Along the 600 kilometre length of the Kerala coast, there are many sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The fishing village of Kovalam lies 10 kilometres south of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Kovalam is the only beach resort of Kerala, and is very popular with the Indian as well as international tourists.

Industry is relatively small scale in this area and the prices low. The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village. Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs - ideal for a long stay.

The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque. Photography is prohibited here. The middle beach, overlooked from a rocky headland by the five star Ashok Radisson resort, functions each morning as a base for local fishers. North of Ashok, is the third beach which is very little affected by the changing times. It is dotted with a few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.

Swimming on the beaches is not always safe, as the undertow can be very strong, therefore it is essential to follow the warnings of the safety flags. However, days can be spent here just lolling around on the sands or retreating under the awnings of the beach cafes.

There are numerous craft and carpet shops (usually of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Rajasthani origin), clothing stores and general stores, yoga schools, travel agents and massage parlours lining the beach.


PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND KOVALAM

» The Great Kovalam Poets
Anceint Kovalam Poets Ayyippilla Assan and Ayyanappilla Assan were the authors of the Great Epics, Janakeeya Maha Kaviangal Ramakatha Pattu and Bharathampattu respectively. They lived in Kovalam, near the Light House Beach, Avaduthura in 1400 A.D. The monument isprotected by the Kerala Govt. Archaeological Department.

» Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave
Vizhinjam was earlier the capital of the Ay chieftains who rulled the southern parts of Kerala around the 8th century A.D. The granite cave here encloses a one celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinadhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half completed reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with his wife and dancepartner Goddess Parvathi.

» Thiruvallam
Thiruvallam is 6 kms from Kovalam. This place, en route to Thiruvananthapuram, is famous for backwater rides.

» Pozhikkara Beach, Pachalloor
A serene and spectacular beach, where the backwater meets the sea, Pozhikkara is ideal for birdwatchers.