INTRODUCTION
Kovalam, the star attraction of Trivandrum is about 16kms south of the city, is an enchanting sea resort.Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is one among the best in the world. Here silvery white sands, mellow sun shine, dark green palms swaying so gracefully all along the coast, perfect swimming,marvellous views of seascape and a lot of fun thrill the visitor. Apart from the resorts the beach offers a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage and yoga facillities.Kovalam which is now a top beach destination was once a fishing village and a favourite hippy haunt. The beach is also noted for its crescent shape which has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time seems stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaram cruising etc.LOCATION
Kovalam beach is located at a distance of about 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.It coordinates at 8°18N 77°12E / 8.3°N 77.2°E.BEST TIME TO VISIT
The ideal time to visit Kovalam beach is between September to March.
PLACES OF INTERESTS
Samudra Beach
The Samudra beach is oriented more towards the north which though not really very active in the day time gets alive at night when rows of restaurant tables spring up along the sea wall.
There is a small temple situated here which is surrounded by full of resorts along with ayurvedic spa's and massage centre.
Hawa Beach
Light House Beach
This beach got its name so because it houses the lighthouse towards the southern end. This beach is quite popular when compared to other beaches in Kovalam for it is lined up with resorts and guest houses all along. Though the light house remains open only between 3pm to 5pm it is a must place to be visited for after you climb the 142 spiral steps and twelve ladder rungs to the observation platform, one can see the Beemapalli mosque in one direction to Poovar on the south. You can venture out into the sea on surf boards or the wooden catamaran. Beach chairs and parasols are also available on hire.Thiruvananthapuram
The capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is very easy. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Puthenmalike Palace, Zoo, Planetarium, Veli Lagoon, Ponmudi hill station etc.Ayurvedic Massage
Kovalam beach is known for the Ayurvedic spa's and also Ayurvedic treatment centres.
Almost all the resorts and hotels in Kovalam have a Ayurvedic unit attached to them.
Some theatres perform the traditional Kerala art form, Kathakali and ethnic martial art, Kalarippayattu.
Things to do
Angling for deep-sea fishing is in high demand with tourists coming up for vacations in Kovalam.
Surfboards and boogie boards can also be hired on the beach.
SHOPPING
There are number of small and big shops in and around the beach area selling intricately carved ivory objects, wooden baskets and caskets,bronzes,Kathakali masks, traditional fabrics and other articles of handicrafts. There are also shops selling Tibetan, Kashmiri and Rajasthani clothes, books and antiques.
EAT OUTS
Fusion - On a breezy terrace on Lighthouse beach, offers a good choice of Keralan and European dishes.
Coconut Grove - Lighthouse beach Rock Cafe - Lighthouse beach. The Lobster Pot - North from the Leela. Lonely Planet The Taj Green Cove Resort Jasmine Bay Apart from this there are some traditional Kerala breakfast like puttu, Kerala appam and egg masala at the local teashops. ACCOMMODATION
1.FOCUS KERALA
Light House Road Kovalam,Vizhinjam.P.O Trivandrum-695 521 +91 471 3224860
2.Shirleysbeach Hotels& Homestay’s
Light House Beach Kovalam Kerala India +91-471-2317303
3.The beach hotel
Light house beach kovalam Vizhinjam p.o. 695521 Trivandrum, kerala India
4.Hotel Sea Face
NUP Beach Road Kovalam, Kerala - 695527 (India) +91.471.2481835 / 2481836
5.GREEN SHORE APARTMENTS
Lighthouse Road Kovalam Vizhinjam PO Trivandrum-695 521 Kerala South India 0091 471 2480106
6.Hill & Sea View Ayurvedic Beach Resort
Vizhinjam, Kovalam Trivandrum, Kerala 695521 09927420034
7.Taj Green Cove Resort
G.V. Raja Vattapara Road Kovalam Trivandrum, Kerala +91 471 248 7733
8.Tom's Inn
Vpi/43g ITDC Road Kovalam Trivandrum 695527 Kerala India +91 471 2454008/2450838
9.Beach Hotel Neelakanta
Light House Beach Kovalam, 695521 0471 2480321
10.Jasmine Palace
Kovalam Beach Kovalam P.O, Trivandrum - 695527 Kerala, India. + 91 471 2481475 |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
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