The beautiful and calm Kovalam Palm Beach have been a hot favourite amongst the tourists since 1930s. Kovalam is small village, situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. This quiet town of Kovalam came on the tourist map, when its beautiful and secluded palm beaches were discovered. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam palm beach is equally famous in the international tourists as among the Indian tourists. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters, ideal for sea bathing. The Arabian sea coast at many places is lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs.
Major Attractions
The Three beaches : The Kovalam palm beach line is formed by three seperate beaches. The most popular beach is the southern-most Lighthouse Beach. The middle beach is called Hawah beach. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.
Water Sports : Kovalam is a natural bay ideal for kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. One can swim in the shallow blue water and have a sunbath in the exotic tropical sun. The coast at many places is lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs or you can crest the waves on logs of lashed woods on catamarans.
Leisure : Alongside the palm fringed beaches, markets are made for tourists. These markets offer handicrafts, jewellery and cloths. Shops are spread along the waterfront. One can also go for the delicious sea food, available in the restaraunts on the beaches. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the Kovalam beachside is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala.
Yoga and health care : At present Kovalam is developed not only as a beach resort, but also as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn in detail the methods of doing Yoga and meditation taught by experts.
