What does Anjuna and Kovalam Beach have in common? Let me give you a hint…the swinging 60s, Vietnam, JFK, the Beatles, Woodstock, Flower Power, Hare Rama Hare Krishna and yes Zeenat Aman …Got it? Yes, the hippies. If you thought that Anjuna was the only place that was frequented by the hippies…then think again. This crescent shaped beach also referred to as the paradise of the South was once the favorite haunt of the hippies…well before Anjuna came in picture. The poor souls had made all the arrangements to settle down there but the then Kerala government had some other ideas…and the rest as they say is history. Though today, Kovalam doesn’t have any such remnants of the hippie culture. The beach is still very popular with the Europeans and one can find
+ more about KovalamWhat does Anjuna and Kovalam Beach have in common? Let me give you a hint…the swinging 60s, Vietnam, JFK, the Beatles, Woodstock, Flower Power, Hare Rama Hare Krishna and yes Zeenat Aman …Got it? Yes, the hippies. If you thought that Anjuna was the only place that was frequented by the hippies…then think again. This crescent shaped beach also referred to as the paradise of the South was once the favorite haunt of the hippies…well before Anjuna came in picture. The poor souls had made all the arrangements to settle down there but the then Kerala government had some other ideas…and the rest as they say is history. Though today, Kovalam doesn’t have any such remnants of the hippie culture. The beach is still very popular with the Europeans and one can find them enjoying on the beach either getting tanned or playing a game of beach volleyball.
Once a sleepy fishing hamlet, Kovalam today is undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches of Kerala. Its location from the capital Thiruvananthapuram (13 km only), its vast coastline, blue waters and swaying coconut trees is probably the reason why the beaches become crowded on the weekends. Add to it the number of Ayurvedic centers and hotels which dot the sea side.
‘Kovalam’ means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name it has an endless sight of coconut trees. The ‘Paradise of the South’ was discovered by the Maharaja of Travancore, and is synonym with natural beauty, the boundless Arabian Sea, greenery and cool breeze, Ayurveda, Kathakali and sea-food. Kerala's cool monsoon season (June - November) is best suited for Ayurvedic rejuvenation; and it has put Kovalam prominently on the world tourism map.
The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam are divided into three parts, the southernmost beach, and the most popular, is the Lighthouse Beach; which has a famous lighthouse since the British rule. The middle beach – Hawah, is a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of tourism and has a few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels. Though Kovalam is pleasant throughout the year the best time to visit Kovalam is from September to May.
The beauty of the former fishing village attracts tourists all across the globe for varied reasons; whether it is to enjoy the moonlit walk and cool breeze along the sea for the romantic souls, snorkeling to view the breathtaking colorful corals for the adventurous ones or simply to relax and get pampered in the hands of experts on Ayurveda.
The destination is not a fast paced one, the attitude of the locals is laid-back and relaxed which is the perfect solution to de-stress from your daily chores. Kovalam is rated as one of the most preferred destinations for honeymooners, families or just a group of friends…there is something for everyone.
The touristy place offers a wide array of stay options; Green Valley Cottages and Aardvah Hotel for a budget accommodation, for a mid-range accommodation opt for Swagath Holiday Resorts, a 3-star deluxe hotel. The ITDC-run ‘Ashoka’ and the Kerala tourism department's 'Samudra' at the Kovalam beach provide five-star accommodation. For a luxurious stay in Kovalam; check out Taj Green Cove Resort and The Leela Kempinski.
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