16 km from the Thiruvanantapuram (1/2 hour from the airport) India's sun-drenched, palm fringed paradise, Kerala has some of the world's best beaches and resorts. Kovalam's sandy beaches are lined with palm-fringed lagoons and rocky coves. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southern most, known as the Light house beach, is the most popular of the three. Kovalam is filled with restaurants, most of which serve, delicious sea food. Kovalam is also a centre for Ayurvedic treatment. Many hotels offer complete health and revitalization packages.

Best season : December -March, even at the end of March, it can get very hot around mid -day. Only a handful of thatched parasols are usually available.

ACCOMMODATION

Ashok Beach Resort is a top class resort at Kovalam.

Sea Face at Light house beach, Kadaloram Beach Resort at GV Raja Road, Italia Beach Resort at Samudra Beach, Aprana at Light house Road are the medium hotels.

Achutha at Light house Beach, Beach cottages, Blue Sea near Telegraph Office are the Budget hotels.

NEYYAR DAM / NEYYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

32 Km east of Thiruvananthapuram. It was established in 1958. Occupying the drainage basin of the Rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. Wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animal are wild elephants and sambar deer. It has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and a deer park. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.

AGASTHYA VANAM BIOLOGICAL PARK

This vanam (Forest) is situated near to the north east of the Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary. In 1992 this was established as a biological Park covering 23 sq km. Its 17.5 sq km was to be allowed to regenerate as dense forest. The intension was to restore the degraded forests and to use for educational purpose.

ACCOMMODATION

Agasthya House opposite to the viewing tower and Inspection Bungalow are the budget hotels.

PONMUDI

Ponmudi is the nearest hill station from Thiruvananthapuram (65 km). It is located 915metres above sea level. It serves as a good base for trekking, bird watching and visiting the near by Deer park. Peppara wild life sanctuary (50 km) on the road to Ponmudi, covers 53 sq km on the Ghats. Kerala tourism Federation's Ponmudi Tourist complex have 24 rooms and 10 cottages.

PADMANABHAPURAM

This majestic old palace on the way to Nagercoil, is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which make a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. The palace is built in the Travancore architectural style. Read More

[Back]