Trivandrum - Explore with Keralatraveller.org

Trivandrum

Sprawling haphazardly over seven forested hills, Trivandrum is a gateway to Kerala's most popular tourist attractions. Kovalam Beach is just 10km away, and in Thiruvananthapuram's placid hinterland the tranquil backwaters like Thiruvallam and Veli lure visitors from around the globe for restful holidays in God's own Country. Thiruvananthapuram's beaches, strewn with golden sands set against fringed palms, offer a soothing respite from workday stress to both residents and visitors alike with equanimity.Backed by the stunning vistas of the Western Ghats with their vast plantations of cardamom, tea and rubber, this city is lapped by the sun-warmed waters of the Arabian Sea. It is this wondrous sea that also gives Thriuvanathapuram its beautiful lagoons and legendary backwaters.

To discover the quiet charms of this historic seaside city that has for decades lured visitors to its lovely beaches, ancient temples with their colourful festivals and the stunning palaces. Of course a major part of its attraction is that it is the gateway to Kerala's legendary backwater country. Thiruvananthapuram is best explored the old-fashioned way. Hire a bike or a mo-bike and trawl the streets looking for its colonial heritage, its luminous regal past, its culinary delights and its cultural richness. Take a slowboat to absorb its rural charm, then plunge into its busy markets to discover in its vibrant urban side.

Kovalam Beach

When visitors first discovered the stunning beauty of this virginal tract of seaside - a small fishing village 13km from Thiruvananthapuram - the locals must have felt pretty miffed. But the lure of commercial enterprise caught on as the influx of foreign tourists changed the scene on the golden sands. Kovalam today is rated as one of the hundred places not to be missed in a lifetime.Beachside fun, Ayurvedic massages and fishing are popular pastimes here.

Veli Tourist Village

Veli Lagoon is close to the city's outskirts and one of the most favoured picnic spots. There is a boat club which arranges both pedal boats and row boats. During weekends it can become pretty noisy however. Akkulam is another favourite picnic haunt. It is by the banks of Akkulam Lake which is an extension of Veli Lagoon. Here too the boathouse arranges boating facilities. Opt to spend a night on a traditional Kettuvallom or rice boat. The kids can also enjoy themselves at the children's park with a musical fountain.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

The dazzling Padmanabhapuram Palace sheltered within the Padmanabhapuram Fort is a spectacular fusion of grace and elegant simplicity. A 55km drive out of Thiruvananthapuram to the old capital of the house of Travancore, is a must. This splendid wooden palace (India's largest), was built by Iravi Varma Kulesekhara Perumal in the 16th century and was the seat of the Travancore royals till the fading years of the 18th century. It was in 1744, that Maharaja Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma dedicated it to Lord Padmanabha or Vishnu, calling it the Sri Padmanabha Perumal Palace.

Ponmudi

A charming little excursion to this popular hill town will recharge your batteries afresh Go trekking, picnic by tiny streams and pools in the forested hills. On your return via Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary keep your eyes peeled for sightings of elephant, and deer and the occasional, very elusive leopard. The reservoir here offers boating facilities. located 61 km north-east of Trivandrum city at an altitude of 910 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road.

Shanghumugham Beach

Shanghumugham Beach lies 8km from Trivandrum city and the beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport and Veli Tourist Village. The beach provides fascinating views of the sunset and sunrise and provides a refreshing holiday option for the local people. The beach is visited by many tourists and the weekends are generally packed with people. The tranquil and peaceful surroundings are ideal for relaxing and spending a quiet time.

Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple

At the ancient Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple pick up basket of flowers and garlands before walking through one of the three doors into the corridor lined with 365 carved granite pillars. You can take a dip in the holy tank in a time-honoured purification ritual before going to the inner sanctum to make your obeisance to the golden statue of Lord Vishnu, the deity of the Travancore royals. Structured in the traditional Dravidian religious architectural style the temple has a 30m gopuram searing high into the sky above the entrance. On your return trip, shop for Kathakali masks and other local trinkets.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km. The vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. The Agasthyakoodam hill, 1890 metres high, lies in the premises of the sanctuary. Elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, jungle cat, wild boar, Nilgiri langur etc. are seen. A crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and lion safari park are the main attractions. Declared as a sanctuary in 1958, it is the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar.

Valliathura Pier

This pier is a must visit during monsoons because it is during this time that local fishermen, unable to launch their boat from the beach, head towards this pier. What they do here to carry on with their fishing activity is something that turns heads automatically. The fishermen carry their catamaran to the end of the pier and throw them in the water. Next they jump themselves in the sea water and swim to reach their catamaran! The pier is located 10 km from Kovalam.

Meenmutty Falls

Meenmutty Falls is located 45 km from Trivandrum city. This waterfalls is located near the Neyyar reservoir area. No transportation is available to the falls. The visitor has to trek through the dense forests to reach the falls. The Kombaikani waterfalls is also near to Meenmutti. It is 2 km upstream the Meenmutti falls. This waterfalls is on the trek path to Agastyakoodam. There is a forest rest house near the falls. To visit the falls permission from the forest department is required. A guide is sent along with you to the falls.