The beach town of Kovalam nestled in the southern part of the Thiruvananthapuram district has a lot to offer. With the Arabian Sea washing up its golden shores and the skyline dotted with coconut and palm trees, the place sure is beautiful like the rest of Kerala. But being such a popular tourist hub it makes sure that it has enough entertainment to offer to those who visit. Of the many experiences available in Kovalam, here are our pick of the 7 must do things in Kovalam.

The light house beach is Kovalam’s primary tourist attraction. At a glance, this crescent beach might appear too commercial as the entire stretch is dotted with restaurants, shops and lodges. However, it has many serene spots up its sleeve. Starting from a climb up to the lighthouse for a bird’s eye view over the waters of the Arabian Sea to adventures like speed boating, rest assured, your visit will be highly memorable.

“Surf Tourism To Benefit The Poor” – reads the board outside the Kovalam Surf Club, a 10 minute walk away from the Light House Beach. If you are scouting for must do things in Kovalam then you simply can’t miss this experience. Get one-on-one surf lessons from friendly and experienced staff for a very reasonable price here. Reputed to be great for solo female travellers, the Surf Club isn’t just about great tourism service. The money collected from this venture goes to a school for underprivileged children. Do your bit.

Kovalam might be a tiny beach city in the southernmost reaches of the state but be very sure that Kerala has started full swing. If you spend enough time around the beach in the evening, you are bound to encounter a glorious Kathakali recital. Watch out for cultural performances here, because there’s nothing like witnessing Indian culture by the sea that has washed up so much western influence ashore.

Go 19 kilometers south from Kovalam, just 30 minutes away, for one of the most memorable experiences you will have in Kerala – the Poovar Backwater Cruise. Unlike elsewhere in Kerala, the Poovar Backwater Cruise near Kovalam is still not so commercial and one can enjoy nature in silence. You can go for a 1 – 2 hour cruise or can hire an overnight houseboat. Surely one of the best things to do in Kovalam.

Now head to Neyyar Dam. 31 kilometers east from Kovalam, roughly translating into a 1 hour drive. You won’t regret this coveted picnic spot by the 1000 feet length of a gravity dam with the view of a splendid blue lake. Part of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the area is home to Asian Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Slender Loris and the Travancore Tortoise among others. Oh and don’t miss the Lion Safari Park and the Crocodile breeding center.

The Arabian sea on the southern West Coast stretch of India is famous for its rocky shores and rough waves. However, the Hawa beach is an exception. Go here to swim or wade in the relatively calm waves of the ocean. Don’t worry, the life guards make sure everyone is safe. The waves wash up many small fish, crabs and even jelly fish (don’t touch those). You will find fishermen with their nets for an early morning catch. If you care to take a net, you can fish yourself. 

Maybe you’d care to set a day aside for walking around town, exploring local life. It’s easy to come across fishermen pulling up nets full of fish from the sea. It takes 50-60 men to pull up a net and it makes for great team work. The fishermen are known to often hum songs to the rhythm of the pull. Or maybe you can watch the plucking of coconuts from those tall trees. It’s quite an art.

You are by the ocean which could only mean that you have access to fresh and the most mouthwatering sea food delicacies like lobsters, king prawns, crabs, mussels, and an entourage of local varieties of fish like Aila, Karimeen, Calamari etc. So dig in. If you are vegetarian then there are enough options for you as well. Try The Terrace, Suprabhatam, Molly’s Retreat Restaurant and Curry Leaf.