Kovalam is also one of the oldest tourist enclaves in India, which known among tourist circuit right in 1930s. Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a traditional fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach.

Kovalam has four crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings, the southern most Lighthouse Beach, the second largest Hawa Beach (Eve's Beach),The Grove Beach and The northern most Samudra Beach. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of meters are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.

Kerala as referred as God's own country,is rich with its cultural diversity. From mind blowing dance forms like Kathakali to Kalaripayattu, believed to the mother of all other martial arts in the world, to Ayurveda, the 5000 year old time tested way of living, every cultural tradition of Kerala is observed with as much enthusiasm as it is practiced.

Kerala's unique culture is derived from ancient Tamil-Dravidian practices combined with Arya-Indian culture, with influences from China, Japan, Arab, Portugal, Holland and British , all came either as traders or invaders and left their imprint on God's Own Country.

Being the most literate state in India, Kerala has a fair number of its people are conversant in English, Hindi, Tamil etc.,and the local language is Malayalam.

Kovalam, being very close to equator, has a tropical climate.

The temperature averages around:

• 28°C - 36°C daytime, 24°C - 30°C at night in summer seasons of March, April
• 20°C - 28°C daytime, 18°C - 25°C at night for the rest of the year
• Summer lasts from mid-February to mid-May. The tropical sun is really hot and temperatures can go up to 35°C in the afternoons.
• The monsoon is in place from mid-May until early September. The North-East Monsoon winds bring heavy showers.
• Winter is mild and lasts from about mid-October to early February.

 

Kerala experiences mild winds throughout most of the year

Kovalam is 15 Kms away from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is well connected by Air, Water and Land. It is fairly easy for tourist travel. Private taxis too can be easily arranged for.

• Wind Surfing
• Body Boarding
• Catamaran Ride
• Sunset Cruise
• Ayurveda Experience
• City Tour
• Backwater cruise
• Lighthouse top view
• Shopping

 

In the extreme south of Kovalam is the magnificent Lighthouse Beach. The name comes from the towering Vizhinjam lighthouse, which is built on a rocky headland. The beach is a long sandy strip. Lifeguards are available along the whole beach side. The back side if the lighthouse beach is concreted and illuminated and is a great eat out place. You can almost get all kinds of seafood and all tastes. The approach to this beach is fairly easy as a number of transport means are available.

Rock Cut Caves are the finest example of architectural splendor and magnificence of the previous era. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave mainly comprises of the rock cut statuettes of the cave temple at Vizhinjam, in 18th century. Vizhinjam is a historically loaded spot of Kerala, which remain unnoticed for a long period. Rock Cut Sculptors are basically found in the cave temple and serves as an evidence for ancient glory and wonder of Kerala.

Vizhinjam was the former capital of the Ay chieftains, who regulates the southern parts of Kerala in the 8th century A.D. The granite caves encircled a one-cell temple with a movable figurine of Vinandhara Dakshnimurthi. Incomplete reprieves of the Hindu God Shiva with his wife cum dance partner Goddess Parvathi adorned on the outer wall of the cave.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous Lord Vishnu Temples in Kerala, South India. Also known as Sree Ananda Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this Mahavishnu Temple is located inside East Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala, India. Lord Vishnu is enshrined here in the Anananthasayanam posture (in eternal sleep of yognidra), lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake.

The Temple Constructed from 1729 to 1733, the building is a fusion of Kerala and Dravidian styles rendering it a perfect example of South Indian architecture.

Three daily services are offered to the gods throughout the year. The first pujacommences at 4 am and is followed by the second at 11 am while the final service is held at 6 pm. The Siveli Procession which carries the idols of the deities in great pomp is a religious display that should not be missed. In addition, the temple also celebrates special annual festivals held in October and March. The ten-day long celebrations are colorful, vibrant events portraying the rich and ancient traditions of Southern India.

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.

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, was established by in 1857. The zoo was originally built with the typical iron-barred cages prevalent at the time, and was designed for recreational purposes, but with increased loss of forest and wildlife due to human development, the goal of the Zoo has changed from recreation to conservation.

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is home to 82 species from around the world. Indigenous species at the zoo include lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, royal Bengal tiger, and leopard etc., The zoo also includes a reptile house, which exhibits both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

The museum was established in 1855. In 1874, the old Museum Building was demolished and foundation for the new building was laid. The new building was named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866-1872.

This architectural masterpiece was designed by Robert Chisholm, the consulting Architect of the Madras Government and the construction was completed in 1880. Napier Museum is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minarets. The Indo-Saracenic structure also boasts a natural air conditioning system.

The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It also contains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich, as well as examples of Mughal and Tanjore art.

Priyadarshini Planetarium is one of the best of its kind in the country. The planetarium was thrown open to the public in 1994. It is a horizontal domed planetarium and has a seating capacity of 184 persons. Various shows are hosted related with science and technology the most prominent one being thew man and the Universe.

The outdoors premises has models of rockets and planes of bygone eras. the planetarium has a GM-11 main field star projector with the capacity to project almost all the constituents of the universe. The night studded sky can be simulated based on any location of the earth and any day dating back to 12,500 years and the same 12500 years forward.

Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. Poovar is unspoilt and unexplored, enveloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach.

Poovar Beach is haunted by those who love solitude. The tranquility of Poovar is punctuated by the sound of waves and the birds. The area is abundant in well-preserved local flora, with hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, complete with banana and coconut grove. Poovar is well know for its backwater cruises.

Kerala is blessed with fertile land and weather that beckons the visitors to its shores whilst rivers, lakes, lagoons and oceans reach out to nourish and nurture paddy fields and coconut groves. The beaches are bronzed to perfection and whisper the promise of a sunny holiday, and on the other side, Kerala can boast of a beautiful hill country that is rich in spice and tea and abundant in wildlife this is truly God's own country.

Situated at a mere 22 kilometers from Kovalam at the point where Veli Lake flows into the Arabian Sea, Veli Tourist Village provides entertainment and excitement for the whole family. The adjoining Veli Lagoon is divided from the ocean by a small sand barrier creating a strategic location well suited to the enjoyment of aquatic sports. In addition, it is equipped with the miscellaneous paraphernalia that is needed to spend a truly memorable day on the beach. This landscaped picnic spot is open to the public from 8 am to 6 pm everyday.

Aakkulam is one of the picnic spots, in Trivandrum city. The spot is developed on the banks of Aakkulam Lake, which is an extension of the Veli Lake. The calm and serene atmosphere and its natural beauty are a fascination for tourists. The Boat Club, which started functioning in 1989, now operates speed, safari, pedal and row boats from Aakkulam to Veli Tourist Village. A traditional style Kettuvallam(house boat) is available for overnight stay. The swimming pool at Aakkulam is equipped with glider and other playing facilities. The Children's Park is a unique amusement spot and has several new rides that have ben included recently. The newly commissioned musical fountain is an added attraction.

This waterfalls is located near the Neyyar reservoir area. No transportation is available to the falls. The visitor has to trek through the dense forests to reach the falls. The Kombaikani waterfalls is also near to Meenmutti. It is 2 km upstream the Meenmutti falls. This waterfalls is on the trek path to Agastyakoodam. There is a forest rest house near the falls. To visit the falls permission from the forest department is required. A guide is sent along with you to the falls.

Hidden within a wildlife sanctuary in Trivandrum, Kerala, the Neyyar Dam is marked by its scenic beauty and soothing serenity. The reservoir was constructed in 1958 and spreads over three river basins; Neyyar, Kallar and Mullayar. A popular site among eco tourists and nature lovers, the Neyyar Dam and its environs are renowned for its astounding biodiversity. In addition, several rare medicinal herbs are to be found in the area. A visit to the region provides a unique experience of a harmonious enjoyment of nature's bounty.

Varkala is an amazing beach destination. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage.The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. This beutifull beach destination is been ranked as one of the 10 top seasonal beaches in the world by Discovery channel.

Varkala is also famous for the 2,000-year old Janardana Swami Temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi

Suchindram temple is unique in the whole of India in that it is dedicated to three different deities represented by one image in the sanctum and is called Sthanumalayan kovil. The temple is rich in sculpture and architecture and a visitor to this temple