Kerala - God's Own Country!

Shynish M · Jun 17, 2010

Looking at the sand and color of the sea, I think its Lakshadweep.

Regarding driving in Kerala, our roads are monopolized with private buses. So that is the most important thing you have to take care. But driving in Kerala is not bad as you are imagining. But if you can drive well there, you will find any other place very easy!

The links I gave you earlier, mentions the list of place you can visit in TVM.

Is Kanyakumari and Munnar and Thekkady in same direction?

Nope! Munnar & Thekkady are in the north and Kanyakumari is at the extreme south. I am making a screen shot of the map with for you to address this answer.

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Please see the following image:

http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=25&u=14146458

I have highlighted the point of interest in green. Once you are done with TVM, you have to plan your trip well to cover the maximum. As you can see, Kanyakumari is at the extreme south of India and is in Tamilnadu. You need to spend one evening there to enjoy the sunset and sunrise.

Alappuzha is the place famous for back waters and the boat ride. This is one of the best things you can experience. Thekkady is marked as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the map. You can see that Alappuzha-Thekkady-Munnar-Kochi forms a rectangle (you know what I mean [:)]

) in the map. So You don't have to go back all the way to TVM if you can make your return trip from Kochi / Cochin. Its your call.

Please try zooming the map in Google maps and let us know if you have any doubts.

Shynish M · Jun 17, 2010

Here is a list of attractions in Thiruvananthapuram (TVM):

Thiruvallam ( 10 km): This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides.
Aruvikkara Dam (16 km - 1/2 hour): This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana river. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.
Kovalam Beach (16 km - 1/2 hour): This is the internationally renowned beach which consists of three adjacent crescent beaches.
The Napier Museum: Built in the 19th century, the Indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.
Sree Chithra Art Gallery: Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.
The Zoological Park: One of the first zoos in India
Kanakakunnu Palace: The palace
Science and Technology Museum Complex: The exhibits here are related to science, technology and electronics.
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.
Veli Tourist Village: This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities.
Chacha Nehru Children's Museum: (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays): Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here.
Observatory: Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird's eye view of the city from here.
Akkulam Tourist Village: A picnic spot with boating facilities, Akkulam is a place children flock to. It has a well equipped children's park and a paddle pool. There is a swimming pool for adults too.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave: (17 km - 1/2 hour): There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess Parvathi.
Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad: (18 km - 1/2 hour): Located on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 15th century.
The Folklore Museum: Set up in 1992 is a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc. Displayed in the Koyikkal Palace, they focus attention on the cultural background of the State.
Sree Mahadeva Temple: Situated in Kazhakuttom, this ancient temple is believed to date back to the 14th century. Another old temple in the district is the Mitramandapuram Temple on the outskirts of the city.
Neyyar Dam: (32 km - 1 hour): A popular picnic spot, Neyyar Dam has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.
Varkala (40 km - 1 1/2 hours): Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. 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.
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 (61 km - 2 1/2 hours): An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. 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.
Padmanabhapuram Palace (63 km - 2 1/2 hours. Closed on Mondays): The seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore, this splendid palace is situated at Thuckalai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This is a well preserved wooden palace, a glorious testimony to the traditional Kerala school of architecture. The extraordinary murals, exquisite floral carvings and the black glossy granite floor have withstood the test of time.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple: The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress code: Men - Dhoti; Women - Saree and blouse
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
Agasthyakoodam: Part of the Sahyadri range of mountains, Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890 metres above sea level. Teeming with wildlife, the forests of Agasthyakoodam abound in rare medicinal herbs and plants and brilliantly hued orchids. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam, as also from Bonacaud. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking, for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram
Secretariat: Built in the Roman architectural style, this is the centre of government administration in Kerala and houses the offices of ministers and the bureaucracy.
Kerala Legislature Complex : Located at Palayam, this is the new building where the Legislative Assembly of Kerala meets.

raj_5004 · Jun 17, 2010

350Z said:

Please DO NOT drive in kerela. people here drive like maniacs. all highways are single lane with no dividers & people drive like they are out to kill you!

350Z said:

is that even kerela? lol...

350Z said:

shynish has answered everything well. but i would say there are lot of more interesting places in kerela than trivandrum. trivandrum is a city & someone from a hep metro like delhi would not seldom find anything interesting there. rather land in cochin!

yes, trivandrum is a good place if you like to see old museums & buildings, i love it!

Shynish M said:

i disagree! driving manners & rules are non-existent in kerela. i strongly believe the maximum number of road accidents & deaths in india happens in kerela.

1) bus & truck drivers are rash, they own the road & your life!
2) bikers usually drive in the left most lane at 40kmph but will cut in your path whenever they want to.
3) cyclists are psychos! they will steer anywhere & everywhere.
4) people honk like mad! even if there is no vehicle in front!
5) everyone will use only high beam at night.
6) pedestrians are the craziest in kerela. they dont care a damn about their life, you have to!

vibhor, i am not criticizing kerela. actually, i feel kerela is a nice place but some of the people there are nuts! of course, i am not generalizing anyone!

the good things are that all the vehicles there in general are in good condition. they look good, are clean & you will rarely find any polluting or badly maintained vehicle in kerela. the taxis, buses, trucks & ricks are in a better shape than what you find in mumbai & delhi. all vehicles have all their lights functioning properly & everybody (including ricks & trucks) use their indicators generously.

i agree. you MUST visit these places.

Shynish M · Jun 17, 2010

Raj I completely agree with those 6 points. You scored a perfect 10/10! That's why I said if you can drive well there, you will find any other place very easy! Irony..you know [;)]

jalex · Jun 17, 2010

Shynish M said:

Actually it would be better to say that 'If you survive Kerala's roads in one piece,then you will find driving in any other place easy' Driving in Kerala is like the chase scene in Matrix. Its a War on the roads in Kerala and you are trying to get to point B from A alive and in one piece.
I already have seen many of my friends getting killed due to their or other road users' fault. You wanna know how many people friends or relatives of mine that died? An astonishing 29 is what I recall,and that too over the last 15 years. Most people here dont obey any laws traffic or whatever. Even when I insist people who ride with me to wear the seatbelt(This I always do and people hate me for saying that) and the next sentence they say will be blaming the cops and saying that its useless and blah blah reasons of not needing to wear it. I even make people in the back seat to wear the seat belt and I have had people walking out of the car saying that they will come in another ride. I know they will be thrashing me behind for being compulsive.

Anyways,think of your visit to Kerala as an adventure race. Like the Amazing Race or something. Foreigners usually come out here and drive to get the rush that comes out of the risks in the roads here. And I have to disagree with Shynish on one thing- i feel kerela is a nice place but some of the people there are nuts! of course, i am not generalizing anyone! It is something that can be and should be generalized and 95% road users in Kerala are absolute idiots. Where else in the world can you see an educated high profile person driving like a maniac. I've seen many people doctors,lawyers,cops,politicians all break simple laws and driving etiquettes regarding seatbelts,parking,use of horns,high beams,speeds,overtaking,etc. and among all keeping to the left of the road which I feel is the most contributing reason for all accidents in Kerala.
Also can you believe that people destroy or steal road signs and safety reflectors over here.
Its a crazy world this part of the world. But it still is worth visiting.

Shynish M · Jun 18, 2010

jalex said:

Though those were not my words, I agree with your view [;)]

blackbeauty · Jun 18, 2010

I am fed up thinking of driving manners in Kerala. [frustration]

We cannot even imagine what a person will do, be it a driver or a pedestrian. Atleast the licence test should have kept difficult. But I know, nothing is possible. A simple H, and you can get a licence and be a maniac.

jalex · Jun 18, 2010

Shynish M said:

Oops,there goes me again [embarass]

I'm sorry for the mistake, I was referring to Raj's words.

350Z · Jun 18, 2010

Excellent Posts there, I knew this is the definite place where I’m going to get my all queries cleared regarding South India tourism. Shynish, Raj, Jalex and others, Thanks to you all. But I suspect, if there’s no driving sense and not-so-good infrastructure, Why is it called “God’s own Country”?:suspect: Jokes apart, I’ll say my final word after come back, but you all have scared me because last time when I visited South India, (Bangalore) I didn't had any great experience. Anyways, watch this space for another comprehensive Pictolog.

Shynish, Now I doubt if I’ll be able to pay a visit to Munnar, Thekkady & Periyar but would definitely try the other locations and cuisine which you’ve listed.

Raj, How’s the road condition from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari? Is that area flooded?

raj_5004 said:

The flight would land half an hour at Cochin! But I’ve to reach Trivandrum. Also, Apart from roads and driving etiquette, I don’t think there should be any other issue (or is it?) And since TVM being capital, Probably It’d have much better condition than other local places in Kerela.

jalex said:

Not new, It’s almost a common thing all over India.

jalex said:

I'll soon let you all know the experience, it'd surely be an interesting read.

Drive Safe,
350Z

maximas007 · Jun 18, 2010

very good posts Shynish thats amazing that how much time would you have spent on this man, great.
@350Z roads are not that bad, but not four lanes.

raj_5004 · Jun 18, 2010

350Z said:

because the place is good, not the people!

you will miss a lot if you dont visit these places. these are the actual tourist spots.

sorry. no idea buddy.

you will face no issues, dont worry! nothing like that, TVM is as good or bad as other places in kerela.

jalex · Jun 18, 2010

I guess people should say 'God's own Country-Devil's own people!
And that phrase was not even original,the tourism department copied it from some European country...Netherlands I believe.
And I may be sounding negative,but that happens when you have to stay here for so long and no where can one see any hope of things turning in the right direction. Right now the government along with all the leading party heads had seen the P.M to enlighten him that we dont need N.H with anything more than 30 metres width when the rest of the country's proposed width is 60 metres. Our stupid leaders and media said a while ago that the state would be torn apart and one could not cross the road for kilometers if express ways were built and so we were off the ship called the express highway or golden quadrilateral. And now walking is the fastest way to travel in Cochin with all the bottlenecks. What would you feel when these so called leaders and visionaries have such absurd and medieval ideas and behave like the blind men who saw the elephant? This is Kerala and I feel sorry for its state now. [cry]

mukeshus · Jun 19, 2010

raj_5004 said:

Hey why raj??
I had thought of visiting Kerala somewhere in october on my Scorpio.
Suggest some nice places for first time visitors.

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Shynish M said:

So i will take this as a challenge guys!!

raj_5004 · Jun 19, 2010

well mukesh, please be very very very careful while driving in kerela. if you are expect any courtesy or rules there, forget it. take a cab!

visit munnar, thekkady, allepey & all the places mentioned in this thread.

jalex · Jun 19, 2010

mukeshus said:

Ya,it is for sure a challenge. And if you compare it with rallying,I must say that rallying is like a walk in the park. [thumbsup]

Kerala - God's Own Country!

Shynish M

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Shynish M

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raj_5004

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Shynish M

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jalex

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Shynish M

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blackbeauty

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jalex

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350Z

Core Team

maximas007

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raj_5004

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jalex

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mukeshus

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raj_5004

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jalex

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