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On the Malabar
coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam.
This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when its fabulous
beaches were discovered.
Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in
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.
A sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves. Where
when you are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, you can explore
the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront.
Not to speak of the delightful sea-food fare including lobsters
available at the beachside restaurants.
The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts.
The southern most beach, and the most popular, is the Lighthouse Beach.
Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the
Vizhinzam mosque. Photography is prohibited here.
The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base
for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least
affected of all by the changing times.It is dotted with few rudimentary
wooden fishing vessels.
In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the place is enlivened by
Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. This mellow
Kerala coastal village was once a picturesque settlement built next to
two palm-fringed coves enclosed by rocky headlands, but development has
been almost unplanned.
There's a plethora of places to stay, ranging from cheap concrete boxes
to up-market resorts, and a large number of under-equipped restaurants
catering to standard Asian travellers' menus. The ITDC-run Ashoka and
the Kerala tourism department's 'Samudra' at the Kovalam beach provide
five-star accommodation.
There are other hotels as well to suit every pocket. Kovalam is
developing not only as a beach resort but is fast developing as a Yoga
and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or
learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by
experts.
Kovalam can be reached by direct and regular bus services from
Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place from Ernakulam,
Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Thiruvananthapuram Airport
and Railway head serves the requirements of Kovalam
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