Kovalam is a small coastal town in the southern state of Kerala, India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Located south of Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam has been one of the most identifiable features of Kerala for a long time. Among the most pristine in India. Kovalam beach is extremely popular among western tourst due to shallow waters and low tidal waves since 1920s. Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era.
Thus, it helped to lay foundations of modern tourism industry in South India. Post independent India, the beach became popular among Indians and tourist as well, Kovalam, 16 Km away from Kerala’s capital Thiruvanthapuram has an array of other tourist attractions worth a visit, including at the southern end of Lighthouse Beach a striped lighthouse with a viewing platform. Known for its palm-backed beaches tourism here includes also include Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach.
Heading south, , Halcyon Castle, built by Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore is also worth visiting. N the beach head Vizhinjam Juma Masjid mosque overlooks the busy fishing harbor. Inland, Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium displays technology used in pearl production are also worth visiting in Kovalum city. the city is famous for Lighthouse Beach, the southernmost beach, and the one most frequented by tourists; Hawah Beach, or Eve’s Beach,is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea; and Samudra Beach, the least visited beach with a large promontory separating this part from other areas..
Samudra Beach doesn’t have tourists thronging there or hectic business. Other nearby places worth visiting are Karamana River, Vellayani Lake, Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Art Gallery, Valiyathura Pier, Neyyar Dam, Aruvikkara Dam, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, and Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple. Tourism in Kovalum centers around the leisure options at this beach including Sunbathing, swimming, parasailing, surfing, ayurvedic herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising.
The staggering blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the rocky headlands, makes this beautiful beach paradise. Well known for its sunset and sunrise views, the city is ideal for Honeymoon couples and beach lovers extremely love this beach as it offers romantic moments all along with plenty of activities for adventure and fun. One of the most special and exciting way to attract visitors is fairs and festivals which captivate visitors from all across the world. The main festivals of Kovalam begin from January and ends in March.
These include the Elephant Festival, Food Festival, Nishagandhi Dance Festival, and Swati Thirunal Music Festival, etc. also interested tourist can visit Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple, Kovalam Art Gallery, and Valiyathura Pier. Nightlife in Kovalam is extremely superb and full of excitement as it revolves around the many bars and restaurants. There are huge varieties of cuisines on offer.
Tourist can also shop for variety of products including handicraft, beachwear & gear, as well as art and crafts and traditional Keral costume. The beachfront is the wonderful spot to have delicious food at reasonable cost. Well connected by rail, road, and air through Trivandrum there are numerous hotels , resorts and lodges that provide luxurious, mid range and budget accommodation. The food scene at Kovalm is great with numerous restaurants providing everything from local cuisine to international and Chinese cuisine.
