Don't just hit the beach. Head beyond the lighthouse to the fishing villages beyond. Amazingly, they are completely untouched by tourism as very few Westerners seem to explore beyond the commercialised beach-front! There is a lovely mosque, and then you hit the village itself - full of gorgeous colourful boats and fishermen preparing their nets. Be sure to dress very modestly here. It is very conservative and predominantly muslim. I recommended the place to another girl I met in Kovalam and she got stones thrown at her! I had no trouble, but I think you do need to have your wits about you here. There is also a cool church that is all pink and white and looks very kitsch.
