The
silhouetted image of holiday makers in the sandy surf and the orange-red
sunset mingling the cerulean sea, speaks about the Kovalam in Kerala. It
spreads along three crescent beaches- the Samundra Beach, the Hawah Beach
and the Lighthouse Beach, each separated by rocky promontories. This three
beaches catches the jolly mood since early morning and continue to sparkle
till the late evening. Sunbathers, water-sport lovers and foodalcoholic gets
spread all over the area and the beach seems to shake in every moment. A
walk from one beach to other offer the convenient way to sightseeing
shopping, eating and excursion to nearby attractions, which are all tagged
as can't miss center
Things
to do and see in Kovalam Beach
Beaches in Kovalam are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Evening
are best to hang out in the many open-air cafes and Pizza huts, while the
day gets hotter with beach lovers reclining on the deck-chair, surfing boat
and splash waters with water-sports. Peace lovers can follow the way to
Samudra beach, which offers the tranquil aura, while sightseers can make a
visit to the spectacular Lighthouse, perched atop the Kurumkkal rock on the
Lighthouse Beach. A visible fishing village- Vizhinzam, is at a walking
distance from Kovalam Junction, down the temple and visitor, on reaching
here can cherish the picturesque view of colorful fishing boats bobbing
about in the azure sea.
Ayurveda on Kovalam Beach
Kovalam beach in Kerala is mostly looked for Ayurveda treatment. Each hotel and resort, located nearby the beach offers a variety of Ayurveda packages. On tracing the beach streets, visitors will surely get confused about which Ayurveda resort should they step into. The government has recently introduced Green Leaf and Olive Leaf certification based on the adequacy of space, personnel, and medical infrastructure at the center.
Kovalam Beach Shopping
Kerala's popular Kovalam beach has something for almost everyone, visiting here. Shops selling artifacts and jewelry have mushroomed on the back lanes. Compulsive shoppers can find the Tibetan shawls. Woodwork and Indian crafts in Yak Boutique, Heaven Handicrafts, and in Surabhi Handicrafts. Kashmiri Cottage Craft Industries, located opposite Kovalam Bus-stand offers some chic stocks of Kashmiri shawls, papier-mache items, and brass statues.
Eating at Kovalam Beach
Kovalam beach is known as the place to find European food and German Bakery items, which offers mouth-watering cakes, cinnamon rolls, apple strudels, apple pies, etc. The Pizzeria on the Light House serves great pizzas and pasta. Besides the sea-food restaurants like the Sea View Restaurant on Hawah beach and Lonely Planet behind the Lighthouse Beach spreads out the fresh catch and as per the choice of the eaters, the delectable dishes are served hot. There are many cheap wayside eateries serving idli-vada meals to foodaholic.
Getaway from Kovalam
Thiruvallom
Thiruvallom has situated 8 km from Kovalam beach and is a point of confluence of the Killi River, Karamana River, and the Arabian Sea. Boat rides are organized by the Thiruvallom Boat Club and visitors can participate in the activity in full swing. Close to the Thiruvallom is the unique Pozhikkara Beach where the Karamana River and the Parvathy Puthanaar River join the Arabian Sea.
Chowara Beach
Chowara Beach Blessed with the beauty of golden sand and clear waters, Chowara Beach is 8 km south of Kovalam at the foot of the Chowara Ayyappa Temple. The serene ambiance has attracted the tourist from across the world so as to spend some time in the developed heritage resorts and Ayurveda centers.
Poovar Island
This tiny island is situated 18 km from Kovalam beach and is known for its extraordinary confluence of river, lake, beach, and sea. This relaxing getaway indicates visitors to try out the rejuvenating therapy at Estuary Island Resort and Poovar Island Resort, which offers an array of Ayurveda treatment like Vyadhi-kashamathwa, Panchakarma, Manasika Chikitsa, and more.
Place of accommodation in Kovalam Beach
Kovalam beach visit receives the best moments with a stay in comfortable hotels and beach resorts. On visiting Samudra Beach, tourists can check-out the renowned Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach Resort, Taj Green Cove Resort, the KTDC's run Hotel Samudra and the Puja Mahal. While tourist can manage their stay in some popular hotels and resorts, close to Eve's Beach(Hawah Beach). Best Western Swagath Holiday Resort, Hotel Seaface, Hotel Neelkanta, Hawah Beach Resort, Pappukutty Beach Resort, Hotel Seaweed, and the Marine Palace are a few to name.
When to visit Kovalam
The best time to visit Kovalam beach is during pleasant days from October
to March.
How to reach Kovalam
By Air
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, situated 19 km away is the
nearest aerodrome to Kovalam beach. The airport premises is availed with
local taxis, which can be hired at reasonable rate, so as to reach the
beach.
By Rail
Thiruvanathapuram Central Railway Station is just 13 kms from Kovalam beach
and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata by a number of Kerala Express
like Trivandrum Mail, Trivandrum Express, Anantapuri Express, Kanyakumari
Express, Howarh-Trivandarum Express etc.
By Road
Regular state owned and private buses departs from Kovalam's KSRTC
bus-stand and ply over the NH47 Bypass, thereby connecting the place to
major South Indian cities.
