Kovalam Beach

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.

Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches give a ravishing look.

The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come true.

A sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves. Where when you are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Not to speak of the delightful sea-food fare including lobsters available at the beachside restaurants.

The Three Charming Beaches of Kovalam
The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three sections. The southern most beach – Lighthouse beach, the middle beach – Hawa beach and the northern most beach – Samudra beach. Beside facilitating the adventure sports.

Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse beach is the most popular beach, located at the southern part of the Kovalam beach. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, blowing from the Arabian sea and walk barefooted on the soft silver sands of the beach. It offers a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque and its verdant surroundings.

The Vizhinjam Lighthouse is one of the prime attractions here that captivates the tourist for its mesmerizing view. The interesting fact about the lighthouse is that it still glows in the dark at regular intervals. Light emitted by it spreads all over and creates the romantic ambiance that delights the tourists utmost.

Hawa Beach
Hawa beach in Kovalam is another place of interest to spend a pleasant holiday vacation. Here, tourists can see the daily routine of local fishermen. Every morning they set out to sea to catch fishes, which is the main source of their livelihood. Travel to Hawa beach in Kovalam to have a unique and delightful experience that will surely offer you life time memories to be treasured.

Samudra Beach
Samudra beach enjoys the tranquil and serene atmosphere, an ideal place for nature lovers. Tourists can relax in the laps of nature while enjoying the soothing surroundings. The Samudra beach in Kovalam is also a perfect destination for sunbathing. Added charm of the beach is its rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.

Things to do At Kovalam Beach
Leisure Activities
Spend the moments of leisure at the beach site, especially during sunset. Laze on the golden sands and walk on it, to marvel at lush greenery all around. Relish at variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines that will delight the foodies. The restaurants alongside the beach serves some lip-smacking Kerala sea food and continental cuisines including German and Swiss specialties. Apart from that check out the shops that line up along the beach and look for jewelery, handicrafts and cloth shops.

Kovalam is also popular for classical Kathakali dance. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala.

Adventure Activities
Kovalam beach is a one stop answer to all adventure buffs. It is a dream destination to indulge yourself in various thrilling adventure sports within the territory of this exotic beach in your Kovalam tour. Visitors can experience the tremendous joy of surfing, swimming, skiing and kayaking in the vast azure water of Arabian sea which touches the golden sands of Kovalam. The safe zones for adventure sports are marked with the green flag and the area with red flags in not safe for the tourists. Add more fun to your trip by indulging yourself in angling. Hire the boat from fisherman and set out to catch colorful fishes.

More Sightseeing
You can also explore other magnificent buildings at the Kovalam beach that are architectural wonders. Kovalam Jama Masjid and the Ganapati Temple that are amongst them.

Hotels in Kovalam Enhance Your Pleasure
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.

There are other hotels as well to suit every pocket. Kovalam is developing not only as a beach resort but 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.

How to Reach Kovalam
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram international airport is a nearest airport to Kovalam.

By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram railway station is the nearest railhead from Kovalam.

By Road: Tourist can also access to Kovalam by bus that ply regularly from Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam can be reached by direct and regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place from Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Railway head serve the requirements of Kovalam.