Places to visit in Kovalam
Kovalam is Kerala's most famousbeach town. Nestled by the cerulean Arabian Sea, the sun-kissed shores fringedby swaying palms and coconut groves lies a half-hour drive, 16 kms from capitalcity Thiruvananthapuram. The popular tourist destination is one of the best honeymoondestinations in Kerala. The beach town is known for its three wonderful beaches– Hawa beach, Lighthouse beach and the Kovalam beach. Besides, the scenicbeauty, Ayurveda massages and water sports activities help in enjoying thebeach bliss.
Kovalam was discovered by thewestern hippies in the 1960s. The fishing village in earlier days has sincebecome one of the most popular beach destinations and a tropical paradise. Relaxed,sun-kissed and free of crowds, Kovalam has it all in becoming the most soughtof beach holiday destinations in India. Families, couples on honeymoon, backpackers,leisure seekers or anyone seeking a beach getaway, Kovalam suits all! The beach resorts and accommodation has a majorrole in making the visitors feel right at home. There are expansive lavish lodgingsthat offer a comfortable stay with a whole range of amenities.
Not just confined to relaxing,the amazing beaches of Kovalam are also known for adventurous sports, Ayurvedamassages and more. The thrilling activities includes swimming, diving,parasailing, wind surfing and many more. The blissful waters are thronged by adventurelovers in search of a rush of adrenalin. The Ayurveda resorts along the beachesare the perfect respite to relax and feel rejuvenated. Choose from numerouspackages, the apt one fitting your need and budget. The ancient practice ofhealth and wellness is said to provide holistic solutions for the body, mindand soul. Pamper yourself with Ayurveda therapy while enjoying the beautiful scenery.In addition, Kovalam is known for the many amazing seaside eateries serving afusion of Indian and continental food, itinerant hawkers, fast food vendors,pubs etc. Shopping too is a pleasure as one can find great bargains of handicrafts,and more.
Hawah Beach, Kovalam
Hawah is a stretch of isolated beach famous for its enchanting sunset views. Renowned as the second largest beach, it is also known as Eve's Beach for it being the first topless beach in India. However, topless bathing is banned now.
Poovar Island
Poovar is a small rustic town situated 17 kms from Kovalam with unspoilt, unexplored golden sand beaches and beautiful backwaters of Kerala.
Also known as a fishing village, the tranquil Poovar island lies between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. Hiring a boat, (especially during the sunset)that will take you through the mangrove forest of backwaters is a must-do activity. The boat ride costs around INR 3000- INR 4000. The town has some of the beautiful resorts and hotels that are known for the hospitality they offer.
Poovar beach is secluded and is only accessible by a boat. Swimming is allowed here throughout the year except for the monsoon months
Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium: The astronomy gallery opens up the secrets of the skies and celestial objects in its display. Designed in the typical Indian style of architecture based on the Buddhist stupa of Sanchi, the Birla Planetarium is a popular tourist place.
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral: One of the largest cathedrals in India, St. Paul's Cathedral is noted for Gothic architecture. A popular tourist site for its historic appeal and incredible layout, the cathedral is testimony of the colonial days and the Anglican community that settled in India.
Vellayani Lake, Kovalam
One of the most popular freshwater lakes, Velliyani Lake is located 7km away south from Kovalam in Trivandrum, Kerala. Velliyani lake is also known as 'Velliyani Kayal' in the regional language Malayalam. Spread over 7.5 acres, the lake is a significant water source for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Vellayani Lake is in the premises of Vellayani Agricultural University which is also a must see place. It is ideal for an evening walk with the cool breeze and lotus blooming on the lake that rejuvenates any passerby. Vellayani Kayal gives a nostalgic feeling to anyone who wishes to experience the goodness of a village away from city life
Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam
Located in Kovalam (Southern Kerala), the Lighthouse Beach is known for the 35 metres tall Vizhinjam Lighthouse, located on the top of the Kurumkal hillock. The lighthouse is entirely made of stones and coloured in red and white bands. Visitors love to reach the top of this tall structure by using a spiral staircase to click some memorable photographs.
Lighthouse beach is a perfect spot to enjoy water activities and sports, such as surfing, parasailing and paragliding. Travellers also like to play volleyball on the beach. The beach is also well known for its lush palm plantations and trees that dot the entire area. Easy accessibility, lip-smacking food and affordable lodging add to the charm of this place.
Halcyon Castle, Kovalam
Halcyon Castle was as a family retreat built for the royal family of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai. The castle is located in Travancore in God's Own Country, Kerala. The splendid castle is an example of the traditional architecture of Travancore. The beautiful expansive lawn all around the magnificent castle is a treat to the eyes.
The castle was sold to the Government of Kerala after which a hotelier bought it and opened it to the public as a 5-Star Hotel in Kovalam. There have been several owners of the hotel till date. However, the majestic Halcyon Castle never fails to attract tourists from all over the world.
Samudra Beach, Kovalam
Samudra beach is a clean and isolated beach in Kovalam. A large promontory separates this northern beach from the southern side. This beach is also an excellent place to visit during one's honeymoon. November to February would be a great time to visit Samudra beach.
Samudra beach is where you can enjoy the sight of shoreline fishing and watch local fishermen ply their trade. There is also a mosque on this beach. There are a couple of food stalls on the beach as well. Although the beach has its own high season, it is still quite untouched by large scale tourism, thus preserving its serenity.
Veli Tourist Village
The Veli Tourist Village is a famous picnic spot in the mouth of the River Veli. Situated 12 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the site offers various indulging activities. The most prominent ones are the pedal/speedboat that explores the lagoon on the southern banks of the river, the children's park, horse rides and swimming pool.
Tourists can book boat rides and engage in activities like games, horse rides and the children can play around in the park. The swimming pool, shopping complexes and cafeterias are other recreational activities at the Veli Tourist Village. Apart from these, the bay on the banks of Veli river is the spot for vast biodiversity with pigeons, swans, birds, fishes and tortoises.
The Kerala Tourism Department Corporation (KTDC) runs a floating cafe and a walkway that is adorned with stone and grass sculptures within the premises. This beautiful picnic spot also houses a floating bridge that connects to the Veli beach. Visiting the spot during sunset is an excellent time by the tourists as it bestows an exceptional view. It is a perfect leisure spot and a photogenic place for families and friends.
Excursion to Kanyakumari
Bordered by the three seas - Arabian, Indian and the Bay of Bengal, Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of Indian Peninsula. A small coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari was earlier known as Cape Comorin. The town is a mountainous terrain amid three seas, with elevated patches of hills, coconut trees and lined with paddy fields. Kanyakumari is also the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach.
The town is not only popular for its unique phenomenon but also its beaches, temples, iconic monuments that attract a huge number of tourists throughout the year. The Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Statue of the Poet Thiruvalluvar, the Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Vattakottai Fort, and the Gandhi Memorial are few of the most important sites in Kanyakumari.
Waterfalls in Kanyakumari that you should not miss out on include the Thirparappu falls, the Courtallam Falls, and the Olakaruvi falls. Kanyakumari has an authentic South Indian cuisine, with seafood and coconuts being an integral part of almost all dishes. While Kanyakumari is not a traditional shopping destination, you can buy plenty of souvenirs and curios from the numerous stalls and boutiques dotting the beachfront, with decorative seashell trinkets being a must-buy.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
One of the 108 Divya Desams, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Embellished in gold-plated covering, the temple is opened only to Hindu followers. Dedicated to Lord Padmanabha; one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the principal centres of Vaishnava worship in the dharma of Vaishnavism.
Built as a replica of the Adikesavaperumal Temple in Thiruvattar, the Padmanabhaswamy temple is well-preserved antiquity. Although the origin of this temple still remains a mystery, devotees believe it to have existed since the first day of the Kali Yuga, which was 5000 years ago. The Padmanabhaswamy temple also has a mention in the Bhagwad Gita. The scripture states that Balarama, the older brother of Lord Krishna frequented the temple, bathed in the Padmatheertham and also made several offerings the deity here.
Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Trivandrum
Famous for its Lion and Deer Safari, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for nature enthusiasts. The park houses a crocodile farm and elephant rehabilitation centre. Ask for a guided tour of the sanctuary which is quite informative.
