Must-see attractions in Kovalam

  • Rock-Cut Temple

    Kovalam

    Amid neatly tended, banyan-shaded grounds 500m north of Vizhinjam harbour, this small shrine is one of Kerala's most ancient rock-cut temples. A sculpture…

  • Vizhinjam Lighthouse

    Kovalam

    Kovalam's most distinguishing feature is the working candy-striped lighthouse at the southern end of Lighthouse Beach. Climb the spiral staircase – or zip…

  • Lighthouse Beach

    Kovalam

    A powdery stretch of gold-and-black sand, Kovalam's main beach is notable for the candy-striped lighthouse at its southern end.

  • Vizhinjam

    Kovalam

    About 1km south of Kovalam's Lighthouse Beach, Vizhinjam village has a busy harbour from where fishing boats head out each day, along with one of Kerala's…

  • Samudra Beach

    Kovalam

    Around the headland north of Hawa Beach, Samudra's sandy blonde expanse is overlooked by a gold-and-green mosque and the five-star Leela resort.

  • Vizhinjam Marine Research Aquarium

    Kovalam

    About 500m northwest of Kovalam's lighthouse, this small series of tanks displays fish from Kerala's waters, including lionfish and eels.

  • Hawa Beach

    Kovalam

    Popular with domestic day trippers, Hawa Beach is a busy sandy strand just north of Lighthouse Beach.

  • Mosque

    Kovalam

    Painted in gold, cream and lime green, this modern mosque sits on Samudra Beach.