Destination Kovalam
Destination Kovalam, India
Kovalam is a coastal town located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Known for its stunning beaches, Kovalam is a popular tourist destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities.
Surrounding Cities
- Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): The capital city of Kerala, located about 16 km from Kovalam. It is known for its historical significance and modern infrastructure.
- Kollam: Approximately 80 km from Kovalam, this city is known for its backwaters and cashew industry.
- Nagercoil: Located about 70 km from Kovalam, it is known for its temples and scenic beauty.
- Kanyakumari: About 90 km away, this is the southernmost tip of India, famous for its unique sunrise and sunset views over the ocean.
Top Hotels in Kovalam
- The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel: Offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, multiple dining options, and a spa.
- Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam: Known for its eco-friendly design, this resort features villas set amidst lush greenery, an Ayurvedic spa, and fine dining.
- Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra: A heritage property offering a blend of traditional Keralite architecture and modern luxury, with private beaches and wellness treatments.
- Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa: Offers beachfront views, multiple restaurants, and extensive wellness facilities.
- Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove: A premium property with stunning sea views, a spa, and top-notch dining experiences.
Nearest College
- Government College, Kariavattom: Located in Thiruvananthapuram, about 15 km from Kovalam. It is one of the prominent colleges in the area, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Shopping Areas
- Kovalam Beach Road: Lined with numerous shops selling souvenirs, local handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry.
- MG Road, Thiruvananthapuram: About 15 km away, this is a major commercial street with numerous shops, malls, and eateries.
- Pazhavangadi Market: Known for traditional Kerala items, spices, and local produce.
Local Foods
Kovalam offers a variety of traditional Kerala cuisine, including:
- Sadya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, consisting of rice, curries, pickles, and sweets.
- Seafood: Freshly caught fish, prawns, and crabs cooked in various styles such as curry, fry, and grilled.
- Appam with Stew: Rice pancakes served with a coconut-based vegetable or meat stew.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cake served with black chickpea curry.
- Kerala Parotta with Beef Fry: Flaky, layered bread served with spicy beef fry.
Celebrations
- Onam: The most significant festival in Kerala, celebrated with grand feasts, traditional games, and cultural performances.
- Vishu: The Kerala New Year, marked by special rituals and feasts.
- Kovalam Beach Festival: An annual event featuring music, dance, and cultural performances on the beach.
Population and Ranking
As of the latest data, Kovalam has a population of approximately 40,000 people. It is a well-known tourist destination but does not have a specific ranking in the country as it is a town within the state of Kerala.
Hindi Information and Symbols
- Name in Hindi: कोवलम
- Surrounding Cities: तिरुवनंतपुरम, कोल्लम, नागरकोइल, कन्याकुमारी
- Top Hotels: द लीला कोवलम, ताज ग्रीन कोव रिज़ॉर्ट एंड स्पा, निरामया रिट्रीट्स सूर्या समुद्र, उदय समुद्र लेज़र बीच होटल एंड स्पा, विवांता बाय ताज - ग्रीन कोव
- Nearest College: सरकारी कॉलेज, करियावत्तम
- Shopping Areas: कोवलम बीच रोड, एमजी रोड, तिरुवनंतपुरम, पझावंगडी मार्केट
- Local Foods: सद्य, समुद्री भोजन, अप्पम विद स्टू, पुट्टु और कडाला करी, केरल परोट्टा विद बीफ फ्राई
- Celebrations: ओणम, विशु, कोवलम बीच महोत्सव