Picturesque Destinations

Tourist & Cultural Attractions

Picturesque Destinations

Tourist & Cultural Attractions

ANANDALAKSHMI AYURVEDA RETREAT

Kovalam, Kerala

Discover the beauty, heritage, and tranquility of Kerala while staying at our retreat. We are located close to some of the most breathtaking tourist spots, including serene backwaters, pristine beaches, historic temples, and cultural landmarks.

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Backwaters & Beaches

Poovar Backwaters

Poovar

Distance: 10 km | Duration: 3 hours | Travel: 15 minutes by car

Nestled in Southern Kerala, Poovar is a picturesque destination where the tranquil backwaters meet the Arabian Sea, offering a stunning golden sand beach. The highlight of the trip is the estuary where the Nayyar River merges with the sea.

Timings: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dress Code: Casuals

Backwaters

Poovar Backwaters

Poovar

Distance: 10 km | Duration: 3 hours | Travel: 15 minutes by car

Nestled in Southern Kerala, Poovar is a picturesque destination where the tranquil backwaters meet the Arabian Sea, offering a stunning golden sand beach. The highlight of the trip is the estuary where the Nayyar River merges with the sea.

Timings: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dress Code: Casuals

Backwaters

Beaches Near the Retreat

Beaches

Chowara Beach – Just 1 km away, accessible by rickshaw, car, or a scenic walk through the fisherman’s village.

Kovalam Beach – A world-famous beach located 10 km away, reachable by a 15-minute car ride.

Best Time to Visit: Morning or Evening (adjust with treatment schedule)
Dress Code: Casuals

Beaches

Beaches Near the Retreat

Beaches

Chowara Beach – Just 1 km away, accessible by rickshaw, car, or a scenic walk through the fisherman’s village.

Kovalam Beach – A world-famous beach located 10 km away, reachable by a 15-minute car ride.

Best Time to Visit: Morning or Evening (adjust with treatment schedule)
Dress Code: Casuals

Beaches

Temple Visits

Temples

Chowara Temple

Located next to the retreat, this revered Lord Ayyappa temple comes alive during the annual festival in the first two weeks of January. A short walk through the village offers a glimpse into local traditions.

Azhimala Shiva Temple

Home to the majestic 58-foot Gangadhareshwara sculpture of Lord Shiva, this temple sits dramatically near the beach. Located 2 km from the retreat, it can be reached by walking, taxi, or rickshaw.

Best Time to Visit: Morning & Evening (Temples remain closed during the day)

Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended; Moderate casuals are acceptable.

Temples

Chowara Temple

Located next to the retreat, this revered Lord Ayyappa temple comes alive during the annual festival in the first two weeks of January. A short walk through the village offers a glimpse into local traditions.

Azhimala Shiva Temple

Home to the majestic 58-foot Gangadhareshwara sculpture of Lord Shiva, this temple sits dramatically near the beach. Located 2 km from the retreat, it can be reached by walking, taxi, or rickshaw.

Best Time to Visit: Morning & Evening (Temples remain closed during the day)

Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended; Moderate casuals are acceptable.

Temples

Wildlife & Nature

Neyyar Elephant Park

Neyyar

A must-visit eco-tourism spot of Kerala, located 35 km from the retreat. Arriving at 9 AM lets you witness elephants bathing, while 10:30 AM offers a chance to see them being fed by their handlers—both are truly unforgettable experiences.

Travel: By car

Timings: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Dress Code: Casuals

Elephant Park

Neyyar Elephant Park

Neyyar

A must-visit eco-tourism spot of Kerala, located 35 km from the retreat. Arriving at 9 AM lets you witness elephants bathing, while 10:30 AM offers a chance to see them being fed by their handlers—both are truly unforgettable experiences.

Travel: By car

Timings: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Dress Code: Casuals

Elephant Park

City & Heritage Tours

Trivandrum City Tour

Trivandrum

The capital of Kerala, 22 km from the retreat , offers a vibrant mix of modern city life and cultural landmarks, including:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple (one of the richest temples in the world)

Palaces & Museums

Chalai Bazaar (a bustling market)

Travel : By car

Timings: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM or 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Not advisable on Mondays (museums & palaces remain closed, but the temple is open).

Dress Code: Casuals

City Tour

Trivandrum City Tour

Trivandrum

The capital of Kerala, 22 km from the retreat , offers a vibrant mix of modern city life and cultural landmarks, including:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple (one of the richest temples in the world)

Palaces & Museums

Chalai Bazaar (a bustling market)

Travel: By car

Timings: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM or 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Not advisable on Mondays (museums & palaces remain closed, but the temple is open).

Dress Code: Casuals

City Tour

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) Tour

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the mainland of India, where three major seas Arabian Sea, Ban of Bengal and Indian ocean are meeting and is one of the holiest places of Hindu belief.

Two popular attractions of the region are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the Statue of Thiruvalluvar, famous ancient Tamil poet located side by side in the sea and are now connected by a glass bridge the first of its kind in India. Boating on the sea to reach these spots are much enjoyable. Located 65 Km from the retreat.

Highlights include:

Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue – Accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Glass Bridge – India's first of its kind, offering breathtaking views of the sea.

Travel : By car

Travel Time: Two Hours

Tour

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) Tour

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the mainland of India, where three major seas Arabian Sea, Ban of Bengal and Indian ocean are meeting and is one of the holiest places of Hindu belief.

Two popular attractions of the region are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the Statue of Thiruvalluvar, famous ancient Tamil poet located side by side in the sea and are now connected by a glass bridge the first of its kind in India. Boating on the sea to reach these spots are much enjoyable.

Located 65 Kms from the retreat.

Highlights include:

Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue – Accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Glass Bridge – India's first of its kind, offering breathtaking views of the sea.

Travel: By car

Tour

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram

Padmanabhapuram palace is over 400 years old, and considered to be the largest wooden palace in Asia. The palace is situated in a small town known as Padmanabhapuram near Kanyakumari, the south most tip of India. The palace contains 15 edifices that are all rich in intricate and complex woodwork and sculptures. It was the capital of the powerful Venad Kingdom.

Travel : By car

Travel Time: One and half hours

Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram

Padmanabhapuram palace is over 400 years old, and considered to be the largest wooden palace in Asia. The palace is situated in a small town known as Padmanabhapuram near Kanyakumari, the south most tip of India. The palace contains 15 edifices that are all rich in intricate and complex woodwork and sculptures. It was the capital of the powerful Venad Kingdom.

Travel : By car

Travel Time: One and half hours

Palace

Plan Your Visit

Enjoy a blend of nature, culture, and history during your stay with us. Our team can assist you with travel arrangements to these locations. For more details, reach out to us!

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