Majestic Kovalam

Kovalam is a beach town in Trivandrum, Kerala by the Arabian sea. It is known for it's sight of endless grove of coconut trees. There are a number of hotels and resorts situated in and around the beach. It is a great tourist destination for people from all over the world. Kovalam became famous in the 1970s with the mass exodus of hippies, who were on their way to Ceylon.

                                                         Beaches 

Kovalam has three beaches, separated by rocky structures. The most visited beach amon the three beaches is the light house beach, which get it's name because of the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse, which stands 35m tall, located on the beach. The second most visited beach among the three beaches is the Hawa's beach, or Eve's beach, with it's calm waters, it is favorite spot for fishermen. The third beach, Samudra is not as crowded with people, as the other two beaches, It is separated from the southern side by a large promontory.

                                                    Karamana river 

Karamana river

This river starts at he southern tip of the Western ghats and flow through the Trivandrum suburb city of Karamana, from which it gets it's name. the river flows 66km in the southwest direction before flowing into the Arabian sea. It has several tributaries, the largest of which is Killiyar. The Karamana river basin , supports a large biodiversity, several species of flora such as the wild cane, mangroves and water lilies thrive on the river basin. At the same time the local fish species also inhibit the river.

                                                         Dams 

Aruvikkara dam

The region of Kovalam has several dams, the most prominent one being the Aruvikkara Dam. This dam was built in 1930, with the aim of providing, drinking water to the people in the city.  The Trivandrum Water Works is in charge of receiving and supplying water from the Aruvikkara dam. The other dam is the Neyyar dam which was constructed on land given by an agriculturist. It is a gravity type dam, standing at 56 m. There are several temples located near the Neyyar dam, as well as a yoga center, which teaches yoga to foreigners and the natives living there. There are several species of wild life, inhibit the forests surrounding the dam, such as gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr and Nilgiri langur, wild elephants and sambar deer.

                                                    Vellayani lake

Vellayani lake

Situated at a distance of 7 km from Kovalam, Vellayani lake is a hot spot for tourists. there is a boat race in the lake which attracts huge crowd. It is surrounded by groves of coconut and palm trees, this lake is known for it's crystal clear waters, which is a treat s the eye. The area surrounding the lake also serve as great picnic spot for families.

                                                        Halcyon castle

Halcyon castle

This castle was built in 1932, for the royal Travancore family in 1932 by M.R.Ry Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, Today, it is a deluxe hotel. NRI businessman Dr Ravi Pillai now runs the hotel and the entire adjoining land area measuring 65 acres. This place is less than 2 km from Kovalam.

                                                           Temples 

Temple

Kovalam has many temples, located near the beach, These too, attract many tourists. Thiruvallam Sree Parasurama Swami Temple, is one of the most ancient temples of South India, which is located on the banks of the Karmana river. It is located 6 km from Kovalam beach. This temple was built during 12th and 13th century. It is a protected monument by the Archaeology Department of India.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Caves contains the rock cut sculptures of the 8th century. The granite cave has a shrine with a loose sculptor of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts Lord Shiva and Parvathy.

                                                             Climate

Kovalam climate

Kovalam has a tropical climate, It is quiet hot and humid during the day, at the same time cool and breezy during the night. Summer is the bet time to visit the place, athough people looking for a different experience can visit during rainy season. Kovalam receives heavy rainfall, during the monsoon. Apart from the rainy season , days are usually sunny and bright, which is a perfect time to swim. Nights can be a little cild, so visitors are advised to brin gwoolen clothes. For getting great offers, on trips to Kovalam, click here.