Kovalam is one of the internationally renowned beaches in India. The fascinating atmosphere created by the sea, sand and azure sky makes it one of the most lively holiday destinations. Here is a Kovalam travel guide that provides you all the primary informations required for planning the trip to this exotic beach.
Kovalam is located in the Indian state of Kerala, about 14 kilometers away from Tiravananthapuram, the state capital. This beach resort overlooking the Arabian sea, draws many tourists by the uniqueness of its lively surroundings. The green palm trees surrounding the beach adds glamor to the gorgeous setting. There are various Ayurvedic resorts in Kovalam where you can enjoy herbal messages and make the trip a more relaxing one.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
The nearest airport to Kovalam is the Trivandrum Airport, which has direct flights to all the major cities in India.
By Train:-
Trivandrum Central Station is the nearest railhead, which is connected to all the important rail junctions in the country.
By Road:-
Kovalam has a good network of roads. State buses and Inter State buses have regular services. Luxury buses, tourist taxis and auto-rickshaws can be hired for traveling in Kovalam.
WHAT TO SEE
Pozhikkara Beach:-
Pozhikkara Beach, Pachalloor it is one of the most important tourist attraction near Kovalam. It is a beautiful and picturesque beaches of South India. This is the place where the backwater meets the sea.This serene beach attracts many tourists every year. It is popular among the visitors for its spectacular coastline. The stretches of greenery near the Pozhikkara Beach of Pachalloor makes it different and more attractive from most of the other beaches in the state.
Thiruvallam:-
Thiruvallam is one of the most popular backwaters destinations in Kerala. It is wonderful to experience a canoe ride in the backwaters of Thiruvallam amidst the serene surroundings. Besieged by exquisite greenery all around, Thiruvallam is a fascinating place for an excursion from Kovalam.On a Kerala tour you can also enjoy floating by the various fishing villages of the locality in a houseboat. One can notice the traditional rhythm of life that is still preserved in these villages of Kerala. You can enjoy the exotic landscape with water birds and various aquatic flowers all around as your boat sail along. While on this joyous cruise in Thiruvallam, you can also enjoy watching the local children playing around.
Padmanabhapuram Palace :-
The Padmanabhapuram Palace is a nice place to go for an excursion from Kovalam. On a visit to this palace one can experience the beauty of the traditional wooden architecture of Kerala. It dates back to the sixteenth century.This magnificent wooden palace near Tiruvananthapuram was the erstwhile home of the rulers of Travancore. The architectural splendor of this structure attracts many visitors to this place. The interiors of this palace are decorated with splendid rosewood carvings. The royal ambiance created by the grand architecture adds to the delight of an admirer of art and sculptures.
Anchuthengu Fort:-
Anchuthengu Fort is a prominent landmark of Kovalam tourist attractions. Constructed in the 17th century, Anchuthengu Fort is a brilliant symbolization of the architectural elegance of the British rulers. It is believed that this fort situated in Kovalam is one of the oldest trading platforms established during the colonial rule in India.Tourists coming from Thiruvananthapuram to visit Anchuthengu Fort have to cover a distance of around 36 km. There are regular bus services available from Thiruvananthapuram that offer a smooth and safe journey to the Anchuthengu Fort.
Kovalam Museums:-
Kovalam Museums are known to possess some of the oldest specimen of historically enriched articles related to the field of arts, science and technology. The three main museums of Kovalam include Kuthiramalika Palace museum, Napier museum and Science & Technology museum.Kuthiramalika Palace museum houses the brilliant paintings and other artifacts that bear the imprints of the rich taste of Maharaja of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma who constructed the edifice long back. The museum is famous for having an exquisite array of architectural ecstasy that includes excellent wood carvings.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Caves:-
Vizhinjam is just one km away from Kovalam and is ideal for one day tours. Located 17 kilometers from Trivandrum Vizhinjam was once capital of the many Chieftains who ruled the southern parts of Kerala around the 8th century A.D. There is a cave temple in Vizhinjam with rock cut sculptures of the 18th century.
  Kaudiar Palace:-
Kowdiar Palace is one of the beautiful and grandest palaces in Kerala. Kowdiar Palace located in Thiruvananthapuram was built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal in 1915 and was presented to Sethu Parvati Bayi, who once was the Junior Rani of Attingal under the Senior Rani, Sethu Lekshmi Bayi. It is also the official home of the Travancore Royal Family. The majestic Kowdiar Palace owes it’s distinct name in history to the rulers of Travancore who were great patrons of art and architecture.
SHOPPING:-
Shopping in Kovalam can be fun if you are planning to carry home handcrafted items as souvenirs and gifts.
FOOD:-
The food in Kovalam comprises mainly of the quintessential South Indian cuisine. Thus rice, dosas, idlis, vadas and uttapams are devoured by the local inhabitants and the tourists alike. Kovalam being located on the shores of the Arabian Sea also boasts of a fantastic menu comprising of sea food. The fresh fishes, the juicy prawns and lobsters and succulent crabs that are hauled by the fishermen make excellent delicacies that the gourmands and connoisseurs of good food love to gorge on.