Kovalam, one of India's internationally renowned beaches, in
the God's own country, Kerala. A favorite haunt of Europeans since
the 1930s, Kovalam consists of three successive crescent beaches.
Kovalam, a sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and
the sumptuous spread of green palm groves make it a tropical paradise
of sorts. Sun bathing, Swimming, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Yoga and
meditation, Herbal body toning massages, Special Cultural Programmes,
Catamaran cruising; the possibilities are many. The Kovalam lighthouse
beach is where most visitors spend their time.
Along the 600 kilometre length of the Kerala coast, there are 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 is very popular with the Indian as well as international tourists.
Industry is relatively small scale in this area and the prices low.
The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village.
Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the
southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors
spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses,
and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs
- 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.
The middle beach, overlooked from a rocky headland by the five star
Ashok Radisson resort, functions each morning as a base for local
fishers. North of Ashok, is the third beach which is very little
affected by the changing times. It is dotted with a few rudimentary
wooden fishing vessels.
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 lolling
around 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.
| Altitude |
Sea
level |
| Latitude |
8'
05' |
| Longitude |
77'
15" |
| Rainfall |
170
cm |
| Season |
Throughout
(Best - September to May) Tropical |
| Language |
Malayalam,
English, Hindi, Tamil |
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