Kovalam is popular region comprising three beaches situated in the state of Kerala in the south of India.
The southernmost, known as the '''Lighthouse Beach''', is the most popular of the three. Many hotels, restaurants, lodges and shops are located here. It is frequented by outsiders who stay and enjoy Kovalam.
The Northern most crescent is crowded on the weekends, is very popular with the locals, day-travelers, and passing-by tourist buses. '''Hawa Beach''', is among one of the beaches in India where top-less sunbathing is tolerated and well appreciated by the locals, who come on the weekends to admire this view free of charge. The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on both Lighthouse and Hawa beach. There are strong currents, so it is wise to follow their instructions.
Note that many tourists in Kovalam are between the ages of 40 and 60 years young. Those expecting a replica of Goa will be pleasantly surprised by the more relaxed atmosphere,a bit more laid back,the food a touch softer and lighter.
In an auto-rickshaw 250-300 rupees is a fair price, avoid going above 300 rupees. If in doubt ask to use the meter, but in reality they really don't work at all. Advice being if they are trying to rip you off go to leave for another rickshaw and they will often back down and offer you a fair price, if not, get in a different rickshaw. Even if India is a cheap country, the prices for gasoline are international standard, so don't expect super cheap private transportation. If you go by public bus from Trivandrum-East Fort to Kovalam Beach you only pay 8 Rps. for the half hour trip.
Buses to Trivandrum can also be caught from Kovalum Junction as well as Amabassador taxis and Autos to pretty much anywhere. Be very careful walking around the junction, especially at night, as there are no traffic lights (what's new?!) and the street lighting is very minimal. The intersection can be busy.
Tourist taxis are the most convenient way to travel around attractions, especially while travelling in a group. Most airports and railway stations have tourist taxi services that would take you anywhere you would want to go.
A more adventurous option is to get a bike on hire. The highway is a pleasure to drive on, with the cool breeze and coconut palms lined along the way. Once on the highway, drive north for the plains, drive south for the hills. Avoid driving through Thiruvananthapuram city, it's congested. The old highway, also called MC road, is also good to drive on. The MC road can take you deep into the hills. Try out the throaty Enfield 350 CC bikes for a truly vintage experience, check your fuel levels before you leave.
Two wheelers do not have to pay the highway toll, simply ride through the side lane.
'''Ponmudi''' - A nice semi-hill station located about 1 1/2 hours from Kovalam. There is a KTDC Hotel located up there with rooms available for around $5 to $8USD a night. There is also a bar. An ambassador taxi can drop you off at the hotel and wait overnight for you and take you back the next day for around $15 to $20USD. They will sleep in their taxi so do not feel obliged to pay for their accommodation.
'''Varkala''' Drive north on the highway for about an hour (55 km). It has a superb beach and cliff front and the usual tourist amenities. The quiet sandy beaches and large lakes of Paravur (65 km from Kovalam) are also close to Varkala and are hidden away. Paravur is a shared secret among those seeking a more peaceful getaway.
''' Neyyar Dam ''' ca 1,5 hours by local bus. Only worth to visit if you do not know what else to do. It is a water reservoir. No other curiosities except some crocodiles kept in cages. Better spend the time on the beach
''' Backwater Tours ''' [http://www.convisua.com/backwater2.wmv] between Kovalam and Trivandrum there are backwater trips (ca. 2-3 hours) available that can be booked at Kovalam Beach itself. Small boats for 4-6 persons. A nice experience.
'''Watch''' the locals dive headlong into the water going clam fishing
Kovalam Junction is about a 10 - 15 minute walk up the hill from the main beach. You will pass through it on your initial arrival into Kovalam. Your main reason for coming here will be the ATMs and the post office. There a also a few good cheap eateries located around the area, a decent supermarket, and a few grocery stores where you can save a little money from the beach store prices.
There is an ATM just inside a hotel driveway just a short distance (10 mins walk) from Hawa beach toward Kovalam Junction. This ATM only accepts Visa cards but is often out of money as it is closest.
There are money changers on the shore line on lighthouse beach but these charge 3% to get money.
'''The German Bakery''' - Go for the date shake and the excellent banana pancake. A full range of baked goods are available too. Plus one of the best views in Kovalam! Easily the best and most popular place for breakfast on the main beach.
'''Suprabatham''' - one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Kovalam. Even non-vegetarians will love the food. Friendly waiters. It is ca 200 m. away from the beach. Accessible via a path between German Bakery and Hotel Orion.
'''Fruit Ladies''' - You can grab a top fruit salad with all the trimmings for less than $1USD. But, they'll remember you and if you don't buy from them again they will take it very personally.
'''Kovalam Junction''' - Head up the hill from the beach and sample some of the many local restaurants. The specialty of the area is Chicken Fry. Fried chicken in a red masala paste with freshly cut chillis. Some places are spicier than others. For between $2 & $3USD you will get 2 pieces of chicken fry, vegetable sambal and some parrota (a richer version of roti). Beef fry and fish fry are sometimes available as well. Note: These establishments are very local orientated so do not expect cushy surroundings, its very much eat, pay, leave. Expect great chicken.
'''Vizhinjam''' - Head down to the harbor at sunset for some spectacular shots of the area with the seaside Mosque in the background. The atmosphere is quite lively with fisherman heading to and from the sea. Note: Once the sun is down, it is probably best to head back to Kovalam unless you are with a guide. While hostility/violence to foreigners is VERY rare, you do not want to get caught up in a scuffle between the rivaling Christian and Muslim communities.
'''Sebastian Indian Social Projects (S.I.S.P)''', [http://www.sisp.be/]. - A Belgian based not-for-profit NGO school located near Kovalam Junction. The school provides free education and welfare services to orphans, would-be child laborers, school-drop outs, and the poorest of the poor from around the area. If you plan to spend several months in the area it may be worth organizing some volunteer work. It is certainly worth supporting them financially.