General Information about Trivandrum
Area : 2,192 sq.km
Population : (1991 census) 2,938,583
Temperature range : 32.2 C - 26.6 C
Best time to visit : September to may
Koyikkal Palace
Location : Just 400 meter from Nedumangad town.
This exquisite palace shines as an excellent example of the traditional domestic architecture of Kerala. According to the Vastusatra – the traditional architectural science–this building can be classified into “Nalukettu” a quadrangular building with an open courtyard in the middle, which is seldom to be scan today. This double-storied building with gabbled roof is considered to be one among the oldest palace of Venadu dynasty. Koyikkal palace was the official residence of “Perakathai Vazhi” (one of the maternal lane) of “Trippappur Swaroopam” – the Travancore rules:- Dutch and British called this Royal family as “Perithally”. Historians have recorded that this royal family had former relationship with “Odandu” royal family when the civil war out brake in Travancore during AD 1677-1684. The regiant Umayamma Rani refuged in this palace. Later when Travancore was threatened by a Muslim invader Mukilan Umayamma Rani led her troops from here. Four princes from this family have been adopted for the Travancore dynasty.
This palace was in the ownership of Travancore Devaswam board after the state reorganization. In 1979 government of Kerala took over this palace and declared as a protected historic monuments. Today Kerala’s largest Folklore museum and numismatic museum are fused here.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram central,about 17 km
Nearest airport :Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 23 km.
Ponmudi
Trekker's paradise, the idyllic hill resort Ponmudi is turning out to be the perfect retreat for city residents who want to get away from the sweltering heat. With the mercury level soaring, the resort is turning to be the favorite neighborhood locate for the young and the old alike. Located 915 meters above the mean sea level and 2 hrs drive from Nedumangad Town through a 16 Km ghat road, Ponmudi is perhaps second only to Munnar in scenic beauty. Luxuriant grass and thickets that cover the hills, beautiful mountain blooms, exotic butterflies, rivulets, springs and tea plantations offer a thrilling experience to the visitor. Ever on a summer afternoon, one notices a veil of mist drifting aimlessly in the distance and even a slight drop in the temperature results in a drizzle at the resort. A rivulet that flows through the rocks and the thick greenery below from atop the hill resort and near the deer park is a grand spectacle.Jungle trails lead to the tea plantations on the hills and into the thick forest. The trip to Ponmudi along the stretches dotted with several tea plantations and forest offers a thrilling experience.The Journey through the 3 metre Kallar- Ponmudi ghat has in store some of the best sights.Only modified coaches can make it to the top of the resort as the stretch has 22 hairpin curves.
The roads wind through stretches of thick woods where darkness hovers over the canopy of of trees, with only the sound of the engine of an occasional vehicle breaking the silence. On the way is Kallar and situated on the banks of river Kallar is the upper golden valley. The young and the adventurous can take dip in the crystal-clear water before proceeding to the hill station. But look out! The pools at the foot of the depleted waterfalls at Upper Valley can be treacherous. The conical green roof of the cottages and rooms, designed by the noted architect, Laurie Baker blends with the scenery and resembles small hillocks themselves. Apart from the regular services of the KSRTC to the hill station, the KTDC also operates dawn-to-dusk conducted tours from the capital
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 67 km
Aruvikkara
Location : Just 6 km from Nedumangad Town.
The Hindu pilgrim centre set on the banks of Karamana River is just 6 km from Nedumangad Town. The ancient Bhagavathi temple is built on the rock. The stream in front of temple contains large fishes, which are fed by the devotees.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram central,about 17 km
Nearest airport :Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 23 km.
Thenmala
Location : About 54 km from Nedmangad.
Implemented as the first eco-tourism project of Kerala, the Thenmala eco-tourism project has grown to the stature of a classic of its kind. This fact has been proved beyond doubt by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) when it selected Thenmala eco-tourism project as one of the best 64 eco-friendly tourist destinations, spread over 47 countries. This international recognition for Thenmala eco-tourism was announced recently by the Minister for Tourism, Prof. K. V. Thomas in Thiruvananthapuram.Thenmala eco-tourism project was the only one of its kind from India to have achieved this recognition by WTO. The project, which started in the year 2000, had won the national award for the best eco-tourism project in the country, last year on January 31. Thenmala on the Shencottah Road, was declared as the country’s first planned eco-tourism destination as part of the Thenmala eco-tourism project. Thenmala is the nerve center of a chain of 10 satellite ecotourism destinations spread across the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta. The unique features of the destination include four zones : Culture zone, Leisure zone, Adventure zone and Deep woods which offer opportunities for boating, nature walks, bird watching, mountain biking, canopy walks, rock climbing, forest treks and so on. DTPC backwater village cruise on country boat (0900 - 1300 hrs, 1400 - 1830 hrs) Fare Rs. 300 per person DTPC pleasure boating on Thenmala Lake Houseboat operators.
Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station: Thirvananthapuram about 72 km.
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 77 km.
PalaruviPalaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. 35 km east of Punalur, on the Quilon-Shenkottah road is the Ariankavu mountain pass. 5 km from here is the spectacular Palaruvi. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience. The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk white burst of foam that resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest. Visitors love the cool shower. Ayurvedic physicians sometimes prescribe a bath in the waters of Palaruvi.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Palaruvi is about 75 km from Kollam.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 77 km from Kollam town.
Agasthyarkoodam
The Agasthya forest believed to have been the abode of age Agasthya,a character from mythology.Trekking trails Thick forests Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years. Women are not allowed up the peak. The aborigins here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonocaud. Nearest airport : Trivandrum International Airport, about 69 km from Bonocaud
Peppara
Location:About 32 km from Nedumangad enroute to Ponmudi.
Lying on the outskirts of the capital city, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq. km. on the Western Ghats and was established in 1938. The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Elephants, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and cormorant are commonly seen here.
Recently, a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the damsite and provide more entertainment/leisure facilities here.
Getting there
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 km from the sanctuary.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram, about 56 km from the sanctuary.
Neyyar
Location: About 16 km from Nedumangad.
A repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary of which the dam is a part is the habitat of over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. A crocodile breeding centre and a lion safari park are also located in the dam site.
Getting there:There is motorable road to the dam site which is well connected by regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram city.
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram, about 32 km away.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 38 km.
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