Kovalam

General Info

This beach town is probably the most important tourist destination in the state. The good beaches and excellent hotels and resort make it a tourist favourite. The other attractions is the Ayurvedic health programmes offered by a various health centers and resort. Thirty years ago Kovalam was a hippy idyll : a picture-perfect beach; a traditional Keralan fishing and toddy (coconut beer); and about as far from decadent western civilization as you could get and still hear Jim, Janis, Jimi.

Kovalam retains a certain charm and is still popular with travelers carving some rest from the long haul across the subcontinent. The beaches are generally safe and clean and the powerful Arabian Sea swells are inviting and invigorating. And each night local fishermen still row their boats out to sea.

Orientation

Kovalam consist of two palm-fringed coves separated from less-populated beaches north and south by rocky headlands. The southern headland is marked by a prominent lighthouse. It's is 15 minute walk from one headland to the other.