Kovalam Beach

» Location:	16 kms from Trivandrum, Kerala
» Main Attractions :	Yoga and other health related activities and Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave
» Best Time to Visit :	October to March.

About Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is a small village located on the Malabar coast along the Kerala shoreline. Just 16 kms from Traivandrum, Kovalam is one of the most spectacular beaches in India. Since its discovery in 1930s, Kovalam has been a favourite destination for tourists from across the globe. Kovalam literally means a 'grove of coconut trees' and the coconut tress along the beaches give it a fantastic look. With cool blue waters of the Arabian Sea on its one side and miles of white sands, Kovalam can be rightly said a beach paradise. Kovalam is a sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves, tourists can enjoy the luxury of sun and surf amidst the natural surroundings. The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam consist of three beaches - the Lighthouse Beach, the Hawah Beach and the Samudra Beach. The most popular of the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach, which is situated on the southern most end.

Beach Activities
Every day in the evening the quiet atmosphere of Kovalam is enlived by Kathakali dance performance, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. Ayurvedic rejuvenation, Yoga and meditation, herbal body toning messages are other refreshing leisure activities.

Water Sports
Kovalam Beach offers a number of water sports like kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. One can also have a sunbath in the bright sun light.

Eating outs
Tourists can enjoy the delightful seafood such as lobsters at the beachside restaurants.


Main Attractions
Somatheeram
Somatheeram also known as 'The Tropical Garden of Eden', is 9 kms south of the Kovalam beach. Established in 1992, Somatheeram is an Ayurvedic Beach resort which preserves the heritage of Kerala. It gives the visitors an opportunity to experience the lifestyle of ancient Kerala village and the chance to undergo Ayurvedic treatment under the supervision of the expert doctors.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave
17 kms from Trivandrum, the cave temple here consists of splendid architecture cut out of rocks in the 18th century A.D. The cave houses a one-celled Shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave has the half complete reliefs of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvathi.


Where to Stay
There are a number of places to stay in Kovalam, ranging from luxury hotels to cheap beachside resorts. The hotels in Kovalam suit every pocket. Most famous hotels in Kovalam are Hotel Ashok, Lagoona Beach, Surya Samudra, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Hotel Sea Face, Hotel Samudra etc.


How to Reach

Air : Nearest airport is Trivandrum at a distance of 19 kms from Kovalam. The airport is connected to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and many international destinations.

Rail : Trivandrum Railway Station (16 kms) is the nearest major railhead.

Road : Direct and regular bus services connect Trivandrum with Kovalam. Buses are also available from Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.