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Kovalam, one of the internationally well known beach towns located on the coast of Arabian sea is a favourite hub for domestic as well as foreign tourists and is popularly known as ‘Paradise of the South’. It has a crescent shaped beach having three parts which beckons people from all over the world. The southern most beach is the most popular and is also known as light house beach, which offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The beach stretched across with azure blue waters and sumptuous spread of endless coconut trees, makes it a naturally appealing tourist destination.The hospitality industries around the beach provide various leisure options such as sunbathing, swimming, ayurvedic rejuvenation, yoga and meditation, herbal body toning massages, cultural programs and visits to local pilgrim places.
Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience.
As for access, the nearest airport to Kovalam is Trivandrum International Airport.The nearest Metropolitan City is Trivandrum which is 16 KM away from Kovalam.Regular buses ply to Kovalam from the City Bus Stand at East Fort, Trivandrum. Trivandrum Central Bus Station is 14 km away. The nearest railhead Trivandrum central in Thampanoor is 14 kms away and it is just opposite the Trivandrum Central Bus Station.
A close up of vintage Kerala is offered at the Kerala village fair, Gramam, and life in the 40s is recreated in the hamlet a little away from Kovalam Beach, in the form of a festival. It is an amazing display of rare curios, traditional houses, village artisans at work, art forms nearing extinction, and sale of exquisite handicrafts and costumes and constitutes a down-time travel to a bygone era.This mela is conducted from 14-23 January each year. The best traditional cuisine of India comprising the famed Tandoori sea food from Lakshadweep, the North-Eastern taste that tantalizingly borders on Chinese besides Keralas own exotic menu are provided at the hotels here.
