Kovalam is a beach town in Thiruvananthapuram City of Kerala. This is the oldest tourist centre. In the world Kovalam is having best beaches. Kovalam consists of 3 beaches. This is the best place for sunbathing. Along with sunbathing other activities such as cultural programs, herbal body massage, Catamaran Cruising and swimming are also available.
Shape of these beaches is like Crescents. This is the best picnic spot to spend the time more leisurely. Near the beach Maharani Lakshmi Bai built a palace to spend her honey moon and she want to spend private time with her consort Prince GV Raja. After seeing and spending few days GV Raja recognised that this place can be developed as tourists place so he invited Thomas Cook to develop this place. He is from United Kingdom.
What to see in Kovalam:
Samudra Beach: It is located on the northern part of Hawwah beach. This beach is mostly use by fisherman for fishing but this is not much developed as tourist centre.
Hawwah Beach: Hawwah beach is the 2nd largest beach in Kovalam. It is the first topless bathing beach. Now this was banned. Its popular name of Eve’s Beach. Sunbathing and Herbal massage is famous in this beach.
Light house Beach: In Kovalam, Lighthouse Beach is the largest beach.
The Lighthouse: It is located on the hillrock of Kurumkal. Due to this lighthouse, Kovalam beach is named as Lighthouse Beach. Height of this lighthouse is 30 meters.
Halcyon Castle: It is also known as Kovalam Palace. This was built by Maharani Lakshmi Bai who is the consort of MR Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran in 1932. This place used as summer resort by Lakshmi Bai.
What to see around Kovalam:
Aruvikkara: It is one of the nearby attractions of Kovalam which is 25kms away. This place is famous for Bhagavathi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave: It is located 1km away from Kovalam. In this place sculptures belong to 8th century can be seen.
Vellayani Lake: It is located 8kms away from Kovalam. In Thiruvananthapuram district this is the largest fresh water lake. Boat race is the main attraction of this lake.
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: It is located in Vizhinjam which is 5kms away from Kovalam. World’s rare species of ornamental fish and invertebrates can be seen here.
Karamana River: It is located 14kms away from Kovalam. On this river two dams are located. These are used for irrigation purpose.
Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour: Vizhinjam is the major sea port area. This is the commercial centre for Dutch, Portuguese and Europeans. It is located 5kms away from Kovalam.
Other places to visit nearby Kovalam: Other places to visit nearby Kovalam are Kovalam Jama Masjid, Vizhijam Vilage, Thiruvallam Parasuarama Temple, Valiathura Pier, Analothbhava Matha Church, and Government Agricultural College.
Getting to Kovalam: This place is well connected though roadways. From Thiruvananthapuram Junction plenty of buses are available to reach this place. From Chennai, Nagarcoil, Madurai, Bangalore huge number of buses are available to reach Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest railway station is at Thampanoor. Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
Getting around Kovalam: Motorcycles, Atuos, Cabs, Private Vehicles are available to visit the surrounding places of Kovalam.
Best Time to visit Kovalam: Best time to visit this place is between September to March.
Where to stay in Kovalam: Plenty of accommodation facilities are available to stay in Kovalam. Budget hotels are available at Light House Beach. Near Hawwah Beach midrange hotels are available. At Light house beach and Chowara, luxury hotels are available.
Where to eat in Kovalam: Plenty of restaurants are available to eat in Kovalam. Both vegetarian and Non Vegetarian food are available. Famous foods in Kovalam are Fried Chicken, Chicken Fry. All varieties of Continental, North Indian, South Indian, Italian, Punjabi, and Chinese are available.