A fishing village with coconut groves and idyllic beaches.

Clear blue sky,  alluring aquamarine waters and soft white sand greet the visitors to Kovalam. The three main beaches leading to one another invite beach lovers to frolic in the sun kissed sand and splash in the waves. Time at the seaside can be followed by therapeutic Ayurveda experiences or explore the intriguing village for some local delighting tours.

History Of Kovalam

The scenic beauty of Kovalam is central to its history and the most significant person associated with its past is the Maharajah of Travancore. He became so besotted by the pristine beach and the natural glory of this fishing village, that his frequent stays to this coastal paradise were noticed by his European guests. They soon followed suit and fell under the magic of this charming and tranquil travel destination. Kovalam’s popularity was further enhanced by more foreign visitors in the 1970s, and the quiet unassuming fishing village forever changed to become the ‘Paradise of the South’ - a major tourist magnet. 

Tourism in Kovalam

The main attraction in Kovalam, a popular travel destination in Kerala, South India, is made of up of three crescent beaches - the LIghthouse Beach, Samudra beach and Hawah Beach, all lined up one after another. They form a crescent shape and offer many options in water sports for the adventurous tourists; while the beach buffs can sunbathe in the soft white sand while enjoying the refreshing sight of aquamarine waves and the swaying coconut and palms trees in the background. While at the Lighthouse beach, one can go up the Lighthouse at the southern tip of the beach to enjoy a sweeping view of the seas and coast. There are also private beaches with individual resorts for a more private and exclusive experience by the Arabian sea.

Catamaran cruises are also popular tour attractions, at Kovalam along with the traditional Ayurvedic treatments. These cruises are aboard country rafts and there are packages available for deep-sea fishing, allowing tourists to have an insight to the daily life of the locals of this thriving fishing village. As part of the Kovalam backwaters cruises, that are integral part of any travel itinerary to destinations in Kerala, a visit to the Parasuraman Temple will be worthwhile as it is one of the few Hindu temples which allow entry of non-Hindus.

Away for the beaches and cruises, travel explorers can walk through the village for other interesting sights such as locals hard at work at the coconut groves (one can enjoy a fresh coconut if the locals oblige), observe a mosque next to a Hindu temple and a tea plantation further away from the main tour attractions.

There are many enticing options to leisurely while away one’s time in the aptly named  ‘Paradise of the South’.