. It is located on the northern side of Kovalam.
Karamana River
Karamana River begins at the Sahyadri range. The Karamana River flows from the southern part of the range. It gets its name from the region it flows through. Karamana is a place located at the outskirts of Kovalam. It flows into the Arabian Sea. It is adorned with the various harvest Kerala is blessed with. Surrounded by nature, heavy canopies, The Karamana River has nature at its breasts. The banks are full of coconut trees. One can explore the expanse of the river on boats. A touch of the green of the nature can be felt up close at this place. The river also bears two dams on itself which qualify as places of scenic beauty as well.
Vellayani Lake
Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Trivandrum. Tourists visiting this place go for the purposes of picnic. The lake is as clear as crystal, reflecting the blues of the sky on itself. It is most visited during the annual boat races which are held on the lake during the festival of Onam. That is when the lake attracts the most crowd. Even otherwise, the calm of the lake is a beautiful reason for an escapade. The bliss felt on seeing the beauty is sure to encapsulate the soul of a visitor.
Halcyon Castle
The Halcyon Castle was the mother of the tourism efforts of Kovalam. It was built by the regent Queen Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore. It served the purpose of her beach resort. However, it is built in no less manner than a castle. It managed to enchant the guests The Queen brought upon to visit. Given the beauty of the place, the castle only added more to the grace of it. It also was the reason for the increase in fame of the house. Built in 1932, located by the sea side, the Castle is now converted into a luxury hotel.
Kovalam Art Gallery
If a person is an art lover, this is a must-go place for them. If a person is not an art lover, upon visiting this place they can’t help but appreciate. The Kovalam Art Gallery is the house to many inspirational art. Its ethnic artwork and artefacts, has held the attention of many international and national visitors. The rich history and ethnicity is well presented in this museum. The beauty of the place has made it into a popular visiting place.
Valiyathura Pier
The Valiyathura Pier is present at the ancient port of Valiyathura. The Valiyathura port was the only port of Kerala at one point of time. It lost its significance to Kochi. The port is now used as a fishing spot. The pier is 2214 meters long. Legend runs, it was present since the times of King Solomon. The pier still is a favourite spot for photographers, and fishermen.
Neyyar Dam
The Neyyar Dam is a stone masonry dam located on the Neyyar River. It is situated at a distance of around 30 kilometers from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. The Neyyar dam is a scenic lake and a popular picnic spot. It is present at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Wildlife here is rich. A variety of fauna can be spotted. Tourists can hire speed boats at nominal price to explore the lake. The dam also houses a crocodile rehabilitation centre. The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram offers yoga courses for yoga enthusiasts.
Aruvikkara Dam
This dam is located on the Karamana River. It is rendered a tourist spot due to the reservoir and garden it holds. It also has a Bhagavathi Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is built on a rock which makes it a place to see. The tourist flow here comprise primarily of devotees and fishermen.
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
The Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is one of the most ancient temples of Kerala. It is a holy spot. Built on the banks of the Karamana River, this temple is dedicated to Lord Parasurama. Belief runs, that Lord Parasurama is the creator of Kerala. This temple is regarded as a protected monument by the Archaeological Department of Kerala.
Edakallu
Edakallu is a place between the Hawah Beach and the Lighthouse beach. This place is a popular go-to place for photographers. They frequent this place for the scene that it showcases. The place is famous for its sunset. The breath taking sunset heralds a charm like no other place. Shutterbugs frequent this place for its scenes. It has thus created a reputation as one of the sightseeing places in Kovalam.
Vizhinjam Village
The Vizhinjam Village is famous for its teeming number of Ayurvedic Centres. It is only at a distance of 3 kilometres from Kovalam. The place of visit in the confines of the village would be the rock-cut temples. There are secluded beaches, and fishing harbours. They make up for a lot of sightseeing places in Kovalam. It was a humble fishing village. Only after the 1970s, was it popularized by the hippies. This village makes for one of the most alluring places to visit in Kovalam.
Aruvikkuzhi falls
The Aruvikkuzhi falls are at a distance from the main attractive places to visit in Kovalam. However, it makes up for a beautiful destination to pay a visit to. The falls lie at a distance of 20kms from the town of Kottayam. They are around 30ft high. They are active during the rainy season. In the summer, the rover dries up and the falls cannot be witnessed then. The place is an ideal trekking spot though. It still carries a reputation for trekking during the summer. The place is also a very good picnic spot. There is a nearby bird sanctuary in Kumarakom.
Kovalam is known as the Paradise of the South. The reputations speaks for itself. The Paradise in God’s own country should make it as tempting a place to visit. The number of sightseeing places in Kovalam is huge. The most important part is the peace that is associated with the town. The places to visit in Kovalam are enough to take up one trip. If otherwise, the surroundings are blessed with more such places. The Kurmatal falls located around 100kms far are a must. Kovalam, hence, brings more to nature and life than a lot of tourist spots in India.
