Kovalam- A Coastal Village’s Journey to International Fame
-Adv. Yedu krishna R.B.
Travel Writer
The gentle rhythm of waves crashes against the shore, mingling with the distant echo of laughter and the faint strum of a guitar. It’s the 1960s, and some youngsters from the West found their haven in Kovalam, a seemingly obscure seaside hamlet along the Arabian Sea’s coastline. It was a love at first sight. Little did they know then that their free-spirited dances and songs would be the catalyst for a transformation that would reshape this quaint fishing village into one of India’s most iconic travel destinations. The story of Kovalam is fascinating, beginning with its original name ‘Kovakulam,’ meaning the ‘King’s Land.’ This place was once the royal playground of Travancore’s kings, offering a tranquil retreat. The visionary Colonel Godavarma Raja sensed something more in the 1970s and decided that Kovalam’s sandy shores held untapped potential.
It was here that the spark was ignited. Kovalam’s unique coastal features, including small rocky shores, rock formations, and coconut trees, draw foreign visitors. The tranquil sea and gentle waves, perfect for body surfing, make this destination unmissable. Many foreigners are enchanted by the beach sunbathing facilities and return year after year. The hippie invasion brought with it an unmistakable vibrancy. Young tourists from foreign lands arrived, sleeping in tents or mud rooms, seeking solace, freedom, and connection with nature. They danced, sang, and rejoiced, leaving an indelible mark on the local population. Seeing an opportunity, the locals began to accommodate these unconventional guests, constructing lodges and marking the start of a tourism boom.
The tourism landscape shifted with the opening of Grove Beach Resort by ITDC in 1973. Designed by architect Charles Correa, the resort expanded in 1976 and became Kerala’s first fivestar hotel. This development attracted visitors from across Europe and America, paving the way for the state government commencing the operations of Hotel Samudra(under KTDC) and many private entrepreneurs to invest in Kovalam’s hospitality industry. The region now boasts over 3000 rooms. The introduction of charter flights in 1993 opened Kovalam’s skies and heart to the world. Doors flung open to both domestic and international travellers, allowing more people to explore its wonders.
The young backpackers moved on, but they left behind a legacy that continued to evolve. Wellness seekers found a new home in Kovalam, as Ayurvedic centers, yoga retreats, and the traditional martial art of Kalari became part of the landscape. Healing and tranquility became synonymous with Kovalam’s charm, attracting those in search of sanctuary for the soul. Kovalam’s transition from simple cottages to star resorts has been extraordinary. There are now 1500 three-star and above rooms and 3000 additional accommodations, employing around 30,000 people directly and indirectly. Despite the decline in foreign tourist numbers due to the pandemic, domestic tourism has surged, according to Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association Kovalam Unit President R. Sishupalan. The completion of a 93-crore project, part of the KIIFB project, promises to establish Kovalam as Kerala’s premier tourist center, especially during the peak months of October and November. Kovalam’s transformation from a seaside hamlet to a global paradise is a tale of vision, resilience, and an embrace of change. It’s a story that began with the simple joys of youngsters and grew into something extraordinary.