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A break from the daily monotony of the busy Urban-Indian life, Kovalam is a South-Indian town perfect for replenishing your energy stores. Located in the beautiful state of Kerala, it is 18 km south of the bustling metropolitan areas of Thiruvananthapuram. The word “Kovalam” literally means “a copse of coconut trees” and the city is dotted with coconut trees. While Kerala is well known for its quiet backwaters, its beaches too remain a favorite among tourists from across the globe. Kovalam’s weather is pleasant all year round due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea. The sea breeze keeps it cool during the day – a welcome relief for you if you live in hot-weather cities.
Kovalam was once home to a beach resort constructed by Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai of Travancore. It came to prominence when European tourists frequented the beach as a part of the hippie movement. The wonderful scenery coupled with the pleasant weather kept drawing European and American tourists during the late seventies. In recent years, it has become a busy hub for tourists. As a result of the growing crowd, several natural and artificial recreational options have become available in Kovalam. So, If the thought of coconut trees dotting sunny beaches isn’t enough for you to visit Kovalam, there is plenty you can do to entertain yourself.
Being a seaside town has its advantages – Kovalam’s weather is ideal for tourism throughout the year. So, regardless of which season you prefer for travelling, you will find plenty of things to do here. Here’s a detailed break-down of the best time to visit this beachy town, season-wise.
Undeniably, winter is the best season to visit Kovalam, Kerala. The town sees hundreds of tourists flocking to it during the months of October to February. The average temperature of the town remains between the range of 20 to 30 degree celsius which is fairly pleasant and comfortable for vacationers to have a good stay. The amazing weather makes it perfect for visitors to walk around and explore the town on foot. If you are visiting with your partner, take a romantic stroll on the golden sands of Kovalam’s beaches and soak in the serenity of the environment. A winter trip to Kovalam is made even more special by the numerous fantastic Christmas carnivals held across the town during the month of December.
Despite the common perception of Kovalam not being an ideal place for a nice vacation during summers, the town has a lot to offer to its visitors during the hot months. You can explore the town on foot after the sun goes down and enjoy amazing views of the sunset from its pristine beaches. Another perk of this season is that you can enjoy a more peaceful stay as the town isn’t as crowded as other months of the year. With temperatures rising as high as 37 degree Celsius, make sure you pack light and bring sun friendly things such as hats, beach umbrellas, and sunscreen lotion! If you are looking for a budget holiday, visiting Kovalam at this time of the year is your best bet, as hotel deals are a steal.
After the heat of the Summer, Kovalam experiences moderate to high rainfall during the months of June to September. Monsoons make the town even more captivating as everything turns lush green. Travelling to Kovalam at this time of the year is also a pocket-friendly option as the town sees dwindling tourist activity, hence, greater hotel deals! Do not forget to carry your umbrellas and raincoats before stepping out of your hotel rooms as rain showers can be very frequent.
The pleasant Kovalam weather and the scenic offerings make it a wonderful town to visit. The amazing coastline of Kovalam is complemented by three wonderful beaches – the lighthouse beach, the Samudra Beach and the Hawa Beach.
The Lighthouse beach is a primary tourist attraction. You can visit the beach to have a look at the 35 m tall Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Its towering structure adds to the quaint outlook of the beach. You can climb up the lighthouse’s spiral staircase while taking pictures. As you reach the top, you will enjoy a truly picturesque view of Kovalam’s coastline.
Hawah Beach is in an isolated part of the Kovalam Beach. Edakkalu is a foreland that separates this part of the Kovalam beach from the other two parts. You can visit Hawah beach to enjoy stunning views of the sunset or listen to the local fishermen sing in the early morning.
Samudra Beach is famous for the shoreline fishing that can be observed during the wee hours of the morning. You can see coconut trees lining the beach while enjoying a calming sunset. On all of these beaches, you can enjoy a range of water sports including snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, skateboarding, and surfing.
The Vizhinjam Marine Museum is a great spot to visit with kids. This aquarium holds several exotic fish species, some that are native only to Kerala. The exquisite display of colorful fishes along with informative plaques with will leave your kids enlightened and excited. You will have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 20 to enter this aquarium.
The Attukal Bhagvathy Temple is a famous South Indian temple located in Trivandrum, just a few kilometers away from Kovalam. This temple is devoted to Goddess Bhadrakali, a form of the Hindu Goddess Kali. According to some Hindu mythological legends, Goddess Bhadrakali killed the demon, Daruka, who originated from Lord Shiva’s third eye. If you wish to spend some time with the divine, you may visit this place. While there, you may also witness a Bharatnatyam dance performance by kids.
The Pazhavangadi Temple is located in the capital of Kerala, the busy city of Trivandrum. This temple is known all over the country for its beautiful shikharas constructed using the Dravidian form of architecture. This temple is devoted to Lord Mahaganapathy and is a favorite of the locals.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an architectural marvel of Kerala. Constructed using the kovil style of architecture – a blend of Keralite and Tamilian architectural styles – this temple is adorned with a tall gopuram. This temple is the richest and the most famous in India. Thousands of devotees flock to the temple all year round to donate large sums of money. This shrine is mentioned by several Hindu Puranas and Vedas as a holy place. The temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu. You can visit this place if you wish to explore the grandeur of Indian religious traditions. If you visit during October, you will be able to witness the Panguni festival.
The Vellayani Lake is a freshwater lake located 7 km off the southern end of Kovalam. For decades, this lake has been used for irrigation and regular water consumption by locals. If you wish to spend a day enjoying a picnic with your friends or family, a visit to this lake should be on your itinerary. Kovalam’s weather in September to March is rainy. This makes the flora around the lake very attractive. During Onam, exciting boat races are organized in this lake, drawing both local and tourist crowds.
Besides being a place of religious importance, this temple is known for the rock-cut idols and caves whose origins are dated back to the 8th or 9th century. One of these rock caves contains an idol of Lord Shiva holding Goddess Parvathi in one arm, and a bow in the other. You can visit this place to immerse yourself in the holy vibes that emanate from it, or just to enjoy the surrounding trees and rocky terrain.
Kovalam is full of both high-cost and low-end options when it comes to accommodation. Many world-class hotels and resorts call the Kovalam Beach their home. These resorts offer amenities such as spas, fitness centers, outdoor and indoor pools, planned excursions and tours of the city, and organized water sports. Low-end options are available in plenty far away from the beach. You can stay at the beach resorts for the best experience of the Kerala seas, or take residence at the main city centers for a pleasant cultural experience.
Being a premier tourist destination, Kovalam caters to all types of taste buds. Whether you want to taste the local delicacies or the spicier North Indian food – Kovalam has it all. On top of that, high-end beach resorts offer tasty western cuisines as well. Traditional Malayali dishes such as Dosa, Uttapam, Idli, Vadas, Appam and Stew are available in both budget and high-cost restaurants. You can try Indian-Israeli and other continental cuisines at the inhouse restaurants of resorts. For delicious sea-food, you can always visit the small restaurants located beside the Kovalam Beach.
Several shops and shacks dot the Kovalam beach. These offer everything from clothes and food to handicrafts. The best shopping experience for you would be on the beaches. Regardless of the season, you can always buy rosewood and teakwood handicrafts, local clothes, jewelry, and decorative sculptures. To shop for local clothes, do not look further than the handloom stores. Locally harvested spices like cardamom, fenugreek, saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon can be shopped from the main market. You can also buy seashell jewelry and decorative showpieces. Kovalam also has several international handicraft shops that offer tourists a variety of clothes, showpieces, and jewelry to choose from.
Since the town presents a wonderful blend of cultures and traditions, you will find yourself mesmerized with local festivals celebrated mainly in the moderately cold weather of January. The Gramam is a locally celebrated festival, during which, Kovalam beach lights up. You will also find stalls selling exquisite handicrafts and stunning clothes on the beaches during this time. The Elephant Festival is another major festival celebrated in January. Apart from these, other festivals such as Fandango, Nishagandhi Dance Festival, and the Swathi Thirunal Music Festival.
Light and breezy fabrics are optimum for Kovalam’s weather. You may have to carry a jacket for cold winter months. Try to avoid overly revealing swimsuits on beaches as the locals may not be used to them. Some temples in Kovalam will require you to follow a specific dress code (usually traditional).
You can use cameras and mobile phones on most beaches and other natural spots in Kovalam. Some religious places and official buildings might restrict their usage, or you will have to pay a fee.
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April 15, 2024 
