Kovalam beach
Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, a state in south India. It is located around 13 km from downtown Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).
Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees
Beaches in Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.
The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach for its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock.
The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India. Topfree bathing and parading is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches.
The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite. The normal tourist season is from September to May.
Near By Attractions
- There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam
- The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away
How to reach ?
- Nearest Airport : Trivandrum International Airport - 14 km
- Nearest Railway Station : Trivandrum Central - 22 km
Poovar beach
Poovar is a small coastal village in the Trivandrum district of Kerala state, south India. This village is almost at the southern tip of Trivandrum and there is not much distance from here to the Kerala - Tamilnadu border. This village has a beautiful beach which attracts tourists. There are also some good tourist resorts.
How to reach ?
- Nearest Airport : Trivandrum International Airport - 20 km
- Nearest Railway Station : Trivandrum Central - 22 km
Shanghumugham Beach
Shanghumugham Beach is very near to the International Airport and is easily accessible from the Kovalam Beach, Veli Tourist Village and Akkulam Tourist Village. Shanghumugham beach is noted for its cleanliness. The vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere, away from the crowd in the city, provide all the ingredients for relaxation and for spending an ideal evening. There is also a Star Fish Restaurant with eating kiosks and open air theatre with car parking facilities. The sculpture of Jalakanyaka - Mermaid by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an added attraction.
How to reach ?
- Shanghumugham Beach is very near to the International Airport and is easily accessible from the Kovalam Beach
Alappuzha Beach
Alappuzha Beach is a beach in the Alappuzha (Allepey) district of Kerala, India. The beach has a small park nearby. Alappuzha Lighthouse stands near the beach which is also a curiosity for tourists. Alappuzha is Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.
How to reach ?
- 90 km from the Kochi International Airport.
- 1.5 km from Alappuzha railway station.
Cherai Beach
The 15 km of long golden beach is very clean, shallow, and attracts swimming and sunbathing. This is one of the few places where we can see the lagoon (poyil) and ocean separated only by a few hundreds of meters. One of the main events in this beach is the tourism fest during December.
How to reach ?
- 30 km from Cochin International Airport
- nearest railway station is Aluva (20 km).
