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Kovalam is a seaside resort well known to foreigners who appreciate its sandy bays about fifteen km from Trivandrum.
Kovalam, like many Indian beaches, is a great change of scenery, not only for the setting with coconut palms, but also for the architectural fantasy and the absence of straight lines and wide streets which make it so charming.
There is everything to eat, but also artisanal products from all parts of India. No problem finding a statue of Shiva or Ganesh, or a Tibetan thanka, but no worries either to feast on baracuda cooked in coconut milk, or grilled pomfrit. The very attractive prices for us Westerners do the rest.
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During the monsoon, it is best to avoid the beach, although there are still a few restaurants open. It is the best time to do an Ayurvedic cure, but the seaside is to see the storm waves.
In season (except monsoon which is from June to September), one can bathe and surf (many waves, except rare sheltered corners) in tropical water. One finds in Kovalam many centers of massages ayurveda, but also of yoga schools, meditation centers. The qualities of care are diverse but if one seeks relaxation and relaxation, one easily finds happiness; for declared pathologies, it is better to go to specialized clinics, or at least centers with all the required guarantees (green or olive leaf).
There are also great facilities for sending and receiving emails, or for telephoning, at low cost.
There are many possibilities for excursions around Kovalam, including the Palace of Padmanabhapuram (cliquer), 50 km southwards, and cape Comorin, ( Kanyakumari - cliquer), 85 km southwards
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KOVALAM is about fifteen kilometers south of THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
(more commonly called TRIVANDRUM)
AVION
TRIVANDRUM International Airport (code TRV) is a half hour drive from Kovalam.
Among the international companies which serve TRV:
Air India (Bahrain, Chennai, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kozhikode, Kochi, Delhi, Kuwait, Mumbai, Riyadh)
Air India Express (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Mumbai, Kozhikode, Kochi, Jidda, Muscat, Sharjah, Salalah)
Etihad (Abudhabi)
Gulf Air(Muscat)
Indian(Sharjah, Maldives)
Kuwait Airways(Kuwait)
Oman Air(Muscat)
Qatar Airways(Doha)
Silkair(Singapore)
SriLankan Airlines(Colombo)
TRAIN
There is also a train station at TRIVANDRUM which is linked to all of India.
BUS
KSRTC buses stop near the intersection between Vizhinjam Road and Poovar Road (Vizhinjam Junction).
There are connections to TRIVANDRUM every quarter of an hour.
Phone 0471-2480365, 2481365
BANQUES
Automatic cash dispensers (ATMs) give you bundles of 500 or 2,000 rupee bills directly. Provide large pockets or a bag ...
Kovalam Junction:
there are four ATMs that accept major cards.
They are open 24 hours a day and protected by security guards.
* Federal Bank (next to the Divine Supermarket) - it has a daily limit of R20, 000 / - the total amount is allowed in one transaction.
* ICICI ATM next to the cafe / restaurant almost opposite the supermarket - it has a daily limit of R20, 000, but a limit of 10,000 R per transaction
* Canara Bank ATM next to the Post Office - it has a daily limit of R20,000, but only R5,000 per transaction.
* Catholic Bank ATM at the Swagarth Hotel at the top of Cardiac Hill. The daily limit is R20,000, but only R10,000 per transaction.
There is also an ATM near Vizhinjam.
In November 2016, there was a deletion of all the banknotes of 1000 and 500 rupees in circulation. It sowed a mess not possible, but everything returned to normal after a few months. There are now new 500 and 2000 Rupee banknotes.
There are money changers on Lighthouse Beach and these do not charge any commission.
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