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KOVALAM
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On the Malabar
coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village,
called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the
tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered.
| Today Kovalam has
become one of the most popular beach hangouts in
India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and
truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives
it a ravishing look. |
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The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise
a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian
Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at
the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories,
makes this beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a
tourist's dream come true.
A sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle
waves. Where when you are tired of aquatics, swimming
or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts, jewellery
and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Not to speak
of the delightful sea-food fare including lobsters available
at the beachside restaurants.
The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided
in three parts. The southern most beach, and the most
popular, is the Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the
beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam
mosque. Photography is prohibited here.
The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach
acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most
beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing
times.It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing
vessels.
In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened
by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of
Kerala. This mellow Kerala coastal village was once a
picturesque settlement built next to two palm-fringed
coves enclosed by rocky headlands, but development has
been almost unplanned.
There's a plethora of places to stay, ranging from cheap
concrete boxes to up-market resorts, and a large number
of under-equipped restaurants catering to standard Asian
travellers' menus. The ITDC-run Ashoka and the Kerala
tourism department's 'Samudra' at the Kovalam beach provide
five-star accommodation.
There are other hotels as well to suit every pocket. Kovalam
is developing not only as a beach resort but is fast developing
as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages
and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics of
Yoga and meditation taught by experts.
Kovalam can be reached by direct and regular bus services
from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place from
Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife sanctuary.
Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Railway head serves the
requirements of Kovalam.
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Click
here for Beach Tour in
Kerala
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