Take a Deep Dive in Kovalam's Extraordinary World
Kerala's coastal paradise, Kovalam, is a quiet place best suited to those seeking tranquility and on the path to finding the purpose of their life. Located in the south of Thiruvananthapuram, this spot is calm, with crescent-shaped beaches of golden sand and stunning sunrise and sunset views, making it a perfect spot for the kids to play, or for you to walk barefoot with your loved ones, connecting with nature. Vibrant options are available to make you feel cheerful, offering a new experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Subathing on the beach, surfing in the clear water, and scuba diving are the prime activities you can indulge in while in Kovalam. With its three famous beaches, including Grove's Beach, Light House Beach, and Hawa Beach, travellers from all over the globe arrive here to appreciate its beauty. Not only can you explore the beaches, but you can also be a part of the Kerala arts by learning them from the villagers. An art made by you will be the best souvenir for your friends. If you desire to travel to Kovalam, you are requested to get the essential information, such as the activities that you can perform, the foods that you must eat, the appropriate time to go to Kovalam, and much more. Without any further ado, let's embark on this remarkable journey.
Important Information About Kovalam
Population: Around 8,124.
Languages: Malayalam and English
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Closest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Things to Do in Kovalam
Astonishing lighthouse with the lush green backdrops awaits you, regardless of your intention for a short break or an extended one. But wait, this majestic location is not all about its panoramic vistas; it is more than this. A few of the activities that can add charm to your Kovalam trip are mentioned in detail in the following lines; please have a look:
- Experience the marine magical world: Snorkeling in Kovalam is one of the things that you must try. The underwater ecosystem is enchanting enough to captivate you. The vibrant coral reefs and pristine sights of the aqua creatures will allow you to get a close look at what life in the water looks like. Various platforms are available where you can book your snorkeling event based on your budget. Remember that a person must be at least 10 years old.
- Get the adrenaline rush by scuba diving: Come across an unforgettable feeling while swimming alongside a school of fish, sea turtles, and others. Through this, you can get the chance to dive deeper than you can in snorkeling. Moreover, you can capture the moments with the amazing marine world. Thus, put on your life jacket, tank, mask, fins, and dive into the serene sea.
- For a thrilling experience, go parasailing: It is a unique way to get the stunning bird's-eye view when you are afraid of heights. From September to March, Kovalam witnesses a high influx of tourists, providing a clear sky and mesmerizing sights while Parasailing. Hence, to avoid the rush, reach your spot early.
- Shop for the local art and craft items: The local market of Kovalam is well-known for its traditional craftsmanship, wooden carvings, and hand-woven textiles with stunning age-old techniques. Also, it has jewelry made up of brass, silver ,and copper at an affordable price.
Best Places to Visit in Kovalam
Although Kovalam is not large in area, the place offers plenty of surprises for romantic escapes and more. But if you are wondering about the places that you need to find the top attractions in Kovalam, go through the lines below, where we have compiled the best of them:
- Lighthouse Beach: The beach is famous for its spectacular looks, natural beauty, and adventure. Besides, most tourists find a glimpse of its red-and-white-striped lighthouse enthralling. Picturesque setting, breathtaking view of the coastline, and the local delicacies will leave you speechless. Here, you can climb the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings.
- Kovalam Beach: If you are in search of the perfect sunsets, no place can beat the pristine moment of sunset at Kovalam Beach. From herbal body toning massages to participating in several cultural programmes, you can do a lot here. For the beachside dining, you can find cafes and others offering fresh seafood and regional dishes.
- Hawa Beach: Hawa Beach, or Eve's Beach, is a popular spot where people go to relax. Soothing waves, people singing in their native language, and the reflection of sunlight on the water's surface turn everything into a dream. Whether you are a couple or solo, this place will offer you the story you are seeking.
- Kerala Arts and Crafts Village: When on your overwhelming trip to Kovalam, having Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in your bucket list is mandatory. Spanning 8.5 acres, the village offers a unique elegance that people want to understand the cultural significance of "God's Own Country." The village lets you unlock the path to the amphitheater, art gallery, and museums.
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Kovalam is a paradise for those seeking to connect with the divine. The iconic structures and carvings on the temple illuminate the ancient craftsmen's fantastic vision. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and showcases Dravidian architecture. Reach the temple with your family or friends and offer your prayers to God, and you will attain the solution to all your issues.
Best Time to Explore Kovalam
Known for its pleasant weather, sunny days, and refreshing breeze, Kovalam is welcoming year-round. But the answer to the question of the suitable time to travel to Kovalam lies in the season you prefer for traveling. Moreover, you can review each season of the Kovalam in the upcoming sections:
- Peak Season: From December to February is known to witness a high number of travellers from all over the world. The mild temperatures in this place during these months provide a delightful experience, especially for water activities. If you plan carefully, you might be able to see various beach carnivals while enjoying the nightlife.
- Shoulder Season: With warm temperatures from March to May, the place is perfect for those who want to visit without discomfort. Also, you can prefer the months from October to November for swimming, scuba diving, and more. If you are planning to go to Kovalam from March to May, you might be able to see the famous Attukal Pongala and Vishu (the Malayali's New Year).
- Off Season: The monsoon season appears in Kovalam in the duration from June to September. The heavy rainfall makes the visit a little hectic, as it would not be feasible to explore the beaches and nearby locations. Moreover, if you do not want to break the bank, the off-season time is appropriate for you to wander here, as you can book the hotels or other places at a low cost.
Foods to Eat in Kovalam
Apart from its die-for views, Kovalam's cuisine is something you can savour for an authentic, classic taste of the Southern part of India. In your further visit, you need to have the mouthwatering dishes listed in the following points:
- Kerela appam
- Kappa
- Puttu with kadala curry
- Appam with stew
- Idiyappam with egg curry
- Kerala sadya
- Pathiri with chicken curry
- Fish moilee
- Payasam
- Karimeen Pollichathu
- Erissery
- Alleppey fish curry
- Malabar biryani
- Parippu curry
- Sadya
- Meen pollichathu
- Malabar prawn curry
Things to Keep in Mind When Travelling in/to Kovalam
Before stepping out of your house, there are specific points to take care of, especially when you are traveling to Kovalam for the first time. If you are one of them and planning to travel to Kovalam, consider reviewing the next lines to make the trip safe:
- Book in advance: From hotels to tickets, you must book them a few days early for your actual departure. As you know, Kovalam remains packed throughout the year, which makes it a bit difficult if you are going to book it at the last moment.
- Pay attention to cultural etiquette: It is suggested that you dress appropriately in Kovalam, and it would be helpful if you wore clothes suited to the place you are going to.
- Pack light: Most of the time, you might pack extra items that aren't necessary for the trip. These small steps are enough to ruin the mood. Thus, for a smooth journey, prepare your bag accordingly.
- Wear comfortable clothes: While sightseeing in Kovalam, it is essential to wear clothing that will make the most of your trip.
- Opt for the right time: Learn which months are best for your travel to Kovalam based on your requirements. If not planned properly, you might get shattered even being here.
- Keep yourself hydrated: While travelling, do not forget to drink plenty of water to help maintain your body's water balance. Here, you will find numerous coconut waters packed with nutrients and minerals.
- Do not forget to apply sunscreen: Applying it to your face and exposed areas is pivotal. This will help you reduce the likelihood of getting tanned.