Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Kovalam being spruced up

— Photo: S. Mahinsha

Preparations on: Workers cleaning up the premises of the Government Guest House at Kovalam on Saturday.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kovalam is abuzz these days. That is not just due to the start of another peak tourist season in God’s Own Country. The place is being spruced up for the visit of its first citizen, President Pratibha Patil.

Ms. Patil is scheduled to visit this beach on November 1, during her maiden visit to the State after assuming the highest office in the country.

Officials who confirmed the visit to The Hindu said the President had expressed a desire to visit Kovalam during her two-day stay in the State capital. Ms. Patil will visit the less-crowded Grove Beach in Kovalam on November 1 evening. After spending some time on the beach, the VVIP and her entourage will proceed to the Government Guest House, situated atop the rocky promontory extending in to the Arabian Sea, before leaving to the city.

Although visits of national and international leaders to the beach resort are a regular feature, the change of ownership of the erstwhile ITDC resort and closure of the Halcyon Castle had stopped VVIP visits to Kovalam.

The two suites in the guest house offer a scintillating view of the crescent-shaped Light House and Eve’s beaches and of tourists indulging in water sports, sun bathing, or catamaran-cruising as well as fishermen engaged in fishing. All suites, rooms, and conference and dining halls in the guest house face the sea.

The guest house, managed by Kerala Tourism, was recently renovated at a cost of Rs.1 crore.

The renovation was taken up as the government does not have any property to accommodate VVIPs and other dignitaries who arrive at the beach resort. The President, Prime Minister, and other VVIPs arriving in the city now stay at Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor. PWD authorities have commenced resurfacing the road from Kovalam junction to the guest house.

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