Situated 16 kms from the Capital of Kerala is a city with four sandy bays called Kovalam. The meaning of Kovalam is 'groove of coconut trees'. It is a beach resort. The spectacular beach resort in 1930's broke the shackles and emerged as the most magnificent tourist attraction in the south. In earlier days it was just a paradise and not a lot of tourists, but then it was developed as a great tourist spot and then there was no looking back. The four sandy beaches are just a sight of paradise; all the four bays are separated by rocks. The Samudra Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawa Beach and the light house beach are what gives Kovalam its beauty and attention of the tourists. Kovalam is the most famous place for Ayurvedic massage and many yoga resorts. Meditation and herbal body toning is also very famous and available easily and all around the beaches. A number of cultural programs are also organized in abundance and one of the main attractions is the catamaran cruise. Kovalam can be visited at anytime in the year.

You can go shopping in Kovalam and buy a number of items like handicrafts and spices. Rose wood and teak wood statues are popular at Kovalam beach. There are a number of shopping places lined across the beach.

Kovalam is a beautiful tourist spot and tourists flock all year long but would advise not to visit during the Monsoon which starts from June to October. The sea is high and the beaches will be found drowned in the high sea.

It is approachable by air, train and road routes. The nearest airport is at Trivandrum which is 16 kilometers away. The nearest rail junction is also at Trivandrum and is connected extremely well to all main roads in south India.

History:
Kovalam is already a world famous destination. It is not surprising that it is becoming a regular haunt for sun and sea worshipers and honeymooners too. Kovalam, a favourite haunt of beach tourists since the 1930s, is the most celebrated of those tranquil palm fringed beaches. 16 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram the State Capital, it consists of three precise crescents of irresistible white sandy beaches. Quite secluded and bordered by a luxuriant belt of hammock strung palms of guaranteed to wipe the cares of the world away.

State:		Kerala
Location:		Kovalam is located 16 kms. from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).
Altitude:		1600 Mts to 1800 Mts above sea level
STD Code:		0471
Best time to visit:		Throughout Tropical (Best September to May)
Rainfall:		Annual Rainfall 170 cms
Temperature:		Summer: Max 36.2ºC, Min 20.6ºC, Winter: Max 35ºC, Min 18ºC
Local Languages:		Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil
Clothing:		Warm Clothes and Rain Gear

Backwaters
A number of backwater cruises are available, you can ask your travel agent to book you one or you can also book one yourself once you arrive in the city. The cruise will take you to the ravishing backwoods or Kerala, you can enjoy the lush green forests besides the backwaters and enjoy splendid scenic views. Most of the hotel in Kovalam rent out Houseboats, catamarans and country boats to the tourists on very cheap rates. The beauty of Kovalam and its splendor can be best pictured in a backwater cruise.

Hawa Beach
The Hawa beach which is also called the Eve's Beach is one of the tourists' attractions that is not to be missed by anyone. The Hawa and the kovalam beach are separated from each other by the Edakallu foreland. The sunset in its entire splendor can be viewed from this headland.

Lighthouse Beach
In the extreme south of Kovalam is the magnificent Lighthouse Beach. The name comes from the towering Vizhinjam lighthouse which is built on a rocky headland. Tourists are not allowed to go inside the lighthouse. Around the light house are memorials of Ayyanappilla Asan and Ayyippilla Asan which are visited by tourists in abundance. The beach is a long sandy strip. Lifegaurds are available along the whole beach side. The back side if the lighthouse beach is concreted and illuminated and is a great eat out place. You can almost get all kinds of sea food and all tastes. The approach to this beach is fairly easy as a number of transport means are available.

Neyyar Dam
Neyyar dam is located 32 kms from the capital of Kerala. It was built in 1958 and has turned out to be a popular picnic spot. This area is rich in herbs used for medicine. The dam is built on the basin where the three rivers Neyyar, Mullayar, and Kallar meet. There is also a wild life sanctuary established to preserve the wild life. A number of wild life animals including elephants are found here. Also built around the dam are some exciting Lion safari & deer safari parks. There is a crocodile farm and a watchtower is also built. The dam can be easily approachable as a regular bus service is available from the capital of Kerala. The nearest airport is 38 km away.

Ponmudi
Situated at a distance of 61 Kms from Kovalam is Ponmudi. It is a place blessed by scenice beauty. Ponmudi is famous for its mountains and the landscape it has.A number of tea plantations can be seen. If you like you can go for mountaineering in the Ponmudi mountains and enjoy the sport and the beauty. Ponmudi is very much accessible by rent a car or by taxi from Kovalam on reasonable rates.But the beauty of this place will definitely cast a magical speel on the tourists.

Samudra Beach
To the north most is another beach called Samudra Beach. This beach is the least affected by all the changes that take place in the region. You can see a few fishing vessels here and there on the horizon.

Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple
This ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.

Varkala
Varkala is located 55 kms away from Kovalam. It takes about 2 hours to get there by road. On your way to Varkala you can also vist Trivandrum- Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple, Kaudiar Palace, Napier Museum, which are also famous tourist spots. Varkala is also a beach resort. Mineral water is running from the hills and this water is believed to have medically characterstics. There is an 800 year old temple named Janardhana temple that is dedicated to Hanuman and Lord Ayyappa. Varkala can be visited by an easy approach from Kovalam Beach. The nearest airport is Trivandrum international airport.

Kanyakumari
Cape Comorin)-Situated 87 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, it is located at a junction at the southernmost tip of India where the three water bodies, namely, Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. From here, one can see the sun rise from the Bay of Bengal and set in the Arabian Sea.It is a holy place for Hindus because of the Kanyakumari Temple. The Gandhi Smarak Mandir and Vivekananda Rock Memorial are additional tourist attractions.

Aruvikkara
Sited 16 km from the capital Thiruvananthapuram,Aruvikkara is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot, with a waterfall nearby. On the banks of the Karamana River, the spot houses a temple, where a rock cut shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female power. A stream with fishes, which come up to be fed by visitors, is another attraction.

Vettukad Church
About 7kms from Thiruvananthapuram, The 'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known as the Vettukad Church attracts thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'.

Public Park
Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The observatory on the Observatory hill is also located in the Public Park.

Beema Palli
Located at 5 kms south of Trivandrum it is an important Muslim pilgrim centre dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious Muslim lady believed to have possessed divine powers. Devotees of all faiths visit the mosque.

Kovalam has a tropical dry climate. Summers (March to May) are hot and the temperature varies from a minimum of 21°C to a maximum of 33°C. Winters (December to January) are pleasant and have moderate temperature varying from 18°C to 33°C. Monsoons (June to August) are accompanied by thunderstorms and abundant rain falls.

Monsoon season is the best period for Ayurvedic treatments in Kovalam, Post monsoon season is good for sun bath. Onam season during August to September witnesses many celebrations and festivities. New Year celebrations in Kovalam beach are very famous and imposing.

Best time to visit is from August to February.

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By Air:
Nearest airport is Trivandrum International airport which is about 15 km away from Kovalam. Taxi fare from Airport to Kovalam is about Rs 300. Trivandrum International airport is connected to all major airports in India and it is connected to many cities abroad including Colombo, Singapore and many gulf cities.

By Rail:
The nearest rail head to Kovalam is Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor) railway station. It is about 15 km away from Kovalam. Trivandrum is well linked with all cities in India through rail. Taxi fare from Thampanoor to Kovalam is about Rs 300.

By Road:
Kovalam is well linked by the city bus services from Trivandrum and other main junction in the district. Tourist luxury buses are available from many cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai and Nagarcoil to Trivandrum. City bus charges less than Rs 10 from Trivandrum to Kovalam.