Kovalam Travel Guide

  Lighthouse Beach
by tim07
  • Lighthouse Beach
      Lighthouse Beach
    by tim07
  •   Kovalam
    by bungi333
  •   Kovalam
    by emilzatopek
  • Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam
      Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam
    by earthflyer
  • Where the beaches meet
      Where the beaches meet
    by tim07

Pro

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 White sand BEACH,BEACH!!! 


Con

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 Huge Rip Tides 


In a nutshell

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 Laid back with no pretentions 

 

Explore Kovalam

Things to Do  

Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  This crescent shaped beach is the main beach at Kovalam. It attracts the most tourists and therefore has the most facilities. It didn't feel too crowded when I visited and still seemed to have a local atmosphere. As well as shops there are many places here to have a meal. 

Rocky outcrop

Rocky outcrop, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  Where the beaches of Hawa and Lighthouse meet there is a rocky outcrop. Standing on the rocks you get magnificent full length views of both beaches. The rocks are also a popular place for people to gather and watch the sun setting. 

Backwater cruise - part 3

Backwater cruise - part 3, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  Before returning there was chance to visit the beach at Poovar. This stretch of golden sand is sandwiched between the estuary and sea. I enjoyed spending time there as the sun was setting. Once it became dark the boat returned to its moorings and I was driven back to the... 

Backwater cruise - part 2

Backwater cruise - part 2, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  After cruising the backwaters we entered the estuary, the place where the lake, river and sea meet. Here we went up close to a holiday resort and a statue erected by locals. I also had chance to buy a coconut from a local in a boat. 

Backwater cruise - part 1

Backwater cruise - part 1, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  From my hotel at Kovalam I went on a sunset cruise around the backwaters near Poovar. The drive to Poovar took about 30 minutes. I then embarked on a 2 hour cruise. The backwaters were just so serene, there was hardly any noise, except for the boats engine.The cruise took me... 

Hawa Beach

Hawa Beach, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  The beach is said to derive its name from the topless women who used to sunbathe there. It's reputed to be India's first topless beach, this practice is now banned. The beach is easy to get to as there is a parking area where taxis and auto-rickshaws can drop you off and... 

Lighthouse top view

Lighthouse top view, Kovalam

 vijay82 Says:  From 3-5 pm all days of the week, the red and white lighthouse on Lighthouse Beach is open for visitors all the way to the top. The 360 vista comprising of the ocean in front and the beaches/trees at the back coupled with the amazing winds make it a memorable experience. Be... 

Hotels  

Taj Green Cove Resort And Spa

 5 Reviews and 510 Opinions  The hotel grounds are spread over an area of 10 acres on a hillside. The 59 cottages are dotted... 

Leela Kovalam Beach Hotel

 4 Reviews and 936 Opinions  This is a fantastic place to stay in, right on the Kovalam beach 

Restaurants  

Malabar Cafe: Good food and a good view

Malabar Cafe: Good food and a good view, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  There are plenty of restaurants along the promenade of Lighthouse Beach. I chose the Malabar cafe for its location and selection of meals. It has a wide choice of local and international dishes. Catering for both non meat and meat eaters. Due to alcohol restrictions my lager... 

Beatles: A homage to the music band

Beatles: A homage to the music band, Kovalam

 bungi333 Says:  With memorabilia scattered around and rock music, this shack stands out from the many others dotting the beach. The restaurant was started by two brothers who are huge fans of the Beatles. The food, undeniably, is tasty. However, i got the feeling that you can pretty much... 

Transportation  

Indian Railways Agra - Kerala

Indian Railways Agra - Kerala, Kovalam

 PeterVancouver Says:  There are no luggage racks in most overnight trains of less than 1st class, so all bags have to be stowed under the seats which have a 12'" clearance. It is important to bring lightweight chains and locks to secure your bags to the loops under the seats, as with no doors on... 

Cheap Taxis & Rickshaws.

Cheap Taxis & Rickshaws., Kovalam

 paul-motley Says:  Plenty of Taxis and auto rickshaws available, however most of the meters seem to be inop.It is best to negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle, remember that the system is different from the UK, the taxi driver will take you to your destination and wait for your... 

Shopping  

Ancy's Book Store: What's a beach without a book?

Ancy's Book Store: What's a beach without a book?, Kovalam

 suziezed Says:  Ancy's Bookstore, run by the friendly and helpful Joy, has a good selection of books in English, German and Swedish and a few titles in French and Dutch. Books are for purchase, rent or exchange. Here you can find a book to help you while away the hours on the beach. Books... 

On the beaches: Sarongs/Lunghis etc

On the beaches: Sarongs/Lunghis etc, Kovalam

 suvanki Says:  You'll no doubt soon encounter the sarong sellers along the beaches/pathways of Kovalam. Some are very persistant! On my first day in Kovalam, I encountered Babu, a sarong seller. I explained that I wasn't buying until nearer the end of my hols, when I'd completed my Spice... 

Local Customs  

Alcohol!!

Alcohol!!, Kovalam

 suvanki Says:  My first night in Kovalam, I was ready for a cold beer, but on walking past the restaurants, I hadn't spotted anyone with a glass of beer/lager.Everyone seemed to be supping tea! Eventually, I gave up, and walked into a restaurant, reckoning I would be drinking a fruit... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Beach sellers

Beach sellers, Kovalam

 tim07 Says:  As you walk the beaches at Kovalam you are met by many people trying to sell you things, such as sunglasses or clothing. The main ones I encounted were women selling fruit. The sellers were very persistant, but in no way threatening. One of the women offered to let me take... 

On The Beach

On The Beach, Kovalam

 suvanki Says:  The beaches of Kovalam have plenty of attractions......The hub of activity for the resort through the day and evening. However, Please be aware that the sea can become quite rough with strong undercurrents. There are lifeguards present, who blow whistles to alert bathers if... 

What to Pack  

Railways Goa - Trivandrum,Kerala

Railways Goa   -   Trivandrum,Kerala, Kovalam

 PeterVancouver Says:  There are no luggage racks in most overnight trains of less than 1st class, so all bags have to be stowed under the seats which have a 12" clearance. It is important to bring lightweight chains and locks to secure your bags to the loops under the seats, as with no doors on... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Parasuraman Temple

Parasuraman Temple, Kovalam

 suvanki Says:  I Visited this temple as part of a Sunset Backwaters cruise. (see Kerala and/or Kovalam must do tips) Although most Hindu temples forbid non Hindus to enter, Kerala has some temples that allow this.We arrived by punt, and walked up some steps to the outer courtyard. We... 

Away from the beaches ...

Away from the beaches ..., Kovalam

 suvanki Says:  I enjoyed just wandering around the pathways away from the beach..plenty of local life to see. Met quite a few local children and women, who were happy to chat or just smile and said hello. I wandered up the road that leads from Hawa beach and came across a book shop. I... 

Favorites  

Quaint

Quaint, Kovalam

 paul-motley Says:  Whilst several shacks on the main run at Lighthouse beach have recently been added the location is still primarily a fishing village. Commercialised by Indian standards but still almost undiscovered at present especially in comparison to Goa. The location attracts generally... 

Comments

Map of Kovalam