KOVALAM
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, and convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurveda massage centers.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city.
Connectivity
Kovalam is well connected to all the major cities of India through air, rail and road.
By Flight
Kovalam is served by the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 13 km (8 mi) north of Kovalam , which is the first international airport in India outside the four metropolitan cities then. It has direct connectivity to the Middle East, Singapore, Maldives and Sri Lanka and is a gateway to the tourism-rich state of Kerala. The airport is qualified for all-weather and night operations.
By Train
There are five railway stations within the city limits including the Thiruvananthapuram central station. Thiruvananthapuram Pettah, Kochuveli and Veli stations are located towards north direction and Thiruvananthapuram Nemom is located in south direction from the central station The Central railway station is located at Thampanoor in the heart of the city, and is about 15 km from Some of the long distance trains from the city operates from this station. The Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express connects the city to New Delhi, the capital of India. The city is well connected by rail to almost all major cities in India such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Tirunelveli and Hyderabad. Thiruvananthapuram is also the first major South Indian city on the longest train route in India,
By Road
The NH-66, which runs from Panvel to Kanyakumari, connects the city to Kochi, Kozhikode and Mangalore. The Main Central Road (MC Road) which is an arterial State Highway in Kerala and designated as SH 1 starts from Kesavadasapuram in the city. The Thiruvananthpuram Road Development Company Limited is an SPV to develop the road network in Thiruvananthapuram city. It is the first intra-city project in the country.
Festivals
The city breaks into a festive mood during the festival season of Onam in August/September, and during the tourist season later in the year. The state government conducts the tourism week celebrations every year during Onam with cultural events taking place at various centers in the city. The other major events include the annual flower show, the Attukal Pongala, the Aaraat of Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Beemapally Uroos, Vettucaud Perunaal, etc. Apart from that, both government and non-government groups organize cultural festivals throughout the year. The 75-day annual Soorya Festival provides an example of one of such prominent event in the city. This festival has been acclaimed as the longest running cultural festival in the world and covers literature, movies, dance, music, theater and folk arts. Other major annual cultural festivals include the week long Swathi Music Festival held in January, nine day long Navaratri Music fete held in September/October, 10 day long Nishagandhi Dance and Music show, and five day long Nishagandhi Musical nights, International Film Festival of Kerala.
The Light House:
The Light house is located on a hillock named Kurumkal, which is very near to sea. The southern end of the Kovalam beach is named after this hill house. The Light house is 35 meters tall structure that is painted with Red & white color that is easily visible from a distance. It is open to visitors & offers a great view to Light House beach & Eves beach and its surroundings. The Light house road is convenient venue for Cycling and walks.
Vellayani Lake:
The place is located 7 kilometers from Kovalam. There are boat services available from Kovalam to Vellayani lake. It is one of the few fresh water lakes in Kerala and looks enchanting under the moonlight. The Vellayani lake is the venue of World famous annual boat race organized during the Onam festival. Vellayani Durga Temple is located near the lake , specialty of this temple is that it allows only non Brahmin priest.
