The Light house beach

The southernmost beach and the most popular, this is what is we usually refer to by ‘Kovalam beach.’ The tall red and white striped light house is more or less the landmark of the beach. The light house, which is more than 30 meters high, is open from 2 pm to 4 pm. The view of the beach from the top of the light house is quite worth the long climb. The beach would be crowded during the peak season with sunbathing tourists and groups of locals. Handicraft shops, eateries and other booths dot the shore; the evenings here exude a carnival ambience with the restaurants playing music.
The waters are shallow for quite a distance and are thus safe for swimming. If you feel like getting away from the crowds, you can take a walk along the fishing villages which lie further across the beach side.

The Hawwa and Samudra beaches

The Hawwa beach is used more by the local fishermen than tourists. The Samudra beach is the northern-most beach and the least crowded of the three.  A 15-minute walk separates the beach from the lighthouse beach. The Samudra is the quietest of the three; there are also few tourist activities here.  

Vizhinjam

Vizhinjam is a small town with a natural port, which lies about 3 km from Kovalam.  The town still has remnants of its old trade connections; a church built by the Portuguese still stands here, close to the sea. Vizhinjam also has a cave temple; within the cave can be found unfinished reliefs of Lord Siva dancing with Parvati.

Thiruvananthapuram

The city of Thiruvananthapuram abounds with temples, age old palaces, museums and much more. The most famous among them would be the Padmanabha Swamy temple and the Padmanabhapuram palace.  The Napier museum and the Sree Chitra Art Gallery attached to it are also well worth a visit. The city also has a zoo which houses a wide variety of rare species of animals and birds. There are quite a few spots of great scenic beauty around Thiruvananthapuram - Ponmudy, Meenmutty etc. The district also has a network of backwaters along which houseboat cruises can be arranged.  

Swimming and sunbathing

Swimming is allowed in the beaches, however only at certain restricted points. The waters can be unpredictable and rough, there can be dangerous undertow at certain points.  So it is better to stick to those points indicated by the signboards. The climate of Kerala, of course is ideal for that perfect tan. However, if you have recently received an Ayurvedic oil massage, you need to consult an expert before stepping out into the sun.     

Ayurvedic Treatment 

Ayurveda, the age old system of medicine, literally means the science of life. The basic premise of the system is in treating the mental, social and spiritual aspects of the human body, not just the physical. There are a number of Ayurveda spas in Kovalam; some can be found right on the beachside. There are those which offer just an oil massage, while some offer a full 21 day treatment involving a special diet and daily massage. There is also a ten day package. According to Ayurveda exponents, the monsoons are the best time for rejuvenation, when the pores of the skin are fully open and receptive to the oils and baths. 
   
Yoga and Meditation

The yoga centers are usually attached to the resorts scattered across Kovalam.  The instructors here would be professionally qualified and you can combine your holiday with a spiritual journey. The best thing about learning Yoga and meditation here in Kovalam is that you have the perfect setting to practice it; there couldn’t be anything more blissful than meditating on the quiet sands of the beach in the early morning.
   
Kathakali

Kathakali, the dance drama of Kerala, is an art form which requires long years of training and fitness to be perfected. The very sight of the artist with his elaborate makeup, costume and facial expressions is spectacular by itself; when watched against the backdrop of the sunset or the night sky by the beach, well, it has to be experienced to be believed.
  
Water sports

Being a well developed tourist centre, the facilities available at Kovalam are on par with that of any major destination in the world. Beach-volley, water skiing, parasailing, kayaking, skiing, windsurfing etc. are some of the sports in which you can indulge in. Of course, the availability depends on the season in which you are visiting.  Also, it is better to seek the instructions of the lifeguard before going into the sea. Surf boards are available for hire here. Snorkeling on the waters near the coast can provide you with magnificent views of the coral reefs on the sea bed.   You can actually walk along the sea floor for a distance of nearly 100 meters. 

Backwater Cruise

There are two kinds of boats available for cruising, the rice boats and the kettuvalloms. The rice boats are long, narrow affairs, with a flat bottom, more of a ferry or a water taxi, punted by an oarsman.  One of the water channels runs parallel to the sea, flanked on either side by shady coconut palms. As you pass by, you will be able to see typical Kerala villages on either side; rows of small houses with the children playing outside, the women engaged in beating coconut husk etc.  On the other side, you can catch glimpses of the sea and the surf.  At the end of the ride, you reach an island which is used solely for making coir. The experience is bound to remain in your heart forever.