Kovalam

Kovalam is an extremely popular beach resort which is known as “Paradise of the South”. Kovalam was a hippy idyll in 70’s, a tropical beach, a traditional fishing village was very much known to the Europeans. Today this tiny beach has a focus on multi million dollar tourism business drawing thousands of visitors daily. Kovala has three big adjacent crescent beaches. The Southern most is known as “Lighthouse Beach” and is the most popular among the visitors. It is well decked with hotels, restaurants and decent lodges on the sea shore itself. The Northernmost crescent is mainly crowded on week days and is a perfect destination for day long excursions among the locals. Hawa Beach is one among the beaches which is very well appreciated by the locals and tourists who spend their day at the sea shore. Kovalam was brought to the notice of the tourist by Maharaja of Travancore and over the past three decades, the place has been well developed and become a major tourist attraction of Kerala. Today it is among the beat beaches of Kerala. Best time to visit Kovalam is from March to September.

There are many interesting places in and around Kovalam which are among the major tourist attractions of Kerala. Some of them are

Kaudiar Palace:- This palace is the home of Late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Verma. The palace offer an excellent view of the grand old building from outside and remains mostly close through out the year,

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum:- the museum is a classic specimen of Kerala architecture is situated in Kuthiramalika. The palace is famous for its excellent carvings, amazing murals and frescos and beautiful architectural designs. The museum has a wide range of artifacts representing the erstwhile state of Travancore.

Anchuthengu Fort:-Located 36 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the Fort was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century. Along with an adjoining cemetery the fort represents the relics of first major British trading center at Malabar Coast. The monument is an excellent example of strong and powerful forts constructed in English style.

Padmanabhapuram Palace:-The palace offers a nice excursion trip from Kovalam. On a visit to this place visitors can experience the beauty of traditional wooden architecture of Kerala dates back to the 16th century. The magnificent wooden palace near Thiruvananthapuram was the erstwhile home of the rulers of Travancore. The interiors of this palace are decorated with splendid rosewood carvings. The Royal grandeur, magnificent architecture and pleasant ambiance make it one of the major attractions of Kovalam Beach.

How to reach Kovalam

By Air:- Nearest airport is Trivandrum International airport which is about 15 km away from Kovalam.

By Rail:-The nearest rail head to Kovalam is Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor) railway station. It is about 15 km away from Kovalam.

By Bus:- Kovalam is very well connected by the city bus services from Trivandrum and other main junction in the district.