Kovalam
Beach - The
Paradise of Kerala
(Telephone access code:+91 471)
This international beach, 12 km south of Trivandrum city, is one of the finest beaches in India. A high rocky promontory jutting into the sea has created a beautiful bay of calm waters for sea bathing. The India Tourism Development Corporation had developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort which includes a string of cottages, the Halcyon castle, a shopping area, swimming pools, yoga centre, facilities for medicinal oil bath and massage and the Rajiv Gandhi Convention Centre with 1000 delegate capacity. The resort has 198 rooms with the four presidential suits in the Halcyon Castle, the Summer Retreat of the erstwhile Maharaja. The property has now been taken over by a private group, The Leela Group. Besides, there are numerous hotels managed by private agencies.
Ranked #54 of 345 attractions in Kerala
State: Kerala
-
| District: Trivandrum
|
Nearest City:
Trivandrum
(14 Kms)
|
Geographical
Position: 8.385277,
76.977777 (Lat, Long) |
Best Time to Visit:
September
to March
|
Peak Season:
September
to March |
Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort.
Backed by precipitously mounting headlands and covered by fertile coconut palms, the beaches, especially the southern most part of lighthouse beach.It is also lined with a host of shops and shacks offering all kinds of services; creating an unmistakable resort atmosphere. Curio shops, hawkers of Kashmiri and Tibetan products, moneychangers and beachwear shops, between the surplus of restaurants and hotels, do brisk business during peak tourist season.
The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.
Kovalam was among the most famous traveler spots in India during the hippy epoch. It still has a high rank among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new implication in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and healing and renaissance resorts which supply a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.
About Kovalam
Altitude |
Sea
level |
Latitude |
8'
05' |
Longitude |
77'
15" |
Rainfall |
170
cm |
Season |
Throughout
Tropical (Best September to May)
|
Languages |
Malayalam,
English, Hindi, Tamil |
Temperature |
Summer |
20.6c(mean
min)
|
Winter |
18.0c(mean
min)
|
Kovalam
beach is well known not only for its beauty, but also for the
entertainment programs and sports conducted on the beach. One of the
popular entertainments in Kovalam Beach is to enjoy beach bonfire
with your friends or relatives. The beach fire rings and bonfires are
usually enjoyed and promoted by local and foreign tourists.
You
can smell the woods burning and hear the shouts of joy from different
parts of the Kovalam beach in the evening. All have rings offered for
free use on a first come first serve basis. The camp-like tradition
lives on from generation to generation in this time honored
celebration that brings families, friends and business associates
together in a circle, huddled around the warm glowing flames to fend
off the chilled night air of the Arabian Sea. The atmosphere and
temperature in Kovalam is very good with soft winds creating a chill,
especially in the evenings.
The
busiest season at the beach usually runs from late May through early
September. Free fire pits are greatly desired during this time,
especially on weekends. It is not unusual for people to stake claim
to a pit in the early afternoon, even when planning to use it later
in the day
Kovalam
beach is well known for its beautiful sunset. Each and every day
there will be something new to tell about the sunset in Kovalam due
to its beauty. The variation of colors such as red, orange and yellow
in the sun and sky draw new master piece art works in the sky on
every new sunset. Kovalam beach with its amazing sunset beauty
attracted photographers all around the world to capture the beauty of
sun and sky.
By
the sunset, Kovalam beach will be active with songs, dances and
celebrations of different tourists. Apart from tourists, there were
many local inhabitants who often visit the beach to spend their
evenings with family and friends. It is also interesting to watch the
fishers fishing in the sea by sunset through ancient traditional
ways.
Since
1930 Kovalam was a prominent international tourist beach. Kovalam
Beach is located at a distance of six kilometers from
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. It is also known as the
‘Paradise of South India’. Kovalam beach spread widely over four
kilometers and its glory spread all over the world. Kovalam beach is
the world famous beach of India.
Kovalam
and Kovalam beach has been a favourite tourist destination for many
years. Kovalam beach is divided into three main parts places known as
the southern most or the light house, the Hawah and the northern
most. The most popular part of the beach is the Lighthouse Beach
where an ancient lighthouse is situated and it belongs to the British
era. You can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque from
here even though photography is prohibited without permission. Hawah
is situated in the middle part of the beach. It is also a base for
the local fishermen. The northern most part Samudra beach is a freaky
beach relatively and dotted with elementary wooden fishing vessels.
Eve's
beach of Kovalam is a semi-circular beach and renowned for its
peaceful environment. Kovalam was spotted on the map and the tourist
map, when its beautiful and secluded beaches were discovered. Kovalam
beach is ideal for sunbathing,
swimming,
herbal body massages, fire rings, bonfire and cultural events. A
large variety of continental seafood dishes are available on the
beach side restaurants and hotels. Visiting the handicrafts,
jewellery and cloth shops near the waterfront will also be a great
enjoyment and you have the opportunity to buy things, if you like.
There are facilities for backwater cruise to the beautiful
countryside enjoying its lush greenery. The best time to visit
Kovalam beach is from September to March.
Nearest
Railwaystaion
: The nearest rail head to Kovalam is Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor)
railway station. It is about 15 km away from Kovalam. Trivandrum is
well linked with all cities in India through rail. Taxi fare from
Thampanoor to Kovalam is about Rs 300.
Nearest
Airport :
Nearest airport is Trivandrum International airport which is about 11
km away from Kovalam. Taxi fare from Airport to Kovalam is about Rs
300. Trivandrum International airport is connected to all major
airports in India and it is connected to many cities abroad including
Colombo, Singapore and many gulf cities.
Road:
Kovalam is off the NH 47 Bypass, just 13 km from the national highway
that links Salem to Kanyakumari via Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam,
Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.Bus:
Kovalam’s KSRTC Bus Stand is near Vizhinjam-Poovar Road. It has
services once in every 15 minutes to Thiruvananthapuram. Ph:
0471-2480365, 2481365
Travel
Agents
Elite
Tours & Travels Ph: 2481905, 2481405, Email: elitetours@vsnl.com
Great
Indian Travel Service, Lighthouse Road Ph: 2481110
Green
Land Travel Services Telefax: 2485143
Keralaconnections.com
Ph: 2484839 Fax: 2484839 Email: info@keralaconnections.com
Shivas
Tours & Travels, Eve's Beach Ph: 2483091, 98472 71489 Email:
sajikovalam@yahoo.co.in
Trans
Orient Holidays Ph: 2480726 Fax: 2487343 Email:
transorientkerala@gmail.com
Visit
India Information & Travel Bureau, Lighthouse Road Ph: 2481069
Fax: 2481069, Email: visitindia@eth.net
Voyager
Travels Ph: 2485217
Western
Travels, Ph: 2481334
-
Art
gallery:
Restaurants:
Money
exchange:
Elite
Tours & Travels Ph: 2481405
Great
Indian Travel Service Ph: 2334512
Phroze
Framroze & Co. Pvt. Ltd., Near Kovalam Bus Station Ph: 2487450
Visit
India Information and Travel Bureau Telefax: 2481069
Western
Travels Ph: 2481334
Two
wheeler hire:
Cultural
centres:
Kalakeli
Kathakali Troup (All cultural programmes), Kovalam Ph: 2481818,
9447182468
Smrithi,
The Fusion of Dance and Music, Rajeev Gandhi Centre, Venganoor Ph:
2482949
Hospitals:
Multi-gym
club:
Telecom
centre:
BSNL,
Kovalam Junction Ph: 2451860
BSNL,
Vizhinjam Ph: 2481700
Banks:
Canara
Bank, Kovalam Junction (ATM) Ph: 2481950
ICICI
Bank, Kovalam Junction (ATM)
Central
Bank, Kovalam Jn. Ph: 2480258
Andhra
Bank, Azhakulam Ph: 480217
State
Bank of Travancore, Vizhinjam Ph: 2480294
Post
offices:
Beach
Post Office Ph: 2483340
Post
Office, Kovalam Jn. Ph: 2481330
Post
Office, Vizhinjam Ph: 3299248
Speed
Post, Trivandrum Ph: 3293434
General
Post Office, Trivandrum Ph: 2473071
Post
Master General's Office, Trivandrum Ph: 2308060
Post
Office, Thiruvallam Ph: 2382806
Post
Office, Poovar Ph: 2210030
Places
For Stay
Name |
tarif |
Phone |
Fax |
E-mail & Web
|
The Leela
|
8500-55000 |
2480101 |
2481522 |
reservations.kovalam@theleela.com
www.theleela.com |
Taj Green Cove Resort
|
8000-23600 |
2487733
|
2487744 |
greencove.kovalam@tajhotels.com
www.tajhotels.com |
Surya Samudra
|
6240-17940 |
2267333 |
2267124
|
reservations@suryasamudra.com
www.suryasamudra.com |
Karikkathi Beach House |
5600-16800 |
2400956 |
|
karikkathi@yahoo.co.in
www.karikkathibeachhouse.com |
Poovar Island Resort |
4000-16000 |
2212068 |
2212092 |
reservations@poovarislandresort.com
www.poovarislandresort.com |
Hotel Samudra |
3800-11500 |
2480089 |
2480242 |
samudra@md3.vsnl.net.in
www.ktdc.com |
Nikki’s Nest |
3705-7800 |
2267822 |
2267182 |
nest@sancharnet.in |
Ashatheeram Beach
Resort
|
3190-3520 |
2267566 |
2267313 |
ashatheeram@sancharnet.in |
Isola Di Cocco |
3000-10000 |
2210008 |
2210500 |
isoladicocco@vsnl.net
www.isoladicocco.com |
Estuary Island
|
3000-9500 |
2214355 |
2210019 |
sales@estuaryisland.com
www.estuaryisland.com |
Beach and Lake
Ayurvedic Resort |
2860-4125 |
2382086 |
2382066 |
beachandlake@hotmail.com
www.beachandlakeresort.com |
Lagoona Davina
|
2500-6500 |
2380049 |
2382651 |
lagoonadavina@hotmail.com
www.lagoonadavina.com |
Uday Samudra
|
2530-7150 |
2483111 |
2481578 |
info@uds.in
www.udaysamudra.com |
Kadaloram Beach Resort |
2500-6000 |
2481116 |
2481115 |
kadaloram@vsnl.com
www.kadaloram.com |
Hotel Abad Palmshore |
2500-5510 |
2481481 |
2480495 |
abad@vsnl.com
www.abadhotels.com |
The Travancore
Heritage |
2450-11900 |
2267828 |
2267201 |
travancoreheritage@vsnl.net
www.thetravancoreheritage.com |
Thapovan Heritage Home |
2365-4125 |
2482430 |
2480453 |
info@thapovan.com
www.thapovan.com |
Somatheeram Ayurvedic
Health Resort |
2200-11275 |
2266501 |
2266505 |
info@somatheeram.org
www.somatheeram.org |
Coconut Bay |
2200-7865 |
2480566 |
2343349 |
cocobay@vsnl.com
www.coconutbay.com |
Hotel Sea Face |
2000-7000 |
2481835 |
2481320 |
info@seaface.com
www.seaface.com |
Hotel Sea Rock |
2000-3500 |
2480422 |
2480422 |
searockhotel@yahoo.com |
Dr. Franklin’s
Panchakarma Institute |
1925 |
2480870 |
2267670 |
franklin@dr-franklin.com
www.dr-franklin.com |
Jeevan Ayurvedic Beach
Resort |
1800-4000 |
2480662 |
|
jeevanresort@eth.net
www.jeevanresort.com |
Jasmine Palace |
1800-3500 |
2481475 |
2481475 |
jaspalace@satyam.net.in
www.jasminepalace.com |
Sagara Beach Resort |
1700-2700 |
2484077 |
|
sagarabeachresort@usa.net |
Raja Hotel |
1650-2070 |
2480355 |
2480455 |
info@rajahotel.net
www.rajahotel.net |
Ideal Ayurvedic Resort |
1540-3300 |
2268632 |
2268396 |
idealresort@eth.net
www.idealayurvedicresort.com |
Bethsaida Hermitage |
1500-3500 |
2267554 |
2267554 |
frederick@satyam.net.in
www.kerala.com |
Temple Garden |
1500-2500 |
2481972 |
2481972 |
reservations@templegarden.in
www.templegarden.in |
Hotel Thushara |
1500-2000 |
2480692 |
2481693 |
hotelthushara@yahoo.com
www.hotelthushara.net |
Manaltheeram Beach
Resort |
1485-10010 |
2266222 |
2267611 |
mail@manaltheeram.com
www.manaltheeram.com |
Hotel Neelakanta |
1300-4000 |
2480321 |
2485180 |
hotelneelakanta@yahoo.com |
Hotel Aparna |
1250-1500 |
2480951 |
2480607 |
apranaseaside@yahoo.co.in |
Hotel Linchu Holiday
Resort |
1250-3500 |
2481010 |
2480722 |
|
Pappukutty Beach
Resort |
1250-1450 |
2480235 |
2480234 |
natarajan@hotmail.com
www.pappukutty.com |
Swagath Holiday
Resorts |
1200-6000 |
2481148 |
2481150 |
swagathresort@asianetindia.com
www.swagathresorts.com |
Marine Palace |
1200-3600 |
2481428 |
2481428 |
info@hotelmarinepalace.com
www.hotelmarinepalace.com |
Hotel Pujamahal |
1000-3500 |
|
|
pujamahal@hotelpujamahal.com
www.hotelpujamahal.com |
Royal Retreat Cottages |
1000-1800 |
2481080 |
2484060 |
kiranrajkiran@sify.com |
Somatheeram Ayurvedic
Beach Resort |
935-12485 |
2268101 |
2267611 |
mail@somatheeram.in
www.somatheeram.in |
Hotel Blue Sea |
850-3500 |
2481401 |
2480401 |
hotelbluesea@eth.net
www.hotelbluesea.net |
Hotel Rockholm
|
850-4000 |
2480606 |
2480607 |
info@rockholm.com
www.rockholm.com |
Hotel Sreevisakh
|
800-2000 |
2480445 |
2480163 |
|
Ayurvedic Beach Resort |
600-1200 |
2480634 |
2480634 |
|
Hotel Seaweed |
600-1400 |
2480391 |
2722698 |
seaweed@md3.vsnl.net.in |
Hotel Volga Palace |
600-1500 |
2483286 |
|
volgapalace@hotmail.com |
Hotel Silver Star
|
600-800 |
2482983 |
|
info@silverstar-kovalam.com
www.silverstar-kovalam.com |
Hotel Orion |
500-3000 |
2480999 |
2480999 |
orionkovalam@yahoo.com |
Hotel Hawah Beach
Resort |
500-3000 |
2481951 |
|
www.hawahbeachresort.com |
Sea Flower Home |
500-1200 |
2480554 |
2481069 |
info@seaflowerbeachresort.com |
Ayurvedic Centre
|
500-900 |
2481440 |
2482369
|
drpsambhu@hotmail.com
www.ayushya.com |
Palm Grove
|
500-1500 |
2480044 |
|
|
Hotel Holiday Home
|
400-1500 |
2480497 |
|
homerest@md3.vsnl.net.in
www.holidayhomeresort.net |
Golden Sands
|
450-900 |
2481077 |
2481476 |
goldensand@email.com |
Maharaju Palace
|
400-1000 |
2485320
|
|
martienweber@hotmail.com |
Ayushya Merryland
Samudrathara
|
400-1200 |
2481608
|
|
kavithajoshy@msn.com |
Hotel Sea View Palace
|
400-950 |
2483599
|
2451858
|
hotelseaviewpalace@hotmail.com |
Hotel Sea Coast
|
400-950 |
2480670 |
|
|
Gopal’s Ayurvedic
Beach Resort
|
300-1500
|
2480833 |
2453499
|
gopalsayurva@yahoo.co.in |
Sumangali Tourist Home
|
300-600 |
2481021 |
|
|
Apsara Beach Cottage |
250-700
|
2350219 |
|
satsnair@hotmail.com |
Hotel Neptune
|
250-400 |
2480222
|
2460187 |
|
-
SK
Internet Cafe : NUP Beach Road, Near Hotel Searock, Kovalam,
Thiruvananthapuram
– 695527
Ayurvedic
Centre
Amruthamgamaya
Nature Care and Leisure : Panangodu,
Venganoor, Trivandrum, Tel: +91 471 2484600
Agastya
Heritage Ayurvedic Centre : Kovalam Tel: +91 471 6537117
Green
Leaf Certified Ayurveda Centres in Kovalam
Dr.
Franklin's Panchakarma Institute and Research Centre
Chowara
Kovalam
Tel:
+91 471 2480870, 2267974, 2267670
Pulinkudi
Kovalam
Tel:
+91 471 2267554
Vizhinjam
Kovalam
Tel:
+91 472 2859273
Vizhinjam
Kovalam
Tel:
+91 471 2480566, 2480668, 2484566
Panchakarma
Ayurveda Centre
Udaya
Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
GV Raja Road
Samudra
Beach
Kovalam
Tel: +91 471 2485766/67/68
Guruprakash
Ayurvedi Centre
Vellar
Kovalam
Tel:
+91 471 2480352
Somatheeram
Ayurvedic Health Resort
Chowara
Kovalam
Tel:
+91 471 2266501/02/03
Manaltheeram
Ayurveda Beach Village
(By
somatheeram Group)
Chowara
Kovalam
Tel: +91 471 2266222
Ayurdhara
Ayurvedic Health and Wellness Centre
Abad
Harmonia
Chowara
Kovalam
Tel: +91 471 2269665, 2268341
Isola
Di Cocco
Poovar
South of Kovalam
Tel: +91 471 2210008,
2210800
Poovar
Island Resorts
Poovar
South of Kovalam
Tel: + 91 471
2212068, 69, 73
Beach
and Lake Ayurvedic Resort
Pozhikkara
Beach
Pachalloor
North of Kovalam
Tel: + 91 471 2382086,
2383066, 2382066
The
Leela
Kovalam
Tel: +91 471 3051234,248152
Vaidyasala
Ayurvedic Centre
Estuary
Island
Poovar
South of Kovalam
Tel: + 91 471 2214355 / 66 /
77 / 88 / 99
Olive
Leaf Certified Acyurveda Centres in Kovalam
Soma
Palmshore Beach Resort
(By
Somatheeram Group)
Light House Road
Kovalam Beach
Tel: + 91
471 2486666, 2481481
Kovalam
Tel:
+ 91 471 2480165, 2483912
Chowara
Beach
Kovalam
Tel: + 91 471 2481632, 226839
New
Ideal Panchakarma Centre
Chowara
Beach
Kovalam Tel: + 91 471 2266600