Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ), 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. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery , the Padmanabhaswamy Temple , Puthenmalike Palace, Zoo, Planetarium, Veli Lagoon, Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute,a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.

NEAREST RAILWAY STATION: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 16 km
NEAREST AIRPORT: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 10 km.

The Kovalam Beach which is in Kerala is 16 Km from the capital city of Kerala-Thiruvanathapuram City. This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s and till now this beach is really a place where people love to come in.

Along the 600 kilometre length of the Kerala coast, one can find many sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The fishing village of Kovalam lies 10 kilometres south of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Kovalam is the only beach resort of Kerala and this beach is very popular with the Indian as well as the international tourists. The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village.

The beach is surrounded with low cost lodging houses and restaurants which offer adequate facilities at affordable prices which are ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque. Photography is prohibited here.

Swimming on the beaches is not always safe as the undertow can be very strong; therefore it is essential to follow the warnings of the safety flags. However, days can be spent here just lying on the sands or retreating under the awnings of the beach cafes.

There are numerous craft and carpet shops (usually of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Rajasthani origin), clothing stores and general stores, yoga schools, travel agents and massage parlours lining the beach.

TOURIST INFORMATIONS:
WHEN TO VISIT:
November to February is the best time to visit.

HOW TO REACH THERE:
There is direct and regular daily bus service from Thiruvananthapuram. There are direct bus links to Ernakulam and Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) also which is two hours away. There is also a bus to Periyar Widlife sanctuary in Thekaddy form this place.

Thiruvananthapuram, is linked by air from Colombo, and the Indian cities of Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi and Madras. There are bus links from all the major cities of Kerala and also from Madras, Bangalore, Kochi, Madurai, Pondicherry, Nagercoil and Erode to Thiruvananthapuram. It is also well connected to all the major cities of the country by train.

WHERE TO STAY:
There is no problem of accommodation in this area. The prices of hotels over here vary depending on their proximity to the beach and the season.

Kovalam is a beach resort for those who ask for nothing more than beautiful sights, serenity and a relaxing vacation. One can have a great holiday at this place.

BEACH RESORTS/HOTELS ON KOVALAM BEACH KERALA: