Kovalam Kerala

Kovalam - The paradise on God's Own Country

Kovalam is a small village, situated about 13 Kms from Traivandrum district in Kerala. The village located on the banks of Arabian Sea, is known worldwide for Kovalam Beaches. Kovalam has been one of the most prominent tourist spots in India for a long time. The Ayurvedic salons and recuperation resorts are major tourist attractions here.

History of Kovalam

In the year 1930, the European guests of the then Travancore kingdom, discovered the potentiality of Kovalam as a tourist destination. But Kovalam gets it real recognition in the early seventies with the arrivals of the masses of 'Hippies.' It was then the casual fishing village of Kerala, was transformed into one of the most important tourist places in the world.

Attractions in Kovalam

Kovalam Beaches Kovalam looks a tropical paradise with a sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves. The sands on the Kovalam beaches are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite. Kovalam consists of three successive crescent beaches, separated by a high cliff. The most popular among these is southern beach called as the Lighthouse Beach. The middle beach is called Hawah, while the northern most beach is Samudra.

Leisure & Entertainment Activities at Kovalam Beach The beaches offer enough leisure and entertainment activities like Sun bathing, Swimming, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Yoga and meditation, Herbal body toning massages and Catamaran cruising etc. In the evening the special cultural programmes like Kathakali , the classical dance-drama of Kerala, enlivens the Kovalam beaches. One can also taste the delightful seafood, such as lobsters available at the beach-side restaurants.

Water Sports at Kovalam A sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves, Kovalam is an ideal place for kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. One can swim in the shallow water and have a sunbath in the exotic tropical sun.

Shopping at Kovalam The can shop the items like handicrafts, jewellery and cloths at the shops spread along the waterfront of the beach.

Excursions

Aruvikkara Located at a distance of 16 Kms from Trivandrum, Aruvikkara is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot. Aruvikkara is situated on the banks of the Karmana river and houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy.

Vettukad Church, KovalamVettukad Church The Church also called as the 'Madre De Deus' is located 7 Kms from Trivandrum. It attracts thousands of visitors of different religion throughout the year. The annual celebration of the 'Feast Of Christ, The King' is a major attraction.

Anchuthengu Fort Located 36 Kms from Trivandrum, the fort was built by the East India Company in the 17th century. The colosaal monument stands as an excellent example of English styled forts. The fort was once the trading centre of the mighty British.

Padmanabhapuram Palace The 14 th century palace is located at 54 Kms from Trivandrum, in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. The palace situated at the foot of the Veli hills, has elaborated woodwork along with relics of historical and artistic value.

Koyikkal Palace The ancient palace situated 18 Kms from Trivandrum, dates back to the 15th century. It was the official residence of the of the rulers of the erstwhile State of Travancore. In1979 this Palace was declared as a protected monument and further in 1990 after its restoration work, it was converted into a Folklore Museum and Numismatic Museum.

Reaching Kovalam

By Air : The nearest airport from Kovalam is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (14 Kms). Many International Airlines are operating flights to and from Trivandrum. Indian Airlines and Jet airways are operating domestic flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

By Rail : Trivandrum Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Kovalam. The railway station links Kovalam to all major cities of the country.

By Bus : There are regular buses from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kanyakumari to Kovalam.

Accommodation at Kovalam

Kovalam is dotted with hotels of various category like Premium hotels, Economy hotels, Budget hotels and Ayurvedic Resorts etc. The hotels offer a comfortable stay to tourists.