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Kovalam

The Venkat Trust works in the village of Kovalam in the south east Indian state of Tamil Nadu, some 40kms south of Chennai. Alas, its economy does not reflect the beauty of its situation on the Coromandel Coast and most of its 8,000 inhabitants eke out a living in very poor conditions. The village relies almost entirely on fishing for its livelihood and the average wage is about £1 a day for an unskilled worker and £2.30 for a bricklayer or similar craftsman.
Kovalam beach with people and fishing boats
Kovalam beach is always buzzing with life

The Kovalam Confusion
There’s Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Kovalam in Kerala and much confusion as a result. The Kerala Kovalam, on the southern tip of India, is a thriving tourist resort, while our Kovalam on the east coast is very much a traditional fishing village. 
Fishing boats on Kovalam bach
Colourful fishing boats line up along the beach
Leaf house Kovalam
There were many leaf houses in 2004. Fewer now.
Fishing boats Kovalam beach
The beach at the end of the day
Beach front houses Kovalam
Some buildings sit almost on the beach
Kovalam fish market
Fish fresh from the sea is sold on roadside stalls
Garland sellers Kovalam
Scented garlands celebrate occasions
Mother and daughter with baby goats
Animals roam in the day and return home at night
Fruit seller Kovalam
There are many roadside stalls
Woman at the well in Kovalam
Some families still have to go to the well for water

The Venkat Trust
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