Kovalam is an eternal favourite among travellers, offering an attractive package of fine sea breeze, gentle waves, and shells on the shore. The sight of the setting sun is incomparable at this beach destination. Many visitors recall the film 'Season' which has captured the real life in Kovalam most beautifully. The place attracts numerous repeat travellers who find new things during every visit.
One of the most popular accommodation facilities at Kovalam is the Samudra Beach Resort. It was built by the Queen of Travancore Sethulakshmy Bayi during the 1920s. This was the first beach resort to come up in Kovalam. By the 1930s, the spot began attracting international tourists.
A stay at Samudra
KTDC's Samudra Beach Resort offers a stay almost similar to that in an anchored ship. The sea is so close and the waves reach right up to the resort. The main gate is near the shore and a plaque says that it was opened by Vakkom Purushothaman.
Oars of fishermen are kept near the wall surrounding the lawn. A log used for fishing in the sea is displayed close to the lift.
Samudra Beach Resort stands on a plot extending to 5 acres and 44 cents. It was opened with 50 rooms, but there are 64 rooms now including two premium suits and 52 deluxe rooms. There are avenue rooms which are available at budget rates also. They are located near the entrance.
The landscaping of the premises was done during 1996-97. The new rooms were also added during the renovation carried out at that time, says Ajith, the manager.
From the deluxe rooms a beautiful view of the sea can be enjoyed. A visitor can feel positive energy rushing into the room from the sea. On the other side of the room is the landscaped area. There are big rocks, swings and coconut trees on the premises.
A garden has been arranged on both sides of a path which leads to a cute swimming pool. A display board nearby gives instructions about using the pool. One can enter the water only after a bath for which an open shower is arranged next to the pool.
There are two premium rooms adjacent to the pool and they offer a better view of the sea. A path downhill leads to a thatched shed which is the resting area of the security personnel. Still down is an iron gate, opening which visitors can step into the Samudra Beach.
Of the various beaches in Kovalam like Light House Beach, Eve's Beach etc, the most thinly crowded is the Samudra Beach. In fact, Samudra Beach and the resort are often referred to as the honeymooner's paradise.
Another attraction of the resort is a landscaping model of the Titanic from where the strong sea breeze sweeps you off your feet. It is also the spot from where a panoramic view of the beach presents itself before a traveller.
Wedding shore
There are huge rocks on the resort premises beyond which a stage can be seen. Kathakali, music and other artistic events are staged here for the benefit of foreign tourists during the peak season. In addition, several beach weddings and receptions are also held here. The resort staff will show you pictures of the romantic couples who started a new life together at Samudra.
Dinner in an ambience
Among the unique services offered by Samudra is 24x7 room service. There is a beer and wine parlour opposite to the restaurant. Dinner is served on lawn too where the sea breeze, muted lights of the night and the landscaping provide a fantastic ambience. Traditional Kerala cuisine, Arabian and Chinese dishes are part of the restaurant menu. But the most popular dishes are special preparations of seer fish and prawns.
A second home to foreign tourists
Several foreign tourists reach Samudra every year. The resort is virtually a second home for many of them. Most of these tourists also have their favourite rooms at the resort.
Other attractions
Samudra also has an Ayurveda centre managed by Santhigiri and a convention hall which can seat 1000 persons. The convention centre is named G V Raja Centre. A huge painting of G V Raja is displayed near the main entrance of the centre. A dining area attached to the convention centre can accommodate 200 people at a time.
For booking, call 9400008570.
Email: samudra@ktdc.com
