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Kovalam is a coastal town in Kerala that attracts visitors with its serene beaches and diverse cultural heritage. The charming places to visit near Kovalam provide a unique glimpse of Kerala’s rich cultural history and natural beauty. From the breathtaking views of Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary to the historical splendour of Padmanabhapuram Palace, a great experience awaits visitors with the famous tourist attractions near Kovalam. If your interest lies in the peaceful backwaters of Poovar Island or the lively marketplaces and temples of Thiruvananthapuram, plan a getaway with TripXL for lifelong unforgettable memories.
Top 10 Places To See Near Kovalam
Beyond the ravishing coastline of Kovalam lies a plethora of attractions that beckon travellers with their natural magnificence. Here are the top 10 attractions near Kovalam that will make your trip unforgettable:
1. Padmanabhapuram Palace
Photo: Aviatorjk / Wikimedia Commons
Padmanabhapuram Palace is situated at Kerala’s border in the southernmost part of Tamil Nadu and is an excellent example of traditional Kerala architecture. Constructed in the sixteenth century, this palace is known for its rich history, fine wooden carvings, and panelling with black & white marble. One can walk through the dining hall, council rooms, and royal quarters that signify the lifestyle of the noble people who stayed here. The palace is renowned for its beautiful architecture and lush gardens. The museum inside the palace exhibits antique weapons, old paintings, and items belonging to the royal family.
Distance From Kovalam: 35 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kovalam
2. Neyyar Dam And Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Arunravi.signs / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled at the bottom of the Western Ghats, Neyyar Dam is a serene location ideal for leisurely hikes and picnics with friends and family. Elephants, tigers, and deer are among the many wild animals that are housed in the natural habitat of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a fantastic tourist destination close to Kovalam and also has a lion safari park & a crocodile farm. There are some amazing hiking opportunities here suitable for adventure seekers. Visitors love to explore the Neyyar Reservoir on a boat trip for a tranquil experience amidst the lush surroundings.
Distance From Kovalam: 32 km
3. Varkala
Photo: Shantham11 / Wikimedia Commons
Varkala stands out as an attractive seaside holiday destination as it lies on the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most visited places by tourists in Kerala due to its mesmerising cliffside views and fun-filled beach activities. The Janardanaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu also attracts tourists and devotees every year. Varkala ranks as one of the top destinations to visit close to Kovalam. Tourists find this place even more exciting due to fun activities like paragliding and thrilling water sports.
Distance From Kovalam: 55 km
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Kovalam
4. Poovar Island
Photo: Maskaravivek / Wikimedia Commons
Poovar Island is an exotic resort town in Kovalam where the Neyyar River merges into the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect spot for a relaxing day out as the tourists can enjoy the calm backwaters and pristine beach with golden sands. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience with a boat ride and cruise through the mangroves in the area. There are several eco-resorts and floating villas on the island that provide unique stay options amidst tranquil views. The island is perfect for a getaway from the hustle & bustle of city life because of its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
Distance From Kovalam: 18 km
5. Thiruvananthapuram
Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is home to several important historical and cultural sites and is one of the famous places to visit near Kovalam. Renowned for its exquisite Dravidian design, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a testament to incredible wealth and is ranked among the world’s wealthiest temples. The Napier Museum houses several artefacts, including a temple chariot, bronze idols, and antique decorations. In addition to operational displays, the Kerala Science and Technology Museum occasionally hosts planetarium performances for visitors to enjoy. Due to its proximity to Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram is a destination to include in the itinerary for Kerala.
Distance From Kovalam: 16 km
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Kovalam
6. Kanyakumari
Photo: Kshan7811 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at the farthest southern point of the Indian subcontinent, Kanyakumari is well-known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial here honours the renowned Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda and provides relishing views of the lush green vegetation and water bodies in the surroundings. The enormous stone statue of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, also known as the Thiruvalluvar Statue, is another sight that visitors can explore.
Distance From Kovalam: 90 km
7. Ponmudi
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Ponmudi is a stunning hill station nestled in the Western Ghats in Kerala making it a perfect location for a getaway and rejuvenation amidst the embrace of nature. Ponmudi has cool and pleasant weather with misted hills, meandering trails, and lush greenery. The Golden Valley is among the hotspots to visit in the vicinity of Ponmudi as it is a true jewel with stunning views of the Kallar River. The magnificent Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Ponmudi that attracts animal lovers to this location. It houses numerous varieties of birds, elephants, and leopards that stay in their natural habitat.
Distance From Kovalam: 61 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
8. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
Photo: CISO Marine World / Wikimedia Commons
The Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is located at a very short distance from Kovalam. It’s a captivating place that showcases different species of aquatic animals, including some really rare species like the squirrelfish, lionfish, and even piranhas. And, that’s not all as the aquarium boasts a super interesting pearl production technique that amazes the visitors. It is a destination to visit with families and kids, and worth checking out on a trip to Kovalam. The aquarium may be small but it offers an educational experience about marine biodiversity.
Distance From Kovalam: 3 km
9. Kovalam Art Gallery
Photo: Ajeeshcphilip / Wikimedia Commons
The Kovalam Art Gallery is an enthralling space that showcases both contemporary and traditional Indian artwork. This gallery features artwork by regional artisans, including paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts to provide visitors with an insight into the rich cultural legacy that permeates this place. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kovalam. This art gallery’s periodic involvement in workshops and other cultural events adds to the exceptionally colourful and artistically rich lifestyle of Kovalam.
Distance From Kovalam: 3 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kovalam
10. Aruvikkara Dam
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
The Aruvikkara Dam is one of the famous places to visit near Kovalam where visitors can relax or take a stroll in the evening. It is built across the Karamana River and has a very peaceful vibe. The Bhagavathy Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, is located nearby which attracts pilgrims. The dam and its surroundings have lots of greenery and calm surroundings, making it an extraordinary escape from the hustle & bustle of city life. It is one of the most interesting places for a weekend getaway and witness different kinds of birds, making it a real haven for nature enthusiasts.
Distance From Kovalam: 27 km
The tourist places to visit near Kovalam offer amazing experiences, like a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Thiruvananthapuram, the breathtaking vistas of Kanyakumari, the refreshing greenery of Ponmudi, the aquatic wonders of Vizhinjam Aquatic Aquarium, the creative legacy of Kovalam Art Gallery, and the serene surroundings of Aruvikkara Dam. These tourist attractions cater to every traveller’s taste. Plan your next trip with TripXL and get amazing deals.
Cover Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons
