Kovalam, Kollam, & Veli Tourist Village
Kovalam, 16 Kilometers south of Thiruvanthapuram, is most people's idea of Paradise; a lazy blue sea lapping against sands fringed by swaying palms. You can sail into the sheltered bay in a catamaran or swim in the clear waters. Centuries ago, India's natural system of medicine, called Ayurveda, was developed in Kerala.

Veli Tourist Village and Aakulam
Situated 9 Kms from the Thiruvanthapuram city in the direction of the airport is the Veli Tourist Village located by the side of the sea along a beautiful lake, separated by a bund. Well-landscaped with facilities for boating, (row boats, speed boats, safari and pedal boats, water scooters and hovercraft), the location is excellent for water sports. There is a floating bridge and a floating restaurant here. A toy train for children has also been added. A similar lake a few Kilometers away, called Aakulam, has the biggest Children's park in Kerala. Boat cruises from Veli take one to the Aakulam Park. One can spend some time at sankumugam beach which is a short diversion near the airport and provides horse riding facilities.

Kollam
66 km north  of Thiruvanthapuram, Kollam (Quilon) is an old sea port town on the Arabian coast and stands on the banks of  Ashtamundi Lake. Thirumullavaram, is a beautiful beach here with good facilities. Places for special mention here are the Thangassery, a place with ancient churches.Sasthmkotta is the extensive fresh water lake, the largest of its kind in Kerala. Then there is the Kulanthupuzha, on a forest range, which has a shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha here.