Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".
Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation . There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe. Thus, also becomes a popular destination for weddings.
Climate
Summer: (March to May) are hot and the temperature varies from a minimum of 21°C to a maximum of 33°C.
Winters: (December to January) are pleasant and have moderate temperature varying from 18°C to 33°C.
Monsoons : (June to August) are accompanied by thunderstorms and abundant rain falls. Monsoon season is the best period for Ayurvedic treatments in Kovalam, Post monsoon season is good for sun bath. Onam season during August to September witnesses many celebrations and festivities. New Year celebrations in Kovalam beach are very famous and imposing.
Best time to visit is from August to February.
Accessibility
Air : Nearest Airport – Trivandrum (20 kms)
Indian Air Lines , Air India, Air Lanka, East West Airlines and Gulf Air operate direct service from Trivandrum to Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Goa, Bangalore, Cochin, Calicut, in addition to international services to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Gulf countries and Singapore.
Rail : Nearest rail head is Trivandrum Central. Trivandrum is connected by rail with many important cities.
Road : Kovalam is connected by road with several tourist destinations within Kerala and India.
Venues in Kovalam
Leela Kovalam Resort A short drive from Trivandrum International Airport unfolds one of the most inspiring of Kovalam hotels. With 182 rooms and suites dotted over many verdant acres, Kerala’s largest beachside resort is cradled between two sweeping beaches. Perched on a rock-face, this 5 star deluxe resort offers the most panoramic views of the famed Kovalam shoreline.
Vivanta by Taj The hotel is delightful in many ways. While to some it is one of the finest seaside resorts in Kerala, to others it is an amazing backwater retreat. And there are those that love it for its hill resort layout. Soak in the space that spreads over 10 acres and reflects the spirit of the sea.
Uday Samudra Resort UDS located at the famed beaches of Kovalam, just 15 meters from the sea, is an exclusive 4 Star leisure beach hotel – a destination by itself. The setting, facilities, people, spa, cuisine and its whole philosophy is dedicated to your personal wellness in a luxurious environment. Just by being at UDS-one of the finest hotels in kovalam, your stresses start to flutter away; the landscaping has its own serenity, a harmony of a defined architecture, spacious lawns, blue water pools and soaring coconut grooves all set in four tranquil acres by the sea.
The Travancore Heritage At the Travancore Heritage, you will explore a wonder called the nature. This heritage resort is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, at Chowara – south of Kovalam, near Trivandrum, Kerala. The cottages here are mostly a century old and reflect the history of time in Kerala. It is perfectly crafted to enlighten you of a past era in the luxury and comforts of the most modern era. In other words, it is the only place in Kerala, where time stands still.
