Sea, sand, and sun. Travelers to India’s southern state of Kerala visit the beach paradise of Kovalam for just that. Known the world over for its coastal retreat, Kovalam is one of the country’s oldest tourist destinations, made famous by the royalty that saw great potential in the area. Reaching the area is as easy as flying into
Trivandrum International Airport and grabbing a taxi to travel the 16km to Kovalam. Within the city, taxis and rickshaws are the way to get around, but renting a bike provides the best way to take in the atmosphere.
Once in Kovalam, it’s all about the beaches. Lighthouse Beach is the more developed area and boasts a 35-meter high lighthouse atop Kurumkal hill. A five-minute walk away is the second largest beach, Hawah Beach. This was a very adult-friendly area where beachgoers could go topless and avoid the tan lines. But that has since been banned. Samudra Beach is a quieter area and is where local fisherman ply their trade. There is a lighthouse located here as well. This one is a landmark for being the oldest lighthouse in Kerala.
There are plenty of properties to choose from when looking to stay in Kovalam, from budget properties for the backpacker or thrifty traveler to high-end resorts providing all the luxury you can handle. Beach Road hosts an abundance of properties and is a great place to start looking for the perfect stay. Find the most suitable accommodation for you by clicking on our interactive map and exploring Kovalam for hotels and must-see destinations.
