Kovalam Beach

     Kovalam first received attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore.  The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. This exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.

    

     Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look.The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come true.

 

     Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.  

    

                 

      The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach for its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock. Lighthouse beach is the most popular beach, located at the southern part of the Kovalam beach Kerala. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, blowing from the Arabian sea and walk barefooted on the soft silver sands of the beach. Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam offers a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque and its verdant surroundings.

     The Vizhinjam Lighthouse is one of the prime attractions in Kovalam that captivates the tourist for its mesmerizing view. The interesting fact about the lighthouse is that it still glows in the dark at regular intervals. Light emitted by it spreads all over and creates the romantic ambiance that delights the tourists utmost.

      Hawa beach was the first topless beach in India. It is another place of interest to spend a pleasant holiday vacation. Here, tourists can see the daily routine of local fishermen. Every morning they set out to sea to catch fishes, which is the main source of their livelihood. Travel to Hawa beach in Kovalam to have a unique and delightful experience that will surely offer you life time memories to be treasured.

      The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. 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. Samudra beach enjoys the tranquil and serene atmosphere, an ideal place for nature lovers. Tourists can relax in the laps of nature while enjoying the soothing surroundings. The Samudra beach in Kovalam is also a perfect destination for sunbathing. Added charm of the beach is its rudimentary wooden fishing vessels. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite.

  

    Kovalam Beach, a favorite haunt of foreign tourists, has crystal clear blue waters, rocky promontories and miles of white sands. The leisure activities at the beach include sunbathing, swimming and herbal body toning massages. Shops dealing in handicrafts, jewellery and clothes are situated along the beachfront. Delectable sea-food such as lobsters and king prawns are available at the beachside restaurants. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities make Kovalam Beach a paradise for tourists from all over the world.

     Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.