Honeymoon in Kovalam

India's most idyllic state, Kerala, better known as God's own country, is today a sought after tourist destination. Secluded beaches, palm fringed backwaters, mist clad hill stations, lush tropical forests, waterfalls and exotic wildlifeall give it a distinctive charm. Some of India's finest beaches are in Kerala. For virtually its entire 600km length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promotories and coconut palms.

The long coastal belt offers some of the finest white sand beaches in the world-it is not surprising that they are becoming a regular haunt for sun and sea worshipers-and honeymooners too. Kovalam, a favourite haunt of beach tourists since the q930s, is the most celebrated of these tranquil palm fringed beaches. 16kms south of Thiruvananthapuram(eastwhile Trivandrum) the state capital, it consists of 3 precise crescents of irresistible white sandy beaches. Quiet, secluded and bordered by a luxuriant belt of hammock strung palms guaranteed to wipe the cares of the world away. Check out the row of whitewalled thatch roofed cottages offering anything from the day's outlandish catch to exotic shell jewellery.

Kovalam is divided into three beaches-Lighthouse Beach, Eve's Beach and Samudra Beach. The southernmost, Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular of the three. The sands are dotted with palm and coconut groves. The ruffled sea washes ashore pebbles and surf. A gentle breeze sways the yachts on the sea and form small dunes on the beach where crabs play hide and seek. Sea gulls hove around. Could any honeymoon couple ask for a more romantic setting?

A sheltered natural bay created by a high, rocky headland extending into the Arabian Sea, the shallow waters of Kovalam invite a range of activities. Like cruising on a one -tree canoe or catamaran, wind or water surfing over the impish breakers or just taking a dip in the bright blue waters-a cool reprieve you earn after hours of dreaming in the slothful sun... It is not only the scenic beauty that brings the world to Kovalam-this is the place to pamper yourself with a herbal body toning massage-at any one of the nearby centres. Or you could opt to have some rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapy in the privacy of room with your own masseur. The soothing hands of a trained practioner leaves you relieved of fatigue, worry and tension-providing the perfect antidote to the stressfilled routine of modern life. Also on offer are yoga centres to hand down holistic techniques for every day living-as relevant today as they were 3000 years ago. A wide range of accomodation is available along the shores of Kovalam. Hotel Samudra, run by the KTDC and set romantically amongst palm trees, offers excellence and luxury. All the rooms are sea facing and if you take a room in the upper floor,you will have the benefit of catching the sunset without leaving your room. Or you, can chose from an array of cottages and budget hotels that line the beach-some of which are built to the charming designs of traditional Kerala inns.

Around Kovalam If you want to take an break from sun-soaked relaxation and romance, why not explore the Vizhinjim rock cut caves close by? Vizhinjim was the capital of the rules of Southern Kerala around the 8th century. The granite cave here encloses a single-celled shrine with a sculpture of Dakshinamurthy. The outer walls of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Another spot worth visiting is the Parasurama Temple at Thiruvallam. Hardly 5km from Kovalam, this 2000 year old temple on the bank of river Karamana, is the only one Kerala dedicated to Parasurama, the increation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is a venue for ancestor worship and thereby hangs a tale: Adi Shankacharya, after the demise of his mother, started off on a pilgrimage. On the way he visited Anant Puri(the ancient name of Thiruvananthapuram). He began to medicate. Lord Parasurama appeared before him. Shankara expressed his desire to do 'karma' for his mother. As this required a minimum of three people, Parasurama advised him to invite Shiva and Brahma. As Adi Shankaracharya was a saint, all the three 'Murthis' accepted his invitation and came to earth to conduct the show. Brahma the Creator took the position of the guru, the 'dhana' was accepted by shiva the Destoyer and Parasurama was the guest of honour. He was alloted a special place and even today in 'shrardhams'(a yearly ritual for departed souls) a seperate leaf is set for Maha Vishnu. Adi Shankacharya installed three idols for the 'Trimurthis'. Thus the place came to be known was 'Thivu va illam'(abode of the 'Trimurthis')

To reach Kovalam by Thiruvananthapuram is connected by rail and air to the rest of the country. Kovalam is about 1/2 hour's journey by road, Thiruvananthapuram from either the railway station or the airport or Transport is no problem-taxis, autos or buses are easily available and Hotel accomodation ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 1500 per night (double) or With the top of the range four star Hotel Samudra offering you luxury at Rs 5000 per night for a double room and Rs 2650 for a single.