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Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It is 16 km off the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. The Arabian Sea that lines Kerala along its west all along turns into a meek and placid waterscape at Kovalam. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. Its major attraction is the sandy seaside naturally divided by rocky mounds into three separate curved beaches. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The northern part of the seaside, known as Samudra Beach in tourist parlance, lies quietly separated by a high headland from the busy areas. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres. Clear water with shallow bottom up to a hundred metres has made Kovalam a swimmers' haven.

The Lighthouse is located on a rocky promontory at the southern end of Kovalam Beach, at a hillock named Kurumkal. Due to this lighthouse, the southern end of the Kovalam Beach is called as Lighthouse Beach. The lighthouse that is built using stones is colored in red and white bands and enjoys a height of 118 feet and is 30 metres long. Tourists visiting this lighthouse can climb the 142 spiral stairs to reach the observation platform, from where views of Beemapalli Mosque and Poovar are available. From atop the lighthouse one can distinctly make out the ridges that separate the three Kovalam beaches. This lighthouse is also known as the Vizjinham lighthouse or the Vilinjam lighthouse. The lighthouse underwent renovations in the year 1972 and again in 2003.

Samudra Beach, which is just 4 km north of Kovalam, is a popular attraction. This is the northernmost of the Kovalam beaches and also the least crowded. The beach owes its name to Hotel Samudra, which is operated by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. this place is marked by its solitude and a profound sense of isolation from the rest of the world. Forming the northern part of Kovalam Beach, this beach is popular among both Indian as well as international tourists. Numerous basic wooden fishing vessels can be seen near the beach. Separated by a huge headland, This is the reason why this region has a number of Ayurveda Health Resorts.

Vellayani Lake, or Vellayani Kayal as known in local language, flows through the district of Thiruvananthapuram and happens to be the largest fresh water lake of the district. A road passes through this lake; a bund has been constructed for this purpose. The lake is a favorite picnic spot among the locals as well as the tourists since it is close from the main bus station of Thiruvananthapuram. The lake is a sight to behold with its crystal clear blue water that is also fresh. When the moonlight falls on the lake, the whole place takes on an ethereal quality.
Kovalam,India
The Leela Kovalam, Kerala, built on a cliff-top and spread over of acres of lush greenery, is cradled between wide sweeping beaches and has a panoramic view of the famous Kovalam coastline. The resort is known for its world class dining, seamless service, and palatial accommodations. Soothing décor, warm aesthetics, and g...
Kovalam,India
Vivanta by Taj - Kovalam, Kerala is a mere 12 Kms from the Trivandrum airport. With its prime location and and natural backdrop, this resort offers guests the beaches, hills and backwaters of kerala, all in one exclusive resort. The landscape is dotted with cottages, decorated in indiginious expressions and elephant-grass thatct...
Kovalam,India
Niraamaya Retreats (Surya Samudra Private Retreats) is just on the same stretch as Kovalam but tucked away from the bustle. Among the 31 rooms, 22 are traditional Kerala styled a ccommodations with a verandah and spacious open-air bathrooms which are scattered throughout a palm grove, interconnected by pathways. All the rooms ar...
Population: 25736
Average Climate:
| Summer: | 25° C – 32° C |
| Winter: | 23° C – 30° C |
Best time to visit: September to March