https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kovalam Kovalam Wikivoyage In 1934, the next Queen, H.H Karthika Thirunal choose this palace for her honeymoon with her newly wed husband, G.V. Raja. It was Prince Consort G.V Raja who found immense tourist potentiality of the region and decided promote the region among state guests, by inviting Thomas Cook & Sons- UK to develop the region. The Maharaja of Travancore soon started hosting regular state banquets and accommodation of his European guests in Kovalam Haylcon Palace. This made the beach popular among European families living in nearby Madras and Bombay Presidencies as well as elite Travancore families to spend their holidays. Thus, the move helped to lay foundations of modern tourism industry in South India.