Traditional fishing at Beach

Before the advent of tourism here, the chief occupation of the people of Kovalam was agriculture and fishing. Behind the Light House Beach on the plains, extensive paddy and vegetable cultivation were done. Coconut plantations were also abundant in this region. Today, sadly this place has no paddy or cultivation to boast of. Coconut is still grown on the hills, valleys and on the land adjacent the beaches.
Fishing, predictably of course has been the other chief activity of the people of this region. Mechanized boats, catamarans, and other country boats are used to this day for fishing. The “kamba vala”, a large traditional fishing net (shore seine) operated by more than fifty persons positioned on the beach is also used in fishing here.
Here are some pictures of the traditional fishing at the kovalam beach.(Courtesy to photos taken by Richard Howard, Yorkshire,UK)