kovalam beach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM) / KOVALAM

Thiruvananthapuram located at the southern tip of India. It is bounded by Arabian Sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches (Kovalam -  just 15 kms away), historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought – after tourist destination. Thiruvanathapuram is the capital of Kerala.

Places to Visit at Kovalam Beach

Padmanabha Swami Temple : The temple is located in the East fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclinig on Anantha, the serpent. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Dress Code : Men : Dhoti -  Women : Saree and Blouse

* Bath and wear clean clothes before entering the Temple.

* Do not enter the Temple or Temple premises after consuming liquor & non-veg food.

* Carrying much jewellery, money / Valuables will be at the risk of the bearer.

* Umbrellas, slippers, cameras, mobile phones, and any other type of electronic equipments and weapons are not permitted inside the Temple

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum : The Palace was built by Maharaja swathi Thirunal Balarama varma – the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

Timings : 0830 hrs – 1230 hrs & 1530 hrs – 1730 hrs

Closed : Mondays

The Napier Museum: Built in 19th century, this Indo – saracenic structure boasts a natural air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archeological and historic artfacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

Timings : 1000 – 1645 hrs

Closed : Mondays, Wednesday Forenoons, January 26th , August 15th, Thiruvonam, Mahanavami

Sree Chitra Art Gallery : Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays selected paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore Schools of Art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali

Timings : 1000 – 1645 hrs

Closed : Mondays & Wednesday Forenoons

The Zoological Park: One of the first zoos in India, it is located in a well planned botanical garden. With huge trees and with lots of animals its like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A retile houses different species of snakes is also located in the premises.

Timings : 0900 – 1815 hrs

Closed : Mondays

Science and Technology Museums: The exhibits here are related to Science, Technology and electronics

Timings : 1000 – 1700 hrs

Closed : Mondays

Beaches at Kovalam

Shankumugham Beach : This is just 8 kms away from city and is a favorite haunt of sunset watchers. An indoor recreationclub, the Matsya kanyaka ( a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a star fish are some of the attractions here.

Kovalam Beaches (20 kms from Trivandrum) : Kovalam has 3 beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach.

Lighthouse Beach : The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky promontory here.

Hawah Beach : Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

Samudra Beach : A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.