TOP 10 LEAST KNOWN PLACES AND ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND TRIVANDRUM

Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. It’s an internationally known city for many reasons. One of the prime reason is the presence of two mind-blowing beaches, which have found places in many travel websites and Magazines. When a traveler Google for important for tourist places in Trivandrum, some places immediately flashes on the screen. But irrespective of that there are some places which are less known to the travelers or are less explored. So rather than going to explain about the internationally known places in Trivandrum I will take you all through the roads less traveled. At the end i will also mention the important places to visit in Trivandrum.

1. Thenmala And Palaruvi.

Thenmala is the first Eco Tousism project in Kerala and Palaruvi is a waterfall in the border areas of Trivandrum district.

2. Kurisumala and Kalimala.

Both are adjoining places in the same peak .Good for a one day trek to enjoy fog mist and wind

3. Chittar Dams And Thripparappu Waterfall.

Chittar Dams consists of dam I and II and both constitute a picturesque holiday spot at a distance of 42 km from Trivandrum. Chittar Dam is shown in the Malayalam movie “Rithu”. Thriparappu waterfall is an artificial waterfall having an altitude of 50 ft.

4. Kadinamkulam Backwater.

Kadinamkulam backwater is located close to Techno valley, Techno Park in Trivandrum. Perfect holiday spot offering backwater cruise to enjoy the scenic Kadinamkulam Lake.

5. Adventure Tourism In Trivandrum.

Know more about the adventure activities offered to travelers in Trivandrum. From mountain climbing to paragliding and sea activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, Trivandrum will fulfill your mind body and soul with amazing experience.

6. Elephant Rehabilitation Centre At Kottur.

Want to have fun with elephant in Trivandrum, just visit a place at kappukadu near kottur in Trivandrum district. It is a full day activity spot under Kerala wildlife department. Tourists can mingle with Elephants and are allowed to help in bathing them and are shown how Elephants are fed with rice and jaggery along with a ride on the back of this giant animal.

7. Vellayani And Vavvamoola Lake.

Vellayani Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Trivandrum district. The lake and its surrounding area give a very good opportunity for enjoying the village beauty at its peak. Both the lakes are nearby and are perfect for good for fishing or angling.

8. BirdWatching At Punchakkari.

Punchakkari is a small village located at a distance of 7 km from Trivandrum city. Activities here include bird watching and Fishing. You can also take experience organic farming here.

9. Poovar Estuary and Backwater.

Poovar is the last beach on the Southern side of Kerala. But its a paradise for both domestic and international tourists as it offers a combination of golden sand beach, breath taking lake and amazing mangroves.

10. Ponmudi.

Although it is a known tourist place in Kerala,there are some more places around Ponmudi which are less known to travelers.It is a hill station which can be visited all through the year and is situated  at a distance of 72 km from Trivandrum railway station.

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BIRD WATCHER'S PUNCHAKARRI

Punchakarri is an agricultural village near Kovalam in Trivandrum District. The area is located at a distance of just 7 km from Trivandrum city. Punchakarri is also famous for the presence of a toddy shop there. Paddy was cultivated till some years ago, so most of the areas were wetlands. But the farmers have turned into cultivation of vegetables

Punchakarri is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers .Because of the presence of wetlands (even though diminishing) many migratory birds from all over the globe come here. Pelican, Pied Kingfisher, Sandpiper are the main species of migratory birds which comes here.

These birds arrive here just after monsoon that is from august to October. Many other species also comes here but I cannot recognize and identify other birds. Many bird watchers and photographers come here to capture them in their lenses, even from foreign countries. Punchakkari is a part of Vellayani Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in the district. A road has been constructed for transportation purpose, which is still not tarred (popularly known as Punchakarri bund).Bird enthusiasts also conducts bird walk here.

Punchakarri is also familiar to almost all Malayalam movie lovers as it was the shooting location of the blockbuster movie “Kireedam” released in1989.There is a bridge there which is popularly called as “Kireedam Paalam”.

The activities that can be done here are bird watching, experiencing traditional agricultural farming and fishing or angling. The vegetables cultivated here are mostly sold in Chalai market in Trivandrum city. Fresh farm vegetables will be available for buying from here during cultivation period.The leaves of lotus from here are collected and send to nearby states like Tamil Nadu Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for food and packing purposes.5 km from here is Vellayani Lake and Agricultural College where you can buy good vegetables and vegetable seeds, plants etc

How To Reach

Nearest Airport-Trivandrum International Airport. (9 km)

Nearest Railway Station-Trivandrum Central (8 km)

Nearest Bus Station – Kizhake Kotta/ East-Fort (Trivandrum City) (7 km).

KSRTC Buses are available from East fort bus stand-route No-119 B

Stay And Food

No hotel and restaurant is available here. So have adequate food and water before coming here. And for night stay, you have to search for rooms in Trivandrum city itself as no accommodation is available in Punchakarri.

Nearby Attractions-Kovalam, Vellayani Lake, Agricultural College etc.

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CHILLASTIC POOVAR

Poovar beach is the last beach on southern side of Kerala and Trivandrum. It is at a distance of 30 km from Trivandrum city. Poovar is famous for Beaches, Backwater and Estuary, what else you need if you are a traveller or a tourist. It is a complete family package. Its beaches are famous for the golden sand on the coast. 5 km from Poovar is Pozhiyoor village, which marks the end of Kerala state and start of Tamil Nadu state.

Poovar beach is the place where Neyyar river and Poovar lake meets Arabian Sea. It actually forms an Estuary there, which is a rare sight. The sunset actually here is unique and can be compared to the one at the Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin in Tamil Nadu. Poovar is also famous for coconut groves near the beach and mangroves along the lake, which is visible only for those who do boating on the lake. Poovar is turning to be a weekend paradise for techies in Kerala and a Must visit place for foreigners.And of course the domestic travellers flow to here whenever they gat a chance or time. A trip to Poovar can rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

 There is not much option for sea rides and beach activities here. The main reason is that under currents are very strong and also due to fishing activities here. Swimming is also to be done cautiously. But a backwater cruise is highly recommended. The backwater cruise here is a unique experience as the ride will take through mangrove forest and the mangrove swamp and also through the coconut groves, as this is somewhat similar to those through the deadly Amazon river rather than through the plain lake as in Aleppey backwater. There are a lot of boat operators so the price is competitive.

If you want to go for swimming and beach activities, it is advised to go in early morning and evening time as the day will be sunny at least from March to September. During the day go for backwater cruise. A stay in resort is also can be done. Fishing in like can be done if you stay in resorts. House boats are not available here, but Shikaras are available which are common in Dal Lake in Kashmir. The boats available here vary from speed boat and Shikaras to Motor Boats and Speed Boats. And the rates vary from 2000 to 4000rs, depending on the boat you select. Some boats provide Lunch on board too.

Little Bit History Of Poovar

The history goes back to 18^th century.The original name of Poovar was Pokkumoosapuram after the Merchant named Pokku Moosa Maraikkar who lived there in a house known as “Kallaraickal Tharavadu”.He had a fleet of small ships, an Army regiment and also had trade relations with International traders. His army assisted the then king of Travancore Marthanda Varma and other Travancore kings during the Battle of Colachel and Battle of Kayamkulam.During internal riots and disturbances, Marthanda Varma escaped to Pokkumoosapuram .He was surprised by the river and flowers and cooled the place “Poo-Var” (flower and river in Malayalam”

How to Reach?

Nearest Airport-Trivandrum International-35 km

Nearest Railway stations-Trivandrum Central, Neyyantinkara

Nearest Bus Station-Poovar (1 km)

Regular KSRTC (official public transport carrier of Kerala) buses are available from Trivandrum,Kovalam,Vizhinjam,Neyyar Dam and Neyyatinkara to Poovar

Things to Do

Backwater cruise Swimming/Sun bath, Stay in Resorts, Fishing/Angling

Cautious About-Strong underwater current

Naerby Attractions

Backwater cruise Swimming/Sun bath, Stay in Resorts, Fishing/Angling

Cautious About-Strong underwater current

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KALIMALA KURISUMALA TRIANGULAR CROSS BORDER TREK

Kurisumala or Kurishumala, as they call it and Kaalimala are situated at about 42 kms away from Trivandrum railway station. The places are of religious importance for Christians and Hindus respectively during their seasons. Christian devotees even from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh visit the place during Lent time. Hindu devotees go to a temple there mainly during Durgashtami that is September to October for offering prayers and “ponkaala”. But both places are situated next to each other in the same mountain. It’s advisable to go there during off seasons (religious) so that one can enjoy the mist and fog. The place is situated at an altitude of 3,000 ft from the sea level.

So when we decided to go for a trek back in 2013, we started browsing in internet for places for doing that. The first place that immediately came into our mind was Braimore –Ponmudi. Since it was a weekend, we ignored because we were sure that the route would be populated with co travellers. So we searched for something in eastern part of Trivandrum. Kurishumala was the first place which flashed on the screen. But we were not satisfied with the place. So we continued our search for places in and around that and there came the kalimala. Many people used to go to both places separately, but we decided to cover both in a single trek. Even Google couldn’t show the way, but we decided to go ahead with the plan.

On a Saturday 3 of us decided to conquer the summit. We started from Trivandrum and reached Vellarada through Karamana,Pallichal,Maranelloor,Aryankode. From Vellarada we had breakfast and got food to eat at noon parceled. From Vellarada we asked a local guy for the route to reach base of Kalimala and like he told us an arch was there to receive us at the base of Kalimala. After reaching the base we parked our bikes and started walking up. While walking up we just turned back, the view was just amazing. Chittar dam’s distant view was amazing and a fog filled hill just cooled our mind and soul. 

After walking for about 1 hour, we reached at the premises of a small temple and a temple priest was there to welcome us. The temple is deserted one and only during Durgashtami, it gets crowded. Otherwise only limited devotees go there to offer prayer.He asked about us and offered us water. We had some good time with him and enquired about the surroundings and all. He told us that at night elephants do roam around there and also some wild pigs but don’t disturb him. He lives there alone. After that he showed us the way to reach kurishumala.

From there when we started walking through the path he showed us, it was only greenery, fog and little rain too. The visibility came down to almost zero, we couldn’t even see who was walking ahead .I hadn’t even in my dreams thought of a place like this in Trivandrum. We even thought that we would be lost in between as we were covered by fog and there was no one other than us. But we just kept our nerves tight and walked straight only. After walking for about 30 minutes and when weather became slight clear, we had a small glimpse of a giant cross far from us. We became very happy, we were like mission accomplished. The place is just superb; you will feel like you are in heaven. We took and we slept for some time there. Then it was time to go down. We were not sure about the path to go down. We knew that we were going down through the opposite side from where climbed up. The path was very narrow, just 3-4 feet wide. It was deserted other than us. But during the lent period that is from February to April the path will be illuminated for the devotees to go up to the summit. This mountain is very steep and dangerous. Somehow after walking for about 90 minutes, we came down to the base of kurishumala, not where we parked our bike. We took an auto rickshaw to go back where we kept our bike. From there we continued our wandering to the nearby state..........

For a video go to  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GC73pP7uHU&t=84s

 FACTS:-

Nearest Airport-Trivandrum International Airport (42 km)

Nearest Railway station:-Neyyatinkara(15 km),Trivandrum Central(35 km)

Regular buses are available from Trivandrum central and Neyyatinkara to vellarada

Nearest Bus Station:-Vellarada(07km)

Trek Difficulty-Medium

Carry:-Enough Water and Food. Vellarada is the last place for hotels.

Watch out for-Sudden climate change and steep path

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CHITTAR DAMS AND THRIPPARAPPU WATERFALLS

CHITTAR DAMS..

Situated in the lush green and serene district of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, Chittar Dams are a perfect runaway location as a picnic spot for those who seeks calm and peace atmosphere. Chittar consists of two dams and reservoirs namely Chittar I and Chittar II. These dams were constructed between 1964 and 1970.The dams were constructed as a part of Kodayar irrigation project, which was started during 1890’s, purely for irrigational purpose. The dams are built on the Chittar river,which originates from Courtallam or Kuttalam hills near Thenkashy in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Chittar dams are situated at a distance of 65 km from Trivandrum City in Kerala and 37 km from Kanyakumari in Tamilnadu.

 Chittar dam was a shooting location for the Malayalam Movie “Rithu” nd the picturesque dam has been shown wonderfully in that movie. The dams have found a place in the bucket list of almost all bikers from Trivandrum and Kanyakumari. The main reason is that there are a lot of places or other things to do nearby like Thripparappu waterfalls, Pechipparai Dam, Kurishumala trek etc. I f you are going from Kerala side, Chittar Dam I will come first and Chittar Dam II will come first if you are going from Tamil Nadu side. 

There is not much of entry in Chittar Dam I as it remains closed for most of the days in a year. Chittar Dam II is where you will find a place for leisure and picnic activities. But before entering to the dam site, please take permission from the Dam authorities, which you will find near the dam. Take adequate food and water and also umbrella. The shops are very much limited there. At any time please don’t try to enter into water, as it can be dangerous. You cannot measure the depth of water, as water level will change from area to area. The catchment area was once a lightly populated village. People were evacuated for the construction of dams. But the wells which were used by them got submerged under water, which are the main villains there. There has been many accidents which has resulted in loss of lives too.

How To Reach?

Nearest Airport-Trivandrum International Airport-57 km

Nearest major Railway stations-Trivandrum Central, Kanyakumari

Small Railway station-Kuzhithurai/Lulithurai(KZT)

Nearest Major Bus Stand-Marthandam-17 km

Direct buses are not available either from Trivandrum, Kanyakumari. Take a bus to Kanyakumari and get down at Marthandam bus stand. From Marthandam, board a bus going to Pathukani (bearing route no 86D in the destination board) and get down at Alancholai. From there walk for 1 km

Driving Route-

Trivandrum-Vellarada-Pathukani-Chittar Dam 1 and 2

Where To Stay?

For those coming from far areas it is better to include Chittar Dam trip in your Kanyakumari trip and stay at Kanyakumari only. There is a Resort near Chittar Dams, which is not recommended for budget travellers. It is priced high and service is not that good.

Things to do- Picnic, fishing, breathing some fresh medicinal air etc.

Do Carry-Enough food, water and umbrella

THINGS NOT TO DO-PLAYING IN DAM WATER, BATHING IN DAM, PHOTOGRAPHY IS PROHIBITED INTHE DAM PREMISES.

THRIPARAPPU WATER FALLS..

After having paid a visit or picnic in Chittar dams and restrained from going in water? Don’t worry, just travel another 6 km and you will reach a water falls named Thriparappu.Thriparappu is also known as Kumari Kuttalam.Kuttalam is one of the biggest waterfalls in Tamil Nadu.The waterfalls is on the Kodayar River,which flows down from Pechipparai Dam.

Thriparappu is a manmade waterfall having a length of 300 ft and water falls down from a height of 50 ft here. Water gets collected at a pool down, which is suitable for children to play and enjoy. There are steps provided to go to the top falls. On the top there is a lake named Kodayar Lake and a small check dam. Boating can be done on that lake. The whole area is surrounded by thick green forest which is home for vie variety of Flora and Fauna and a lot of medicinal Plants. There are pedal boats available. Take a boat and get a closer view of plants and trees.

Down the fall there are separate spots for Ladies and Gents to take bath in the falls and a swimming pool for children. There is a stone mandapam for sitting and taking rest .A well maintained garden and a park is also there.

How to Reach-

Direct Buses are available from Trivandrum (42 km),Kanyakumari(55 km) and Marthandam(15 km)
There is also a direct bus service from Kollam/Quilon at1430 hrs 

Nearby Attractions:-

Pechipparai Dam,Mathur Aquaduct, Chitharal Rock-cut Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace,  Aruvikkarai ,Neyyar Dam.

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A TRAIN WHICH WAKES UP THE CITY OF TRIVANDRUM

Venad was a dynasty which ruled the Malabar from 12^th century to 17^th century which had their capital at Kollam, which was later taken over by the Travancore kings.After independence kerala was formed in 1956.In 1972 southern railways of Indian railway decided to start a train between the capital city of Kerala, Triandrum and Ernakulam and they gave the name Venad Express to it, given after the Venad Dynasty.The train was via kottayam,one of the two route to reach Ernakulam from Trivandrum,other route is through Alappey or Alappuzha.initially it left Trivandrum at 05.30 hrs and reached Ernakulam at 09.30 hrs,with just 4 hours.In the return the train left Ernakulam at 17.15 hrs and reached Trivandrum at 21.30 hrs Train was loved by daily commutators like office goers,business men and even students due to this time.In 1980’s the train was extended up to Shornur junction, which is a town on the banks of Bharathapuzha known as Nila among Malayalis, in Palakkad district.Due to this the timings was also revised with the train leaving Trivandrum Central at 0500 hrs and at 14.25 hrs from Shornur Junction.

Initaially it was run on a steam engine, but it got dieseled in 1975.The train initially had the number 191/192.Nowadays it bears 16301/16302.In 2008 there was a move to extend the train to Calicut. Then Calicut corporation mayor M.Bhaskaran requested then Railway minister R.Velu to extend the train upto Calicut,which didn’t happened.

Now lets see how this train has become a favorite one for the people from Trivandrum.Some people says they woke up with the horn from this train and they go to sleep at night only after the arrival of this train back at Trivandrum central.Most of the passengers are daily commuters and they know each other.They share sweets, foods among themselves inside the train on special occasion like birthdays etc.

The name board of Venad express has the photo of a shell on one side and photo of Bharathapuzha/Nila on the other side.The shell resembles the big shell which is kept in Veli tourist village in Trivandrum.Nila is ariver near shornur junction. Nowadays the train is a bit on the slower side.Its taking 5.15 to 5.30 hrs to reach Trivandrum in its return journey.Its one of the few train which goes to Ernakulam junction via kottaym.One among the rest is the mighty kerala express (New Delhi –Trivandrum).  

With more than 40 years,the train has become like member of Trivandrum family.The city of Trivandrum wakes up with this train and waits for the train to come back home before going to bed....

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ADVENTURE TOURISM IN TRIVANDRUM

                                                                 PARA GLIDING BY AMAS                                                            image courtesy AMAS

Now for those who want adrenaline pumping acclivities, that enables you to satiate your thirst for adventure, Trivandrum has a lot to offer for them. From paragliding to river crossing and Wind surfing in Vizhinjam and kovalam, you can always ask for more.

Academy for mountaineering and Adventure Sports (AMAS) located in Neyyatinkara, Trivandrum conducts various adventure activities.The team consists of experienced persons who can tackle any unexpected situation.AMAS conducts various adventure outdoor activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, water sports, rappelling, river crossing, coastal trekking, nature study, jungle camping, para gliding,sky diving etc.They also gives training for swimming,disaster management etc.Those interested in various activities should register and contact them well in advance.

Neyyatinkara is just at a distance of 14 km from Trivandrum railway station.

Contact and Register in AMAS HERE

SURFING

Now for those who want to do wind surfing in the beautiful beaches of Trivandrum, kovalam surf club is the best answer. Kovalam surf club is the first official regeistered surf club in India. Under the assistance or guidance from the club members, take your surf board and have fun with the waves of Arabian sea.It will be a unique experience.Not many of this kind is there in the whole Kerala.

All members of the Kovalam Surf Club are local boys and girls from Kovalam and the surrounding villages. They all grew up in harsh living conditions due to extreme poverty, but surfing has had a positive influence on their lives. The key point is that all the surfing kids are regular at school and therefore will get a better chance in succeeding in life in a more humane way. But surfing also makes them proud and happy because for the first time in their life they get respect and attention for being good at something.

For surfing with them contact Kovalam Suring Club
                     Contact them in Facebook 

SCUBA DIVING

While Kovalam continues to attract tourist and travellers with its rich gold sand beaches it also has some other activities which are not so common in Kerala.Recently Scuba diving has been started and many are going under the water wearing diving suits and oxygen cylinders.Those who were scuba diving for the first time would be allowed to go down to a depth of five to eight metres, while those who had prior experience could dive up to 25 metres. The dives would be for 20 minutes to half an hour.

On reaching the venue, you will be given basic lessons for divers which include working and handling of the diving equipments, breathing techniques etc.
After this you will be introduced into shallow waters of the sea. Fully equipped and accompanied by the instructor you will be lowered to the depths.
Making sure of your safety and comfort, you will be stabilized in a particular depth using specialized suits. After which you will be allowed to explore this world underwater.Experts would give an introduction, including on the equipment and breathing methods.                                        For details, call 94460 74020, 0471-2320777.

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PONMUDI

Located at a distance of 72 km from Trivandrum railway station, this hill station is at an altitude of 1200 m.No need to worry about the distance as this 72 km contains about 22 sharp hair pin bends which make your journey thrilling and breath taking.This peak is not populated like those in other parts of Kerala and lacks private resorts which pollute the area.The rubber and Tea plantations are also limited here.

·                    In local dialect, Ponmudi means “Golden Hills”.Ponmudi offers to soothe your work worn mind and body to rejuvenation.It is also known as bikers heaven and trekkers paradise.The whole place is located in deep forest area, including the roads leading to ponmudi.

   The kallar river which flows down is accessible from here. Kallar is a hidden beauty at the same time dangerous too.Like the weather in Ponmudy changes rapidly from mist to rainy to sunny, Kallar river also changes its mood from calm to unpredictability of a temptress who uses her beauty to annihilate. Ponmudi is also home to mountain flowers, butterflies, springs and many small rivulets.

 Ponmudi has spices plantations and also has some good view points .You will get the view only if weather is clear which is rare. Around Ponmudi there are several wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests including Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar wild life sanctuary.Agasthyarkoodam (Agasthyar Park) trek can be approached from Ponmudi.

WHAT TO DO IN PONMUDI:-

1. Go for a trek to Varayaduattumotta and Braemoore estate (only with guide)

2. Trek to Kallar through the sides is another option, BUT river Kallar is dangerous as i told above, you cannot predict her mood.

3. If you are not interested in trekking, take a nap accompanied by mist and rain.

4. Visit Meenmutty falls, here too keep some distance her, she’s also dangerous.Rocks are really slippery.

WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO TO PONMUDI:-

Weather is always pleasent here.During summer when the whole country sweats, Ponmudi offers a cool climate.Even places like Munnar will become too hot during summer, but the temperature in Ponmudi will not increase very high. So visiting Ponmudi during summer will be rejuvenating. After summer comes the romantic monsoon.Monsoon starts from end may and ends till?? Well only God knows about that. Ponmudi gets heavy rainfall during monsoon.Green green everywhere.Drive/ride carefully during monsoon as chance of skidding will be high.Winter  starts in Ponmudi from November and is extended to February, temperature during winter drops significantly. December is the coolest month of the year.

HOW TO REACH:-

Nearest Airport-Trivandrum international airport.-80 km

Nearest Railway station-Trivandrum Central-72 km

Buses are available from Trivandrum central bus station,Nedumangadu etc.There is also a bus from Ponmudy to kovalam in the evening for those who wants to night stay near the kovalam beach.

ENTRY FEE:-

2/4-Wheeler – 10/30 Rs

Per Person – 20 Rs

Still Camera – 25 Rs

Opened from 8.30 to 5.30 pm (17.30 hrs)

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