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This
picturesque tropical beach with a traditional fishing village
providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy was once a hippy idyll. It
has steadily moved up market with a dose of marketing and you’re
likely top encounter rock-stars and tycoons looking for ozone, UV
and refreshments for their spirit.
You can still loll about its beaches, worship the sun and have a
time of your life swimming and surfing in its azure waters. Endless
coconut trees are matched by Ayurvedic massage parlors and yoga
centers that promise to do much for your soul.
How to reach here
Kovalam beach is easily accessible by air. The airport nearest to
the Kovalam beach is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and
there are there are direct flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and
Bangalore from Kovalam beach. Trivandrum Central Railway Station is
the nearest railway station from Kovalam beach and links Kovalam
beach to all major parts of India.
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Places to visit |
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The Beach
The
crescent-shaped beach can conveniently be divided into three
parts. The most popular southern most beaches, is the light
house beach and affords an amazing view of Vizhinjam mosque.
Sea breeze gently taps the wave’s o n to the white sandbed.
Nice, warm and clean, it is populated by filled with the
coconut trees swimming and bathing refresh, as you
exhilarate in the waves. Walk down into the sea for about
100 meters before the waves hit you. The cove is the safest
to swim. At many coastal places, there are beautiful patches
of coral reefs. While you snorkel, don’t miss the marvelous
underwater views. Time seems to idle at the northern Samudra
– that is completely laidback.
On the other hand, the middle one hawah - teems with
activities in the early part of the day as you can watch
fishermen setting out for sea.
Azure water and equitable climate make Kovalam a favorite
all round the year. Dip into the placid Sea as the water is
also shallow. The hugging shores are lined with white sandy
beach that invite you to lie idle on the sands and sunbathe.
With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters,
this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit
nights.
Moreover, you can rejuvenate your very soul with
rejuvenating herbal, body-toning massage and holistic
therapies that abound in the nearby Ayurvedic massage
centres.
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Padmanabhapuram Palace
Nestling at the
foot of the Veli hills, it was built during the 14th
century. The ancient seat of the Travancore rulers, it has
elaborate woodwork, and contains relics of historical and
artistic value. |
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Unique Shopping
Kovalam beach has beach
market scenario with stalls selling handicrafts (Tibetan, Kashmiri
and Rajasthani), clothes, books and antiques. You will also find
general stores that will take care of your daily needs. There are
also those selling beachwear, hats, batik sarongs, beach mats etc;
the usual beach stuff.
Eating out
The beaches are jam
packed with open–air restaurant catering for all meals and tastes.
‘Live cooking’ begins in the evening where all forms of sea food are
prepared in front of your own eyes. Tandoori, fried or grilled, you
can choose anyone you like! The grilled seafood items such as
lobster, king prawns and kalamari are always fresh from the sea.
There are also numerous restaurants that provide western style food
as well as delicious Indian, foods.
Do’s and Don’t’s
- Nudity is strictly
prohibited in Kovalam beach as any other parts of India. Topless
parade of ladies is also banned at Kovalam beach. |
