Kovalam has three beaches that have been separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline. It is also known as the "Paradise of South India". Kovalam beach is spread widely over 4 km and its glory is spread all over the world. This beach is situated 13km away from Trivandrum. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters. Unlike the other beaches in Kerala, Kovalam beach is not that much big. But it is one of the most favourite beaches among tourists and the credit for this favouritism is shared almost equally by the clean water, interesting beach activities, tasty cuisines and affordable stays available.
Three Beaches at Kovalam Beach
Kovalam in Malayalam means "the grooves of coconut". These grooves of coconut trees add to the beauty of Kovalam beaches. The three beaches together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach. Light House Beach is the largest of them all as its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock. The second largest one is Hawah Beach. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and Monazite. Ashoka beach is also a part of Kovalam beach.
•"Lighthouse Beach" is the southernmost beach. The Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists. The Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky promontory of the Kurumkal Hillock here. The lighthouse is built using stones is colored in red and white bands and enjoys a height of 118 feet. Its irregular beams at night provide the beach with a bizarre charm.
•"Eve"s Beach", more commonly known as "Hawa Beach" is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. It has a rocky peninsula and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.
•"Samudra Beach" is a large peninsula that separates this part from the southern side. Only local fishermen come here for fishing. Samudra Beach lies to the north of Ashoka Beach.
Best Time to Visit Kovalam Beach
September to March is regarded as the ideal time to visit the Kovalam Beach. During this time the weather becomes pleasant and lots of tourists can be seen crowding the beach.
Things to Do at Kovalam Beach
Kovalam beach tourism is not just confined to sightseeing, swimming and lip-smacking cuisines, but there are more adventurous sports at Kovalam beach which are really pleasurable. This includes water diving, parasailing, wind surfing and many more. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. One can also do water-skiing, kayaking and boating and many other adventure activities in the beaches of Kovalam.
The safe zones for all these are marked with the green flags and unsafe zones are highlighted with red flags. Kovalam beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, herbal body massages, fire rings, bonfire and cultural events.
The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts and convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres. A large variety of continental seafood dishes are available on the beach side restaurants and hotels. Visiting the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops near the waterfront are worth enjoyable. There are facilities for Backwater cruise to the beautiful countryside enjoying its lush greenery.