Kovalam

Kovalam is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure lovers, it is also known as the "Pradise of South" It was discorved by Maharaja Travencore. Kovalam is world famous for its exotic beaches, water sports, relaxing resorts and the lovely people. Tourist just love to land there. It is located just 16 kms from Trivendrum, the capital of Kerala. The word Kovalam means a groove of coconut trees. The main Highlights are three beautiful beaches, various options of water sports, delicious sea food, boat criuses, the city tour and above all the rejuvenating auyervedic massage.

Tourists Attractions of Kovalam

Padmanabhapuram Palace : Located at 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram across the border in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, the palace nestles at the foot of the Veli hills. Built during the 14th cenury it was called Darpakulangara, but later in the 18th century it was renovated and renamed as the Padmanabhapuram palace. A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma till the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram in 1780. It contains relics of historical and artistic value

Anchuthengu Fort : Located 36 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the historic remains of the fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining cemetery are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the Malabar Coast. This colossal monument was once the trading station of the mighty British. The monument built in the 1800s stands as an excellent example of sturdy and lasting forts constructed in the English style.

Koyikkal Palace : Classified as a double storeyed ‘nalukettu’, Koyikkal Palace was the official residence of the of the rulers of the erstwhile State of Travancore. This ancient palace, located 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Ponmudi hillstation and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century. In1979 this Palace was declared as a protected monument and further in 1990 after carrying out restoration work, it was converted into a Folklore Museum and Numismatic Museum.

Famous Museums in Kovalam

Napier Museum : The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad'-the traditional Nair family home.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum : Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a classic specimen of Kerala Architecture is situated in 'Kuthiramalika'. The palace, with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage. The museum has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile state of Travancore.

Alluring Beaches in Kovalam

Veli Tourist Village : The seemingly placid sheet of water that backed away from the visibility reverberant sea offers a general idea of the famous backwaters of Kerala. Located near the airport this popular picnic spot offers landscaped gardens and water-sports facilities.Pedal boats, rowboats, and motored boats are available.Children in particular have a lot of fun and frolic climbing over the huge sculptures, which dot the landscape, and riding a ferry.

Varkala Beach : Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Located 55 kms north of Trivandrum with unusual land formations, Varkala beach does has not many visitors. Cliffs, 3 kilometers of shining white sands, the red soil of the hilltop and coconut trees makes it unique. The beach named as Papanasam- an auspicious place, for Hindus to worship their ancestors.

Sankhumugham Beach : Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village.the 'Matsya Kanyaka', a gigantic 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.

How to Reach Kovalam

By Air - Nearest Airport - Trivandrum (20 kms) Indian Air Lines , Air India, Air Lanka, East West Airlines and Gulf Air operate direct service from Trivandrum to Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Goa, Bangalore, Cochin, Calicut, in addition to international services to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Gulf countries and Singapore.

By Rail - Nearest rail head is Trivandrum Central Trivandrum is connected by rail with many important cities.

By Road - Kovalam is connected by road with several tourist destinations within Kerala and India.