Kovalam, about 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram, has been one of Kerala's best-known beach destinations since the 1970s. Three neighbouring crescent beaches, separated by rocky headlands, lie below the Vizhinjam lighthouse, with hotels and cafés climbing the slopes behind them.
The things to do in Kovalam are gentle: swimming and sunbathing, climbing the lighthouse, Ayurveda treatments, catamaran and surf sessions, and exploring the fishing harbour and cave temple at Vizhinjam. Poovar's estuary and golden-sand beach are a short drive south, and the temples, museums and palaces of Thiruvananthapuram make an easy day trip.
Two to three days is ideal. September to March is the best time; the monsoon brings rough seas.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Kovalam travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Kovalam
- Relax on Lighthouse, Hawa and Samudra beaches
- Climb the Vizhinjam lighthouse
- Take an Ayurveda treatment
- Try surfing or a catamaran ride
- See the Vizhinjam rock-cut cave temple
- Watch the fishing boats at Vizhinjam harbour
- Boat through Poovar's estuary to the golden sand beach
- Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple area in Thiruvananthapuram
- See the Napier Museum and Kuthiramalika Palace
- Watch a kalaripayattu demonstration
Planning a beach holiday? Explore our guide to the best beaches in Kerala.
Planning something active? Read our guide to surfing in India.
Beaches
Relax on Lighthouse beach
Lighthouse beach, the southernmost and busiest of Kovalam's beaches, has a promenade of cafés, shops and Ayurveda centres. Lifeguards mark safe swimming areas with flags.
- Best time
- Sunset
- Good to know
- Swim between the flags
Walk to Hawa and Samudra beaches
Hawa (Eve's) beach, in the middle, is smaller and quieter, and fishing boats land here in the morning. Samudra, the northernmost, is calmer still, with fewer shops.
Climb the Vizhinjam lighthouse
The red-and-white striped lighthouse on the headland above Lighthouse beach can be climbed for views of the coast. Opening hours are limited, usually in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Good to know
- Limited opening hours
Try surfing or a catamaran ride
Kovalam has a surf club and schools offering lessons on beginner-friendly waves. Local fishermen also offer short rides on traditional catamarans (kattumaram).
- Best time
- October to April
Vizhinjam and Poovar
See the Vizhinjam rock-cut cave temple
The rock-cut cave temple at Vizhinjam, believed to date from around the 8th century, has an image of Vinadhara Dakshinamurthy, a form of Shiva, and unfinished reliefs. It is small but historically important.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
Watch the fishing boats at Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam is an old fishing harbour with a busy morning fish auction and colourful boats. A new deep-water international port has been built nearby.
- Best time
- Early morning
Boat to Poovar's golden sand beach
Poovar, about 20 km south, is where the Neyyar river meets the sea. Boat rides go through mangrove-lined backwaters to a sandbar known as golden sand beach, with the river on one side and the sea on the other. Several resorts offer floating cottages.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Good for
- Couples, families
Thiruvananthapuram day trip
See the Padmanabhaswamy Temple area
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Vishnu reclining on a serpent, is one of the most important temples in Kerala. Entry is only for Hindus, with a strict dress code, but the temple's gopuram and tank and the surrounding old streets of East Fort can be seen by everyone.
- Good to know
- Hindus only inside; dress code
Visit the Napier Museum and Kuthiramalika Palace
The Napier Museum, in a Victorian building with Kerala-style roofs, has bronzes, carvings and ornaments. The Sree Chitra Art Gallery nearby holds paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich. Kuthiramalika Palace, near the temple, has 122 carved wooden horses supporting its eaves and a museum of royal objects.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Good to know
- Museums close on Mondays
Watch kalaripayattu
Kalari schools in Thiruvananthapuram, among the oldest centres of the martial art, hold training and occasional demonstrations that visitors can watch.
Walk Shankumugham beach
Shankumugham, the city's beach near the airport, has a large sculpture of a mermaid (Jalakanyaka) and is busy with families at sunset.
Ayurveda and food
Take an Ayurveda treatment
Kovalam has many Ayurvedic resorts and clinics offering massages and longer residential programmes. Choose certified centres with qualified doctors.
- Good for
- Wellness seekers
Eat seafood by the sea
Beach restaurants display the day's catch in the evening; pick your fish and have it grilled or cooked Kerala style. Agree the price by weight first.
- Good for
- Food lovers
Kovalam by season
Winter (October to March)
Calm seas, sunny days and the busiest season. Swimming is safest now, and surf schools and catamaran rides operate.
Monsoon (June to September)
Rough seas close the water to swimmers, but the season is traditionally considered best for Ayurvedic treatments, and rates drop.
- Good for
- Ayurveda
Things to do in Kovalam by type of traveller
Couples: Sunsets on Lighthouse beach, a Poovar floating cottage and an Ayurveda couples' treatment.
Families: Samudra beach, the lighthouse climb, a Poovar boat ride and the Napier Museum.
Wellness seekers: A week of Ayurveda with quiet beach walks.
What to do in Kovalam with one day
Start with the fishing harbour at Vizhinjam and the cave temple, then spend the late morning on Lighthouse beach. After lunch, take a boat through Poovar's backwaters to golden sand beach, and return to climb the lighthouse and watch the sunset.
Practical tips for Kovalam
- Thiruvananthapuram airport is about 15 km away; the city's central station has trains across India.
- Swim only between the lifeguard flags; currents can be strong.
- Beachwear is fine on the beach but dress modestly in town and temples.
- The monsoon brings rough seas and closes many beach businesses.
Plan the rest of your Kovalam trip
Kovalam things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Kovalam?
Relax on Lighthouse, Hawa and Samudra beaches, climb the lighthouse, take an Ayurveda treatment, try surfing, see Vizhinjam, boat to Poovar's golden sand beach and take a day trip to Thiruvananthapuram.
How far is Kovalam from Thiruvananthapuram?
About 16 km, roughly 30 to 45 minutes by road.
How many days are enough for Kovalam?
Two to three days.
Kovalam or Varkala: which is better?
Kovalam has gentler, crescent beaches and is closer to the city; Varkala has dramatic cliffs and a livelier café scene.
Is Kovalam good for families?
Yes. Samudra and Hawa beaches are calmer, the lighthouse climb and Poovar boat ride are easy outings, and Thiruvananthapuram's museums are close by.
Things to do near Kovalam
- Things to do in Varkala: cliff beaches, about an hour north
- Things to do in Kanyakumari: India's southern tip, about two hours south
- Things to do in Kerala: the whole state
More things to do in Kerala
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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