Kovalam

One of India's internationally renowned beaches, Kovalam in Kerala is actually a combination of three small beaches. Kovalam, meaning "a groove of coconut trees," is just 16 km from the state capital of Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram. The sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves make it a tropical paradise of sorts.

Travel to Kerala - Kovalam - Attractions
Earlier Kovalam was an anglers' paradise, but gradually transformed into a tourist spot of great interest. If you travel to Kerala, drop in to Thiruvananthapuram and not visit Kovalam, it can turn out to be a big mistake. Remember, Kovalam is a must see place. From sun bathing to swimming, Ayurvedic rejuvenation to yoga and meditation, herbal body toning massages to special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising, the possibilities are many. The Kovalam lighthouse beach is where most visitors spend their time.

Catamaran cruises
Catamaran cruises on the country raft is hugely popular here. Many marine activities are possible at Kovalam. The local fishermen provide sunrise and sun set cruises in fishing boats. Angling for deep-sea fishing is highly catching up with tourists. Surfboards and boogie boards can also be hired on the beach.

Ayurvedic Massage
As Kerala is renowned for Ayurveda, it is no wonder that Kovalam's many hotels and resorts offers Ayurvedic massage and treatment. Yoga (Indian way of meditation) centers are also plenty in Kovalam. Some theatres perform the traditional Kerala art form - Kathakali, and ethnic martial art - Kalarippayattu.

Private Beaches
Among innumerable beach holiday resorts Kovalam Ashok Beach Resort, Surya Samudra Beach Garden, Somatheeram, Niki's Nest, Cocunut Bay Beach Resort, Uday Samudra Beach Resort, Hotel Samudra etc own private beaches famous for their cleanliness and secluded location. Most of these private beaches are located near Vizhinjam at least 8 km far from Kovalam

Excursions in and around Kovalam
The capital Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, located 16 kilometers north of Kovalam, is a must for any tourist planning to travel to Kerala. Apart from the famous landmark temple in the city, Sri Padmnabhaswamy Temple, the Chalai Market adjacent to the temple is a fine example of the typical market of Kerala. The Napier Museum is a building in Indo-Saracenic Style, situated just 3 km away is yet another site to be visited.

The hill resort, Ponmudi is located 60 km away from Thiruvananthapurm city. The resort is famous for its tea plantations and jungle streams.

Another important site to be visited is Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), the southern most tip of the Indian subcontinent in Tamil Nadu, is 90 km east of Kovalam. Kanyakumari is famous for its grand sunrise and sun set spectacle. Padmnabhapuram palace, the second largest wooden palace in Asia is on the way to Kanyakumari, which is a major center of tourist attraction.

Accommodation
Kovalam is well equipped with luxurious and exotic beach resorts. The beach resorts are well equipped with the best of facilities being offered to the tourists. From exotic cuisine to Ayurvedic rejuvenation packages, to yoga and meditation programs to conferencing and banqueting facilities, Kovalam has it all.

Kovalam also has enough facilities for the budget conscious tourist.

How to Reach
Kovalam is easily accessible all means of transportation.

Reaching Kovalam by air the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is just 14 km away from Kovalam. Major airlines link Kovalam with New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Banglore.

The Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kovalam. From here trains are available to all major parts of India.

By road, Kovalam is well connected by government and private buses and taxies to other parts of the state and neighboring areas.