Kovalam Beach

Kovalam was a beautiful place lying in obscurity for a long period of time along the picturesque coast of Kerala. Then in 1930's, this little village broke the shackles out of its lethargic slumber. The beauty of the fabulous silver sands and palm-fringed shores of Kovalam emerged from darkness. From then onwards, there is no looking back. Earlier Kovalam was an anglers' paradise, but it gradually developed into a tourist spot in great demand. From sunbath to swimming, Ayurvedic rejuvenation to yoga and meditation, herbal body toning massages to special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising, holidays in Kovalam are really the memorable ones. The Kovalam lighthouse beach is the most popular one where most visitors spend their leisure time.

Shopping
Exquisite handicrafts, souvenirs, trinkets jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront, so just go out for shopping. Enjoy delicious and delightful seafood including lobsters at the beach-side restaurants of Kovalam.

The beach is surrounded with low cost lodging houses and restaurants which offer adequate facilities at affordable prices which are ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque. Photography is prohibited here.

Swimming on the beaches is not always safe as the undertow can be very strong; therefore it is essential to follow the warnings of the safety flags. However, days can be spent here just lying on the sands or retreating under the awnings of the beach cafes. There are numerous craft and carpet shops (usually of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Rajasthani origin), clothing stores and general stores, yoga schools, travel agents and massage parlours lining the beach.

Yoga and health care At present Kovalam is developed not only as a beach resort, but also as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn in detail the methods of doing Yoga and meditation taught by experts.

Water Sports Kovalam is a natural bay offering exciting opportunities for adventure loving people, they can try their hands on kayaking, swimming, catamaran ride, parasailing, surfing and skiing. Swim in the shallow blue water and enjoy a sunbath in the exotic tropical sun to get a good suntan.

How to reach

Air : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, is about 10 kms away from Kovalam.

Rail : Thiruvananthapuram central, is about 16 kms away from Kovalam.

Road : Kovalam can be reached by direct and regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram and other major cities of Kerala.