Kovalam, is one of the most admired beaches towards south of Kerala, just 20 minutes drive (15 Kilometers drive from the capital city Trivandrum and 15 minutes drive from Trivandrum airport.) Kovalam entered the international tourism map after it was discovered by the backpackers in the 1970 and it didn’t take too long for Europeans to come over through chartered holiday packages. The beauty and charm of this crescent shaped shallow beach was discovered much early amongst other beaches of Kerala. This famous beach is hub for most holidayers because of its advantage for swimming and sub bathing. Other attractions involve Ayurveda massages, cultural programs, catamaran cruising to the sea, and local shopping of handicrafts. Swimming is safe and anyone would enjoy its shallow bay. Vigilant life guards are present at different points on the beach.
Hawa beach
Towards the northern side of the main beach, Hawa beach is a local attraction. It’s a very crowded beach with lots of locals visiting the place. There are lot of restaurants and accommodation facility available towards this part of the beach. Sun bathing is not tolerated and it is better to avoid it here. Attentive Lifeguards services are available.
Light house beach
Very much adjacent to Kovalam beach and this is a places where you can go around for evening walks. The light house beach, which is towards the south of the main beach gets its name from the light house built on the cliff. It is built close to the beach to guide the ships and boats to the close by port towards the south. The light house is opened for visitors. Beach is separated by rocky highlands and is comparatively less crowded. There are many hotels and resorts with wide range of facilities and budgets. One can find open air restaurants and dining facilities close to the beaches, serving exotic sea food.
History says that the comeliness of the beach was identified by the King of Travancore, the then ruling princely state. The king used to invite his guests to the beach and hosted banquets. Soon Kovalam became a known holiday destination to many European families and was very much popular. A summer palace of the Travancore kingdom is still there at Kovalam, on top of the cliff, but it is not open to public.
Activities
Catamaran cruising –These wooden boats are handled by experienced fishermen. These boats are used for fishing and a catamaran cruise to the sea will last up to 15 to 20 minutes. The catamarans are rowed with bamboo made ors. Best time to go is early in the morning where you might have a chance for snorkeling. Motor boat rides are also available to cruise in the sea.
Surfing: There are surfing boards available at the beach. There are great waves at Kovalam which is apt for surfing. An artificial multipurpose reef is installed in the water. So there would be great waves for surfing. Always make sure that you are under the guidance of a life guard.
Kovalam is an escape to the shores and gives you one the most relaxing and memorable time close to the sea. It would be a different kind of an experience to visit this happening beach.