Do you know that Kerala is well known because of the many hidden gems it has? This state is situated in southern India where you will see breathtaking landscapes, vibrant greenery mountains, and much more. Kovalam is considered the most attractive place for visitors to see its natural beauty.

However, this town also has a wide range of adventurous activities for visitors to enjoy their trip. Also, their seafood dishes encourage you to visit it once in a lifetime. So if you are planning a smooth and hassle-free trip, then it is recommended that read this article properly to know places to visit in Kovalam in 2 days.

6 Best arts & culture tours in Kovalam Kerala in 2023

Kovalam Art Gallery

The first art & culture tour in Kovalam, which people love to visit, is the Kovalam Art Gallery. It is a true haven located in a beautiful place near the well-known Hawah Beach, where local or foreign tourists usually visit the Kovalam art gallery. In this beautiful gallery, you will see antique objects, paintings, sculptures, and much more. However, most artwork shows India’s ancient traditions and culture.

So if you are fascinated by Indian traditional art, then this place is the best option for you. It not only welcomes artists and art enthusiasts but also fascinates you to visit it because of its stunning paintings by many international artists. On the other hand, the main attractions of this gallery are renowned artists Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova, and Roerich's paintings and also unique collections of Indian fresco artworks.

Lighthouse beach

The second place that we recommend to you is one of Kovalam's most popular tourist destinations, Lighthouse Beach. This perfect Arabian Sea beach is well-known for its 35-meter-tall lighthouse at the southern end, which provides a unique 360-degree view of its surroundings. The lighthouse is made up entirely of stones and has bands of red and white paint. It is situated on Kurumkal Hill, an elevated area. Additionally, there is a viewing platform where you can see Beemapalli mosque on one side and Poovar on the other.

Lighthouse Beach is a popular beach in Kovalam that offers you various kinds of water sports that you can enjoy. Photographers also like this location because of its picture-perfect beach scenes, which feature a lighthouse, sparkling sand, rocking waves, and blue water.

Padmanabhaswamy temple

The third place devoted to the culture of Kovalam is Padmanabhaswamy temple. This place is well known in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Hindu people believe that this place is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. The entirety of the riches maintained within its six vaults and numerous antechambers remains complete. When we talk about its fame and history, it gained attention in 2011 when the immense treasure was discovered. Moreover, this temple provides you with a chance to explore the local culture, cuisines, and other attractions nearby.

It has a huge collection of priceless precious stones, gold, silver, and an unopened vault, which has given rise to numerous unreliable stories. The temple is so well-known that many people come here daily to see Padmanabha's residence. The temple is one of 108 Vishnu temples in India, with roots believed to go back to the eighth century.

Aruvikkara Dam

The fourth destination that you can also visit is the Aruvikkara Dam in Kovalam, which ensures that you are in the ideal place to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. The dam is situated on the grounds of the village of Aruvikkara, approximately 15 kilometers from Trivandrum. The dam was constructed beside the Karamana River to provide Trivandrum water and enable cultivating in the nearby villages.

Although the dam is not very large, it is well-maintained by the government and is a popular hangout for families and friends seeking a quiet place to spend time together. This location is fantastic for spending some time enjoying some enjoyable activities and taking in the sight of the water source because it has a small park and boat rides where you can ride.

Halcyon Castle

Another place that tourists consider an arts & culture tours in Kovalam is Halcyon Castle which was constructed in 1932. This place served as a retreat for the Travancore (now known as Kerala) royal family. However, it is also named as for it is Kovalam Palace. Her Highness Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai's consort, M.R. Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, constructed the palace. The palace was used by the royal family as a summer retreat until 1964. Its architecture is in the traditional Kerala style.

The Keralan government purchased Kovalam Palace in 1964 and transformed it into a luxurious hotel. It was later purchased by a private chain of hotels after a few years. A beach resort with international attractions now includes the palace. It is known as a heritage hotel where guests can enjoy a rich stay and is situated two kilometers from Kovalam.

Vizhinjam Rock – Cut Cave Temple

The Vizhinjam Rock-Cut Cave Temple is another popular tourist destination in Kerala that tourists love to visit. This little rock temple was built in the eighth century. However, if we see its distance, it is roughly 17 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram City. If you have a genuine interest in knowing more about the architecture of historic temples, make sure to include this location on your Kerala Tour is suitable.

However, it has been since 1965, and the Archaeological Survey of India has been responsible for maintaining control over it. The temple shows a magnificent picture of Shiva, known as Tripurantaka, holding a bow and arrow. Along with him is his beloved consort, Parvati. The Vizhinjam Rock-Cut Temple holds the distinction of being one of the oldest temples discovered in the state of Kerala.

Conclusion

Finding the best art & culture tours in Kovalam may be challenging. Therefore, before going to any place, research the main places you want to visit.