Three crescent-shaped beaches separated by rocky headlands. To the right are barracked coconut plantations. Below little spits of white sands race against the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. To the left is a sprawl of restaurants, holding hands with the sun-kissed sands of the beach, continuing their journey through the passage of time.

No less fascinating are the ayurveda centres that have swelled around the beach, promising solutions for all ailments. Welcome to Kovalam, the undisputed capital of Kerala’s rhapsody scene. Interestingly, there is a fairytale realm that envelopes Kovalam. Anything goes here and all kinds of people cluster here – from megalomaniac millionaires to bums on the dole, from world-renowned identities to anonymous human heads. Kovalam is a junction that cannot be described successfully. It has to be experienced, preferably on a full moon night, at a hopping beach party.

Looking around this sun-and-sand paradise, it’s difficult to imagine that Kovalam was once just a pretty fishing village with a prettier beach. In Kovalam, as the hippies discovered this hidden jewel long ago, the tourists – and the locales – inhabit different universes. The day-trippers from Thiruvananthapuram almost always climb the rocky promontory to Halcyon Castle, striding carefully for spectacular views of the sea, whereas trotters prefer to jaunt around the crescents, looking for an opportunity to cheer up a romantic evening. An added advantage for them are the seaside eating joints serving Italian food and signboards in German. Unfortunately, the rustic charm of the yore is missing, but there is no ways to complain. The sunny beaches will see to that.

Cool Waters And Hot Holidays

Try to have a memorable experience of soaring high in the air, the wind kicking on your face. Indeed, this pleasure can only be felt by parasailing, where the excitement really gushes down your spine. The beach landing can be tricky and requires good coordination and expertise on the part of the ground staff and the powerboat operator. If parasailing can add a ruby, water skiing will add a diamond to the necklace. The horrendous game requires both strength and skill. While learning be prepared for repeated tumbles and resulting soreness. The operators in Alappuzha will train you until you become good enough, or give up. Either way this sport is definitely worth a try.

Drive Your way

A drive to the shores would be the best idea for a well planned holiday vacation in Kovalam. Smooth, straight roads lead to Kovalam, 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram. From Kovalam Junction, you have to take a right turn to reach the three main beaches. This road forks into two; the left turn takes you to Hawa Beach and Lighthouse Beach, whereas the straight road takes you to Ashok Beach, the main Kovalam beach. Kovalam’s KSRTC Bus Stand is near Vizhinjam Church on the Vizhinjam-Poovar Road. It has services in every 15 min to Trivandrum. If you want to come by air, land at Trivandrum International Airport, and get a taxi to cover the rest 16 km to reach Kovalam.