Kovalam - one of the most loving beaches in the world

"Kovalam", in the state of Kerala (the state is also known as "God's Second Home" because of its endless natural beauty) means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Crescent-shaped Kovalam beach is situated at the bank of of clean green water Arabian sea. Main coast of Kovalam is about 17 Km long and divided into three major beaches. Lighthouse beach, which is the most popular one of the three. One can have an amazing view of Vizhinjam mosque from here. The northern most beach is called Samudra beach and the one in between these two is known as Hawah beach. Samudra beach is a laidback one and time seems stands still. Hawah beach, in early days was was mostly used by the local fishermen.

Kovalam is only 16 Km away from the state capital - Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum).

Accmmodations at Kovalam: There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.

Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.

Munnar hill station - honeymooners' paradise

Situated about 1600m above sea level, Munnar, the famed hill station of Kerala, South India, had been the summer resort of the British Government during the colonial era. Imprints of the colonial past stand tall in the Munnar town in the form of English country cottages. Virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, huge splashy waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding walkways are all part of the great holiday experience on offer for a traveler to Munnar.
Munnar is a romantic locale where natural beauty is everywhere to visit, explore and to enjoy. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala – and the word ‘Munnar’ means three rivers in Malayalam.
Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant which flowers only once in twelve years. The ‘kurinji season’ in Munnar is a magnificent sight when the hills and valleys get bathed in the blue of the Neelakurinji blooms.
Breathing in the crisp, clear and unpolluted air, relaxing and eating are the added bonuses of going to Munnar. Getting around the mountains that surround Munnar is an experience one cannot miss, not in a million years.
Munnar is a heaven for adventure seekers. From the extreme activities like paradgliding to the simple fun of fishing or bicycle rides there is something for everyone. So, get set to explore the tea estates, the valleys and the hills of Munnar that beckon the tourists all round the year.
Places of Interest around Munnar
1. Tata Tea Museum: Located 2 Km from Munnar Centre on the Nallathany Road.
Collection of old bits and pieces from the colonial era can be seen here. Demonstration of tea production. Information on machinaries, tea processing and tea tasting. Photography and Videography prohibited here.

2. CSI Church: A church built with stone in 1910. It has fine stained glass and brass plaques. Above all, a calm place to pray and meditate. 3. Devikulam is 7 Km away. Tourists are attracted to this lake town.

4. Mattupetty is 14 Km away from Munnar. Mattupetty dam has an agriculture garden on its banks. Speed boat ride through the dam is also available.

5. Rajamalai (Eravikulam National Park) is situated 13 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Trekking here can perhaps give you a glimpse of Nilgiri Thar, the rarely seen mountain goat.
Working Time: 7.00AM to 6.00PM (September to May)

6. Top Station is 40 Km away from Munnar. From here you can get a spectacular view of the plains of Tamilnadu. Kundalai Dam is on the Munnar-Top Station road.

7. Marayoor is about 40 Km away, where Sandalwood forest, Muniyaras (ancient caves) and water falls (Thoovanam) are located.

8. Chinnar Wild Sanctuary is 60 Km away from Munnar on Udumalpet road (SH17). Elephants, deers, samba etc can be seen from the watch tower. The tall tower is about 200 meters distance from the check-post. Entry fee: Rs 15 per person. Visiting time: 07.00AM to 06.00PM

9. Blossom International Park at Munnar has an adventure track, 1000-feet long fountain, roller skates, underground mediation centre and a beautiful garden.

10. Anamudi, the highest peak of South India is close to Munnar and is a great place for adventurous trekking.

11.Eravikulam National Park: This park is situated about 15 km from Munnar. It covers an area of 97 sq. km in the Devikulam Taluk. The flora and fauna of this park are found in large numbers and variety. The Nilgiri Tahr and a pedigree breed of cattle are among the exotic fauna of here. Here, the Anamudi Peak is situated at 2695m above the sea level.