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Kovalam: The best of beach tours
Kovalam briefly.
Kovalam in Kerala, India, is a world-known tourist destination for its serene beaches. A 15-kilometer drive separates it from the Trivandrum district city. The name Kovalam comes from the phrase — place of coconut trees. It was a popular stop for hippies heading to Sri Lanka in 1970. Since then, Kovalam has quickly evolved from a fishing town to a popular tourist destination. Today, this lovely beach attracts many tourists from all over the world. Taking a stroll along the beautiful beaches of Kovalam will stay with you forever.
The coastline of Kovalam stretches over 17 km along three beaches. Rock outcroppings separate Kovalam Beach into three sections: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. Boulders along these beaches are slippery, so be careful when walking on them.
Every beach will give a different experience. Therefore, it is best to visit each beach separately. Lighthouse Beach is the largest of the three beaches. On top of a rocky hill, a tall 35-meter-high lighthouse gave this beach its name.
Hawa Beach is the second largest. Most foreigners visit this beach. Kovalam's Hawa Beach was the only topless sunbathing beach in India. On the beach, however, topless bathing is now banned. A few private resorts that are not open to the public offer topless bathing on their beach.
Samudra Beach lies on the north side of the beach. This beach is less crowded than the other two. More fisher-men work here. Ashoka Beach is another beach along the Kovalam coast. The beach is calm, uncrowded, and a lovers' favorite spot.
Beaches in Kovalam are busy from September through May. The beach has long been a favorite destination for beach lovers, both foreign and local. A swaying coconut palm, a long coastline, a lighthouse on the shore, clear waters, and a distant horizon describe this place perfectly. An extensive rocky peninsula on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters suitable for sea bathing. On the beach, one can enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, catamaran rides, parasailing, cycling, etc. For all beach lovers, watching the beautiful sunsets and losing themselves in the exciting colors of the sky is an absolute delight.
Must-sees in and around Kovalam
Hawa beach
Hawah Beach is also known as Eve's Beach. It was once only the beach in India that allowed for topless sunbathing, but the Indian rule has now banned this practice. Due to its lush green coconut groves and crystal clear water, the beach is a sight to behold.
Lighthouse beach
Lighthouse beach in Kovalam, Kerala, is a beautiful sandy beach with a 35-meter tall lighthouse on a rocky hill. Kovalam's Lighthouse beach is a breath of fresh air in a state with dense forests, picturesque hill stations, lush green plantations, and serene backwaters. This beach attracts many beach lovers from all over the world with its calm waters and facilities.
Samudra beach
The Samudra beach in Kovalam is a scenic place to visit. Whistling wind and a warbling ocean blend freshness. Located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, Samudra Beach at Kovalam has an oasis-like atmosphere that appeals to honeymooners as well as other tourists. Its tranquility and hush are certainly a welcome change from city life. The authentic appeal of Samudra beach has been perfectly preserved.
Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum
Trivandrum (or Thiruvananthapuram) is the state capital of Kerala. It has a domestic airport, an international airport, and a central railway station. Smooth roads branch out of the city connecting it to all the southern parts of India. It is bounded on the east and northeast by the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, in the south, by the fertile rice bowl district of Kanyakumari, presently in Tamilnadu state, and the Arabian Sea in the west. The hills rise majestically along the shore of the Arabian Sea as if they beckoned to the sea. Hence, the rain goes down from the slopes to the sea. The city has a lot to offer to the eyes of tourists. The modern style of architecture seems to compliment the antique monuments.
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is situated inside the East Fort in Trivandrum's heart. The temple is famous for having the deity in the eternal sleep posture. Also, the temple, embellished with murals and stone carvings, is one of the 108 abodes of lord Vishnu. We recommend visiting this temple while you are in Trivandrum. Temple entrance is restricted to Hindus. In addition, you should wear clothes according to temple rules. Rental clothes and changing rooms are available within the temple premises.
Agasthyakoodam/Agasthya Mala
The peak, 1890 meters above sea level, is situated in the Sahya Mountains, 61 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city. Agasthyakoodam, also called Agastya Mala, gets its name from the Hindu sage Agastya, one of the Saptharishis of the Hindu Puranas. The hill station is also famous for its rare herbs of high medical value found on the hill's slopes. Diverse in its flora and fauna, it is also a delight for bird-watchers. Agasthyakoodam is the second-highest peak in Kerala and is the origin of the river Karamana, which fulfills the city's water needs. It is a suitable place for mountaineers.
Aruvikkara dam
Aruvikkara is beautiful place situated 17 km away from Thiruvananthapuram City. Karamana river flows through this place. The headquarters of the Wellington Water Distribution Project is located here. A dam, a fish farm, and Durga Temple are the other attractions of this place.
Koyikkal Palace
This Palace is located at Nedumangad, 18 Km from Thiruvananthapuram city, on the way to Ponmudi. In the 15th century, Umayamma Rani built this Palace, shaped like 'Nalukettu,' and this is the only center for Kerala's coin collection.
Peppara wildlife & Dam
The beautiful forest area, Peppara, is situated 40 km from Thiruvananthapuram city on the way to Ponmudi. There is a wildlife sanctuary and a reservoir in this place.
Poovar Beach, resorts, & backwaters
Poovar lies at a distance of 16 km from Kovalam and 30 km from Trivandrum. It is a place where the lake and the sea meet. It is a beautiful place adorned with beautiful scenery. The main attraction of this place is the serene beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea. This lake and the beach will amaze you with their pleasant separate view. The sea rises to the edge of the lake during high tide. On both sides of the lake, dense mangrove forests and coconut groves add to the beauty of the greenery. The beautiful beach of the village is located close to the natural harbor of Vizhinjam and attracts many tourists. Many resorts provide exciting packages like floating cottages, ayurvedic massages, and boating on the lake. At this pace, on a moonlit night, floating cottages are the perfect option to spend a dream-like day with your loved one. For those interested in bird watching and photography, a trip to Poovar will never disappoint.
Ponmudi hill station
This tourist center is 59 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city, at a height of 610 meters above sea level. The climate is delightful. Ponmudi is another hill station lying in the vicinity of the central city. It is a beautiful place with breezy pathways and lush, velvety green slopes. The hill station has excellent trekking trails and is home to various flowers, eye-catching butterflies, and a few rivulets. The place also has a deer park nearby and imparts an exuberant view. KTDC has arranged accommodation for the tourists here.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery
Sree Chitra Art Gallery is situated near the zoo. Paintings by famous artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Rorich, K.C.S Panicker, etc., are displayed here. There is also a grand collection of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet, Bali, etc., and copies of pictures on the Ajantha Caves.Visiting hours: 9 am to 5 pm—Monday holiday.
Astronomical and scientific Observatory
It is a scientific and astronomical Observatory station located on the premises of Kanakakkunnu Palace. It is the highest area of the city, 60 m above sea level. King Swathi Thirunnal built it in 1837. One could get a clear view of the whole city from here.
Science and Technolodgy Museum
It is located near the PMG (Post Master General) office. Information about the latest studies and inventions in the field of Science and Technology is available here. This place is handy for children and elders.
Priyadarshini Planetarium
It is situated near the Science and Technology Museum. We get enough knowledge about the Solar System from here. Watching the orbiting of planets and stars on a domed ceiling through projectors is a fantastic experience for the spectators.
Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute:
It is located at Palode, a place of natural beauty, 35 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. A vast collection of rare plants can be seen here.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace is situated 53 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Kanyakumari. This Palace was built for the former kings who ruled Travancore. The art and sculpture of this place are very famous.
Shanghumugham beach
Away from the crowd of the city on the western side of Trivandrum lies Shanghumugham Beach. The silvery-white sand, a never-ending coastline, and tranquil waters make it serene. The Jalakanyaka– Mermaid sculpture, made by the famous sculptor Kanai Kunjiraman, a star-shaped restaurant, etc., is an added attraction for the visitors. The statue is about 35 m long. With eating booths on the beach, it is a perfect way to spend quiet evenings by the Sea.
Neyyar Dam
A repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam, located about 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a favorite picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. There is a watchtower. Just as crocodiles are attracted to the water, the visitors are attracted to the crocodile farm, here. The majestic King of the forest – Lions can be sighted in the "Lion Safari Park". There is also a deer park. And there are also boating facilities at the reservoir. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar River is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, of which the dam is a part, is the habitat of over a hundred species of fauna, including Asian elephants, tigers, Leopard, Slender Loris, and reptiles like King Cobra, Travancore Tortoise, etc.
Napier Museum (Government Art Museum)
Named after a former British Governor (Lord Francis Napier), the Napier Museum is something you can't afford to miss while in the city. It is known for its excellent architectural design. It also displays a rare collection of bronze articles, antique musical instruments, and ivory carvings. The museum also has Zoological Gardens and is known to be one of the most well-planned zoos in Asia. The Botanical Garden also has all the species of tropical trees that exist.Visiting hours: 9 am to 5 pm. Monday Holiday.
Vizhinjam
It is located about 20 km from Thiruvananthapuram City. Cheras, the historical leaders used this place as their harbor. A rock temple made by drilling a huge rock attracts tourists very much. There is also an aquarium with a rich collection of marine creatures.
Varkala beach
Unlike Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach is a quiet affair yet is popular amongst travelers. The beach is famous for being under the cliff and offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. With a temple in the vicinity, there is a divinity in the air. The beach also has a quiet beach called the Black Beach famous for its black sands.
Veli tourist village
Veli Tourist Village is popular at the weekends due to its magnificent sites of the Veli Lake that meets the Arabian Sea. The Veli tourist village is connected with the Veli beach by a floating wooden bridge that is to be crossed on foot. Boating facilities are available here to enjoy the panoramic view of the place.
Akkulam tourist village
It is a part of Veli Lake. It is a picnic spot set along the banks of Lake Akkulam. It has a boat club providing cruises to the visitors, a children's park with facilities of swings, slides, see-saws, etc., a pay-and-use swimming pool for the adults with separate timings for the girls and boys, an artificial waterfall, a small light and sound theatre, a mini restaurant selling tea, snacks, ice creams, etc.Visiting hours: 10.00 am to 6.30 pm.
Thirivananthapuram Zoo
Travancore King, in 1857, established it, which covers a total area of 55 acres. It is a well-designed zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the country. It displays about 82 species, including native and foreign imported animals. Also, here you can see aviary houses, reptile houses, a vast collection of rare plants, older trees, and a botanical garden.Timings: 9 am to 5 pm. Monday holiday.
Happy Land: http://happylandtvm.com/
Travancore King, in 1857, established it, which covers a total area of 55 acres. It is a well-designed zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the country. It displays about 82 species, including native and foreign imported animals. Also, here you can see aviary houses, reptile houses, a vast collection of rare plants, older trees, and a botanical garden.Timings: 9 am to 5 pm. Monday holiday.
