KovalamTravel Guide
General Information
Not very far from Thiruvananthapuram (about 16 Kms) is this little traditional fishing village; one of the favorite tourists haunts. Kovalam which was once considered a quiet hippie rendezvous is today buzzing with activity as a result of its increased popularity.
With ample of opportunities for leisure activity this little town by Arabian Sea attracts plenty of tourists looking to take a break from their monotonous lives and seek rest.
There are avenues for sunbathing, swimming, Ayurvedic treatment; boat rides and of course to enjoy “Toddy” (coconut beer) and the sumptuous food. ‘Kovalam’ which means a grove of coconut trees consists of three main beaches formed in a crescent. The ‘Lighthouse beach’ at the Southern end is the most popular. The Northern end has the Samudra beach and the middle one is the Hawah Beach.Kovalam forms an idylic spot for tourists to stay and commute to explore other areas around, including the city of Thiruvananthapuram and beyond.
How to reach Kovalam
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By Air
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) about 15kms from Kovalam.s
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By Rail
Thampanur railway station in Trivandrum is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State just 15 Kilometers from Kovalam.
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By Road
Thiruvananthapuram the capital City of Kerala is easily accessible by road.
Weather Overview
The Kovalam climate is pleasant all through the year due to its vicinity to the sea. Still the best time to visit Kovalam is during the time between the months of September and March. During the winter months, specially in the Christmas week the temperature goes slightly down.
The climate of Kovalam is tropical in nature. During summers the days are quite warm.. But the soothing breeze from the keeps up the mood and charm of the place.
The summer temperature in Kovalam varies between twenty degrees centigrade and thirty degree centigrade. Where as during the winter season the minimum temperature is around eighteen degrees Celsius and the upper limits remains approximately thirty five degrees Celsius.
The climate in Kovalam is much affected by the monsoon winds. The place receives heavy rainfall during the two monsoon months.
Places Of Interest
- Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Kovalam Beach
- Padmanabhapuram Palace
- Veli Lagoon (Tourist Village)
- Kaudiar Palace
- Shangumugham Beach
- The Zoo
- Anchuthengu Fort
- Koyikkal Palace
- Kovalam Museums
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
14 Kilometers away from Kovalam at Trivandrum The imposing seven storied tower makes it the most impressive landmark in the city. The temple is an excellent example of the dravidian style of architecture. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings, and mural paintings.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum. This unique internationally renowned wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. 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.
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.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
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 cenury 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. Kovalam holidays.
Veli Lagoon (Tourist Village)
Veli Lagoon (Tourist Village)
Delightful waterfront park.An ideal picnic spot where the lake merges with sea. The wadingpool,gardens,exquisite sculptures, a floating bridge and a wide range of aqua sports facilities.
Kaudiar Palace
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 unforunately 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.
Shangumugham Beach
Shangumugham Beach
It's a pleasant place to walk or watch the fishermen securing their catch. A large sculpture of a mermaid graces the roadside, an example of the work of the local artist Canai Kunuram. At dusk, during temple festivals, the beach is the site of the ritual bathing of the temple idols.
The Zoo
The Zoo
Is one of the best maintained zoos in the whole of Asia and has a beautiful sprawling lawns.
Anchuthengu Fort
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. Kovalam holidays.
Koyikkal Palace
Koyikkal Palace
Classified as a double storeyed ‘nalukettu’, Koyikkal Palace was the official residence of the of the rulers of the erstwhile State of Travancore. This ancient palace, located 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Ponmudi hillstation 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.
Kovalam Museums
Kovalam Museums
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. Kovalam holidays.
Napier Museum
The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad'-the traditional Nair family home. Kovalam holidays.
Shopping
If you thought you could buy only sunglasses in a beach resort, then Kovalam defies your notions of beach shopping. Shopping in Kovalam can be fun if you are planning to carry home handcrafted items as souvenirs and gifts.
Kovalam is famous for statues made of teakwood and rosewood. There are a plethora of shops in Kovalam selling handicrafts, ranging from carpets to clothes. If you are looking for some ethnic clothes and fashion accessory you should check out the shops selling Rajasthani, Kashmiri and Tibetan items. You can also carry the aromas of this beautiful place in the form of spices.
Eating Out
There are many many restuarants along the beachfront at lighthouse beach. The days catch is usually laid in front of them in the evening for those who like fish. Most restaurants have a leisurely approach to life and an hour between ordering and receiving your food is not uncommon. But don't get uptight, just relax and enjoy. Kovalam holidays.
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! Easily the best and most popular place for breakfast on the main beach.
Suprabatham - one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Kovalam. Even non-vegetarians will love the food. Friendly waiters. It is ca 200 m. away from the beach. Accessible via a path between German Bakery and Hotel Orion.
Fruit Ladies - You can grab a top fruit salad with all the trimmings for less than $1USD. But, they'll remember you and if you don't buy from them again they will take it very personally.
Nightlife
The beautiful beaches of Kovalam are a top draw with tourists from all across the globe. The beach resort that owes its nomenclature to the tall and swinging palm fronds that fringe the beach is peppered with hotels and restaurants. Kovalam nightlife may not be as colorful and wild as in Goa, but the fun quotient is no less.
The conservative and reserved tourist who believe in the norms of the old school need not be disappointed. Kovalam abounds in cultural extravaganzas and provides them the unique opportunity of enriching themselves by enjoying a Kathakali performance followed by a quiet meal in any of the restaurants and round of drinks. The party animals of course can have the time of their lives once they hit the beach. The Kovalam beaches are lined with restaurants and bars that where people can have a great time.
Be it the local food that are very reasonably priced and play live music to enliven tourists or the occasional beach parties, Kovalam Nightlife is by no means a quiet affair. Even at lat hours of the night, the shops are busy, restaurants are crammed and the trinket stalls lining the beach are doing brisk business. Young children creating a cacophony with wooden whistles, boys playing with widows, tourists devouring on street food and couples walking along the beach complete the portrait of the colorful kaleidoscope. However, unlike Goa, Kovalam goes to sleep by midnight. Thus most parties and night outs here end as soon as the clock strikes twelve.
