Pristine beaches studded with coconut palms have long been Kerala’s main attraction.  Kovalam, the state’s best known beach resort town, was nearly ruined by overdevelopment, but it has since been spruced up, and the main lighthouse beach is now quite pleasant  for an evening stroll.  For peace and quiet, and serious pampering, wind down in a secluded cove on the Arabian sea near Chowara, a few kilometers south of Kovalam.  Some of the state’s practically nonexistent and the sight of a foreigner sunbathing still entertains locals.  But come quick- a massive development project is underway near Bekal Fort in the Kasargode district.