Kovalam Beach

The three beaches at Kovalam are well-known all over the world. The Lighthouse Beach is most popular of the three, probably. The whole area is flooded with tourists most of them, bustling with life. You can sip a beer and relax at one of the beach shacks or be more engaging and go surfing. The Kovalam Surf Club is the best bet.

For those who love to go out on the water, rent a catamaran and head out. These wooden boats are sturdy and reliable crew man them. Snorkeling early in the morning is an activity cherished by most people who visit the beach. The German Bakery churns out the best Famer’s Breakfast in the city. Dunk into croissants and pastries, too.

The Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave, about a km away from Kovalam, is located in the seaside village of Vizhinjam. Sculptures that belong to the 8th century are found inside the cave. Some years ago, a temple dedicated to Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi was built in the Tamil architectural style in the cave. Another temple is the 800-year-old Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple on the banks of the Karamana River.

Halcyon Castle, also called Kovalam Kottaram, was built in 1932 by Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, as a summer retreat for Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai. It is now a luxury hotel run by the Leela Hotel Group. Akkulam Lake, Vellayani Lake and the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium are others places to visit around Kovalam.