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Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Overview
Halcyon Castle was constructed as a retreat for Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai’s royal family. The Castle is situated at Travancore in Kerala, God’s Own Country. Not only is the retreat for the royal family highly splendid, it is exemplary manifesting the beautiful art of Travancore’s traditional architecture.
The majestic castle is surrounded by a beautifully expensive lawn that nobody fails to appreciate! The castle, sold to the Kerala Government was purchased by a hotelier. Thus the Castle was transformed into one of Kovalam’s 5 Star hotels. Though the ownership of the hotel has changed many a times till the present date, it never fails to attract tourists from all across the world.
The prim Castle stands at one of the outcrops of the Kovalam Beach. It provides an interesting panoramic view of the beach that encompasses the beautiful sunsets. Moreover, the guests at the hotel may also choose either the rooms or even the beautifully comfortable cottages surrounded by the coconut trees that stand tall facing the Nature’s delight called the Kovalam Beach.
As the Castle stands converted into a 5 Star Hotel, the guests are provided with the best of the amenities. The Kerala cuisine provided here is simply mouth watering. Besides, exploring the beach or enjoying a dip in the ocean or a splash of swimming are irresistible! The majority of the tourists who visit Kerala opt for Halcyon Castle for a stay rather than any other accommodation.
More on Halcyon Castle
History of Halcyon Castle
M.R.Ry Sri Rama Varma ValiyaKoilThampuran, the consort of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai got the Castle constructed in the year 1934. Apart feom being a residence for the Royal family, the Castle was employed for the rejuvenation holidaying activities by the Royals. It is believed that the successor, Queen HH KarthikaThirunal and her husband, Prince GV Raja, had opted for the Castle in 1936 for their honeymoon.
The natural beauty of the beach simply mesmerized the royal couple so much so that they made it a point to promote Kovalam, as a tourists’ attraction, among their friends from Europe. Later, the Castle was sold to the Kerala Government in 1964. Further, the Castle was purchased by a hotelier. In association with Leela Group of Luxury Hotels, it was converted into a 5 Star Hotel.
Best Time to Visit Halcyon Castle
It is in between October to March as the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.
Tips for Visiting Halcyon Castle
1. It is advisable to opt for an
advanced booking if you want to stay here overnight.
2. Entry is restricted to some of the areas of Castle.
3. You may click your cameras and there are no extra charges for allowing photography.
How to Reach Halcyon Castle? Tourists may make use of the public transport to reach the Castle as Kovalam is connected well by road. And there is no dearth of the buses, autorickshaws, taxes or the cabs that you may hire to explore Kovalam. Once you reach the central point of the town, you may reach the Halcyon Castle in 10 min via Beach Road.