Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach of Kerela, with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.
Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ), the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery , the Padmanabhaswamy Temple , Puthenmalike Palace, Zoo, Planetarium, Veli Lagoon, Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute,a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.
How to reach there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 16 km
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 10 km.
OTHER BEACHES
Poovar Beach
Poovar is an unspoiled and unexplored island, developed by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach.
Shanghumugham Beach
This is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) airport and Veli Tourist Village.
Varkala Beach
It is a seaside 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 Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are situated here.
Alappuzha Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in alappuzha. The coast, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old.
Kappad Beach
This is the beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. This is a rock studded beach. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawing rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is 800 years old
Cherai Beach(Kochi)
This lovely beach near Kochi, is a major centre for commerce, is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are seen here.
Chowra Beach
The soft white sand draws the visitors to this beach and it is ideal for beach volleyball.
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