Kovalam Beach

Kovalam, today is arguably the most popular beach hangouts in India. Crystal clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea, miles of white sands washed away by the surf, the rocky promontories and coconut groves makes this beach nothing less than a paradise.

The beach offers not only swimming and sunbathing but also has handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Sumptuous sea-food including lobsters available at the beachside restaurants just add the icing to the cake. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. This mellow Kerala coastal village was once a picturesque settlement built next to two palm-fringed coves enclosed by rocky headlands, but development has been almost unplanned. The beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts.

On the southern side is the most popular - Lighthouse Beach. Going further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. The central beach and the northern beach are called Hawah and Samudra respecively. Kovalam beach houses a number of places to stay, ranging from up-market resorts, five star hotels to more affordable budget class hotels & restaurants.

Besides, this place is fast developing as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by experts.

On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered. There's a plethora of places to stay, ranging from cheap concrete boxes to up-market resorts, and a large number of under-equipped restaurants catering to standard Asian travellers' menus. The ITDC-run Ashoka and the Kerala tourism department's 'Samudra' at the Kovalam beach provide five-star accommodation.

How to get Kovalam Beach

Air : The Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 10 km from Kovalam Beach.

Rail : Nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram central, about 16 km from the beach.