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General Information about
Kovlam
Place
of Attraction
TIRUVALLAM
The unforgettably
marvelous image of Kovalam is that of the
coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the
calm and wide expanse of the blue waters. Kovalam consists
of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost one,
the Light House Beach, is marked by a prominent
red-and-white striped lighthouse and is the most popular of
the three. The Ashok Beach Resort tops the northern-most
headland. A 15-minute walk separates the two beaches.
Between the two lies the Eve’s Beach.
Kovalam is a natural bay ideal for kayaking, swimming,
surfing and skiing. One can swim in the shallow blue water
and have a sunbath in the exotic tropical sun can adorn you
with a good suntan. The coast is at many places lined with
beautiful patches of coral reefs. Or you can crest the waves
on logs of lashed woods on catamarans.
From Kovalam, you can go for a backwater cruise to the
beautiful countryside of Kerala paddling country boats,
enjoying its lush greenery. A few hotels offer houseboats,
country boats and catamarans for the tourists at reasonable
rates. Soma Houseboats, operated by Somatheeram Beach
Resorts Group offers houseboats with many amenities
including sit-outs, bedrooms and private baths. Catamarans
and country boats are also offered by many hotels. You can
also rent surfboards and boogie boards from local young men
for around.
Kovalam Beach
The
unforgettably marvelous image of Kovalam is that of
the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that
cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue
waters. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent
beaches. The southernmost one, the Light House
Beach, is marked by a prominent red-and-white
striped lighthouse and is the most popular of the
three. The Ashok Beach Resort tops the northern-most
headland. A 15-minute walk separates the two
beaches. Between the two lies the Eve’s Beach.
Kovalam is a natural bay ideal for kayaking,
swimming, surfing and skiing. One can swim in the
shallow blue water and have a sunbath in the exotic
tropical sun can adorn you with a good suntan. The
coast is at many places lined with beautiful patches
of coral reefs. Or you can crest the waves on logs
of lashed woods on catamarans.
From Kovalam, you can go for a backwater cruise to
the beautiful countryside of Kerala paddling country
boats, enjoying its lush greenery. A few hotels
offer houseboats, country boats and catamarans for
the tourists at reasonable rates. Soma Houseboats,
operated by Somatheeram Beach Resorts Group offers
houseboats with many amenities including sit-outs,
bedrooms and private baths. Catamarans and country
boats are also offered by many hotels. You can also
rent surfboards and boogie boards from local young
men for around.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple,
the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is
an awe-inspiring structure that has a
100 feet high 'gopuram', built in
Dravidian style.
City's historical landmark, the
structure of the main building is a
blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles
of architecture.
The temple, known for the Mural
paintings and stone carvings is one
among the 108 temples dedicated to
Vishnu in India. A magnificent array of
gods, goddesses, nymphs, sprites and
demons adorn the seven-storey 'gopuram'
that forms the temple tower.
Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity,
reclines in the posture of 'Ananthashayanam'
on the coiled serpent 'Anantha'. The
temple is a proud specimen of South
Indian and Dravidian architectural
styles.
Renovated in 1733 AD by the then ruler
of Travancore, Raja Marthanda Varma,
this holy shrine attracts thousands of
Hindu devotees. There are innumerable
pillars, intricate carvings and Mural
paintings.
Outside the temple courtyard, there is a
medley of shops that sell souvenirs,
handicrafts, woodcarvings and handiwork
of sandal. One can witness the craftsmen
do their work right from carving the
wood to polishing.
In the October/November months of every
year, there is held the Navarathri
Festival of musical concerts at the
Navarathri Mandapam, adjacent to the
main building of the temple. Only Hindus
are allowed inside and dress regulations
are strictly followed.
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