Excursions from Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
The capital of Kerala state, is, decidedly, one of the cleanest and most well-planned cities of India. The word Thiruvananthapuram means the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred thousand-headed serpent Anantha, who forms the couch on which reclines Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu trinity. Built on seven hills, the city has grown as an important tourist and commercial centre, with an own international airport. The city's scenic appeal, its enchanting beaches, and overwhelming greenery only add to its uniqueness. It embodies the magical feel of Kerala, as a whole, and lends terrific insight into the culture of the state.
Sightseeings easily accessible from Thiruvananthapuram:
Agasthyakoodam: a prominent peak in the Sahyadri ranges is about 1.900 meters above sea level rising up in the form of a sharp pointed cone. This peak can be approached on foot from Bonacadu (61 km from Thiruvananthapuram) and from Neyyar dam (32 km).
Aruvippuram: This place is about 24 km from Thiruvananthapuram near Neyyattinkara. There is a small Siva Temple built by Sree Narayana Guru, attracting a large number of worshippers during the 'Sivarathri' festival. There is also a small waterfall here.
Kanyakumari: the land's end of India is only 87km from Trivandrum. Also known as Cape Comorin, this beautiful spot is in the neighbouring Tamilnadu state. It is the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet. An enthralling sight, it is a must-see for Keral tourists. It also has a shrine of Devi Kanya.
Kovalam is 12km to the south of Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the finest beaches in India. It has been developed into an integrated seaside resort and it consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers a big choice of accommodation options to suit all budgets; many hotels, rent-appartments, cottages, yoga and ayurveda centres etc.
Koyikkal Palace: Located 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Kuttalam waterfalls, this ancient place that dates back to the 15th century, is famous in the history of Kerala as the official residence of Perakom Thavazhi (the maternal lineage), especially of Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and two museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology. The 'Gajendra Moksham' Mural which is one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala is seen on the ground floor of the Palace. A museum with antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is housed inside the building.
Nevyar Dam: located just 32 km from the city is one of its hotspots because of its crocodile farms, lion safaris and deer parks.
Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam: (7 km from Trivandrum) This 2000 year old temple on the bank of river Karamana, is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. This temple is a venue for ancestor worship. As part of the Bali ritual, devotees make offerings to the souls of the dear departed, after taking a dip in the holy water.
Padmanabhapuram Palace: About 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Nagarcoil, which is now in Tamil Nadu. It was once the royal residence of the Travancore kings of Kerala. An old fort is situated here.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km from Thiruvananthapuram). This sanctuary spread over 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats, is accessible from Vithurai, which is on the way to Ponmudi. With its rich flora and fauna, Peppara, dotted with hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantations, is emerging as a great attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
Ponmudi: located 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram. A pleasant hill resort at an elevation of 912m above sea level with many trees and rubber estates around the hills. Narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails.
Sarkara, Chirayinkeezhu: This famed Sarkara Bhagavathi temple at Chirayinkeezhu, is in Thiruvananthapuram district. The most important "Bharani utsavam" is a 10- days event commencing (during March-April) with Koodiyattam.
Shankhumugham Beach: Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here.The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing, because of strong undercurrents.
Varkala: 51 km from Trivandrum. Another seaside resort and also boasts of one of the best beaches in the State with hotels, guest houses and restaurants. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here.
Veli Lagoon: This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Buses go regularly from East Fort to Veli if you would prefer public transport to a taxi ride.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple: 17km from Trivandrum. There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. It is a historic spot which was left unnoticed for long time. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half completed reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with his wife Goddess Parvathi.