When we think of Kovalam, our mind comes up with gorgeous, picturesque views of the sea, the lush greenery, the glorious sunset, and so on. However, what we don’t associate with it are the things to do in Kovalam that guarantee a thrilling time for the tourists. This bustling city might fool you as one of the most serene places in Kerala, but we’re here to reveal its adventurous and wild side that you must check out when traveling to this city. So, let’s get to it right away.
Top Things to Do in Kovalam: A City Buzzing with Energy
A vacation in Kovalam is exactly what you need to get the adrenaline rushing in you. Once you’re acquainted with its tranquil and breathtaking side, it’s time to meet the adventurous side of it as well. From watersports to various unique experiences, you’re in for a rollercoaster ride. Here are the adventure activities in Kovalam that you must indulge in when holidaying in this city.
- Go for Catamaran Rides
- Try Exciting Watersports
- Dive in the Artificial Offshore Coral Reef
- Get an Ayurvedic Massage
- Eat Authentic Delicacies
- Visit the Lighthouse Beach
- Explore the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
- Shop at the local markets
1. Go for Catamaran Rides: Float in the Sparkling Sea
Catamaran rides are one of the most popular things to do in Kovalam because of the crystal-clear water paired with solid waves that makes this activity fun. You can relax on the long wooden boat, explore the scenic beauty around you, and feel the cool breeze on your face. These boats are rowed with bamboo paddles, the traditional way and that also adds to the fun aspect of this activity.
Timings: 10 A.M to 6 P.M
Locations: Hawah Beach, Vellayani Lake
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Fees: Around INR 500
Things to do: Relax on the boat and enjoy the gorgeous views
Tips: Don’t let children near the edge of the boat, carry food and water, keep sunglasses and hats handy
2. Try Exciting Watersports: Fun Adventure Activities to Indulge in
Where there’s a beach, there are watersports. Kovalam has plenty of carefree and pristine beaches that offer you a chance to try your hand at various water sport activities. The blue waters of the sea enhance the experience even more. These activities in Kovalam beach or other beaches are what would become the highlight of your vacation to this city, so don’t forget to try these out.
Locations: The Lighthouse Beach, Pozhikkara Beach, Vizhinjam Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach
Adventure activities: Kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling
Time required: 3 to 4 hours
Fees:
Jet Skiing - Around INR 500
Parasailing – Around INR 1000
Snorkeling – Around INR 2500
Things to do: Try the different watersport activities for a thrilling time at the beach
Tips: Listen to the instructions for each activity carefully, don’t consume alcoholic drinks before indulging in these activities
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3. Dive in the Artificial Offshore Coral Reef: Explore this Unique Brainchild of Kerala
The Artificial Offshore Coral Reef is the first one in India, which aims to enhance the environment and the quality of life of aquatic animals. This reef has become a huge tourist attraction for people as it offers surfing and underwater diving as activities that one can indulge in. You can explore this coral reef and marvel at the beauty of it. Everything used in it is artificial, but it isn’t harmful to marine life, how amazing is that? So, whenever you wish to indulge in adventure in India, don’t forget this place.
Timings: 10 A.M to 5 P.M
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Fees: N/A
Things to do: Dive into the depths of this artificial coral reef and marvel at the efforts of Kerala Government
Nearby hotels: The Leela, Taj Green Cove, Rockholm
4. Get an Ayurvedic Massage: Heal your Body with the Power of Ayurveda
One of the Kovalam things to do that you can’t miss out on is an ayurvedic massage, which relaxes and rejuvenates your body and mind. It’s said to have healing powers and is part of Kerala’s legacy. So, if you want to experience this city the right way, you must let yourself indulge in some me-time and go for therapies like Kizhi, Seerodhara, Thalapothical, etc. After an exhausting day of exploring the city, a massage sounds heavenly, so do consider it among the things to do in Kerala on your vacation.
Locations: Divya - The Health Spa at Leela Kempinski Beach Resort, Ideal Ayurvedic Resort, Vydyashala Ayurveda in Turtle on the Beach Resort
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Fees: Around INR 1500
Things to do: Enjoy the various relaxing techniques used on you and the aromatic smell of the herbal oils
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5. Eat Authentic Delicacies: Relish the Traditional Cuisine of Kerala
Whenever you plan on the places to travel in India or abroad, you must try their local cuisine as it enriches your experience of that location. It brings you closer to the roots of that place and you should do the same in Kovalam. Apart from Indian thalis and other delicacies, you’ll also come across other cuisines as well, such as Israeli and European food with an Indian twist. Also, you must try seafood because of its freshness and scrumptious flavors.
Locations: German Bakery, Devi Garden Restaurant, Suprabhatam, Malabar Cafe
Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Things to do: Enjoy the delectable meal and order traditional food items off the menu
Famous food: Idli, Dosa, Vada, crabs, prawns, lobsters, Indian thalis,
6. Visit the Lighthouse Beach: Witness Panoramic View of the Bay
The Lighthouse Beach is named after the lighthouse, which is located on the beach. It’s a major attraction for tourists and one of the most famous things to do in Kovalam because you can get a panoramic view of the entire bay from its observation deck. A spiral staircase leads you to this magnificent view of the sea, tall green trees, and sandy shore. It’s the perfect place for couples and honeymooners because of the romantic setting, and if you visit this place during sunset, then it’s a sight to behold. There are several restaurants lining the beach, so you can also munch on delicious street food.
Timings:
Tuesday to Sunday – 10 A.M to 6 P.M
Monday - Closed
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Things to do: Relax on the beach, try watersport activities, climb up the lighthouse
Nearby restaurants: Café de la Mer, Café Unwind, Malabar Restaurant
Candlelight dinner: German Bakery (Waves Restaurant)
Nearby hotels: Hotel Sea View Palace, Unwind Hotels and Resort, Little Elephant Beach Resort
Tips: Carry a swimsuit and sunscreen, you can eat from the street food stalls near the beach, listen to the instructions when going for a watersport
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7. Explore the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: Watch the Colorful Marine Life Up Close
You can’t miss out on this aquarium, which is one of the famous places to travel in Kovalam. This aquarium is home to several colorful and exotic fishes from squirrelfish and clownfish to moon wrasse. Apart from this, you’ll also come across giant turtles, piranhas, and many other animals. However, the highlight of this aquarium is its Image Pearl Production Technique, where a shell cement mould is embedded into a pearl oyster and after a few months, it takes the shape of a pearl. Therefore, you must add this as one of the things to do in Kovalam.
Timings: 9 A.M to 5:30 P.M
Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Things to do: Look at the diverse marine life and watch the pearl production technique
Nearby restaurants: The Gourmet House, Anithas Bistro and Café, The Tides (for candlelight dinner)
Nearby hotels: Soma Palmshore Beach Resort, Thapovan Heritage Home, Rockholm
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8. Shop at the Local Markets: Splurge a Little at the Kovalam Bazaars
The local markets in Kovalam are an absolute treat for the tourists because of the colorful handmade items, the trinkets and souvenirs that you can take back home. But most importantly, you must buy the traditional items, such as the silk sarees that are a favorite of the locals of Kerala. Splurging on these items would even feel worthwhile because of their value and it’d feel like taking back a part of this city with you.
Locations: Kovalam Beach, Joseph and Sons, RK Aromas and Incense Gallery, Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
What to buy: Aromatic oils, sarees, souvenirs, home décor, colorful bags
Things to do: Explore the stalls on the beaches and walk around the market streets
Tips: Haggle for prices
There are many more things to do in Kovalam that would leave you ecstatic and yearning for more. These activities are a way for you to feel rejuvenated and feel like your vacation was worthwhile. After all, at the end of the day, these are the memories that’ll be etched in your mind for years to come. So let go of all your inhibitions and dive headfirst into the adventurous and thrilling activities that await you. Our India travel packages would create the best itinerary for you.
FAQs
You need at least 3 to 4 days to see most of the tourist attractions in Kovalam. Along with sightseeing, you can also indulge in adventure sports and activities.
There are several beaches in Kovalam that offer watersports to the tourists. These include Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and many more. You can indulge in jet skiing, catamaran rides, parasailing, and much more on these beaches.
Kovalam doesn’t have a vibrant and upbeat nightlife like the other cities in Kerala. However, it does offer some of the most magnificent moonlit views at night as you walk along the seashore. Everything’s romantic and surreal, making it perfect for honeymooners.
If you wish to indulge in watersport activities, then December to March is an ideal time to visit Kovalam. The water is at a pleasant temperature during this period, enhancing your experience even more.
Those who’re traveling with families can enjoy the catamaran rides, visiting the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, travel to the Lighthouse Beach, and much more. Kovalam is a family-friendly city where you can do a lot together.
Yes, you can swim at Kovalam beach because of its calm, shallow waters. It makes for an exciting activity to try on the beach.
You can buy aromatic oils, handicrafts, traditional sarees, souvenirs, and a lot more. The markets are full of attractive trinkets for you to buy.
Kovalam beaches offer several watersport activities to indulge in, such as parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, catamaran rides, etc.
