WELCOME TO KERALA

Kerala is the most popular state in South India. Kerala was founded by merging the numerous Malayam speaking regions in south India on 1st November 1956. Spreading across an area of 38,863 km sq Kerala shares its borders with Karnataka in the north, Tamil Nadu in the south and the Lakshadweep in the west. Thiruvananthapuram serves as the capital of the state. Also known as Gods Own Country, Kerala is the favorite tourist spot of many Indian and foreign travelers.
Kerala is the state of natural beauty with lakes, waterfalls, coconut trees etc. It is the best place for tourism in the whole world. Traditional arts, cultures, food, games, festivals , lakes, waterfalls etc makes Kerala the most beautiful place in the world. It's not a state, it's heaven.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

GOLF CLUB, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM


Trivandrum Golf Club, Thiruvananthapuram


Trivandrum Golf Club is located in the heart of the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. This is located very close to the Maharajah's palace at Kowdiar.
The Trivandrum Golf Club is located in a pagoda shaped heritage building of the colonial era, which is more than a 100 years old and is known for the typical Kerala Architecture. The building has an area of 7000 sq ft, has an antique door with elaborate trellis work.
Trivandrum Golf Club has the second oldest Golf course in the whole world the first being in Great Britain. Travancore Royal family established the Golf Course in the 1850's but never got the attention, importance and the publicity it should have got. To highlight this fact the trivandrum Golf club planned and decided to conduct a publicity drive by holding golf tournaments and allied activities and sell "Golf in God's own country. "


About the golf course at Trivandrum Golf Club


This is a course with nine holes and is well maintained with mostly straight and fairways. The greens are small and cut roughly and so the hazards are less. Sand traps lie around the greens. The Trivandrum Golf club is a refreshing and soothing one with a nice and friendly course. Nature is at its best and one who visits the place will have beautiful memories of the place.
The nine-hole golf course at the Trivandrum Golf Club is one of the smallest but the prettiest in the country. The 25-acre course in the golf clud has over 3,400 trees belonging to over 1,000 species. Many tourists from abroad have been visiting the Trivandrum Golf Club which include businessmen and diplomats of other countries.
To know more about the golf course, hole by hole description, rules and regulations visit Trivandrum Golf Club

Services available att he Trivandrum Golf Club


In addition to the golf facilities the Club lets out Rooms, Premises, Party Area, and film locations on rental basis for functions, get togathers etc.
Rental details for the different venues in the Club are as mentioned below:
Fountain Area, for Parties/Functions etc.
For non members - Rs. 15,000
For Members - Rs. 1,500
Lawn Area:
Non- Members. Rs. 2500
Members Rs. 500
Dining Hall is being let out for playing Billiards

Contact Details of the Trivandrum Golf Club


The Trivandrum Golf Club
Golf Links Road, Kowdiar,
Trivandrum,
Kerala -695 003
Tel: 0471-2435834, 2432330, 2432325
Fax :0471-2432325
E-mail: golftrivandrum@yahoo.com
Website : www.trivandrumgolfclub.com

SHANKHUMUGHAM BEACH, THIRUVANATHAPURAM


Shankhumugham Beach



 Shankhumugham Beach


Shankhumugham Beach, one among the favourite destinations of sunset watchers is an important tourist place in Thiruvananthapuram. You can easily reach this destination by travelling seven kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram city. It is near by to Thiruvananthapuram international airport and Veli tourist village. Shankhumugham Beach is a perfect spot for your holiday tour trips.

Spectacular sculpture of a mermaid named as Matsya Kanya is an important attraction seen in Shankhumugham Beach. The sculpture with amazing architectural beauty captures all eyes of tourists. It is nearly 35m in length and presents a real feast for visitors eyes. Star shaped restaurant is another popular attraction seen in Shankumugham beach. Alluring beauty of beach enriched with lush greenery of coconut palms depicts the natural beauty of God's own country. An indoor recreation club and Chacha Nehru traffic training park present in Shankhumugham beach widens the tourists interest. You can also see a iconic stone pavilion on the beach named 'Araattumandapam' used for the holy bath of diety in Padmanabhaswamy temple.


KOVALAM BEACH, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM


FACTS ON KOVALAM


Kovalam Beach
Altitude Sea level
Latitude 8' 05'
Longitude 77' 15"
Rainfall 170 cm
Season Throughout Tropical
(Best September to May)
Languages Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil
Temperature Summer 20.6c(mean min)
Winter 18.0c(mean min)

HISTORY


Thirty years ago, Kovalam, was a tiny fishing village, known for its fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). The potential of this tiny village fishing ground being a tourist destination came when Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort at the end of the 1920's. The European crowd gave attention to the Kovalam beach in the 1930's, and it came into limelight when several hippies visited Kovalam in the early 70's. Today, the beach is also known as 'Paradise of the South'.

ETYMOLOGY


Kovalam means grove of coconut trees, and true to its name, the suburb offers large numbers of cocunut trees to witness and enjoy.

LOCATION IN KERALA MAP


Map
Kovalam, mainly a beach town, and famous for its beaches, is situated on the Arabian Sea, and is around 16 kms from the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. It is also around 13 kms from the Central business district.

PLACES OF INTEREST AT KOVALAM


The beaches of Kovalam, which is crescent-shaped is usually divided into three different beaches.

* Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse beach is the southern part of Kovalam beach and the most poplar among the three. It offers a magnificent view of the Vizhinzam mosque and its vast surroundings. The cool winds blowing from the Arabian Sea, and walking barefoot on the soft sands, makes the destination a lot more pleasant and visitable.

*Hawa Beach
It is the middle one of the Kovalam beach, and is the first topless beaches in India. The beach describes a normal day of a fisheman, and is cluttered with a large number of fishermen, who set out to the sea early in the morning to catch fresh fish, which is their main source of livelihood.

*Samudra Beach
Samudra Beach

The northern part of the Kovalam beach, it is a laid-back and quiet beach, ideal for naturelovers and sunbathers. It is over here that the trade of fishermen takes place.

*Ashoka Beach
It boasts of having the first, finest and largest five-star beach resort of Kerala, including 4 royal suites in the Halcyon Castle, the construction of the Maharaja himself.

*Vizhinjam Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Its mesmerizing view attracts large number of tourists. An interesting and added attraction to the lighthouse, is that it spreads out light even in the dark at regular intervals. This light, emitted all over brings about aromatic touch to the tourist spot.

THINGS TO DO AT KOVALAM BEACH


Sunset
Sunset at Kovalam
One of the main attractions is the sunset, which can be viewed from the beach.The view, is just mesmerizing and beautiful, taking away a beat from you normal heartbeat.

Leisure activities
If you are tired of lazying on the sands of the beach, walk around and shop at jewelry, handicrafts and cloth shops. The sea port of Vizhinjam is just about 3 ams away, and admire the fresh fishes brought in everyday by the handwork of the fishermen and the old places of worship. Ayurvedic massage centers, herbal, body-toning massage therapies are other areas of interests for the tourists.Being the safest cove, swimming and bathing in the shallow and calm saline waters are a favorite among the tourists. Snorkeling is also available, which helps you view the magnificence underwater.

Adventure Sports
Surfing, swimming, kayaking and skiing are highly fantasized by tourists apart from angling. Hire a boat from a fisherman, and enjoy a day of a fisherman, buy catching fishes with your net.

More Sightseeing
There are always the architectural extravaganza awaiting you in Kovalam, like the Kovalam Jama Masjid and the Ganapathi Temple.

HOW TO REACH KOVALAM


By Air: Thiruvananthapuram is the closest airport, with a drive of around 16 kms from there to Kovalam.

By Rail: Again, Thiruvananthapuram is the closest railway station

By Road: Direct and regular buses ply regularly from Thiruvananthapuram to Kovalam. There are also buses linking a Kovalam with Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar.

HOTELS IN KOVALAM


There are a variety of places to stay, starting from the cheap concrete boxes to high five beach resorts. The resorts include restaurants, and various other entertainments like ayurvedic massage centers, pools and indoor activities.


> The Coconut Bay- Located next to the Kovalam beach, it facilitates around 22 conformable deluxe villas and five beach rooms, with a fantastic view of the sea. Other attractions are the Ayurvedic and Yoga packages. It is 21 kms away from Trivandrum and is a drive of 35 minutes from the city's airport.

Contact:
Coconut Bay Beach Resort
Mulloor P.O, Vizhinjam
Trivandrum-695 521
Kerala, India.

Central Reservation Tel: +91 471 2343524
Resort Tel: +91 471 2480566 / 2480668 / 2484566
Fax: +91 471 2343349
Email: cocobay@vsnl.com

> Sagara Beach Resort- Located at the Lighthouse beach, it is a 3 star classified hotel, with 92 air conditioned rooms, classified as:
A/C Standard Graden view
A/C Deluxe
Palace Sea view
Suit and honeymoon suits
The rooms contain balconies which faces the Arbian Sea.

> Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel- At a distance of just 15 meters from the sea, and 15 ams from Trivandrum International Airport, this beach hotel is a 4 star leisure beach hotel with facilities ranging from spa, a multi cuisine restaurants, health clubs, pools, beauty parlor, shopping, candle light dinner luxury transportation and a lot more.

Contact:
Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
GV Raja Road, Samudra Beach, Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram - 695527, Kerala, India
Phone: +91 471 2485766/67/68 ,2481654
Fax: +91 471 2481578
Email: info@uds.co.in

> Kovalam Ashoka Beach Resort- The first and largest 5 star hotel in Kerala, it offers 196 rooms including 4 royal suits in the Halcyon Castle. The hotel has 3 swimming pools and a large convention rooms. Other amenities include bar, beauty services, game room, golf, parking, restaurant, shopping arcade, tennis and a doctor on call. It also facilitates 6 various cuisine restaurants.

For the backpackers, there are other hotels in Kovalam depending on your budget. The large number of under-equipped restaurants catering to standard Asian travelers' menus are also to your advantage.

Though, a highly commercialized centre, Kovalam retains its charm, which made it popular in the first place. People from various countries and cultures, come together here and enjoy their time to the fullest.


NEYYAR DAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM


Neyyar Dam



Neyyar Dam- A Perfect Place For Your Study Tour


Neyyar Dam , located at Thiruvananthapuram district is one among the important picnic spots in Kerala. This gravity dam grabbing thousands of visitors was established in the year 1958. Beautiful landscape with exotic flora and fauna makes the land an excellent option for your tour package.

Flora and Fauna


Enchanting flora and fauna near Neyyar Dam grabs hearts of visitors. Presence of wild life species like sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat, sambar deer and gaur widens tourists interest.

Leisure Activities and Attractions


Neyyar Dam is provided with interesting leisure activities like boating and yoga. If interested, tourists can practice meditations from Shivanandha Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashramam. Boating offers you excellent facility for viewing the surrounding forests near Neyyar Dam. Visitors can hire a speed boat for Rs 150 per head. You can also see a crocodile rehabilitation and research centre in Neyyar wildlife sanctuary. Lion safari park, deer park, lake garden and watch tower are other scenic attractions present near Neyyar Dam.


PONMUDI HILL STATION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM


Ponmudi Hill Station


Ponmudi Hill Station in Thiruvananthapuram

If you are searching for a picturesque hill station in Kerala for enjoying your holiday, Ponmudi hillstation in Thiruvananthapuram is a perfect spot. Majestic view of hills located at Ponmudi grabs the hearts of visitors hearts. It lies nearly 61 km north east of Thiruvananthapuram main city. This wonderful landscape present in God's own country had attracted lots of visitors from all over the globe. Hills present in Ponmudi gaze world from a height of altitude 1100m. According to studies, Ponmudi is considered as a part of Western ghats mountain ranges.

Great flora and fauna present in Ponmudi hill station captures all eyes of tourists. Climate of this beautiful area is pleasant through out the year. It is a perfect spot for trekking and hiking. Large area of tea gardens located in Ponmudi widens tourists interests. Golden Valley, Agasthyarkoodam and Meenmutty Falls are some of the highlighting attractions located at Ponmudi. Tourists can also stay at Hotel Golden Park administered by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Ponmudi is a perfect spot for enjoying sightseeing. This pretty picnic spot enriched with natural springs, mist covered hills, alluring valleys and tea estates presents a real feast for tourists.
Ponmudi, one among the alluring spots located in Thiruvananthapuram is a best visited tourist place in Kerala. This hill station standing with an altitude of 1100m height is located at a distance 61 km north east of Trivandrum city. Studies say that, this spectacular hill station is a part of Western Ghats mountain range. Pleasant climate of Ponmudi attracts lots of visitors from all over the globe. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking. Beautiful tea gardens seen around the areas of Ponmudi captures all eyes of tourists. It is one among the favourite destinations of natural lovers and had played a great role in promoting Kerala tourism.

Beautiful natural landscape with enchanting flora and fauna presents a real feast for viewer's eyes. Eye captivating golden valley, rivulets and rapids enclosed in lush greenery are some of the attractions in Ponmudi hill station. Agasthyarkoodam, standing with 1868m height is another important attraction present in Ponmudi. Wonderful collection of orchids and sight seeing options in deer park pleases all visitors. Ponmudi is also considered as a favourite destination of bird watchers.

KOYIKKAL PALACE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM


Koyikkal Palace

hgjgjIf you want to know the exact location of Koyikkal Palace, remember that this popular palace is located at Nedumangad, which is about 19kms from Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram (capital city of Kerala). Actually this palace was built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad Royal Family. It should be noted that Umayamma Rani ruled this land between 1677 & 1684. A Folklore Museum & a Numismatics Museum set by the Archeology Department can be seen in this Koyikkal Palace. If anyone gets a chance to visit this palace, then definitely you must visit it. You will be able to see the Koyikkal palace in traditional Kerala style. In general we can say that nalukettu, slanting roofs & courtyards are the attractive parts of this palace. Do you want to know the important features of this Koyikkal palace? Now the new generations of Kerala may have an opportunity to study the culture & traditions of ancient Kerala. So check the points given below to understand more about Koyikkal Palace.

Important features of Koyikkal Palace

hfghfI have already mentioned about the two museums which are seen in the Koyikkal Palace. The Numismatics museum contains coins that are obtained from different eras as well as different parts of the world. The Numismatics museum is present in the ground floor of the Koyikkal Palace. Ottaputhen, Erattaputhen, Kaliyugarayan Panam (oldest coins of Kerala state), Amaida (Venetian coin presented to Jesus Christ) etc are the important properties of this Numismatics museum. Other valuable items present in the Numismatics museum are Karsha, Rasi, Sreekrishna Rasi, Anantharayan Panam, Kochi Puthen, Lakshmi Varaham, Coin Mints & Rasi Palaka. I know now you are in curiosity to know the importance of the above mentioned items. Karsha is a 2500 year old coin & it is considered to be the most valuable Indian coin that is present in the Numismatics museum of the Koyikkal Palace located in Nedumangad. When considering Rasi that is present in this museum, note that it is the world's smallest coin. But Sreekrishna Rasi is one of the regional coins that was issued by the local kings who ruled Kerala in the 10th century. In simple terms we can say that Rasi Palaka is a coin board. That means it is a board made of wood that is used for counting small coins. The first modern gold coin which was in circulation in Travancore during the 15th & 17th centuries is the Anantharayan Panam. But when considering Kochi Puthen & Lakshmi Varaham, the former is the coin of Kochi Kingdom while latter is the silver coins minted in Travancore.

rtrtWhen you visit the Folklore museum, you may be able to see the household utensils, models of folkarts, musical instruments, occupational implements etc.It should be noted that the Folklore museum is located on the first floor of the Koyikkal palace. If you visit this Folklore museum, you may be able to see the different items like brass/copperware, wooden kitchenware, old manuscripts (thaliyola), the dress & headgear used by the artists of Ottamthullal, lamp representing the goddess of prosperity (Gajalakshmi) etc. Apart from this, you may be able to see some other items like maravuri, chilambu used by Umayama Rani, oorakkudukku, kettuvillakku, a model of Muthappan theyyam, patayani kolam model, chandravalayam, nanthuni etc in the Folklore museum of Koyikkal Palace.

Location & Visiting hours of Koyikkal Palace


I have already mentioned that Koyikkal Palace is located in Nedumangad, Trivandrum in Kerala. The nearest bus station, railway station & airport are that of Thiruvananthapuram central bus station, Thiruvananthapuram railway station & Thiruvananthapuram International airport respectively. Another fact is that the Koyikkal Palace is located very close to the Nedumangad KSRTC bus station. So the easiest way to reach the palace is by travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Nedumangad. The visiting hours of this palace is from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM on all days (except Mondays).

Admission fee


Adults: Rs 5
Children: Rs 2
Video: Rs 700
Camera: Rs 20

KANAKAKUNNU PALACE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM


Kanakakunnu Palace

ddfdKerala, our God's own country is gifted by God with several scenic beauties that include forts, beaches, palaces, rivers, lakes etc. We cannot count the gift that God has given to our land. Among the different palaces present in Kerala, Kanakakunnu Palace is having an important place. This famous palace is located in the capital city of Kerala, which is our Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum. In general we can say that this Kanakakunnu Palace is located near the Napier Museum. Actually this palace was built by Sri Moolam Thirunal. But later Sri Swathi Thirunal renovated the palace by including certain features like tennis court. When the name of this palace comes to our mind, it should be noted that the Royal family of Travancore used this building as their summer palace. If you get a chance to visit this palace, don't miss it. Definitely you will be amazed by the architectural structure of this palace. Do you want to know the important features of Kanakakunnu Palace? Then check the points given below.

Important features of Kanakakunnu Palace

erwewdffThe most important feature of this palace is related to its architectural structure. Royal furnitures as well as beautiful chandeleires are part of this palace. Now this palace is protected by the Tourism Department. Several cultural meets & programs are conducted in this palace. Also note that the Kanakakunnu Palace located in Trivandrum is considered as the heritage monument by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Arts & Cultural Heritage). You must have heard about the Sooryakanthi Auditorium & the Nishagandhi Open Air Auditorium. Remember that both these auditoriums are situated on the Kanakakunnu Palace compound. Among these, the Sooryakanthi Auditorium is considered as an important place for exhibitions, cultural programs as well as trade fairs. But festival of Indian classical dances, cultural as well as entertainment programs is conducted in the Nishagandhi Open Air Auditorium. Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattom etc are some of the important Indian classical dances which are performed in the Nishagandhi Open Air Auditorium. The beautiful meadows & grounds in front of the Kanakakunnu Palace make it an important attractive place. Another important point is regarding the food festival which is conducted on the palace grounds. The 2011 Trivandrum flower show was conducted at the Kanakakunnu Palace from 6 January 2011- 17 January 2011.

How to reach the Kanakakunnu Palace?


After reaching Trivandrum by train, flight or bus you can easily reach the Kanakakunnu Palace. Prepaid taxis or autorickshaws are available for your easy journey. So you must keep in mind that the nearest airport is that of Trivandrum International Airport, nearest railway station is that of Trivandrum Central Railway Station & the nearest bus stand is that of Trivandrum Central Bus Stand respectively.