Halcyon Castle
In the state of Kerala in the south of India, famous for its resorts and Ayurvedic clinics, there is a small town of Kovalam. Here, on the coast of the Arabian Sea, among majestic palms, Halcyon Castle proudly rises. In 1932 Sri Rama Varma, the consort of the Maharani of Travancore, built this palace for his family. Today the historic building adorns the grounds of a modern five-star resort hotel.
A little history
Almost a century ago, on the site of the present-day Indian state of Kerala, there existed the princely state of Travancore. In 1924 the ruler of the principality died, and his nephew and heir was then only 12 years old. According to Indian traditions, the name, fortune and sometimes the status are passed down the maternal line, so the eldest member of the heir’s family turned out to be Sethu Lakshmi Bayi — the granddaughter of the famous artist Raja Ravi Varma. She became the regent for the future ruler.
Until 1931 Lakshmi Bayi held power over the principality firmly in her hands. Unlike regents in other parts of India, whose powers were limited by laws or a regency council, she possessed real power and was effectively an absolute monarch in her lands.
Lakshmi Bayi continued progressive reforms: she banned animal sacrifice, and during her reign the first woman doctor appeared in Travancore. After meeting Mahatma Gandhi, the regent passed a law under which most public roads were opened to representatives of all castes. It was for the family of this remarkable woman that Halcyon Castle was built.
Photos of Halcyon Castle and nearby places
The ruler’s summer residence
The former summer residence of the maharajas of Travancore is located on a small elevation almost right by the sea, away from the hotel’s main building. It is surrounded by magnificent sandy beaches and lush tropical greenery.
Halcyon Castle is built of solid granite blocks. Outwardly the walls of the palace somewhat resemble medieval European buildings, but the severity of the lines is softened by the arched openings, balustrades and carved ornaments traditional for Indian architecture. Above the main building rises a tower, from which a magnificent view of the ocean coast and the palm groves opens up.
Information for tourists
The hotel takes pride in its Ayurvedic centre, where you can improve your health or undergo rejuvenating procedures. On the grounds grow several thousand coconut palms giving pleasant shade and coolness. On the hotel’s own sandy beach there are showers, changing cabins, sun loungers and umbrellas.
The residential blocks are equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant holiday: bathrooms, showers, and a refrigerator with a mini-bar indispensable in the tropics. In one of the blocks there are luxury rooms with balconies overlooking the coast.
Interesting places located near Halcyon Castle
When to go
In summer, monsoons descend on the state of Kerala, and the incessant rains often turn into real tropical downpours. According to statistics, the middle of summer is the rainiest time in the region. At the beginning of autumn the weather clears up a little and becomes drier, but at this time the fiercest storms rage on the coast, and the beach almost disappears under the onslaught of the huge waves.
In December — January calm sets in and pleasant warm weather is established. Winter is the most favourable time for a holiday: there is no intense heat dangerous for many Europeans, and the downpours and storms cease. But one must not forget that the long ocean waves are dangerous even in calm weather.
Kovalam is one of the resorts from which Ayurvedic tours to India: a beach holiday is easy to supplement with a wellness programme.
