| Weekend Getaways | Services |
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Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs - 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 lolling around 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. |
Along
the 600 kilometre length of the Kerala coast, there are 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
is very popular with the Indian as well as international tourists.
Industry is relatively small scale in this area and the prices low.
The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village. 
The
middle beach, overlooked from a rocky headland by the five star
Ashok Radisson resort, functions each morning as a base for local
fishers. North of Ashok, is the third beach which is very little
affected by the changing times. It is dotted with a few rudimentary
wooden fishing vessels. 