Kovalam Reviews

Overview of the destination
At the outset, my comments are restricted to the smaller beach frequented by locals; hence it is far from comprehensive. This particular stretch on the right side of The Leela resort does not have any of the shacks or other frills associated with Kovalam. We found it quite crowded and not really a beach which will facilitate frolicking in the waters. The tourism impact is evident with a whole lot of peddlers chasing you offering boat rides to selling peanuts.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
The beach is a decent evening getaway if you shacked up in Trivandrum, though it doesn't really give you a feel of being on a beach, thanks to the city crowd which lands up. There are quite a few eating options enroute, ranging from roadside shacks to of course, The Leela. There are also quite a few shops by the approach road selling various knick-knacks ranging from films to souvenirs.

Activities & things to do
In addition to the customary dip in the sea, there are many fishermen offering various types of boat rides into the sea. Of the lot, the local boats fitted with motors seemed to be a favourite.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Kovalam is just a half hour drive from the city centre and accessibility isn't an issue at all. Though I didn't make the trip, apparently the main beach, the Hawwa beach is where the action is - check it out.