Name: Kovalam
Rating: 3.3

Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Overview

Halcyon Castle was as a family retreat built for the royal family of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai. The castle is located in Travancore in God's Own Country, Kerala. The splendid castle is an example of the traditional architecture of Travancore. The beautiful expansive lawn all around the magnificent castle is a treat to the eyes.

The castle was sold to the Government of Kerala after which a hotelier bought it and opened it to the public as a 5-Star Hotel in Kovalam. There have been several owners of the hotel till date. However, the majestic Halcyon Castle never fails to attract tourists from all over the world.

About Halcyon Castle Hotel

The stunning castle primly sits atop an outcrop on the Kovalam Beach. Tourists can get a splendid view of the beach and watch sunsets on the private beach which can be accessed from the luxurious Hotel. Guests can choose from rooms and cottages amidst tall coconut trees, and that face the beautiful Kovalam Beach for a wonderful stay.

The hotel provides world-class amenities that tourists can make complete use of during their stay here. One can explore the beachfront or go swimming in the sea before enjoying some mouth-watering traditional Kerala Cuisine. Halcyon Castle is a chosen Heritage Hotel among most of the tourists visiting Kerala.

History of Halcyon Castle

The magnificent castle was built in 1934 by the consort of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai, M.R.Ry Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran. The Royals used the castle as a private residence and a holiday home for recreational purposes. It is said that in 1936, the succeeding Queen, HH Karthika Thirunal, and her husband Prince GV Raja, chose the Halcyon Castle as their honeymoon destination. They were so mesmerized by the beauty of the location that they decided to promote Kovalam as a tourist spot amongst their European guests. Later on, the castle was sold to the Government of Kerala in 1964. A hotelier bought the castle from the department and opened it to the public as a 5-Star Hotel in association with the Leela Group of Luxury Hotels.

Best Time To Visit Halcyon Castle

The best time to visit Halcyon Castle is between October and March as the weather stays pleasant throughout the day and the sea stays calm.

Tips For Visiting Halcyon Castle

1. If one is planning to stay here overnight, booking in advance is recommended.
2. Certain areas of the castle have restricted entry.
3. Photography is allowed at no additional cost.

How To Reach Halcyon Castle

Kovalam is very well connected by road. Tourists can hail public transport to reach the castle. Local buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws or rented cabs are the best way to commute within Kovalam. From the centre of the town, the Halcyon Castle can be reached within 10 minutes via the Beach Road.