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What comes to your mind when you first think of a trip to Kovalam? Immaculate and pristine beaches where you can just chill, gaze at the beautiful sunsets and lose yourself in your thoughts? You are only partially right about this because there’s much more to Kovalam than the serene beaches and the backwaters. You will be surprised by the number of options you get for things to do in Kovalam. So, all the travellers who seek a tour filled with activities, know this - you don’t have to strike off Kovalam from your list. Here are the top things to do in Kovalam that you must explore.
This dam located on the Neyyar river in the Western Ghats is the ultimate destination to revitalise yourself. The dam is surrounded by the forest and is home to wild animals such as gaur, sloth bears, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cats, Nilgiri langurs and wild elephants. Amidst the wilderness there is a Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram. This ashram is one of the most popular yoga centres among foreign tourists visiting India. The yoga sessions are often conducted in the forest and are regarded as one of the best things to do in Kovalam. Enroll yourself for these sessions and relax in the woods with yoga and meditation.
Featuring paintings and other artwork by some of the notable artists in India, the Kovalam Art Gallery is a holy grail for all art lovers. Check out original and exclusive paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich. This art gallery also exhibits intricate paintings done by some of the renowned artists in Kerala. Take a tour in this art gallery and explore beautiful work depicting heritage culture and traditions from the Mughal and Rajput era, respectively. There are also some artefacts on display that were excavated in China, Japan and Tibet. No wonder a visit to the Kovalam Art Gallery is considered as one of the best things to do in Kovalam.
The Karamana river is located on the outskirts of Kovalam town. It’s a popular spot for tourists as the river is lined with coconut, tapioca and pepper plantations. These serenely still backwaters are deceptive - you can indulge in the most adrenaline raising sports such as kayaking, houseboat cruises and canoe riding on the water’s smooth surface. Kovalam will take you by surprise with exciting activities at the most unexpected of places.
If you want to head to the most happening place in Kovalam, then there’s no better one than the Lighthouse beach. It is always full with the hustle and bustle of hawkers, tourists and the locals. The beach derives its name from the lighthouse situated on the adjacent Kurumkal hill. If you want to escape the crowds for a while, then climb the lighthouse and take a look at the beautiful view from the top. On one side lies the Poovar village and on the other elegant Beemapalli Mosque. However, adventure sports such paragliding, surfing and parasailing are the biggest tourist attractions here. Once you are done with all the activities, gorge on some delicious sea food at the small food shacks around the beach.
A good trip is never complete without a shopping expedition. If you are shopping in Kovalam then there are few things that your cart must include. Even if street shopping is not your thing, you will be impressed by the variety and the quality of the silk sarongs that are sold at the Kovalam beach. Are you a fan of pure fabrics? Then a trip to SM handloom centre is mandatory. You will get excellent quality silk, cotton and linen clothes at this handloom centre in Kovalam. Kerala is known as the spice land and Kovalam makes sure that it stays true to its name. Head to Joseph & Sons shop for some fresh spices, grown from the soil of Kerala. Do not forget to get the Vanilla pods, dry ginger and palm jaggery at this shop that is located near lighthouse beach. If you are looking to shop for some unique souvenirs for your friends, then teakwood and rosewood statues sold by local craftsmen are your safe bets. Go on a shopping spree when in Kovalam and take home a bag full of memories!
Now that you have a list of things to do in Kovalam, you know what to include in your next plan and what not to. You can explore this place in many different ways as it offers a wide range of activities along with several tourist spots. However, if that is overwhelming for you our experts at SOTC will help plan the right Kovalam trip itinerary for you.
