Kovalam is Kerala's most famous beach and a major tourist attraction.

Location: 13 km South West from Trivandrum.

There are three crescent shaped beaches and all three are popular hot spots. The three are separated by rocky headlands. Along the long coast there are also other less famous but equally scenic beaches.

Kovalam beach, was discovered by the western hippies in the 1960s. It was they who chanced upon this hidden paradise, till then a fishing village (as it still is on Chowara Beach). It has since become one of the most popular beach destinations. Kovalam has today acquired all the trappings of a beach resort . The seaside eateries serving a fusion of Indian and continental food, itinerant hawkers, fast food vendors, pubs etc. [Editors Note: Our local author has never seen a European beach so take it from me: there is no comparison!]

All the beaches overlap each other in succession. The Light House beach gets its name from the Vizhinjam Light House located there. The lighthouse is on a rocky promontory, and is not open to the public.- Edakallu(meaning stone in between), separates Hawa Beach from Lighthouse Beach. The Ashoka Beachwhich divides the beach into its northern and southern sections sports a Government Rest House. The beaches attract their visitors to stay on till late in the evening.

Popular List of Accommodations in Kovalam