Kerala is a province of India. Its capital is Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Malayalam is the main language here. Apart from Hindus and Muslims, Christians also live here in large numbers. Between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri mountain ranges on the southwestern border of India lies a beautiful land known as Kerala. The area of this state is 38,863 square kilometers and Malayalam language is spoken here. Known for its culture and language-specificity, Kerala holds a prominent place among the four states located in the south of India.
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala has its unique place in the field of tourism. Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala. Mahatma Gandhi also called this beautiful city of Trivandrum the Evergreen City. Popular for its rolling hills, coastal areas, and many attractive temples with rich historical significance, Thiruvananthapuram is one of those cities that many would love to visit. There are many places near Thiruvananthapuram from the point of view of tourism, which tourists long to see. To see these places, there is an influx of tourists coming from the neighboring states of Kerala as well as from faraway states and Western countries throughout the year. From stunning beaches to untouched environs, there is a lot that you will cherish as a lifetime of golden memories after visiting.
Varkala
Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram has one of the best beaches in Kerala. Vakarla is located about 42.6 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It takes about a quarter of an hour to reach here from Thiruvananthapuram. Tourists who have already visited Varkala will agree that you will not find such beautiful beaches in other parts of Kerala. Varkala is not just a beach town but also one of the most preferred pilgrimage places in Kerala. This is because of the beautiful 2000 year old Janardhana Swamy Temple at Varkala.
Sightseeing Attractions—As we mentioned above, Varkala Temple is one that you must visit, even if you are not a believer. A 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Vishnu, it is a major pilgrimage site. The architecture will surely mesmerize you. If you happen to visit from March to June, you can also witness the Araattu festival.
Thenmala
Thenmala, located in the Kollam district of Kerala, is India's first planned eco-tourism site. It is located 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, which takes about an hour to reach. Thenmala is visited by both domestic and international tourists. Situated at an altitude of 1640 ft above sea level, if you haven't visited Thenmala yet, you must. One of the many gems of God's Own Country, Thenmala can never cease to impress. Thenmala means honey (then) mountain (mala) and the reason why the town got this name is because of the many beehives found here as well as the honey collected from Thenmala which is considered one of the best. goes.
With so many tourist attractions in Thenmala, a trip to this paradise is sure to be a trip to remember. To date, no one has returned disappointed from Thenmala. There is something for every type of traveler. Picturesque landscapes for nature lovers, adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and river rafting for adventure junkies, and a pleasant climate for those who prefer comfortable weather.
Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara is a place located in Kollam, Kerala. It has a rich historical significance. Kottarakkara is also visited by many people and tourists for its climate and beautiful location. A trip in the company of nature is what everyone wants on their short vacations. Formerly known as Quilon by the Portuguese, Kottarakkara may not be as popular as other places of interest in Kerala, but it is certainly worth a visit. Kottarakkara was initially ruled by the Travancore royal family and was known as Elayadathu Swaroopam.
Sightseeing Attractions-From palaces to temples, Kottarakkara has a lot to offer to you. The Mahaganapati Temple and Sri Manikanteshwara Temple attract tourists the most. Most of them are devotees while the rest come only to see the beauty of the architecture.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi, meaning Golden Peak is a quaint hill station in Thiruvananthapuram which is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range. Ponmudi is blessed with natural splendor and unspoiled nature. The region is covered with dense forests and rolling hills. It is no wonder that the region receives an abundance of tourists every year. The journey to Ponmudi is thrilling as the roads have hairpin turns, misty mountains, and steep climbs. Ponmudi is the perfect destination for those looking for some adventure on their weekend trip. Many people come from far and wide to do trekking and camping here. It is nice to see the different flowers and small streams of the rivers and trek through the tropical jungles, by yourself. For those who are not adventure lovers, Ponmudi has a lot more to offer. You can also take a leisurely nature walk and feel refreshed. You can also experience and witness the lush green tea gardens at Ponmudi.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular attractions of Ponmudi, located close to the Peppara Dam and on the enchanting Karamana River. This sanctuary is a heaven for those who love to see different species of flora and fauna. There are a total of 43 different species of mammals, 46 species of reptiles, and 233 species of birds in the sanctuary. You will also find 27 species of fish. And as far as animals are concerned, you will also find tigers, panthers, sloth bears, deer, elephants, Nilgiri langurs, and many more.
Kollam
Kollam, also known as Quilon to the Portuguese, is home to the beautiful Ashtamudi backwaters. Thirty percent of Kollam is covered by the charming Ashtamudi Lake and hence the backwaters experience is bound to be the best. All you need to do is rent a houseboat and enjoy the lush greenery and charm of nature. Most tourists and travelers prefer the eight-hour-long boat ride which starts from Kollam and ends at Alappuzha. Apart from the sprawling backwaters, Kollam is also a historical place with many ancient temples that display fine architecture. Archeology buffs will equally love this place.
Another major attraction is the Palaruvi Falls which is a pure delight to the eyes. This waterfall is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kerala cascading from a height of 300 feet. This place is visited by many tourists from all over the world and is also a favorite picnic spot among many travelers. To reach the base of this waterfall, you have to pass through dense forests and this hiking is the best part.
Poovar
Poovar is a quaint village situated at a distance of 27 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The place is popular among many tourists, especially for its golden sandy beaches. The beaches of Poovar are clean and the water is attractive. Poovar is also home to a fishing community due to the many beaches. You can learn something about the culture and cuisine of this beautiful village during your visit. Spend some quiet moments amidst the natural surroundings and serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The most popular tourist attraction in Poovar is Poovar Beach which is the main attraction of the town. The beach separates the sea from the alluring Neyyar River. Even though it is quite popular, you will not find too much crowd and you can enjoy your secluded moments here uninterrupted. Don't expect any water sports here as the fishing population is huge. The golden sand, cool breeze, and views of coconut palms swaying in the breeze make for an ideal place to relax.
Kovalam
Kovalam is a beautiful beach town located very close to Thiruvananthapuram. The meaning of the name Kovalam is "a grove of coconuts and trees". Overlooking the stunning Arabian Sea, you must visit Kovalam for its grandeur and calmness. This place was made popular by the Maharaja of Travancore and since then it has been a major place of attraction for many tourists. For the adventure-seekers, several activities like kayaking, surfing, and water skiing are also available. Beaches also often host music recitals. If you want to see what heaven looks like, visit Kovalam.
When you are in Kovalam, the first attraction that you must visit is the Kovalam beach which has other beaches nearby. These three beaches are what make Kovalam Beach one of the best in the city. The beaches are separated by rocky outcroppings. Entry is free for all and you can stroll along the beach for a peaceful evening.
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