Kovalam was originally known for its tranquil, beautiful beaches and its unending shoreline. These beaches are frequently remote enough that you're the only person strolling along the sand, with the occasional resident making his way home. But in the 1970s, the hippies 'found' the hidden haven that is Kovalam beach, and tourism hasn't looked back since. Kovalam, which is far less "touristy" than Goa, offers a fair number of small hotels and cafes along with rocky shores that offer calmer seas for peaceful swims. On the other hand, weekends could be a touch crowded. The usually delightful backwater boat is an alternative if you do need a break from the landscape. Poovar continues to be "the" top tourist attraction outside of Kovalam thanks to its picturesque surroundings. Poovar, which is reportedly the port where King Solomon's ships docked in 1000 BC, is a popular tourist site today. Poovar is an island you'll want to return to because of its magnificent mangroves, gorgeous beaches, and estuary that extends out to sea at high tide. Just a short drive from Kovalam, Trivandrum is a pleasant day trip destination. Around every corner in Trivandrum, one can observe the illustrious legacy of the kingdom of Travancore. Explore one of South India's most beautiful cities' culturally stunning Travancore Heritage Trail, which includes intriguing museums and historic temples. When visiting, you might want to make a pit stop at the $20 billion Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the zoo that is thought to have served as the model for Yann Martel's "The Life of Pi."..