Kovalam, meaning ‘coconut grove’ is Kerala’s premier beach getaway, located close to Trivandrum. There are many choices in terms of accommodation – for those looking to get pampered silly in a luxury hotel, there are places like the Leela or the Taj Green Cove.
However, these are located near the main beach front of Kovalam, and this place is most often crowded and messy. Not to worry, though. There are places just a few minutes away, further south, that are private, secluded, and would make the ideal spot for this last leg of your Kerala sojourn. The Bethsaida Hermitage with its private golden beach and traditional ayurveda treatments is one of these. Varkala
Another fantastic beach destination with a friendly, chilled-out vibe is Varkala. About 120 km south of Allepey (60 km north of Kovalam), Varkala has a clean beach backed by red cliffs coming down to meet the turquoise sea. There’s plenty of cheap accommodation up on the cliff, and a lovely place right on the beach as well – the Varkala Marine Palace. Candlelight dinner with lights from the fishing boats dancing on the water comes highly recommended.
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