Kovalam is a beautiful coastal town located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, Kovalam is also one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu for couples. It is also a must visit place for anyone traveling once.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-packed trip, Kovalam has something for everyone. From the iconic lighthouse beach to the secluded Samudra beach, Kovalam offers a plethora of options for beach lovers.
Additionally, the town boasts an array of historical landmarks, including the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Kovalam and explore the wonders of Tamil Nadu.
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to visit in Kovalam, Kerala. Here’s what you need to know before visiting:
Opening time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fees: None
Things to do:
- Relax on the golden sands and enjoy the beautiful views of the Arabian Sea
- Take a dip in the clear blue waters
- Climb up to the top of the iconic lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline
- Enjoy local seafood delicacies at the many beachside restaurants
- Shop for souvenirs at the nearby handicrafts market
Lighthouse Beach is a must-visit destination in Kovalam for a relaxing and rejuvenating beach holiday.
How to reach: To reach Lighthouse Beach from Trivandrum International Airport or railway station, take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to Kovalam. Lighthouse Beach is located about 16 km from the airport and 14 km from the railway station.
Hawa Beach
Hawa Beach, also known as Eve’s Beach, is a serene and picturesque destination in Kovalam, Kerala. Here are some details about the beach:
Opening time: The beach is open from morning till late evening.
Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit the beach.
Things to do:
- Sunbathing: Hawa Beach has soft golden sand and is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
- Swimming: The beach has calm waters and is safe for swimming.
- Surfing: The beach is a popular spot for surfing, especially during the monsoon season.
- Ayurvedic massage: There are several massage centers near the beach that offer traditional Ayurvedic massages and therapies.
- Shopping: There are several shops and vendors selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and beachwear near the beach.
- Dining: There are several restaurants and cafes near the beach that offer a variety of cuisines.
- Sunset views: Hawa Beach is known for its stunning sunsets and is a popular spot for photography and romantic walks.
How to reach: To reach Hawa Beach, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from nearby towns or cities. It is about 16 km from the Trivandrum International Airport and 14 km from the Trivandrum Central Railway Station. If you are coming by bus, you can take a local bus from Trivandrum or Kanyakumari.
Hawa Beach is a tranquil and charming destination that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this beach has something to offer for everyone.
Samudra Beach
Samudra Beach is also a best places to visit in kovalam, Kerala. Here are some details about the beach:
Opening time: The beach is open from morning till late evening.
Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit the beach.
Things to do:
- Sunbathing: Samudra Beach has soft golden sand and is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
- Swimming: The beach has calm waters and is safe for swimming.
- Fishing: The beach is a popular spot for fishing, especially during the early morning hours.
- Yoga: The beach offers a peaceful atmosphere and is a great spot for practicing yoga and meditation.
- Sightseeing: The beach offers beautiful views of the sea and the nearby fishing village.
- Dining: There are a few restaurants and cafes near the beach that offer local seafood and other cuisines.
How to reach: Samudra Beach is located about 2 km from the main Kovalam beach area. Visitors can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the beach. The nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central, which is about 14 km from the beach. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 16 km from the beach.
Samudra Beach is a quiet and peaceful destination that offers a perfect escape from the crowds of the main Kovalam beaches. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this beach has something to offer for everyone.
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Aruvikkara Dam
Aruvikkara Dam is also a popular kovalam places to visit in Kerala, India. It is a beautiful spot for picnics and boating, and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Opening and closing time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit Aruvikkara Dam.
Things to do:
- Enjoy a picnic with family and friends
- Take a boat ride on the reservoir
- Visit the Shiva temple located nearby
- Hike to the nearby hills for breathtaking views
How to reach:
Aruvikkara Dam is located about 15 km from Thiruvananthapuram city center in Kerala, India. One can reach the dam by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from Thiruvananthapuram. There are regular bus services available from Thiruvananthapuram to Aruvikkara Dam. The nearest railway station to the dam is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is about 16 km away.
Vellayani Lake
Vellayani Lake is a scenic freshwater lake located in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala, India. Spread over an area of 7.5 sq. km, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state and is a popular tourist attraction. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is home to a variety of aquatic flora and fauna. The lake is also come in best places to visit in kovalam for its natural beauty and tourist attraction.
Opening and closing time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit
Things to do:
- Enjoy a picnic with family and friends
- Take a boat ride on the reservoir
- Visit the Shiva temple located nearby
- Hike to the nearby hills for breathtaking views
How to reach:
Vellayani Lake is located 7 km from Kovalam and 9 km from Thiruvananthapuram city center. Visitors can reach the lake by taxi or bus. The nearest railway station and airport are in Thiruvananthapuram.
Valiyathura Pier
Valiyathura Pier is a historic fishing pier located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Built-in 1914 by the British, it is one of the oldest piers in the country and offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
Opening and closing time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit
Things to do:
- Enjoy a leisurely walk along the pier
- fishing
How to reach:
Valiyathura Pier is located in Thiruvananthapuram city and can be reached by taxi or bus. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, and the airport is about 7 km away.
Shri Padmanabhswamy Temple
Shri Padmanabhswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the richest temples in the country. Entry to the temple is restricted to Hindus only, and visitors are required to follow a dress code and other rules.
Opening and closing time: 3:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 7:20 PM
Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit
Things to do:
- Explore the intricate architecture
- Follow the Padmanabhaswamy Temple rules for dress code during your visit.
- Only white/off-white dhoti and angavastram are allowed.
How to reach:
Shri Padmanabhswamy Temple is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city and is easily accessible by taxi, bus or auto-rickshaw. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, and the airport is about 6 km away.
Napier Museum
Napier Museum, located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is a must-visit destination for history buffs. Though not in Tamil Nadu, it’s worth visiting. Built in the 19th century, the museum showcases an array of ancient artifacts, carvings, and art pieces from all over India.
Opening time: 10 am to 4:45 pm (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)
Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians, INR 250 for Foreigners
Things to do:
- Explore the diverse collection of art and artifacts
- Admire the stunning architecture of the museum building
- Take a stroll in the lush green gardens surrounding the museum
- Visit the nearby zoo and botanical gardens for more sightseeing.
How to reach:
Napier Museum is easily accessible from all parts of Thiruvananthapuram. The museum is located around 5 kilometers from the city center, and visitors can reach the destination via buses, cabs or auto-rickshaws. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is approximately 3 kilometers away, and the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located around 6 kilometers away.
Kuthira Malika Palace
Kuthira Malika Palace, located near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a spectacular example of traditional Kerala architecture. Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma in the 19th century, the palace now serves as a museum showcasing the royal heritage of Travancore. It is also the best places to visit in kovalam for tourists.
Opening time: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians, INR 150 for Foreigners
Things to do:
- Admire the intricate carvings and paintings on the palace walls and ceilings
- Learn about the history of the Travancore royal family through the exhibits on display
- Visit the nearby Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most famous temples in India.
How to reach:
Kuthira Malika Palace is located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. Visitors can reach the palace via buses, cabs or auto-rickshaws. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is approximately 2 kilometers away, and the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located around 6 kilometers away.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kovalam is a beautiful coastal town that has a lot to offer to visitors. From pristine beaches to historic landmarks, the town has something for everyone. The best kovalam tourist places we discussed in this blog – Aruvikkara Dam, Vellayani Lake, and Valiyathura Pier, are just a few of the many attractions that make Kovalam a must-visit destination.
Visitors can also explore other nearby places like the Shri Padmanabhswamy Temple, Napier Museum, and Kuthira Malika Palace. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Kovalam is truly a gem of a destination that should not be missed.