Kovalam Beach: Kerala’s Most Popular Beach
Kovalam Beach, perhaps the most popular beach in Kerala, is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists. The Kovalam Beach in Kerela is actually a group of three crescent shaped bridges which are enveloped by curved rocky excursions. These excursions have created a bay that is perfect for beach activities.
Located on the shoreline of God’s Own Country, Kerala, the Kovalam Beach is only 16 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and as such is very easily accessible. This, however, also means that the beach is sometimes secluded and is sometimes very crowded. The beach is full of beach cafes which are an apt place to wile away one’s time. The Kovalam beach is also lined with clothing stores and general stores, craft and carpet shops (usually of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Rajasthani origin), travel agents, yoga schools and massage parlours. Consequently, a small shopping spree is just a walk away. The waters surrounding the Kovalam Beach are rich in aquatic life. The Kovalam Beach also has catamaran cruising facilities. The Kovalam Beach is one of the region’s most prominent beach vacation resorts.
Kovalam Beach- TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Perhaps the only things that one wishes to indulge in after reaching Kovalam Beach are lounge around in one of the sandy stretches and soak up the waves and the sun. There are also many tourist places around the beach, a few are listed below:
- Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala’s capital) which is just two hours away is abundant with tourist attractions and temples.
- Ernakulam and Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), two prominent tourist places, are also a few hours drive away.
- Periyar Widlife sanctuary is located in nearby Thekaddy and is easily reachable.
Kovalam Beach- TRAVEL TIPS
- Languages: Malayalam and English are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Kovalam Beach, and as such communication should not be a problem. Hindi, however, is somewhat less prevalent.
- Cuisine: Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Kovalam Beach. Since Kovalam Beach is a very popular tourist spot, expect some crowding on the weekends.
- Warning: Note that the Kovalam Beach has very strong undercurrents, and swimming here is somewhat risky and it is advisable that one follows the safety flags that are raised.
Many tour operators cover the Kovalam Beach as part of their Kerala tours.
BEST TIME to visit- TRAVEL TIPS
The Kovalam Beach can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, one may not be able to soak up a whole lot of sun. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com
BEST WAY to reach Kovalam Beach
- By Air: Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, located 16 kms away, is the nearest airport. There are daily flights connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and the Middle East.
- By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest railway station.
- By Road: The Kovalam Beach is well connected to all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The Kovalam Beach abounds in family holiday resorts, vacation homes and beach houses. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via package beach tours and beach holidays.