Your stay — Dolphin
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Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Dolphin, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from the main road. The hotel has a 4-floor structure, and the higher floors are likely to be quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may receive noise from the street and service entrance. Rooms near the lift may also experience noise from the elevator mechanism.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor) might offer views of the surrounding area, although the exact view will depend on the room's orientation and the Kovalam landscape.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Kovalam is a coastal town, and the hotel's location on the main road may result in some noise from the street. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the service entrance may cause some noise disturbance.
Insider tips
If you're arriving by car, be aware that parking may be limited in the area. Consider arriving early to secure a spot. Request a room with a balcony if you want to take in the views of the surrounding area, but be aware that the hotel's layout and room orientation may affect the actual view.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Dolphin
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, limited to 1GB per device per day
Serves all floors, including the historic wing
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers in the lobby
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 14:00 (Rs. 1,000 fee)
Available at the concierge desk (free for up to 2 hours, Rs. 100 per day thereafter)
Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible rooms available, some structural limitations due to historic building
On-site parking available (Rs. 500 per night), valet parking also available (Rs. 1,000 per night), nearest public car park (Rs. 300 per day) and EV charging available at the hotel
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rs. 50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: Rs. 1,500 advance deposit and an incidental card hold of Rs. 2,000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Muhyiddin Juma Masjid (847 m · ~11 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Aaykkudi Temple (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Apostolic Worship Centre (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Vizhinjam Rock Temple (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Maharaja Motors — 2.3 km · ~28 min walk
Marine Sport Center Vizhinjam — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Grocery Kiosk — 793 m · ~10 min walk
Ksrtc Bus Depot - Vizhinjam — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Exchange money at local currency exchange centres or banks, avoiding airport or tourist bureaux for better rates. Be prepared to show passport and ID.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in Kovalam Beach Road and nearby restaurants. Contactless payments are less common, but major restaurants and shops accept mobile payments like Paytm and Google Pay.
Round up the bill or leave ₹10-20 for restaurant staff, ₹20-50 for taxi drivers, and ₹50-100 for hotel staff, depending on service quality.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Get a coffee at a local tea stall for ₹20-30 or at a small café for ₹50-70.
Try a plate of idli-sambar or dosa at a local eatery for ₹50-80 or a meal at a mid-range restaurant for ₹150-250.
Eat at a local restaurant serving traditional Kerala cuisine for ₹150-250 or try street food like puttu or vadas for ₹20-50.
Street food is common in Kovalam Beach Road, and you can find vendors selling snacks like vadas, puttu, and idlis.
Local markets like the one near Lighthouse Road have a variety of grocery stores like Reliance Fresh and local shops.
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets like the one near the beach or at shops along Lighthouse Road.
The cheapest way to get around is by taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi, with a day pass not available. From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle for ₹1,500-2,000.
Bargain at local markets and shops, as prices can be negotiable.Avoid buying bottled water, and instead opt for filtered water or buy a refillable bottle.Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis, which can be expensive for short distances.
Good to know — Kovalam
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.55 · INR
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kovalam, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Dolphin
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (East Fort) → Kovalam Beach Junction
💡 Catch bus number 5 or 7 from East Fort. It drops you at the junction, then walk 5 mins downhill to the resort. Can get packed at rush hour.
Hawa Beach (also called Eve's Beach) → Cosmic Leisure Resort (stop at Samudra Beach Gate)
💡 This air-conditioned minibus runs along the main coast road in peak season. Sit on the left for sea views. Runs late after sundown only if demand is high.
Kovalam Lighthouse Beach → Cosmic Leisure Resort
💡 Negotiate hard—start at half the quoted fare. Most drivers know the resort's lane opposite the Leela Hotel.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) → Cosmic Leisure Resort, Kovalam
💡 Use the government prepaid counter inside arrivals. Avoid haggling with touts outside—fixed rates save you a headache.
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) → Hotel Sea View, Kovalam
💡 Book from the prepaid counter inside arrivals to avoid haggling. Drivers will expect a small tip; ₹50–100 is enough.
Trivandrum Thampanoor Bus Station → Kovalam Junction
💡 Get off at the 'Kovalam Junction' stop. From there, it's a 10-minute walk or quick tuk-tuk to Linchu. Buses get packed by 8 AM. Carry small change.
Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor bus stand) → Kovalam junction (walk 5 mins to Sea View)
💡 Look for buses marked 'Kovalam' or 'Vizhinjam'. Get off at the main junction, then walk downhill towards the beach. Avoid rush hour (8–10 AM, 5–7 PM) as buses get packed.
Trivandrum International Airport → Kovalam Beach Road (drop-off near Sea View)
💡 This runs via a private operator — ask at the airport information desk. Cheaper than a taxi but slower. Book a seat for the return trip at the hotel reception a day ahead.
Lighthouse Beach area → Hotel Sea View
💡 Agree on the fare before you get in — locals pay ₹30 for short hops. Drivers often double-charge tourists. Carry small change.
Kovalam Beach Road → Linchu Ayurvedic Beach Resort
💡 Insist on meter. If they refuse, negotiate a flat rate of ₹50-₹100 for a short hop. Avoid them at night – they'll triple the price.
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) → Linchu Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Kovalam
💡 Airport pickup is from the designated ride-hailing zone – look for the sign. Surcharge of ₹30–₹50 if booked during peak or rainy season. Cash is king; most drivers prefer it over cards.
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) → Linchu Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Kovalam
💡 Skip the touts inside the arrivals hall. Walk to the pre-paid taxi counter just outside the exit. Pay at the counter – it's fixed, no haggling. If you're arriving late, confirm the resort's 24-hour check-in.
About Kovalam
Wikipedia ↗
Kovalam (Malayalam: [koːʋɐɭɐm]) is a beach and seaside resort in the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India. Kovalam is located 12.6 km (7.8 mi) southeast of the city center. The beaches around Kovalam are popular vacation destinations for both domestic and international travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Dolphin?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from the main road. The hotel has a 4-floor structure, and the higher floors are likely to be quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Dolphin?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may receive noise from the street and service entrance. Rooms near the lift may also experience noise from the elevator mechanism.
Is Dolphin noisy?
Kovalam is a coastal town, and the hotel's location on the main road may result in some noise from the street. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to the service entrance may cause some noise disturbance.
Which rooms have the best views at Dolphin?
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor) might offer views of the surrounding area, although the exact view will depend on the room's orientation and the Kovalam landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Dolphin?
If you're arriving by car, be aware that parking may be limited in the area. Consider arriving early to secure a spot. Request a room with a balcony if you want to take in the views of the surrounding area, but be aware that the hotel's layout and room orientation may affect the actual view.
What time is check-in at Dolphin?
Check-in at Dolphin is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Dolphin have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, limited to 1GB per device per day
Is there a city or tourist tax at Dolphin?
Rs. 50 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Dolphin?
Try a plate of idli-sambar or dosa at a local eatery for ₹50-80 or a meal at a mid-range restaurant for ₹150-250.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Dolphin?
The cheapest way to get around is by taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi, with a day pass not available. From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle for ₹1,500-2,000.
Top Attractions in Kovalam
💡 Bring your own water – the stalls here charge double. Good for a peaceful swim early morning before the crowds arrive.
💡 Entry is free, but the art is priced from 200 rupees upward. The owner is happy to chat about techniques and may offer a small discount for cash purchases.
💡 Chat with the artists on duty — they often explain painting techniques and sometimes offer informal workshops for a small fee.
💡 Visit just before sunset for the best light. The lighthouse itself costs 10 rupees to climb and closes at 5pm – go early to avoid queuing.
💡 Arrive before 8am to watch local fishermen pull in their nets. The southern end near the lighthouse is quieter and less crowded.
💡 Visit at 5pm to climb the lighthouse for 20 rupees — views stretch along the whole coast.
💡 Reach by a short autorickshaw ride (about 30 rupees). Walk south along the rocks at low tide to find small rock pools with crabs. Perfect for a quiet picnic.
💡 Go around 7-8am for the most activity — you can buy fresh fish directly from boats for a fraction of restaurant prices.