A former fishing village, Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's
capital city. This enchanting strip of golden sands is laced with the rich
greenery of coconut palms. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach
resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam
beach is known as the "Paradise of the South", with high rock promontory
and a calm bay of blue waters.
History
The history of the Kovalam states that it was a small fishing village,
spotlessly clean, till the time the hippies stepped on it. The pristine beauty
of the beach and the sparkling views from the rocky promontory entranced them
infinitely and the rest as they say is history. People soon began to pour
in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the by now famous beach. Its proximity
to the capital city of Thiruvanantpuram also ensured that accessing the beach
was not a problem for the enthusiasts.
What to see
The Kovalam Beach
This beach is regarded as one of the most sought after beaches of India. There
are actually three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky promontories
that together make up the Kovalam beach. The three beaches -the Lighthouse
beach, Eve's or Hawa beach and the Ashoka beach - each has its own charm and
individual attractions. You can roam around lazily, uncover the past, eat
at the beach stalls and spend a lot of time indulging in water sports.
Samudra beach
This is yet another beach in Kovalam, however, you will not find it if you
happen to visit the place during monsoons. The reason for this is that the
beach gets covered by the water and what is left of it is the long sea wall
that you can walk on.
Shri Dharmasastha Temple
Close to the beach, there is the Kovalam Shri Dharmasastha Temple. This temple
attracts a whole lot of visitors during the annual festival held in the month
of January. The temple is open on Fridays and on the Aayilyam days of Malyalam
calendar.
Vizhinjam Village
At a distance of around 2 km from Kovalam town, the village of Vizhinjam has
a number of attractions stored within its area. Prominent among these are
the Cave Temple with unfinished carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
and the Marine Aquarium displaying a wide variety of marine life like squirrel
fish, moon wrasse, butterfly fish, lion fish and giant turtles. The aquarium
has also a unique display in form of pearl images of Christ, Virgin Mary,
Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Both the temple and the aquarium are open from 9
am to 6 pm.
Chowara
This is yet another fishing village with a number of attractions in store.
There is the Chowara Ayyappa Temple that dominates a white sandy beach. The
Azhimalathur beach is the only place in Kerala where the sea water is believed
to be withdrawing rather than occupying the beach area. The Pulinkudi Azhimala
Shiva Temple is located close to the beach and is open from 5.30 to 11.30
in the morning and 6 to 7.30 in the evening. Lastly, there is also a church
by the name of Analothbhava Matha Church situated close by.
Thiruvallom
Around 8 km from Kovalam on the road to Trivandrum is Thiruvallom where the
Killi and Karamana rivers meet. This is a perfect place to enjoy boat rides.
Thiruvallom is also famous because it happens to be the only place in Kerala
that houses a temple dedicated to Parsurama, the creator of Kerala himself.
Vellayani Lake
Apart from Sasthamkotta in north Kollam, Vellayani Lake is the only fresh
water lake in Kerala. The modern day developments have not touched the serenity
of this beautiful lake which is almost magical during a full moon night. The
lake is also a venue for boat races during the festival of Onam. Close to
the lake are a Government Agricultural College and a Devi Temple. The main
building of the college was once the summer palace of the royal family of
Travancore. The temple is the only one of its kind in Kerala since it has
members of non Brahmins Vathi caste as its priests. The main festival of the
temple is held once every third year.
Valliathura Pier
This pier is a must visit during monsoons because it is during this time that
local fishermen, unable to launch their boat from the beach, head towards
this pier. What they do here to carry on with their fishing activity is something
that turns heads automatically. The fishermen carry their catamaran to the
end of the pier and throw them in the water. Next they jump themselves in
the sea water and swim to reach their catamaran! The pier is located 10 km
from Kovalam.
Getaways
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Located at 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram across the border in Tamil Nadu's
Kanyakumari district, the palace nestles at the foot of the Veli hills. Built
during the 14th century it was called Darpakulangara, but later in the 18th
century it was renovated and renamed as the Padmanabhapuram palace. A place
of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers Anizham
Thirunal Marthanda Varma till the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram
in 1780. It contains relics of historical and artistic value.
Kaudiar Palace
This palace is the home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama
Varma and his family. The view of the grand old building from the gate is
excellent, but unfortunately it is off limits to the public. If you are lucky,
you could probably walk a few steps inside to get a better view provided the
gate keeper is friendly enough.
Anchuthengu Fort
Located 36 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the historic remains of the fort built
by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining cemetery
are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the
Malabar Coast. This colossal monument was once the trading station of the
mighty British. The monument built in the 1800s stands as an excellent example
of sturdy and lasting forts constructed in the English style.
Koyikkal Palace
Classified as a double storied ‘nalukettu’, Koyikkal Palace was
the official residence of the rulers of the erstwhile State of Travancore.
This ancient palace, located 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Ponmudi
hill station and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century.
In1979 this Palace was declared as a protected monument and further in 1990
after carrying out restoration work, it was converted into a Folklore Museum
and Numismatic Museum.
Famed Museums
Napier Museum
The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and costumes,
and a model of "Tharawad'-the traditional Nair family home.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a classic specimen of Kerala Architecture is
situated in 'Kuthiramalika'. The palace, with its excellent carvings and amazing
architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage. The museum has a
wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile state of Travancore.
Science & Technology Museum:
The Science and Technology Museum, situated in Thiruvananthapuram was established
with the prime objective of setting up of galleries with working, animated
or participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines of Science and Technology.
Veli Tourist Village
The seemingly placid sheet of water that backed away from the visibility reverberant
sea offers a general idea of the famous backwaters of Kerala. Located near
the airport this popular picnic spot offers landscaped gardens and water-sports
facilities. Pedal boats, rowboats, and motored boats are available. Children
in particular have a lot of fun and frolic climbing over the huge sculptures,
which dot the landscape, and riding a ferry.
Sankhumugham Beach
Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite
haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram
Airport and Veli Tourist Village. The 'Matsya Kanyaka', a gigantic 35 m long
sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major
attractions here.
Varkala Beach
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage.
High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.
The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two
main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Located 55
kms north of Trivandrum with unusual land formations, Varkala beach does has
not many visitors. Cliffs, 3 kilometers of shining white sands, the red soil
of the hilltop and coconut trees makes it unique. The beach named as Papanasam-
an auspicious place, for Hindus to worship their ancestors.
Dining Out
The German Bakery - Go for the date shake and the excellent banana pancake.
A full range of baked goods are available too. Plus one of the best views in
Kovalam! It is one of the best and most popular places for breakfast on the
main beach.
Suprabatham - one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Kovalam. Even
non-vegetarians will love the food and friendly waiters. It is ca 200 m. away
from the beach. It is accessible via a path between German Bakery and Hotel
Orion.
Fruit Ladies - You can grab a top fruit salad with all the trimmings.
But, they'll remember you and if you don't buy from them again they will take
it very personally.
Kovalam Junction - Head up the hill from the beach and sample some
of the many local restaurants. The specialty of the area is Chicken Fry and
fried chicken in a red masala paste with freshly cut chillis. Some places
are spicier than others. Beef fry and fish fry are sometimes available as
well. Note: These establishments are VERY local orientated so do not expect
cushy surroundings, its very much eat, pay, leave. I can assure you though;
you will get the best fried chicken EVER!
Shopping
There is a wide range of shops selling good quality souvenirs. Most of the
beach front shops are the general Kashmiri stores you see everywhere. Beware
of hawkers though. Once you show interest in a certain product, they will pursue
you everywhere until you buy it. Try some of the shops behind the beach front
stores. You'll get a better price plus some hidden gems.
Visiting
The best time to visit Kovalam is between November to February
Tourist Offices
The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is responsible for the promotion
of tourism to Kerala. The KTDC Reception Centre is on Station Road. Telephone:
330031
Tourist offices at KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) bus stations
will have information on travelling by road: distances, bus timings, an approximation
of the time it will take, and other relevant news.
How to get there
Air
The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms away from Kumarakom.
Rail
The nearest Railway station from Kumarakom is at Kottayam and regular local
and express trains connect the city with rest of India.
Road
Kottayam is 14 kilometer from Kumarakom and both State highway and National
Highway links Kumarakom with the rest of the country.
