Kovalam Travel Forum

Have any travellers been to Kovalam, especially the Uday Samudra Hotel, this year who can give me an update on my earlier question on Have Things Changed over the past four years. Thanks in advance to all who may respond to this request. Brynn and Pam Welch. Stafford, England.

Hi all, Wer'e goining to Kovalam in March and would like to go on a houseboat overnight. However I have sleep apnea and need to use a CPAPs machine plugged into an electric socket...question is do the houseboats have electric sockets? Any Info greatfully received. thanks

Another question! Can anyone advise on the subject of tipping,such as how much for room maids/boys,taxis and in restaurants etc. What is appropriate, also if you go on trips/backwaters for staff on boat? Many thanks.

I visited Kovalam in 2004 and stayed at the Uday Samudra Hotel. Then it was a small hotel with the rooms surrounding one outside pool. I have just booked a holiday at the same hotel for November this year and see that it now is much larger with 3 pools and a lot more rooms. My question is : - Has the increase in the tourist capacity of this hotel spoilt the small beach by bringing in too many tourists. Are the outside bars and shacks ( for eating ) now full of tourists. Anyone got any advice they can give to me.

We are off to Kovalam in Feb staying at the Uday Samudra hotel. It is our first time to Kerala and having read a bit about it being disrespectful to go around in the sort of clothing you might wear in say mediterranean resorts I am not really sure what sort of clothing would be appropriate. With temps being high we want to stay cool but also don't want to cause any offence. I am quite happy to wear long trousers/skirts but are strappy sun tops a no-no and also away from the hotel/resort is it ok for men to walk around in shorts? Any advice would be much appreciated. Is it easy enough to find clothing shops to suit western tastes in Trivandrum? Many thanks.

We will be staying at the Samudra Hotel in Februay. Although we have been to Kerala several times we have always stayed on Lighthouse Beach, and wondered what the beaches near the Samudra Hotel are like and are there places to eat. Also is it possible to walk from the hotel to Eve's and Lighthouse beaches in the daytime.

what currency is best to take from the UK to Kerala? Is it best to take sterling or US Dollars? Is it true you cannot get Indian Rupees here than take them to India? Should we take travellers chewues in sterling,euros or US Dollars or should I take a combination of cash and travellers chequers? thanks for any help!

I am going to Kovalam in January does anyone know what jabs I will need and if I should take malaria tablets?

hi all.. am going to kovalam this dec2008. thinking about booking the room at planet bamboo holidays... it seems cute very very indian... does anyone have any info regarding this pla let me know

Hi folks; I am coming to Kerala for the first time on 9th oct, and staying at SEA FACE HOTEL; would welcome some comments on cafes, restaurants, and also one or two good masseurs.. would like to have some good ayurvedic massages while there.
Shall be on my own; so it would be nice to chat, to meet locals down by the beach, or pool side or whatever. I love new cultures; and have enjoyed meeting some men and women from Kerala in Ireland. love to hear from you. Thank you.. I have just joined this evening. Do PLease tell me the kind of prices for the massage etc.
Patrick.

We wer thinking of booking in one of these two hotels,has anybody stayed there before and know which one is best or has anyone any tips?

I am thinking of going to Kovalam in January with my girlfriend,is it better to just book a flight and book hotel seperatly or is it just as well to book flight and hotel together at a place like first choice? Which would be cheapest? we are thinking of going for around 2 weeks.Have anyone a hotel they can recommend? We have been to Goa before but this is our first time in Kerala.

I am in the process of booking a a 7 day stay in a nice place for my honeymoon.
My budget is max 5000r per night.

All the best ones are all booked up with some a bit too pricey for me also.

I was thinking of at the moment Hotel Neelakanta or Rockholm. Has anyone been to these recently and recommend them?

Neelakanta looks very nice but heard there may be building works going on, does anyone know if they are still going on?

Failing that any other personal recommendations?

All help greatly appreciated.
Many thanks!

Hiya can anyone tell me the website address for mollys at kovalam. been calling but cant get through. would really appreciate it.as want to vist in december
shal

Hi there, I am looking for any hints, tips so that we can make the best of our time in Kovalom. We are staying at the Leela January 25th for two weeks and are bringing our son who will be three by then.
We have travelled long haul with him already and have sorted out jabs etc.
He should be fine with food due to his mummies curry addiction he can eat most things although I will be v. careful with water
I am also assuming that we will have loads of local kids on tow at the beach as ours will probably act as a kiddy magnet, this is absolutly fine.
Although we do like somewhere nice to stay we do like getting out and about and seeing what is going on locally.
We would like to do a few trips and if possible go on a short back water tour and I think that there may be a festival at the time that we are there.
Any advice will be welcome.Thanks for your help it will be greatly appreciated.

dOES ANY ONE PLEASE HAVE THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR MOLLYS, I WOULD REALLY APPROCIATE IT THANKS XXX

Thinking of going in September/October and would like to know if restaurants and shops will be open.Also does anyone know if the Hotel booking sites I have been looking at are safe.

I'm FINALLY going to Kerala - been wanting to go forever! - & this is the year -YIPPEEE!!!

just a few questions

- I'm planning on going in November & am limited to the beginning of the month due to work commitments, is this a good time to go? - in the brochures it appears to be the start of the "season" in that no-one seems to go before the 1st
- what is the weather like then? I know it's going to be hot but can't seem to find anything out about rain & humidity
- the hotel I'm looking at is the Jasmine Palace, a good choice?? I've only been able to find a couple of reviews so any extra info would be great!
- can I withdraw cash from an atm using a UK bank card or is it better to take travellers cheques?

thanks

Best Western Swagath Holiday Resort,if so what is it like & is it far from the beach.Will be there in a few weeks time & cant wait.

Many thanks

Geddy2112.

i have been hearing a lot on this ... just wanna know how good it really is can anybody help?

i have booked to 2 weeks here at planet bamboo... it really sounds great and a few frinds of mine had told me that its wonderful. so just wanna know

hello all
going to stay at the leela in January, any information or hints and tips on what we could do to get the most out of our holiday, would be gratefully received.
many tkanks

Hi All

We have flights booked to Trivandrum for 5 nights over new year. We are desperately trying to find availability, but fast running out of options, everything is booked up!

Any ideas anyone?

Dear friends,
Please please can you help me????

My husband and I are hoping to go to Kovalam from Dec 1st to Dec 14th. We've recently had a really hard time and truly need some sunny weather. I know I'd be devastated if it rained every day.

Different websites say different things so I need some honest personal advice.

Please can you let me know what the weather will be like. Should I change my plans and take my dreams elsewhere?

Many thanks
Gem
xx

Hi
To anyone who is kovalam at the moment.
I'm due to visit kovalam at the end of Novemeber, just wondering what the weather is like in kovalam at the moment. weather forcast show as being rainy at present but the chance of rain seems to be receeding. Is this accurate ? Can't really rely on these weather forcast!!!!
cheers

We are staying at Golden Sands Hotel in December. Our tour operator runs a trip called Neyyar Trek. Has anyone done this? If so, how rough is the terrain? What kind of walking boots/shoes do we require? We enjoy walking and thought this would be a good thing to do.

Hi... I'm looking to book a 10 days break on my own(!) to do a course in yoga and just generally relax by the beach/pool. I'm keen to keep prices B&B/comfortable backpacking level. Seafood, veg food, fresh fruit etc... I'll be on my own so no where TOTALLY soul-less if poss!
If you can help me with suggestions, I'd be most grateful!!

Thinking about booking a 2 week holiday to the hotel on a B & B basis. Can anyone tell me how close we are to other eating places, and, what is the cost of a meal (roughly). Also, if we book it will be in mid April, is that the monsoon season?

Leaving Gatwick 2nd November What sort of clothes will we need as the weather looks not too good? Is it cool or warm ? Also how busy is it at the moment?
Are all restaurants and accommodation open? Please send as much detail
as you can as we usualy go around March when it is OK Is it sunbathing weather?
Packing NOW so replies Urgent.....

plz suggest few good hotels at lighthouse beach. my budjet is RS500 TO 850 per night .arival 21 NOV. also what will be the taxi fare from airport. thanks a lot , manav, bdsmktg@yahoo.com 09815102400

which of these hotels is a better choice , thanks