One guide for the coast south of the city: Kovalam's lighthouse beaches, the Vizhinjam seaport and the Poovar backwaters. The route, the extras to budget for, what to carry, and how to book.
Highlights: Kovalam — Lighthouse, Hawa & Samudra Beaches, Vizhinjam Seaport Viewpoint & Fishing Harbour, Lunch, Poovar Backwaters
Itinerary
9:00 AM Pickup — Trivandrum Central / East Fort / Trivandrum Airport Choose any of the three pickup points. Guests board; water and snack packs handed out. About 16 km down the coast road to the first stop.
9:30 AM — Kovalam — Lighthouse, Hawa & Samudra Beaches Three linked crescent beaches below a rocky headland. Climb the working lighthouse for a coastal panorama, swim, or walk the promenade.
11:30 AM — Vizhinjam Seaport Viewpoint & Fishing Harbour A short stop at India's newest deepwater transshipment port, 3 km south of Kovalam: ship-spotting alongside one of Kerala's busiest fishing harbours.
12:15 PM — Lunch Own expense, or a paid add-on at a seafood restaurant near the harbour — guest's choice at booking.
2:00 PM — Poovar Backwaters About 17 km on from Vizhinjam. A mangrove-lined channel leads to the golden sand bar where the Neyyar river meets the Arabian Sea. Boating is optional, paid directly to the boat operator at the jetty.
3:15 PM — Poovar Sand Bar — free time Swim in the calm backwater on one side or the open sea on the other, with the day's best light for photos.
6:00 PM Drop-off — Central, East Fort, the Airport — or your own stop A different drop within the city is free; a small surcharge applies beyond a set radius.
Good to know
🗼 Kovalam: Three crescent beaches: Lighthouse, Hawa and Samudra. Lighthouse climb is about ₹30, own expense. Swim or walk the promenade.
🚢 Vizhinjam: A short stop at India's newest deepwater transshipment port. Ship-spotting next to a busy fishing harbour.
🛶 Poovar boating: Not bundled: pay the boat operator directly. Some private clubs quote far above the notified fare. Ask for the government-notified rate. Our team will guide you at the jetty.
🏝️ Poovar Sand Bar: Calm backwater on one side, open sea on the other. Free time to swim and take photos.
