Kovalam
Kovalam is a village in the southern state of Kerala in India. It is located about 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Understand[edit]Kovalam is famous for its beaches, among the most pristine in India. Kovalam is extremely popular among westerners due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. It is also one of the oldest tourist enclave in India, which known among tourist circuit right in 1930s. Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by Her Highness The Queen of Travancore Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai decided to build a palace for herself at a rock top near the beach, as her private residence better known as Haylcon Castle. Later, in 1936, the next Queen, HH Karthika Thirunal choose this palace for her honeymoon with her newly wed husband, 1st Prince GV Raja. It was Prince G.V Raja who found immense tourist potentiality of the region and decided promote the region among state guests, by inviting Thomas Cook & Sons- UK to develop the region. The Maharaja of Travancore soon started hosting regular state banquets and accommodation of his European guests in Kovalam Haylcon Palace. This made the beach popular among European families living in nearby Madras and Bombay Presidencies as well as elite Travancore families to spend their holidays. Thus, the move helped to lay foundations of modern tourism industry in South India. Post independent India, the beach was popular among Indians and few tourists. It was 1970s, the hippie culture helped to revive the beach, with vast influx of tourists, spending their wild holidays here. When Kerala government thought of making tourism as a major industry, towards 1990s, Kovalam was the first tourist destination to be highlighted and promoted. Today its an intentionally renowned beach. Kovalam has 3 major beaches in its 17 km coastline. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach is the most popular of the three. Many hotels, restaurants, lodges and shops are located here. It is frequented by outsiders who stay and enjoy Kovalam. The Northern most crescent, (with the different names Main Beach/Leela Beach/Samudra Beach) - is crowded on weekends, is very popular with the locals, day-travelers, and passing-by tourist buses. During the week it's quiet. Hawa Beach inbetween is among one of the beaches in India where top-less sunbathing is tolerated and well appreciated by the locals. The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on both Lighthouse and Hawa beach. Note that many tourists in Kovalam are between the ages of 40 and 60 years young. Those expecting a replica of Goa will be pleasantly surprised by the more relaxed atmosphere, a bit more laid back, the food a touch softer and lighter. Get in[edit]Kovalam is about 16 km (20 minutes in a taxi) from Trivandrum. Taxis can charge around ₹400-₹500 to get to Kovalam. If you are arriving at Trivandrjm International Airport, there is a pre-paid taxi counter at arrivals. When asked where you want to go, say Hawa Beach, Leela Beach/Main Beach or Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam. A one way trip to Leela beach from the airport costs ₹550/₹650 (sedan/7-seater) In an auto-rickshaw ₹150 - ₹170 is a fair price, avoid going above ₹170. If in doubt ask to use the meter, but in reality they really don't work at all. Advice being if they are trying to rip you off go to leave for another rickshaw and they will often back down and offer you a fair price, if not, get in a different rickshaw. Even if India is comparatively less expensive, the prices for gasoline are international standard, so don't expect super cheap private transportation. If you go by public bus from Trivandrum-East Fort to Kovalam Beach you only pay ₹8. for the half hour trip.
Be very careful walking around the junction, especially at night, as there are no traffic lights and the street lighting is very minimal. The intersection can be busy. Get around[edit]Tourist taxis are the most convenient way to travel around attractions, especially while travelling in a group. Most airports and railway stations have tourist taxi services that would take you anywhere you would want to go. The rate should be around 15Rs per kilometre on auto rickshaw but some drivers may try to overcharge up to 100Rs for 1km. A more adventurous option is to get a bike on hire. The highway is a pleasure to drive on, with the cool breeze and coconut palms lined along the way. Once on the highway, drive north for the plains, drive south for the hills. Avoid driving through Thiruvananthapuram city, it's congested. The old highway, also called MC road, is also good to drive on. The MC road can take you deep into the hills. Try out the throaty Enfield 350 CC bikes for a truly vintage experience, check your fuel levels before you leave. Two wheelers do not have to pay the highway toll, simply ride through the side lane. By Bus[edit]You can reach kovalam by bus from trivandrum.The buses going to kovalam depaart from the end of the bus stand of east fort. See[edit][add listing]The beaches are the star attractions here. Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. The larger of the beaches is called Lighthouse Beachknown for its 35 metre high lighthouse which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock. Most of the foreigner’s stay on Lighthouse Beach, which is more developed. There are some vendors on the beach, but they are not too pushy. It takes less than five minutes to walk from Lighthouse Beach to the second largest beach, Hawah Beach. This beach is named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India. However topless bathing is banned now. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The old lighthouse, located at the southern beach is a local landmark, for being one of the oldest lighthouses of Kerala, guiding ships to the nearby Vizhnjam port. The lighthouse can be visited from 3PM to 5PM daily. Do[edit][add listing]
Buy[edit][add listing]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.
Kovalam Junction is about a 10 - 15 minute walk up the hill from the main beach. You will pass through it on your initial arrival into Kovalam. Your main reason for coming here will be the ATMs, the post office, and Divine Supermarket. There are also a few good cheap eateries located around the area, a decent supermarket, and a few grocery stores where you can save a little money from the beach store prices. ATMs[edit]Kovalam junction: there are four ATMs here which accept all the major cards. They are open 24 hours a day and protected by security guards. There is an ATM just inside a hotel driveway just a short distance (10 minute walk) from Hawa Beach toward Kovalam Junction. The ATM's are:- Federal Bank (next to the Divine Supermarket) – has a daily limit of R20,000/- and the full amount is allowed in 1 transaction. ICICI ATM next to the restaurant/café almost opposite the supermarket – has a daily limit of R20,000 but a limit of R10,000 per transaction Canara Bank Branch ATM next to the Post Office – again a daily limit of R20,000 but only R5,000 per transaction. Catholic Bank Branch ATM at the Hotel Swagarth up Cardiac Hill. Daily limit is R20,000 but only R10,000 per transaction. HDFC Bank Branch ATM - Near Holiday Home and next to the Govt Liquor Store Axis Bank Branch ATM - Near the HDFC ATM as above Union Bank Branch ATM - Near both HDFC and AXIS ATM as above There are money changers on the shore line on Lighthouse Beach and these do not charge any commission. If you change T/Cs or money at your Hotel or an Thomas Cook exchange then you will be charged commission. Bank will also change money but expect to wait. Eat[edit][add listing]There are many restaurants along the beach front 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. You can grab a top fruit salad from the fruit ladies 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. Head up the hill from the beach to Kovalam Junction and sample some of the many local restaurants. The specialty of the area is Chicken Fry. Fried chicken in a red masala paste with freshly cut chillis. Some places are spicier than others. For between $2 & $3USD you will get 2 pieces of chicken fry, vegetable sambal and some paratha (a richer version of roti). Beef fry and fish fry are sometimes available as well. Note: These establishments are very local orientated so do not expect cushy surroundings: it's very much eat, pay, leave. Expect great chicken.
Drink[edit][add listing]
Sleep[edit][add listing]
Many hotels have ayurveda and yoga available. Budget[edit]
Mid-Range[edit]
Splurge[edit]
Ayurveda and Health Resorts[edit]* Ayurvaidya health and wellness centre, Kovalam. [30] Over 11 years experience in taking care of patients from all over the world with varying health problems. Experienced and friendly staff.
Agastyaa Heritage Centre -http://www.unnidoc.com/ experienced and friendly staff. Treatments individualised for care of patients different health concerns. Stay safe[edit]The lighthouse beach (hawa beach) is the safest to Swim. The waves are gentle and there is not much depth in the ocean. The lifeguards are here to overlook the behavior of the waves and to alert the swimmers. They are not kidding, so watch out to their alerts. There have been incidents of sexual abuse of solo female travelers by local touts , solo female travel is not recommended. Do not allow any stranger(s) to sit at the passenger seat in taxi or tuk tuk with you. Avoid uninhabited locations along the stretch of the beach. Scams[edit]Con men, touts & pretenders The area has a number of con men and touts strolling around and offering their help to tourists,ignore all unnecessary approaches and unsolicited advice from strangers . Don't entertain unnecessary questions and offers, just ignore them without making any eye contact and walk away. Many of these con men work as illegal tourist guides or drug peddlers. Massage Parlour scam Do not avail the services of unauthorized massage parlours. Many massage centers are run by poorly trained staff . Drivers working in tandem with touts take gullible tourists to these centers operating without any license. Many of these parlours are run by shady people with links to sex trade. Get out[edit]
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