Kovalam is a beach and seaside resort in the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India. Kovalam is located 12.6 km (7.8 mi) southeast of the city center. The beaches around Kovalam are popular vacation destinations for both domestic and international travellers.[1]
Etymology
Kovalam means "coconut grove," after the coconut trees which are common there.
History
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.[2] The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potential of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. In the early 1970s many hippies came on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail, beginning the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into a significant tourist destination.[3]
Geography
Beaches
Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the crescent of the Kovalam beach.[4][5]
Lighthouse Beach - the southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach, is named after the 118 feet (36 m) Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on top of the Kurumkal hillock.[6][7]
Hawah Beach - also known as Eve's Beach, consists of a high rock promontory and a bay, and is used by local fishermen.
Samudra Beach - separated from the Lighthouse Beach by a large promontory, it is also used by local fishermen.
Ashoka Beach - sea-wall to see the sea above the rocks and swimmable shallow waters
Evening time view of the beach
Places to visit
Karamana River - Karamana River originates from the southern part of Sahyadri Range. The river predominantly flows through an outskirt region of Kovalam called Karmana, hence the nomenclature.
Vellayani Lake
Halcyon Castle
Kovalam Art Gallery
Valiyathura Pier
Neyyar Dam
Aruvikkara Dam
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple
Tourist facilities
There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam.[citation needed] The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, churches and a mosque.[citation needed] The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.[citation needed]
Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippie era.[citation needed] It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel.[citation needed] 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.[8]
One of the first hotels to open there was the Kovalam Beach Resort, which was designed by Charles Correa from 1969–74.[9][10]
Vizhinjam's strategic location, with its proximity to pristine beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions, makes it an ideal base for exploring Kerala's rich heritage. Visitors can embark on tours to nearby destinations such as Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, and the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
In the Vizhinjam Cruise Terminal stands as a remarkable testament to Kerala's commitment to enhancing its maritime infrastructure and promoting tourism. With its world-class facilities and strategic location, it continues to attract travelers from across the globe, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region.The Terminal is currently under construction by Adani Ports
Gallery
Kovalam Light House
Kovalam Light House beach
Lighthouse beach
Hawwah beach (Eves beach)
Samudra beach
Kovalam beach - view from lighthouse
Fishermen and bystanders bringing a fishing boat ashore on Kovalam (Lighthouse) beach (May 2002)
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