Kovalam - A Blend Of Tradition And Exotic

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Kovalam is a beautiful beach destination famous around the world for its golden sandy beaches and exotic ambience. Situated near the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam came into prominence as a beach destination in the early 1930s. A beach resort called Halcyon Castle was established by Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, whose nephew the Maharaja of Travancore made the location most famous among his elite class of friends who were mostly westerners. It was following this that the area began being thronged by Europeans who loved the combination of sea, sand and sun, just what Kovalam offers and that too in a traditional heritage package.

Kovalam is famous for its four golden beaches, Samudra Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawah Beach and the Lighthouse Beach. The Lighthouse Beach is among the most famous one and is situated in the southern extreme of Kovalam and gets its name from the Vizhinjam Lighthouse that is built on a rocky headland nearby. The beach here is a long sandy strip of land with soft golden sand and is most crowded during sunset. Hawa beach is also known as Eve's Beach and is a secluded strip of land that is ...
... known for its tranquility. The Edakallu foreland separates Hawah Beach from Kovalam Beach, which is mostly haunted by those who are keen to indulge in water sports. The Samudra Beach is another exotic beach here with the sandy shores lined with rows of fishing boats and ships visible on the far horizon.

Other prominent places of interest in and around Kovalam are the Karamana River and Boating, Vellayani Lake, Valiyathura Pier, Kovalam Art Gallery, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Aruvikkara Dam, Varkala also called Papanasam Beach and Kanyakumari.

Kovalam is internationally famous as a beach destination for a very long time and another aspect of Kovalam that has always attracted the westerners and the rich and affluent are the exotic resorts in this beach town. Kovalam Hotels are a perfect blend of luxury and tradition where the guests are treated to all modern facilities albeit with a traditional twist. The most popular luxury hotels here are Vivanta by Taj, Leela Kovalam Beach, Turtle on The Beach and Kovalam Ashok Beach Resort, which are five star hotels and resorts. These hotels all possible amenities one could need such as luxurious rooms with breathtaking views and attached bath with hot and cold water, cable television and phone, kitchenette, lounge bars, infinity swimming pool, kids activity centre, fitness centre, business centre and several others. Kovalam Hotels also offer budget accommodation in places such as Marine Palace, Bakers Home Stay, Harmonia Ayurveda Health Garden, Sea Rock, Sherley, The View Heights and Travancore Palace Beach Resort.