Kovalam

Air: Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (16 km/30 min.) Rail: Nearest station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (13 km/30 min.) Kovalam Beach Silhouetted against lush palm groves, the crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam are international tourist destinations. Besides the three main beaches – Lighthouse Beach, Eve’s or Howah Beach and the Ashok Beach, there are many more picturesque

beaches all along the coast. The shallow waters stretching hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. In And Around Kovalam

Kovalam BeachKovalam: (16 km from Thiruvananthapuram) Just a short drive away from the State capital, Kovalam is easily accessible. Internationally acclaimed, this seaside destination comprises three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches. Golden sands, miles of shimmering sea, rocky promontories constantly caressed by the sensuous surf and a brilliant sunshine warming the very souls, make this place truly sensational. A charming village in its yesteryears, Kovalam today has all the trappings of a popular beach destination. Lined with shops, restaurants, ayurvedic centres and accommodation options to suit all budgets, the place has the unmistakable ambience of a resort. Kovalam Beach: Fringed by headlands that rise steeply above the shore, Kovalam is almost completely covered by coconut palms. Of the three small bays separated by rocky outcrops, the southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. The lovely old lighthouse that gives the beach its name is the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Edakallu, a rocky headland separates Eve’s or Howah Beach from the Lighthouse Beach. The hill that separates Howah Beach from the third of Kovalam’s celebrated beaches houses the Government Guest House and the Halcyon Castle. One of Kovalam’s spectacular landmarks, this charming old castle adds to the beauty of the lovely settings. Kovalam Beach Lighthouse Lighthouse: The 35 m lighthouse is perched atop the palm-covered Kurumkal Hill jutting out on to the sea. Visitors can climb the spiraling staircase inside to the top of the red and white tower and enjoy a spectacular view of the surroundings. Samudra Beach: Lying to the north of the Ashok Beach, this beach can be accessed only by taking a detour past Kovalam Junction. It is an awesome sight to watch the waves crash on the rocks below as you walk along the stretch of sea wall here. Thiruvallam: (10 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides, kayaking and cruises in kettuvalloms. The Boat Club here organises tours to the nearby islands of Pozhikara and Edayar as well as visits to coir manufacturing units. Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam: (7 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This 2000-year-old temple on the banks of the River Karamana, is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama, the mythological creator of the State. As part of the Bali ritual, devotees make offerings to the souls of the departed, after taking a dip in the holy water. Ph: 2380706

The Great Kovalam Poets: Ancient Kovalam poets Ayyippilla Asan and Ayyanappilla Asan 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 AD. The monument is protected by the Kerala Government Archaeological Department. Vizhinjam: A fishing village 2 km south of Kovalam, the Vizhinjam harbour is a natural port and one of the busiest fishing harbours in the district. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple: (17 km - 1/2 hr and 5 km south of Kovalam Jn. Open 0900 - 1800 hrs. Closed on Mondays) There are rock-cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half-complete reliefs of the Hindu God Siva with Goddess Parvathi. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: (Open 0900 - 1800 hrs) Located near Theatre Junction, the aquarium which houses a rich treasure of marine wealth has perfected the Image Pearl production technique, by which a mould of any shape made of shell cement is implanted into the pearl oyster. In 2-3 months a pearl in the shape of the mould will be ready. Entrance fee: Adults: Rs.20 Children: Rs.10. Ph: 2480224

Chowara: (8 km south of Kovalam) This fishing hamlet near to Kovalam has many picturesque spots. The Chowara Ayyappa Temple atop a hill overlooks the beach and offers an amazing view of the beach below. Chowara is also home to the ancient Analothbhava Matha Church. The Azhimalathara Beach here is identified as the only place where the sea recedes from the coast and does not eat into the beach during the monsoon. Poovar: (12 km south of Kovalam) An isolated but spectacular beach, Poovar is situated close to the Neyyar River estuary. A trading port in its early days, it is today an important tourist destination.