Famous for its esorts and ayurvedic massage centre, Kovalam is a coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The largest beach in Kovalam is the lighthouse beach that features a 30-metre tall lighthouse. The other two adjacent beaches are Samudra beach and Hawa beach. All these three beaches are crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches.
Earlier a fishing village, Kovalam started attracting tourists in the 1930s and shot to fame in the hippie era of 1970s. It still sees the influx of tourists from Israel and Europe.
Ayurvedic treatments and massages are one of its most popular indulgences along with yoga, meditation as well as other cultural activities. Kovalam perhaps comes full circle as it is also a shopping destination given the rich spices, wooden statues and handicrafts that can make popular takeaways.
The Three Crescent Beaches
Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Of the three Lighthouse Beach in the southernmost end is the most popular. The old elegant lighthouse give the beach the name Vizhinjam Lighthouse. This stands on a rocky promontory.
The promontory that separates Eve’s or Hawa Beach from Lighthouse Beach is Edakallu. This is the sunset viewing point. The third beach is the famous Ashok Beach. At some points rocks extended out of Ashok beach. Kovalam Jama Masjid stands on Ashok Beach.
Samudra Beach
The Samudra Beach lies on the Northern part of Kovalam Beach and is popular among the tourists. This beach is not affected by the changing times. Samudra Beach in Kovalam has succeeded in retaining its original charm.
Even today one can find a number of basic wooden fishing vessels in the village. Close to the beach opposite to Hotel Samudra is the Kovalam Sri Dharmasastha Temple.
Vizhinjam Village
Situated 2 km south of Kovalam, Vizhinjam is a fishing village. Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour, a natural port is one of the busiest fishing harbors in the district. This Fishing port is important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate electricity from wave energy.
Chowara
Another beautiful fishing village just 8 km south of Kovalam. There is an Ayyappa Temple in the hilltop which overlooks the beach. The white sandy beach is a perfect place to relax with the sight of kites and eagles circulating in the clear blue sky.
Valiyathura Pier
An old pier used by fisherman is about 10 km from Kovalam. Standing on the pier one can see the wonderful sight of long coastline of Kovalam on one side and Shanmugham beach on the other side. The pier has a unique feature which draws the attraction of both locals and tourists.
During Monsoons the fisherman carry the their catamarans to the edge of the pier , throw them to the sea and then jump and swim into them. This is really interesting to watch.
Thiruvallam
This is where the two rivers Killi and Karamana meet. The famous Parasurama temple, the only temple in Kerala dedicated to this Legendary creator is close by which attracts thousands of tourists. Pozhikkara Beach is another unique attraction close to Thiruvallam where the two rivers join the Arabian Sea.
Vellayani Lake
One of the two large freshwater lake is situated here. This 7.5 square kilometer waterbody is a must visit place. The virgin beauty of this calm waters is a refreshing experience. During Onam boat races are conducted here. About 300 meter from the lake is the famous Vellayani Devi Temple.
