This weekend around Thiruvananthapuram - where to dig in for a great experience?

veblen · Mar 13th, 2008, 00:21

I've got my flights to Thiruvananthapuram for this weekend, but I haven't nailed down accommodations. Any recommendations, north around Varkala or south around Kovalam?

We're two male friends, so we're not really looking for the quiet, romantic weekend. I'd describe our tendencies as "adventurous" - I'd love to find a place that allows for some "can't miss" experiences but allows us to roll up our sleeves and be active. Our brainstorming ranges from hiring some canoes/kayaks, trying to find some jungle treks, enjoying good seafood, and getting out in the evenings, too. We LOVE getting off the beaten path, if possible...but I do realize we're heading to a tourist hub! Hey, if enjoying the beach is absolutely the best thing to do, then we'll appreciate that advice.

Anyway, we're considering the "Fragrant Nature" resort near Varkala (www.fragrantnature.com). Any impressions?...comparable places?...other recommendations for near there or down toward Kovalam? The Poovar Island Resort (www.poovarislandresort.com) also seemed amazing, but perhaps a bit too upscale.

I'd really love any recommendations that people might be proud of and might describe as "amazing recommendations that not too many people know about" or "you'll be blown away and be really lucky to stay here rather than somewhere else." Know what I mean?

I've searched in and around these forums and sub-forums; I've found much good information, but I haven't found the knockout recommendations I had hoped for.

Thanks for the good reading and thanks in advice for any insight!

Nick-H · Mar 13th, 2008, 01:17

Many of the more expensive, upmarket hotels and resorts may be busy all year round. Budget travellers (or so they tell me) can always find a room in Kovalam, even in peak season, but the better places are fewer.

I'd advise you phone and book before your departure. You might otherwise spend the entire weekend driving around Kerala, especially as the two places you mention are not close together.

Chinadolly · Mar 15th, 2008, 16:12

We were in Kovalam peak season and had no problems getting somewhere to stay. I suggest don't pre book, look at a few places pick the one you like and go back later in the day, you'll get it half the price. There is an abundance of accomadation in Kovalam.

Apparently Kovalam and a few other places are having a poor season this year. They seem to think it's due to the visa situation, or the situation that was and is putting people off going to India.

Krishnan · Mar 15th, 2008, 16:20

You can try Thapovan Beach Resort in Kovalam. I stayed there twice. Try this..

Nick-H · Mar 15th, 2008, 16:21

...me too. Great place, and resonably priced because they don't have pool, AC and that sort of stuff, but the cottages and accomodation is good quality. The massage is great too.

www.thapovan.com, I think, but I don't have time to check the link just now.

Mar 13th, 2008, 00:21	#1
veblen Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 1	This weekend around Thiruvananthapuram - where to dig in for a great experience? I've got my flights to Thiruvananthapuram for this weekend, but I haven't nailed down accommodations. Any recommendations, north around Varkala or south around Kovalam? We're two male friends, so we're not really looking for the quiet, romantic weekend. I'd describe our tendencies as "adventurous" - I'd love to find a place that allows for some "can't miss" experiences but allows us to roll up our sleeves and be active. Our brainstorming ranges from hiring some canoes/kayaks, trying to find some jungle treks, enjoying good seafood, and getting out in the evenings, too. We LOVE getting off the beaten path, if possible...but I do realize we're heading to a tourist hub! Hey, if enjoying the beach is absolutely the best thing to do, then we'll appreciate that advice. Anyway, we're considering the "Fragrant Nature" resort near Varkala (www.fragrantnature.com). Any impressions?...comparable places?...other recommendations for near there or down toward Kovalam? The Poovar Island Resort (www.poovarislandresort.com) also seemed amazing, but perhaps a bit too upscale. I'd really love any recommendations that people might be proud of and might describe as "amazing recommendations that not too many people know about" or "you'll be blown away and be really lucky to stay here rather than somewhere else." Know what I mean? I've searched in and around these forums and sub-forums; I've found much good information, but I haven't found the knockout recommendations I had hoped for. Thanks for the good reading and thanks in advice for any insight!

Mar 13th, 2008, 01:17	#2
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,861	Many of the more expensive, upmarket hotels and resorts may be busy all year round. Budget travellers (or so they tell me) can always find a room in Kovalam, even in peak season, but the better places are fewer. I'd advise you phone and book before your departure. You might otherwise spend the entire weekend driving around Kerala, especially as the two places you mention are not close together. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Mar 15th, 2008, 16:12	#3
Chinadolly Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: uk Posts: 153	We were in Kovalam peak season and had no problems getting somewhere to stay. I suggest don't pre book, look at a few places pick the one you like and go back later in the day, you'll get it half the price. There is an abundance of accomadation in Kovalam. Apparently Kovalam and a few other places are having a poor season this year. They seem to think it's due to the visa situation, or the situation that was and is putting people off going to India.

Mar 15th, 2008, 16:20	#4
Krishnan Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mamallapuram Posts: 4	You can try Thapovan Beach Resort in Kovalam. I stayed there twice. Try this..

Mar 15th, 2008, 16:21	#5
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,861	...me too. Great place, and resonably priced because they don't have pool, AC and that sort of stuff, but the cottages and accomodation is good quality. The massage is great too. www.thapovan.com, I think, but I don't have time to check the link just now.

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