Kovalam Beach

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 savouring 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 holiday 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-kilometre) 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-metre) 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 Harbour 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 kilometres) 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.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

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
Hotel Sea Face

Hotel Sea Face

4.5 out of 5
N.U.P, Beach Road, Hawah Beach, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara, Kerala
Hotel Sea Face
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
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
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, a stunning destination in Kerala, offers thrilling activities such as surfing, with its consistent waves ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers. Additionally, the vibrant underwater world invites you to explore through scuba diving, allowing for encounters with colourful marine life. These exhilarating experiences, combined with the picturesque surroundings, make Kovalam an unforgettable spot for adventure seekers and beach lovers alike.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Chalai market, located 4.3km from Kovalam Beach, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. If you're up for a drive, LuLu Mall Thiruvananthapuram and Mall of Travancore, both 6.2km away, provide a mix of entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

In Kovalam, the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort provides authentic Ayurvedic treatments amidst lush greenery, focusing on holistic healing. The Leela Kovalam offers rejuvenating spa therapies with stunning sea views, perfect for relaxation and revitalisation after a day of beach activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of parasailing at Kovalam Beach, soaring high above the coastline for stunning views. For a unique underwater adventure, try snorkelling and explore vibrant marine life in the clear waters. Additionally, enjoy a traditional Kerala backwater cruise, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the region.

Nightlife

Kovalam Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife with lively beach shacks and bars like the Fisherman's Cafe and The Leela's Terrace, offering delightful cocktails and fresh seafood. Enjoy live music and dance under the stars, creating an enchanting atmosphere to unwind after a day of sun and sand.

Find the best attractions near Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach offers a delightful blend of attractions for tourists, including stunning beaches, cultural temples, and serene lakes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant beach scene, explore local cultural sites, and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Popular activities include relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and discovering nearby attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and cultural experiences.

  • Lighthouse Beach: Located 373m from Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with golden sands and stunning views of the iconic lighthouse. It's perfect for sunbathing and enjoying local seafood at nearby shacks.
  • Vizhinjam Beach: Just 621m away, Vizhinjam Beach is known for its serene environment and picturesque fishing boats. The beach is ideal for a relaxing stroll and observing the traditional fishing practices of the local community.
  • Samudra Beach Park: Situated 559m from Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach Park features a tranquil setting with lush greenery and well-maintained pathways, making it a great spot for picnics and family outings by the sea.

Best time to go to Kovalam Beach

The best time to visit Kovalam Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. August is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January79.5°F (26.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
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 LowAverage
October79.7°F (26.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 cheaper months of February and August to September. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturdays typically offer the lowest accommodation prices. Utilise public transport to explore the area affordably, and seek out free activities such as beach days and local markets. Combining flights, hotels, and activities into an Expedia package can also lead to significant 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 Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Kovalam Beach is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kovalam Beach with your flights and activities by arranging an Expedia package.