According to legend, Kerala was raised from the sea by Parasurama, the famed Hindu warrior priest. St. Thomas first landed here, so did the Jews fleeing the destruction of the Temple of Solomon. Islam came to India in Kerala in the form of Arab traders during the Prophet’s life time. Phoenicians, Chinese, Romans, Arabs, the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British; all came either as traders or invaders and left their imprint on God’s Own Country. Take India’s oldest synagogue, mosque, and European church, mix a large population of Syrian Christians and Muslims, sprinkle strong matrilineal traditions and top off with India’s highest literacy rate; you get a state that is a beacon of harmonious prosperity.

Kovalam Beach

The Kovalam Beach which is in Kerala is 16 Km from the capital city of Kerala-Thiruvanathapuram City. This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s and till now this beach is really a place where people love to come in.

Along the 600 kilometre length of the Kerala coast, one can find many sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The fishing village of Kovalam lies 10 kilometres south of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Kovalam is the only beach resort of Kerala and this beach is very popular with the Indian as well as the international tourists. The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village.

The beach is surrounded with low cost lodging houses and restaurants which offer adequate facilities at affordable prices which are ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque. Photography is prohibited here.

Swimming on the beaches is not always safe as the undertow can be very strong; therefore it is essential to follow the warnings of the safety flags. However, days can be spent here just lying on the sands or retreating under the awnings of the beach cafes.