5-Night Coastal Escape from Mumbai to Kovalam: Beaches, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Mumbai to Kovalam, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Mumbai

Take an early morning flight from Mumbai to Trivandrum International Airport, the closest airport to Kovalam, ensuring you arrive with plenty of daylight to explore.
INR 4000 - 7000 approx., 2h30m flight

10:30am

Transfer to Kovalam

Upon arrival at Trivandrum, hire a taxi or use a pre-booked transfer to reach Kovalam beach town, about 15 km away, giving you approximately 30-40 minutes travel time.
INR 600 - 1000, 40m

12:00pm

Check-in and Refresh

Check into your chosen beach resort or hotel in Kovalam and freshen up for an afternoon of light exploration and relaxation.
Varies, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Curry Leaves

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine focusing on seafood dishes in a relaxed beachside setting, open daily from 12pm to 10pm.
INR 500-800, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Spend the afternoon unwinding on Kovalam's famous Lighthouse Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic lighthouse views. No entry fee required.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Hawah Beach

Walk or take a short taxi to Hawah Beach to experience a tranquil sunset scene less crowded than Lighthouse Beach.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Tides

Dine at The Tides restaurant featuring fresh seafood and international favourites with sea views. Open 7am-10:30pm daily.
INR 800-1200, 1h30m

Day 2: Beach & Ayurveda

Kovalam, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast including dosa and fresh banana chips at your hotel, typically served from 7am to 10am.
Included or INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Ayurveda Spa Session

Book a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or treatment at a reputable spa such as Oushadhi or Ayurveda Yoga Villa, open 8am-7pm.
INR 1500-3000, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Kovalam Sculpture Museum

Explore a small but captivating museum showcasing traditional Kerala sculptures, open 10am-5pm. Gain insights into local art and culture.
INR 50, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sree Mahaveer Tiffin Stall

Try popular local snacks and vegetarian meals in this casual and budget-friendly spot in Kovalam, open till 5pm.
INR 150-300, 1h

3:00pm

Light House Climb

Climb the iconic Kovalam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and coastline, open 9am-6pm, entry fees applicable.
INR 20, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Leisure Walk on Samudra Beach

Enjoy the more secluded Samudra Beach, perfect for a peaceful stroll or relaxing by the water, free access.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café 17

Eat at Café 17, an open-air restaurant serving continental and Indian dishes with a focus on fresh and organic products, open till 10pm.
INR 700-1000, 1h30m

Day 3: Day Trip to Trivandrum

Kovalam to Trivandrum, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out to the city of Trivandrum, about 15 km from Kovalam.
Included or INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the iconic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, open 4:30am-11:00am and 5:00pm-7:30pm.
Free, donations welcome, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Napier Museum and Zoo

Discover Kerala's art and natural history at the Napier Museum followed by a stroll in the nearby Trivandrum Zoo. Open 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
INR 20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Zam Zam Restaurant

Savour traditional Kerala Muslim dishes and biryanis at this well-known local restaurant, open 11am-11pm.
INR 500-800, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Walk around the historic Kuthiramalika Palace showcasing traditional architecture and royal artefacts, open 9am-5pm, closed Tuesdays.
INR 50, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Kovalam

Travel back to Kovalam to relax before dinner.
INR 300-500, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Malabar Café

Enjoy a mix of Kerala and Malabar coastal cuisine specialties in a friendly atmosphere near the beach, open 12pm-11pm.
INR 700-900, 1h30m

Day 4: Marine Park & Local Culture

Kovalam, India on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Begin your day with a fresh breakfast at your accommodation.
Included or INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium

Spend the morning learning about Kerala’s rich marine biodiversity at this aquarium located a few kilometres from Kovalam. Open 10am-5pm, closed Thursdays.
INR 50, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Fishing Harbour and Beach Markets

Walk through the bustling fishing harbour to see local fishermen at work and browse stalls selling fresh seafood and local crafts. Free entry.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Samudra Beach

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with beach views featuring traditional Kerala dishes and fresh seafood, open 12pm-10pm.
INR 600-900, 1h

3:00pm

Cooking Class with Local Chef

Participate in a hands-on cooking workshop learning to prepare classic Kerala dishes, typically lasting 2-3 hours. Book in advance.
INR 2500, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Waterfront

Relish scenic dining at Waterfront with an extensive menu blending local and international cuisine alongside live music, open till 11pm.
INR 800-1200, 1h30m

Day 5: Relax & Sunset Cruise

Kovalam, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast by the Beach

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring tropical fruits and Kerala style tea at a beachside café, open from 7am.
INR 300-500, 1h

9:30am

Free Morning at the Beach

Spend the morning at leisure on your favourite Kovalam beach, soaking in the sun or swimming.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Moonlight Restaurant

Have a fresh seafood lunch at this popular spot known for its crab and prawn dishes, open from 12pm to 11pm.
INR 700-900, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping & Local Market

Browse the local markets for spices, handicrafts, and textiles to bring home authentic Kerala souvenirs. Markets open till early evening.
Free to browse, 2h

5:30pm

Sunset Boat Cruise

Embark on a peaceful sunset cruise along the coastline and backwaters near Kovalam, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours. Book tours in advance.
INR 1500-2500, 2h

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Bait

Celebrate your last evening at Bait with exquisite seafood delicacies paired with fine wines. Open 12pm-11pm.
INR 1200-1800, 1h30m

Day 6: Return Journey

Kovalam to Mumbai, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Check-out

Have an early breakfast and check-out from your hotel to ensure timely arrival at the airport.
Included or INR 300, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to Trivandrum Airport

Travel from Kovalam to Trivandrum International Airport for your return flight to Mumbai.
INR 600-1000, 40m

10:30am

Flight to Mumbai

Board your flight from Trivandrum to Mumbai, concluding your 5-night coastal getaway.
INR 4000 - 7000 approx., 2h30m flight