|
|
| Places of Interest |
|
Angengo | Ponmudi
| Agasthyakoodam
| Govt. Observatory | Aruvi Waterfalls | Neyyar Dam &
Lion Safari Park | Neyyar
Wild Life Sanctuary | Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
| Kovalam Beach | Sankhumugham Beach | Varkala Beach | Akkulam
Lake | Veli
Tourist Village | Aanchunthenghu Fort | Padmanabhapuram Palace
| Kuthiramalika
(Puthenmalika) Palace Museum | Kanakakkunnu
Palace | Koyikkal Palace | Kaudiar Palace | Napier
Museum | The National
History Museum | Chacha Nehru Children's
Museum | The Science and
Technology Museum | Government
Art Museum | Sree Chithira Art Gallery | Places of Worships | Padmanabha Swamy Temple
| Sree Mahadeva Temple |
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
| Varkala | Beemapalli
| Churches
| Mosques |
|
| Peppara
Wildlife Sanctuary |
Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with
a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged
terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks
and green meadows. The sub tropical and tropical
evergreen forests are populated with a variety
of wildlife. This sanctuary with its rich fauna
and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife
enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to Elephants,
Sambhar, Lion-tailed Macaques, Leopards, and assorted
birds. Gaur, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Tiger and
the Nilgiri Langur are also among the main inhabitants
of the park. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling
experience. |
| Although
Peppara is theoretically open all year, the main
season is from January until May. |
| Kovalam Beach |
Top |
Kovalam
is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.
This unique internationally renowned
wonderful beach will get pride of place
amongst the loveliest beaches in the
world has been a favourite haunt
of tourists since the 1930s.
Today
Kovalam has become one of the most popular
beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means
a grove of coconut trees and truly the
coconut trees along the beaches gives
it a ravishing look. |
 |
|
The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise
a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the
Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away
by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms
and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise.
This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come
true. |
| A
sheltered natural bay with cool soothing
palms and gentle waves. Where when you
are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing,
you can explore the handicrafts, jewellery
and cloth shops spread along the waterfront.
Not to speak of the delightful sea-food
fare including lobsters available at the
beachside restaurants. The
crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can
be divided in three parts. The southern
|
 |
|
most beach, and the most popular, is the Lighthouse
Beach. Further south on the beach one can have
a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. Photography
is prohibited here. |
The
middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning
this beach acts as a base for the local
fisherman. The northern most beach,
Samudra, is least affected of all by
the changing times.It is dotted with
few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.
In
the evening the quiet atmosphere of
the place is enlivened by Kathakali
performances, the classical dance-drama
of Kerala. This mellow Kerala coastal
village was once a |
 |
|
picturesque settlement built next to two palm-fringed coves
enclosed by rocky headlands, but development has
been almost unplanned. |
There's a plethora
of places to stay, ranging from cheap concrete
boxes to up-market resorts, and a large number
of under-equipped restaurants catering to standard
Asian travellers' menus. The ITDC-run Ashoka and
the Kerala tourism department's 'Samudra' at the
Kovalam beach provide five-star accommodation. |
There
are other hotels as well to suit every pocket.
Kovalam is developing not only as a beach resort
but is fast developing as a Yoga and health center.
One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths
or learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga
and meditation taught by experts. |
Kovalam
can be reached by direct and regular bus services
from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place
from Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife
sanctuary. Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Railway
head serves the requirements of Kovalam. |
Top |
