Kerala - South India and Kerala - page 561

Beach. Buses connect Kovalam and Trivandrum every 20 minutes between 5.30am and
10.10pm (?9, 30 minutes). There are two buses daily to Ernakulam (?200, 5½ hours),
stopping at Kallambalam (for Varkala, ?70, 1½ hours), Kollam (?80, 2½ hours) and Allep-
pey (?120, four hours). There's another 6.30am bus to Ernakulam via Kottayam that by-
passes Varkala.
MOTORBIKE HIRE
K Tours & Travel ( 2127003) , next door to Devi Garden Restaurant, rents out scooters/En-
fields for around ?400/550 per day.
TAXI
A taxi between Trivandrum and Kovalam beach is around ?400; an autorickshaw should
cost ?250. From the bus stand to Lighthouse Beach costs around ?50.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Kovalam
Pulinkudi & Chowara
Around 8km south of Kovalam, amid seemingly endless swaying palms, colourful village
life, and some empty golden-sand beaches, are some ayurvedic resorts that make tantal-
ising high-end alternatives to Kovalam's crowded centre.
Dr Franklin's Panchakarma Institute ( 2480870; www.dr-franklin.com ; Chowara; s/d hut €15/20, r from €25/
32, with AC €38/55; ) is a reputable and less expensive alternative to the flashier resorts.
Daily treatment with full board costs €56. Accommodation is tidy and comfortable but not
resort style.
Surya Samudra Private Retreats ( 2480413; www.suryasamudra.com ; Pulinkudi; r incl breakfast
?14,100-22,600; ) offers A-list-style seclusion, with 22 transplanted traditional Keralan
homes, with four-poster beds and open-air bathrooms, set in a palm grove above sparkling
seas. There's an infinity pool carved out of a single block of granite, ayurvedic treatments,
gym and spectacular outdoor yoga platforms.
Bethsaida Hermitage ( 2267554; www.bethsaidahermitage.com ; Pulinkudi; s €80-140, d €140-155; )
is a resort with a difference: this is a charitable organisation that helps support two nearby