[su_dropcap style=”flat”]H[/su_dropcap]aving read all these years and heard beautiful stories about God’s own country, a series of image had been on my mind all these days. Finally, when I could travel to Kerala (although for a much shorter duration than I’d planned) I was brimming with energy like a curious child about to explore something fascinating. So, when I finally got my first look at the landscape of Kovalam, I realized what a perfect tag line the Kerala tourism had chosen – God’s Own Country. The picturesque landscapes, a long continuous strip of seemingly infinite coconut trees stretched beside the shore, the mesmerizing beaches and varied experiences – it all looked like as if God had taken utmost care, time and brilliance to create this place!
If you’ve been to Goa –India’s most popular getaway for never ending parties and absolute fun, you cannot help drawing comparisons between the two. At first, Kovalam seems like a twin sister of Goa. But as you begin to explore, it turns out that there are many dissimilar aspects as well. Kovalam attracts more foreign travelers than people of our own (thanks to the countless Ayurvedic resorts offering spas and Yoga sessions). The price of food are relatively high as in Goa, but liquor is expensive as against the prices in Goa. The crowd is not high as in Goa and you can have secluded places for yourselves to enjoy along the sea shore.
The beauty of Kovalam lies in catering to all types of travelers – whether you are looking for a break from the mundane life or you have arrived to have some fun or you just want to do nothing.
Kovalam – To Feel Rejuvenated And Have A Relaxed Vacation:
If you’ve traveled to Kovalam to temporarily escape from the otherwise stressful life, then head straight to numerous resorts that span along the beach side in Kovalam. There are resorts which offer you luxurious experience a keen to five star hotels. These resorts have specialized people to provide Ayurvedic therapies and Spas, which will not only benefit the body but helps in un-cluttering the mind and busts the stress. They have different packages for a fixed number of days ranging from 7-Days up to a month, based on the therapy you choose. Normally, the package would include food, accommodation and therapy costs. While the therapies or spas consume nearly half a day, the rest of the time is left to you to explore in and around.
Resorts can be chosen according to your budget obviously and although the top most popular ones are highly priced, there are some pretty good resorts which are economical too.
A Quick Tip: It is recommended that you do a detailed research about the therapies and the resorts themselves before arriving. Also, it is better that you book them well in advance so that you could experience a perfect holiday!
So, if it looks something interesting, then grab your favorite book and check in these resorts!
If You Got Itchy Feet – Explore The Places Around Kovalam:
If you want to hang out and check out the places of interest, then hire a bike and head to places like Varkala – popular for its serene beaches and located about 60 kms from Kovalam, Trivandrum – located about 15 kms from Kovalam, Poovar Island – about 25 kms.
Kovalam beach itself is a popular beach known for its light house on one side of the crescent and pristine and clear beach waters on the other end. You can just book a shack along the shore and get dreamy gazing at the amazing view of the sunset and watch the dance of waves against the cool breeze or you can get into the waters and swim along the giant waves and have some fun!
Many of the restaurants are located just by the side of Kovalam beach and a walk along the crescent of the seashore will lead you to many shops as well. Some of the cafes are known for their bakery products while few restaurants are popular for their seafood. You can stroll along the beach after a heavy meal, even at late night since the entire street is open and lit until 11PM.
Poovar Island needs a special mention because of its breathtaking backwaters and sparsely populated, yet magnificent islands. This place has sea spread across the length of the horizon on one side and has backwaters on the other. Small clusters of islands are sandwiched in between these and the view is strikingly beautiful. The only way to explore the islands is through motor boats which provide pick up and drop facility. The journey on the boat amidst the waters is an electrifying experience where you get a fantastic panoramic view of the beaches, backwaters and the land together.
Make sure you don’t miss this gem of a place when you visit Kovalam!
Kovalam – For The Adventure Seeking Soul:
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[su_column size=”3/5″]If you are looking forward for some rush of adrenaline, then enroll for some surfing classes taught by some awesome local surfers. The proficient surfers take their profession seriously, but they ensure that you have loads of fun too. So, go there and learn surfing. This would mean having a gala time vacationing, plus picking up a new skill to flaunt! Apart from surfing, there are other water activities like motor boat rides, banana rides and the likes. Unravel that carefree spirit side of yours and soak in the adventure! [/su_column]
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Kovalam – Awakening Of Your Spiritual Senses And Uplifting The Mind:
One of the things that Kovalam is synonymous with is the Yoga. Almost every 4th home or a place displays a board stating ‘Yoga classes are held here’. If you want to go back feeling peaceful and refreshed, attend these classes and learn a thing or two about the asanas and their significance.
Kovalam offered me a joyful and splendid time and I must say that I definitely want more. So, while I plan another journey to this beautiful place, decide on how you want to have oodles of fun and pack your bags to Kovalam right away!