exterior 1

LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy curated experiences that showcase the beauty, culture and nature of Kerala. Our team will guide you with personalised recommendations, fixed-rate sightseeing options and memorable day trips in and around Kovalam.

 

Experiences and Sightseeing in Kovalam

Vizhinjam Lighthouse & Hawa Beach

Best time to visit: 4 pm onwards

Visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse, a landmark that stands 118 meters above sea level. Climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, rocky coastline and evening sky. Spend time at Hawa Beach, one of Kovalam’s most popular beaches known for gentle waves, golden sand and local shops along the shore.

 

Kovalam Trip

Ideal timing: Between 8 am and 4 pm

Experience the vibrant beaches of Kovalam including Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach. Explore local markets, shops selling spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant and visit Kovalam Palace, also known as Halcyon Castle, known for its architectural charm.

 

Poovar Backwater

Ideal timing: Between 8 am and 4 pm

Discover the calm and scenic backwaters of Poovar, a serene island where the Neyyar River meets the sea. Enjoy a boat ride through mangrove forests, spot migratory birds, and visit Kerala’s only mangrove island. Relax at the quiet Golden Sand Beach and enjoy the stunning estuary view where river and sea come together.

 
 

Trivandrum Sightseeing

Ideal timing: Between 8 am and 4 pm

Explore the capital city of Kerala with visits to popular attractions including the Napier Museum, Trivandrum Zoo and the historic Kuthiramalika Palace. Shop at the famous Chalai Market and visit iconic temples like Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple.

 

Neyyar Dam & Elephant Rehabilitation Centre

Ideal timing: Between 8 am and 4 pm

Enjoy a day trip to Neyyar Dam, known for its picturesque lake and scenic viewpoints. Visit the elephant rehabilitation centre and learn about the conservation efforts. You can also visit the Sivananda Ashram, one of India’s leading yoga retreats offering peaceful surroundings.

 

Ponmudi Hill Station

Ideal timing: Between 8 am and 4 pm

Escape to the mist-covered hills of Ponmudi located north east of Kovalam. The route offers breathtaking views, tea plantations and winding pathways. The winter months from November to March are the best time to visit. It is an ideal getaway for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

 

Alleppey Houseboat Experience

Departure: 8 am onwards for an overnight trip

Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in a traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through the calm backwaters of Alleppey, pass through paddy fields, canals, coconut groves and small villages. Watch daily life along the backwaters, enjoy freshly prepared meals on board and soak in a peaceful getaway on the water.

 
Kanyakumari Day Trip

Ideal timing: 9 am onwards

Visit Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India and an important pilgrimage town. Explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Devi Temple and Suchindram Temple. The coastal views and cultural landmarks make it a memorable day trip.

 
Varkala Beach and Cliff Visit

Ideal timing: 9 am onwards

Experience the cliffside beauty of Varkala, known for its unique white and black sand beach, vibrant cafés and seaside restaurants. Visit the Sivagiri Temple and enjoy a relaxed day exploring the shops, eateries and scenic viewpoints along the cliff. Varkala is perfect for travellers looking for a lively, bohemian beach atmosphere.

 
PADAMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

Time to visit - 3:30–4:45 am, 6:30–7 am, 9–10 am, 4:30–6:15 pm, 6:45–7:20 pm

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a sacred Hindu shrine renowned for its opulence and spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings and a seven-tiered gopuram. Notable for its massive vaults, it gained global attention in 2011 when treasures worth billions were discovered within its chambers. The temple, an integral part of Kerala’s cultural heritage, continues to attract devotees and visitors alike, showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian religious and artistic traditions.

KUTHIRAMALIKA PALACE

Time to visit - 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM (with slight variations in afternoon closing times, sometimes 4:45 PM or 5:00 PM). (Closed on Mondays)

Kuthiramalika Palace is a stunning 19th-century royal palace celebrated for its unique horse-shaped wooden carvings and traditional Kerala architecture. The palace museum showcases royal artifacts, vintage musical instruments, paintings and intricately carved wooden sculptures reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

AZHIMALA SIVA TEMPLE

Time to visit - 05:30 AM - 11:00 AM 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Azhimala Shiva Temple is a serene seaside temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, the temple is known for its spiritual ambiance, traditional Kerala architecture and scenic coastal setting.

ATTUKAL TEMPLE

Time to visit: - 5:00AM - 12:30PM 5:00PM - 8:30PM

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a renowned pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, known for the famous Attukal Pongala festival, one of the world’s largest gatherings of women devotees. The temple is admired for its vibrant architecture, spiritual atmosphere and rich cultural traditions.

CHENKAL SHIVA TEMPLE

Time to visit: - 4:00 AM -1:30 PM / 03:00PM - 08:00 PM

Chenkal Shiva Temple is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, admired for its traditional Kerala architecture, intricate carvings and vibrant sculptures. Surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere, the temple offers a spiritually enriching experience while reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.

KANAKAKUNNU PALACE

Time to visit: - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM daily, Tuesday through Sunday. (Closed on Mondays)

Kanakakkunnu Palace is a historic palace built during the reign of Travancore King Sree Moolam Thirunal, showcasing a blend of Kerala and colonial architecture. Surrounded by lush gardens and serene landscapes, the palace is a popular cultural venue known for exhibitions, events and its regal heritage.

THE KERALA ART AND CRAFT VILLAGE

Time to visit: - 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is a vibrant cultural hub showcasing Kerala’s rich artistic heritage through traditional crafts, intricate wood carvings and colorful Kathakali masks. Visitors can experience skilled artisans at work while exploring the region’s timeless art forms and cultural traditions.

VETTUCAUD CHURCH

Time to visit: - 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM daily

Vettucaud Beach is a peaceful coastal destination known for its golden sands, swaying coconut groves and serene atmosphere. The beach is also home to the historic Vettucaud Church and offers a relaxing seaside experience with local seafood delights and scenic coastal views.

VELI TOURIST VILLAGE

Time to visit: - 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Veli Tourist Village is a scenic waterfront destination where the Veli Lagoon meets the Arabian Sea. Known for its boating, floating bridge, landscaped gardens and family-friendly atmosphere, the village offers a relaxing blend of nature, recreation and coastal beauty.

LULU MALL

Time to visit: - 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Lulu Mall Thiruvananthapuram is one of Kerala’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, featuring a wide range of international and local brands, diverse dining options and modern leisure attractions. With its contemporary design, multiplex cinema and vibrant atmosphere, the mall offers a complete lifestyle and shopping experience.

MALL OF TRAVANCORE

Time to visit: - 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Mall of Travancore is a popular lifestyle and shopping destination featuring a wide selection of brands, dining outlets and entertainment attractions. The mall offers a modern shopping experience with a multiplex cinema, food court, kids’ entertainment zone and leisure activities for families and visitors.

CHALAI MARKET

Time to visit: - 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. The market is mostly closed on Sundays

Chalai Market is one of the city’s oldest and busiest traditional markets, known for its vibrant streets filled with spices, textiles, fresh produce and local handicrafts. The lively atmosphere and colorful shopping experience reflect the rich cultural heritage and local life of Kerala.