Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam is a short walk south of Kovalam. Now an important fishing centre, it was once the capital of the Ay kings (the oldest dynasty in South Kerala). It was taken over by the Pandyans in the 7th century and was the battleground for many of the Chola-Chera face-offs. If you travel from the village centre instead of the coast road you will pass many little shrines including an 8th century single cell rock cut shrine with carved figures of Shiva (with a weapon) and Parvati adorning the exterior. The Tali Shiva temple is probably the original centre of Vizhinjam. The shrine has a collection of Naga snake statues, which is in keeping with the Kerala cult of snake worship.
There are also two shrines, a square Shiva shrine and a rectangular Bhagvati shrine in a grove near the sea, which is known as Kovil Kadu (temple forest). These shrines probably date back to the 9th century.
Vinzhinjam s peaceful appearance (a thatched-roof, fishing village) is rather misleading. Communal tensions between the Muslim and Hindu fishing community has led to a 300 m no-man s land stretch (patrolled by police) that divides the two antagonistic groups. Both groups are professional fisher-folk whose catch is sold all over the country. Some of the boats have been modernised but the traditional fish markets still thrive with the women carrying baskets of fish to sell every morning. 

Marine Aquarium, Vizinjam  
A little over one kilometre from Kovalam and situated on the main road. This place is a treat for all the family. From Piranha s to Rock Lobsters, you will find a variety of marine life here. Though the lighting is terrible and the place gets unavoidably musty, the aquarium makes for a fun visit.

Vinzhinjam
Vinzhinjam s peaceful appearance (a thatched-roof, fishing village) is rather misleading. Communal tensions between the Muslim and Hindu fishing community has led to a 300 m no-man s land stretch (patrolled by police) that divides the two antagonistic groups. Both groups are professional fisher-folk whose catch is sold all over the country. Some of the boats have been modernised but the traditional fish markets still thrive with the women carrying baskets of fish to sell every morning.

Padmanabhapuram Palace (40 km)
Built in traditional Travancore architectural style, this spectacular palace is on the way to Nagarcoil. This used to be the old palace of the Rajas of Travancore.
Famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbar hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirrors, pictures of Lord Krishna and granite dance halls. A set of black shiny floors have been built from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand.

Kollam
Another popular houseboat cruise 86 km away. Kollam is made up of a vast network of canals and lagoons. With its coconut groves and emerald water, Ashtamudi lake is the most popular.

Poovar
You can t quite define Poovar. Part of it is an undiscovered island and the other half is like any other village. Geographically, it is 15 km from Kovalam and 31 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The quiet Poovar river parts to meet the Arabian Sea. A fishing village is in the vicinity. To get here you will need to drive down the dense sun shaded pathway across the bridge.

Varkala
The holy Varkala beach known as Papanashini (that which destroys sins) is a pilgrim point for the devout, which is why it still remains relatively untouched by the tourist brigade and is one of the few beaches that are probably good for the body, mind and soul. It s a perfect place to unwind after a hectic travel routine. Relax, commune with nature and don t miss the sunset.

Ponmudi (77 km)
In Malayalam, Ponmudi means a golden crown; and this tiny hill station manages to live up to the epithet. On a clear day it offers a tantalizing glimpse of the sea combined with cardamom hills, tea plantations and grassy mountain peaks. Mist cloaks the mountains and below the valley undulates, green and verdant.
Yet this small hill station has been reduced to nothing more than a weekend getaway today. But if clear skies fresh air and breath-taking views is all you want, Ponmudi has enough to offer.