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Kovalam |
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Heading along the upgraded approach road from the capital (now littered with publicity hoardings), the frequent #9 bus from Thiruvananthapuram (East Fort; 20min) loops through Kovalam, and stops at the gates to the Ashok complex, at the northern end of the middle bay. Anyone carrying heavy bags who wants to stay by the sea (and not at the Ashok ), should alight earlier, either at the road to the lighthouse, or the road leading down to the Sea Rock hotel. It's also possible to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi all the way from Thiruvananthapuram; auto-rickshaws cost between Rs60 and Rs100 but will try to get away with a lot more, while taxis charge around Rs130. The friendly tourist facilitation centre (daily 10am-5pm, closed Sun in low season; phone 0471/480085), just inside the gate to the Ashok Hotel,is a new place with plenty of leaflets to give out and up-to-date advice about cultural events. They also run a small reading room next door (same hours) that stocks British and American newspapers, as well as novels. There are now several places to change money at Kovalam but private exchange rates tend to vary so it's best to do some research first. Of the banks,the Central Bank of India (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Sat 10am-noon) is at the Ashok and there is a branch of the Andhra Bank at the KTDC Samudra complex near the main gates (same hours). Among other places, you can also change money at Wilson's Hotel any time (the most competitive rates), at Great Indian Travel Services, Lighthouse beach (phone 0471/481110), and at Western Travels, at the bus stand (phone 0471/481334).
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Opposite the bus stand, Western Travels (daily 8am-8pm; phone 0471/481334) is a reliable agent for flight confirmations and ticketing, and can arrange car rental. Great Indian Travel Service, another all-round agency, also arranges motorbike rental (a Bullet costs around Rs550 per day and a scooter Rs350). Voyager Travels, near the police station (phone 0471/481993) specializes in all two-wheeler hire at competitive rates. Dozens of places offer internet services with charges of around Rs60 per hour, but the most efficient place with super-fast connections is at Croakers Restaurant,Lighthouse Beach. Kovalam doesn't have a major bookshop,but the German Bakery has a reasonable selection for rent or for sale and there's a notice board to find out what is on.
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