Kovalam Beach Tours and Activities

Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach


Visit this town on the shores of the Arabian Sea, noted for its three beaches, markets, sunset views and resort atmosphere.

The coastline of Kovalam has attracted Indian royalty and western hippies alike with aquamarine bays, sandy beaches and sunsets over the Arabian Sea. Spend timeless hours relaxing by the sea, wandering through markets and savoring fresh local seafood.

The name Kovalam translates as "coconut groves" and is so called because of the expansive coconut forests that envelop the town. This region became a vacation destination for Indian royalty in the early 20th century, but did not develop into its modern form until the 1970s when it was discovered by hippies.

Along Kovalam's 11-mile (17-kilometer) coastline, find three major beaches. The smallest and quietest is Samudra Beach, which is popular with fishermen who deliver their evening catches here. Next door is Hawah Beach, with its clean sands and gorgeous views.

Visit Lighthouse Beach, the busy epicenter of Kovalam's coast and its southernmost beach. Set up a rented sun lounge and umbrella, swim in warm shallow waters and join the locals on their evening walks along the seafront. Another popular activity here is a sunset boat tour beyond the bay.

After your beach excursions, explore the rest of the beach town. Walk through the labyrinthine streets to find markets selling silk gowns, hand-woven books and artisanal Tibetan goods.

Appreciate the grand architecture of Halcyon Castle, a stone-built royal residence on the headland between Samundra and Hawah beaches. Go to the promontory above Lighthouse Beach for Vizhinjam Lighthouse, a 118-foot (35-meter) red and white tower. For a small fee, you can climb the spiral staircase to the observation platform and take in sweeping views of Kovalam and beyond.

Wander along Vizhinjam Harbor Road atop a steep embankment for views of Vizhinjam International Sea Port. Be sure to stop by a gorgeous lime-green mosque occupying the port headland.

When you are looking for something to eat, find restaurants within the beach town or along its promenade. Among the options are vegetarian curry houses and European bakeries.

Kovalam is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Thiruvananthapuram and is easy to get to via taxi, rental car or rickshaw. This area is busiest in the dry season, from September through May.

Plan a trip to see Kovalam Beach

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Best Lodging Options Near Kovalam Beach

The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

5 out of 5
Kovalam Beach Road, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel
Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel

Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel

5 out of 5
GV Raja Road, Samudra beach, Vellar, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
Gokulam Grand Turtle On The Beach

Gokulam Grand Turtle On The Beach

5 out of 5
VPI/439, ITDC Road, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Gokulam Grand Turtle On The Beach
Getaway Beach Resort Kovalam

Getaway Beach Resort Kovalam

3.5 out of 5
Tc 63/523-1, (Old Vo 1/642), Beach Road, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Getaway Beach Resort Kovalam
Hotel Sea View Palace - The Beach Hotel, Kovalam

Hotel Sea View Palace - The Beach Hotel, Kovalam

2.5 out of 5
Light House Beach, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Hotel Sea View Palace - The Beach Hotel, Kovalam
Kovalam Beach Hotel

Kovalam Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
2nd Beach Road (Hawah Beach Road), Kovalam Beach, Kovalam, Trivandrum, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Kovalam Beach Hotel
Swagath Holiday Resort

Swagath Holiday Resort

3 out of 5
Near Eve's Beach, Kovalam Beach Road, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Swagath Holiday Resort
The Ocean Park Beach Resort

The Ocean Park Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
Light House Beach, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
The Ocean Park Beach Resort
Beach Florra Inn

Beach Florra Inn

3 out of 5
Light House Beach Rd, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram District, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Beach Florra Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for tourists. Visitors can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, enjoy a laid-back beach vacation, or try their hand at surfing. For those seeking inner peace, yoga vidya sessions and wellness retreats provide a serene escape. Whether you're looking to unwind or explore, Kovalam has something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful stretch of coastline.

Shopping

Kovalam Beach offers vibrant shopping experiences! The nearby Chalai market, 11.3km away, has a bustling atmosphere perfect for souvenirs. Additionally, Mall of Travancore, also 11.3km away, provides family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, visit LuLu Mall Thiruvananthapuram, located 16.1km away for more entertainment options.

Find the best attractions near Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach offers a delightful blend of attractions, including pristine beaches, cultural temples, and serene lakes. Visitors can indulge in a romantic getaway or immerse themselves in local culture. For a comfortable stay, consider the Buddha Beach Hotel, which provides easy access to these points of interest, ensuring a memorable experience for all kinds of travellers.

  • Samudra Beach Park: Located 1.4km from Kovalam Beach, this serene beach offers a tranquil escape with beautiful views and gentle waves, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
  • Vellayani Lake: Also 1.4km away, Vellayani Lake enchants visitors with its romantic ambiance and stunning scenery. Ideal for outdoor activities, it’s a lovely spot for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely stroll.
  • Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Situated 9.7km from Kovalam Beach, this cultural gem is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, making it a significant site for spiritual exploration and cultural immersion.

Best time to go to Kovalam Beach

The best time to visit Kovalam Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kovalam Beach falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kovalam Beach falls in August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January79.5°F (26.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
February80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
March82.2°F (27.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
June80.2°F (26.8°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
July79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August79.0°F (26.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September79.2°F (26.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
October79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kovalam Beach

To save money on your trip to Kovalam Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of February and August to September for lower accommodation rates. Enjoy free entry to Kovalam Beach and nearby attractions like Lighthouse Beach, making it easy to explore without spending much. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, and check Expedia for last-minute discounts. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for added savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kovalam Beach are February and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to October and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kovalam Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kovalam Beach is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Kovalam Beach is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you envision. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kovalam Beach with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.