About Kovalam

Kovalam, a coastal gem in Kerala, stretches like a golden curve between the Arabian Sea and groves of swaying palms. What was once a sleepy fishing village is now one of India’s most beloved beach destinations; calm, sunlit, and never quite in a rush. It sits about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, making it perfect for weekend escapes and slow holidays alike. There’s a hush at dawn when fishermen push their catamarans into the surf, and a hum of evening chatter when travelers gather along the promenade for coffee, seafood, and small souvenirs.

It’s not a place of glitz but of rhythm, the slow rhythm of waves, coconut fronds brushing against tiled roofs, and café music mixing with the sound of the sea. For anyone looking at the best hotels in Kovalam, the range is wide: beach-view bungalows, Ayurvedic retreats tucked into hills, budget guesthouses run by families, and sleek modern resorts that spill onto the sand. With every type of traveler in mind, akbartravels.com lists options that fit both comfort and curiosity.

Kovalam Airport Address

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Location: 13 km from Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Contact: +91 471 250 1591
Website: www.trivandrumairport.com 

Flights land just 25–30 minutes away from the shore, depending on traffic near Thiruvallam Junction. Those looking for hotels in Kovalam near airport will find neat stays like Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel and Turtle On The Beach, both roughly a 20-minute drive away. Late-night flights aren’t rare here, and it’s good to know that taxis charge around ₹700–₹900 from the airport to the main beach zone after midnight.

The Best Time to Visit Kovalam

November to February brings the most pleasant weather with clear skies, calm waves, and temperatures hovering around 28°C. The sea stays swimmable until early March before the heat sharpens. The monsoon (June–September) paints everything green but limits sea swimming.

A practical tip: for the best room rates, book hotels in Kovalam around 40–50 days ahead of winter holidays.

Explore Kovalam tour packages with Akbar Travels combine sunlit beaches, Ayurvedic retreats, and coastal charm into one seamless plan.

How to Reach Kovalam

By air:

Land at Trivandrum International Airport, the nearest one. Taxis and prepaid autos are available; expect ₹700–₹900 fare to Kovalam. A few hotels in Kovalam arrange airport transfers, but do confirm before arrival.

By rail:

Trivandrum Central Station is 15 km away. A local taxi or Uber will cost about ₹400–₹500 depending on time of day. Guests preferring easy access to trains may choose hotels in Kovalam near railway station such as Hotel Sea View Palace or Marine Palace Beach Hotel.

By road:

Buses run every 20–25 minutes from Thampanoor Bus Stand in Trivandrum to Kovalam Beach. Self-drive cars and rentals are available too, though parking near Lighthouse Beach can get tricky on weekends.

Things to Do in Kovalam

• Lighthouse Beach: The heart of Kovalam, known for its red-and-white striped lighthouse and lively promenade.
• Hawa Beach: Quieter, perfect for morning walks and fishing boat views.
• Samudra Beach: Where locals gather, it is more authentic, less commercial.
• Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: A small but fascinating spot to see marine life and pearl extraction demos.
• Halcyon Castle: Once a royal retreat; now a heritage hotel.
• Ayurvedic Massage Centers: Countless authentic centers offer rejuvenation packages, especially around Grove Beach.
• Surfing Lessons: Lighthouse Beach has reliable surf between December and April.
• Backwater Canoe Trips: Short rides from Thiruvallam offer a quiet glimpse into lagoon life.
• German Bakery Visit: Legendary coffee stop since the 80s, still serves the best banana pancakes.
• Evening Cultural Shows: The Kovalam Art Center often hosts Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances.

Shopping in Kovalam

Kovalam isn’t a shopping capital, but it’s perfect for beachside finds and handmade crafts.

• Lighthouse Beach Market
• Kovalam Flea Market
• Vizhinjam Fish Market (for the spectacle more than the purchase)
• Spice Market near Eve’s Beach
• Pappadam Craft House
• Coconut Leaf Handicrafts Shop
• Kerala Textiles Emporium
• Beach Road Souvenir Shops
• Artdunes Boutique
• Ayurcare Herbals & Oils
• Shobha Handicrafts
• Kovalam Village Craft Centre
• Buddha Bazaar
• Rainbow Gems & Silver
• Spice Route Store

Bargaining isn’t rude here, but keep it polite as sellers smile more readily if you round off neatly.

Famous Restaurants in Kovalam

The smell of grilled snapper and roasted coconut drifts everywhere. Food here is tactile; slightly spicy, slightly smoky, always comforting.

• The Tides at Leela Raviz Kovalam
• Bait by Taj Green Cove
• Malabar Café
• Curry Leaf
• German Bakery
• Fusion Restaurant & Lounge Bar
• Seashore Restaurant
• Crab Club
• Spice Village
• Jasmine Bay
• Lonely Planet Café (tiny, friendly, not affiliated with the guidebook)
• Palm Grove Café
• Thushara Restaurant
• Ocean Breeze Café
• The Terrace

Small note: several restaurants close early (by 10 p.m.), so dinner plans shouldn’t start late.

Popular Hotels in Kovalam

Finding hotels in Kovalam is less about quantity and more about what kind of traveler you are.

• The Leela Raviz Kovalam
• Turtle On The Beach
• Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa
• Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa
• Soma Palmshore Beach Resort
• Hotel Sea Face
• Jasmine Palace
• Marine Palace Beach Hotel
• Moonlight Resort
• Hotel Samudra KTDC
• Hill & Sea View Resort
• Thapovan Heritage Home
• Unwind Hotels & Resort
• Sagara Beach Resort
• Swagath Holiday Resort

Popular Resorts in Kovalam

For longer stays and ocean therapy, these resorts balance leisure with Kerala’s wellness vibe.

• The Leela Raviz Kovalam (perched dramatically on a cliff)
• Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa (has its own lagoon)
• Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa
• Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
• Turtle On The Beach
• Soma Palmshore
• Swagath Holiday Resort
• Sagara Beach Resort
• Abad Harmonia
• Thapovan Heritage Home
• Bethsaida Hermitage
• Ocean Park Resort
• Samudratheeram Beach Resort
• Hill & Sea View Resort
• Beach & Lake Ayurvedic Resort

Where to Stay in Kovalam

Kovalam divides naturally into three beach zones; Lighthouse, Hawa, and Samudra. Lighthouse suits travelers who like movement and easy access to restaurants. Hawa attracts couples seeking quieter stays, and Samudra is popular with families.

Akbartravels.com makes comparing Kovalam hotels by location effortless, especially when filtering by proximity to the beach. A small practical rule: those wanting uninterrupted sea views should ask for “upper-floor ocean-facing” rooms with lower floors often facing garden walls.

Places to Stay in Kovalam Near Popular Attractions

• Near Lighthouse Beach: Turtle On The Beach, Hotel Sea Face, Sagara Beach Resort.
• Near Hawa Beach: Marine Palace Beach Hotel, Jasmine Palace, Moonlight Resort.
• Near Samudra Beach: Uday Samudra, Hotel Samudra KTDC, Swagath Holiday Resort.
• Near Halcyon Castle: Thapovan Heritage Home, Soma Palmshore.
• Near Vizhinjam Port: Bethsaida Hermitage, Ocean Park Resort.

The best hotels in Kovalam near beach usually book out 45 days ahead of Christmas week. Rooms facing the promenade fill first, though a second-row stay often means better sleep, waves can be loud at night.

Budget Hotels in Kovalam

There are plenty of cheap hotels in Kovalam that are comfortable and close to the beach. Options like Hotel Moonlight, Marine Palace, and Holiday Beach Resort start around ₹1,200 per night in off-season.

Small guesthouses behind Lighthouse Beach lanes charge ₹800–₹1,000 but expect intermittent Wi-Fi and slightly thin towels. If the budget is tight, the cheapest hotel in Kovalam listings on akbartravels.com usually feature off-season discounts below ₹900. Some travelers swear by pre-paid combos there as flight + stay saves 10–15%.

Kovalam Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 star hotels in Kovalam: The Leela Raviz Kovalam, Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra.
• 4 star: Turtle On The Beach, Uday Samudra, Sagara Beach Resort, Soma Palmshore.
• 3 star: Hotel Sea Face, Jasmine Palace, Hill & Sea View Resort.
• 2 star hotel Kovalam: Moonlight Resort or Hotel Seaweed for basic but cheerful stays.

Each category varies by view and service and high-star hotels offer private beach sections, while mid-tier ones trade luxury for access.

Best Hotels in Kovalam Based on Location

• For ocean views: The Leela Raviz Kovalam and Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra.
• For easy transport: Hotel Samudra KTDC (right by the main junction).
• For families: Swagath Holiday Resort and Sagara Beach Resort.
• For spa lovers: Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa and Soma Palmshore.
• For budget travelers: Marine Palace and Hotel Moonlight.

Pro tip: Compare Kovalam hotel price comparison tools on akbartravels.com because sometimes higher-rated hotels offer early deals cheaper than small lodges.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Kovalam

Kids love spaces where they can run freely and in Kovalam, that’s often around Samudra Beach. The Uday Samudra and Sagara Beach Resort both have children’s pools. Families preferring Ayurvedic wellness can book at Soma Palmshore; they’ve mastered the balance between therapy and family fun.

During weekends, parking gets scarce near Lighthouse Beach, so families might prefer inland hotels in Kovalam with shuttle drops. akbartravels.com sometimes lists packages including these transfers, saving the daily tuk-tuk scramble.

Kovalam Hotels Tariff

The Kovalam hotel price depends sharply on the season.

• Luxury rooms (Leela, Taj) start around ₹17,000–₹22,000 in winter.
• Mid-range resorts hover between ₹5,000–₹9,000.
• Budget stays go as low as ₹1,000–₹1,500.

For accuracy, use akbartravels.com because its tariff updates reflect festival surges and government tax shifts faster than most portals. Comparing multiple dates can save about 20–25%. Those seeking Kovalam 5 star hotel experiences might wait for monsoon offers  that drop nearly 40%.

Kovalam Travel Tips

1. Book Early in Peak Season: Kovalam’s December–January rush can double room rates. Booking 40–50 days ahead on akbartravels.com helps secure better tariffs and verified listings, especially around Lighthouse Beach.
2. Carry Small Change: Auto drivers, coconut sellers, and small cafés prefer ₹10 and ₹20 notes. Card readers fail sometimes due to sea humidity, so it’s smart to keep around ₹500 in small bills for the day.
3. Stay Near the Beach, but Not Too Close: Oceanfront rooms give dreamy views, but the sound of crashing waves can feel like thunder at night. Second-row hotels in Kovalam offer quieter sleep and cheaper rates, a small trade-off worth considering.
4. Don’t Underestimate the Sun: Even in December, the sun burns fast here. Always carry a hat and reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you plan to walk from Lighthouse to Samudra Beach (a scenic 25-minute stretch).
5. Try Local Seafood Before Sunset: The day’s best catch arrives around 5 p.m., karimeen, prawns, or squid grilled on beach shacks like Crab Club or Fusion. After dark, options narrow quickly.
6. Book Flights Early in Advance: The city doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), about 13 km away. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Thiruvananthapuram well in advance, especially during long weekends or Onam week.
7. Taxi Prices Are Negotiable, Politely: Airport to Kovalam Beach fares hover between ₹700 and ₹900. Ask for prepaid taxis outside the terminal; it avoids long haggling. For local rides, tuk-tuks are faster in traffic than cabs.
8. Avoid Swimming in Monsoon Months: From June to September, waves turn unpredictable. Lifeguards flag unsafe zones daily, so it’s best to enjoy backwater trips instead. Hotels usually warn guests, do heed them.
9. Check Power Backup in Budget Hotels: Short power cuts happen during rains. Larger resorts manage with generators, but smaller cheap hotels in Kovalam might not. Ask during check-in to avoid hot, sleepless nights.
10. Respect Local Customs During Festivals: During temple festivals (like the Vizhinjam Thiruvonam), expect fireworks, drumming, and minor traffic delays. Locals appreciate modest dress near shrines even if you’re just passing by.
11. Ayurvedic Treatments Are Not All Equal: Choose licensed centers with clear doctor consultations; Niraamaya Spa or Somatheeram Ayurvedic Village are reputable. Avoid unlisted parlors that push “miracle oils.” Quality varies widely.
12. Time Your Visits Around the Heat: Mornings before 10 a.m. are ideal for sightseeing and walking tours. Afternoons are best spent indoors with coconut water or in shaded cafes near Hawa Beach.
13. Pack Light Cotton and Flip-Flops: You’ll walk on sand more than pavement. Heavy shoes collect salt dust quickly, and humidity ruins leather in a week.
14. Take a Day Trip to Poovar Island: Just 30 minutes away, it’s a lagoon-meets-sea paradise. Boating through mangroves costs about ₹1,200–₹1,800 per couple for an hour, worth every rupee.
15. Use Akbar Travels for Smarter Combos: If booking both flights and hotels in Kovalam,we often bundles them with 10–15% savings and clear refund rules, handy during uncertain weather months.

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