Kovalam

Famous for its pristine and sun-kissed beaches, Kovalam is exceedingly popular tourist place in India, especially among westerners. A relatively small village known for fishing emerged as an international craze in the early seventies when hippies ventured here. The shallow yet aqua blue water of Kovalam Beach and a number of intriguing water-sport activities astound tourists from across the globe. The internationally renowned beach of Kovalam creates a lovely shoreline ideal for enjoying swimming, sunbathing, body massage and aquatics. Known for its gorgeous shorelines, the city is also one of the most entertaining cities of South India with huge multiplexes, shopping venues and cultural spots. The city of Kovalam aptly paints the picture of a celestial India.

Kovalam is a beach town in the Thriuvanathapuram city of Kerala – God’s own country. The city enjoys the status of being the paradise of South India. Kovalam has three beaches - the Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach – that together form a crescent shape. The name Kovalam means an orchard of coconut trees, and living up to its meaning, the town offers a panoramic view of embellishing coconut trees. The following sections of tourist information will highlight the extraordinary features of Kovalam.

September to March

Stated below are some of the must visit places at Kovalam:

Not only its beaches, but also the scrumptious cuisines of Kovalam attract tourists to the city. From saucy fried items to dry boiled dishes, Kovalam restaurants serve everything that is sure to amaze your taste buds. Fusion Restaurant and Spice Restaurant near Lighthouse Beach serve delicious South Indian and International cuisines, along with a perfect blend of relaxing and cool ambience. Banana pancake can be best enjoyed at the German Bakery. For typical Kerala meal, try Bethel Restaurant.

Kovalam is a paradise for handcrafted items. Jewellery made of sea shells is popular here. Head to the Varakala Beach for a variety of jewellery made of seashells. The carpets made of rosewood and teakwood is also famous among women holidaymakers. On the Kovalam beaches you will find vendors selling hats, beach mats and batik sarongs. The area near Lighthouse Beach is famous for shopping. Shops like Joseph & Sons and SM Handloom Centre near Lighthouse Beach and Varakala Beach are well-known shopping zones in Kovalam.

Kovalam can be best reached by all the three major means– rail, air and road. Thriuvanathapuram Airport located about 10 km. (Approx 20 min.) is the nearest airport. Trivandrum Central is the nearest railway station located about 11 km. (Approx 25 min.) from the main city. Daily trains are available from the major cities of India. If travelling by road, luxury and Volvo buses are available from Bangalore, Madurai, Chennai and Nagarcoil. NH47 is easy if coming from Bangalore. You can hire prepaid cool cabs to explore the tourist places of Kovalam. Hire a tourist guide or buy a city guide map to explore the major attractions of the city.

Sightseeing in Kovalam is filled with fun and novelty. Some of the other attractions of the city are Paravur Lake, Science and Technology Museum, Padmanabhapuram Palace and Sankhumugham Beach.

Trivandrum (about 12 km.) – Popular as a major business town in Kerala. The Sri Padmanabham Swamy Temple and Puttan Mallaga Palaces are famous places of the town. Varkala (about 58 km.) – It is a popular beach city; known for its sun-kissed beaches, low traffic and cleanliness. Kanyakumari (about 82 km.) – Known for its temple, churches, statues and religious pillars. Kumari Amman Temple and Vattakottai Fort are two famous places here. Ponmudi (about 66 km.) – A beautiful hill station blessed with a cool climate, serene environment and lush greenery. It is an ideal holiday destination. Vizhinjam (about 5 km.) – Known as the fisherman’s land; the place has quite lively environment. Spectacular view of sunset and seaside mosque makes it a great excursion place for fun-loving people.