The
Kovalam Beach which is in Kerala is 16 Km from the capital
city of Kerala-Thiruvanathapuram City. This internationally
renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since
the 1930s and till now this beach is really a place where people
love to come in.
Along
the 600 kilometre length of the Kerala coast, one can find many
sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The fishing
village of Kovalam lies 10 kilometres south of Thiruvananthapuram,
the capital of Kerala. Kovalam is the only beach resort
of Kerala and this beach is very popular with the Indian as well
as the international tourists. The beach is just a few minutes
walk from the village.
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.
TOURIST INFORMATIONS:
WHEN
TO VISIT:
November to February is the best time to visit.
HOW
TO REACH THERE:
There is direct and regular daily bus service from Thiruvananthapuram.
There are direct bus links to Ernakulam and Kanyakumari (Cape
Comorin) also which is two hours away. There is also a bus to
Periyar Widlife sanctuary in Thekaddy form this place.
Thiruvananthapuram,
is linked by air from Colombo, and the Indian cities of Mumbai,
Kochi, Delhi and Madras. There are bus links from all the major
cities of Kerala and also from Madras, Bangalore, Kochi, Madurai,
Pondicherry, Nagercoil and Erode to Thiruvananthapuram. It is
also well connected to all the major cities of the country by
train.
WHERE
TO STAY:
There is no problem of accommodation in this area. The prices
of hotels over here vary depending on their proximity to the beach
and the season.
Kovalam
is a beach resort for those who ask for nothing more than
beautiful sights, serenity and a relaxing vacation. One can have
a great holiday at this place.
