The internationally renowned Kovalam Beach is situated 16 km from
Thiruvananthapuram. It consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, 'Lighthouse Beach', is the most popular. The beach is fringed by lovely coconut palms. It is an ideal spot for sun bath, swimming, surfing and skiing.
Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists since 1930's. The beach is bordered with many restaurants and lodging houses. There are numerous handicrafts, jewelry and cloth shops, yoga schools, ayurvedic parlors, travel agencies and massage parlors spread along the waterfront. The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort.
