Kovalam
About Kovalam
Famous for its esorts and ayurvedic massage centre, Kovalam is a coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The largest beach in Kovalam is the lighthouse beach that features a 30-metre tall lighthouse. The other two adjacent beaches are Samudra beach and Hawa beach. All these three beaches are crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches. ' Earlier a fishing village, Kovalam started attracting tourists in the 1930s and shot to fame in the hippie era of 1970s. It still sees the influx of tourists from Israel and Europe. Ayurvedic treatments and massages are one
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Top Attractions
Vellayani Lake
One of the most popular freshwater lakes, Velliyani Lake, is located 7km away 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.
Water Sports in Kovalam
Kovalam has a beautiful beach surrounded by rows of green palm groves. It is one of the most picturesque beaches of India with a wide variety of water sports activities. The beach can be divided into three parts. Lighthouse beach, which lies to the South, the northernmost part is known as Samudra and Hawah which is located in the centre.
Lighthouse Beach
Mainly known for its 35 m high lighthouse atop Kurumkal hillock, this beach offers are sandy walk and lip smacking sea food to its visitors.
Hawah Beach
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.
Halcyon Castle
Primly sitting atop a rock on the beach, Haylcon Castle was built by Her Highness, The Queen of Travancore Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai as a private residence.
Samudra Beach
A large promontory separates this Northern beach from the southern side. 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.
Karamana River
Originating from the southern part of the western ghats, the Karaman River is a prominent tourist attraction in Trivandrum. The river flows through a small suburb called Karamana. It attracts many tourists with various indulging activities.
Surfing
Surfing in India is not the way it seems. The beautiful beaches spreading across the 7500 km of coastline in India provides exciting surf spots for surfing enthusiasts.
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 explored the lagoon, the children's park, horse rides and swimming pool.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple
Vizhinjam is a seaside hamlet very close to the scenic Kovalam Beach. It is situated 17 km from Trivandrum.Vizhinjam Caves have rock cut sculptures from the 8th century that houses one-celled shrine of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi with an unfinished statue of Shiva and Parvathi on either side.
Valiyathura Pier
Valiyathura Pier became one of the most famous spots of south Kerala in 1950. Earlier it was extensively used for transport of cargo and currently its mostly used by fishermen to launch catamarans during rough weather.
Kovalam Art Gallery
Kovalam Art Gallery is home to many intricate paintings, artefacts and one of the favourite tourist spots in Kovalam. It is at a proximate distance from Hawah Beach, Trivandrum. It is a feast for the eyes of artist and art lover alike who wish to place their eyes on traditional Indian art.
Aruvikkara Dam
Located 16 km north of Trivandrum, Aruvikkara Dam is situated on the banks of the river Karamana. It is a favorite getaway for visitors who wish to feed the fishes that pop up on the shore or take a casual stroll around the picnic spots near the dam.
Artificial Off Shore Coral Reef
Honoured as India's first offshore coral reef, Artificial offshore coral reef in Kovalam has gained popularity. This major project aimed to protect and enhance the environment by the government of Kerala in association with the Department of harbour engineering.
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is situated on the banks of Karamana River. It is known to be the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Parasurama. According to the folklore the 2000-year-old temple is believed to have visited by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.