Kovalam
Endless groves of coconut trees, a crescent-shaped beach, and everlasting sun & sand aptly describe Kovalam. Located 16kms from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram (the nearest International Airport and Railway Station), Kovalam is a popular destination with Europeans.
The fishing village of Vizhinjam is 3kms from Kovalam; it is known for varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, huge churches and a mosque. There are three beaches in Kovalam – the Light House Beach, which houses a 30m high lighthouse; the Hawah Beach, named so because of the topless European women who throng it; and Samudra Beach, a quieter beach with mostly anglers going about their business. The Pulinkudi & Chowara beaches, 8km away, are tranquil. The Aruvikkara dam site and the Thiruvallam backwaters are worth visiting too. The 10-day long Kerala Village Fair in January is an assortment of folk dances, music and festivities.
There is not much scope for shopping at Kovalam, though the shops do offer handicraft items made of wood, seashell, etc. Statues of rose wood and teak wood are great buys too.
