Kovalam
The beaches of Kerala are as titillating as the rest of the tourism fare it offers. Its serene, tranquil coastline puts it on par with Goa as a beach tourism destination. Arguably the most popular and well-known among them is Kovalam, 16 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram and by far the most frequented. This is a real chill-out zone that the die-hard sea seekers rave about. And for good reason. Its shallow waters stretch metres into the placid sea that rarely springs a nasty surprise. The even temperature of the water at all times makes it a 24-hour-dip beach location. The mild waters make it a fairly safe bet for families with children. There is a Bohemian gaiety and abandon the place exudes, that enhance the experience beyond a mere beach and surf theme.
At night the place comes alive as the shops, eateries and shacks that line the beach light up and come alive with music, laughter and celebrations as the tourists gather for a drink, dinner and merriment, accompanied by the rhythmic orchestration of the waves hitting the shores. Care for a moonlight party around the fire? There is no better place than Kovalam to do it. As far as accommodation facilities go, the tourist is spoilt for choice, with high-end properties and resorts from all leading chains, to budget properties to purse-friendly options like dormitories to exclusive Ayurveda resorts all offering a myriad of choices.
Kovalam is famous for its renowned Ayurveda spas where you can revitalise your battered bodies and spirits under the healing touch of Kerala’s traditional Ayurveda therapies. And if you can break free from the addiction of the sea and the beach one can embark on excursions to some interesting localities nearby. Vizhinjam, a natural port, now being developed as a major international port is a place with tourist interest as much for the 35 metre tall lighthouse which offers a sweeping view of the sea, as for a beach which is billed as the best of the three beaches that forms part of Kovalam.
The eighteenth century rock sculptures in the vicinity help add a bit of mystery to the magic. Thiruvallam, about ten kilometres away is home to the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Parasurama, the mythical founder of the state. The backwaters here with its canoe rides are a great bet for a peaceful picnic. Another sought after picnic spot close by is the Neyyar Dam for fabulous views of its expansive reservoir, a crocodile park and a lion safari park. Beach, backwaters, sea, history… you name it, and it is all wrapped up in a surprise package called Kovalam.
