Azhimala Shiva Temple sits on the coast south of Kovalam, where the temple compound looks straight over the Arabian Sea. The setting is half the point: waves below, palms behind, and a large concrete Shiva in Gangadhareshwara form rising above the shrine make it feel more dramatic than many small coastal temples.
Come outside the hottest part of the day and leave time to walk the edge of the compound rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. It works well with Vizhinjam and the southern beaches, especially if you want a temple visit that still feels tied to Kovalam's shoreline.