ARUVIKKARA

ARUVIKKARA Another important pilgrim center in Trivandrum is the Aruvikkara pilgrimage. This pilgrimage is located at a distance of 16 kilometers from Trivandrum. Aruvikkara pilgrim center, Kerala is a serene picnic spot and many tourists visit this place for peace of mind. The pilgrimage is located on the banks of Karamana River in Trivandrum. The pilgrim center is also a picnic spot and one can easily wind off and relax in the serene surroundings of this pilgrimage. There is a waterfall near this place that adds to the natural beauty to the serene surroundings. This rock shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawathy, who is considered to be the divine embodiment of female power. The place also has a small dam that is worth a view as the catchment areas have been beautifully developed into a recreation spot. The city of Trivandrum is known for its rich cultural heritage which is surrounded by Arabian Sea and by the Western Ghats. Travel to Aruvikkara Dam while

CHIRAYiNKEEZHU

Chirayinkeezhu also known as Chirayinkil is a small town in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala. Places of tourist interest in the vicinity include the Sarkara Devi Temple and Varkala Beach. The 10-day Sarkara Bharani festival in March–April is a major event attended by devotees from all over the district. Regular buses connect Chirayinkeezhu with Varkala, Kadakkavoor, Attingal and Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest Airport is Trivandrum International Airport and Chirayinkeezhu Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station.

Sarkara Devi Temple is one of the foremost Devi temples in South India. It is located at Sarkara, south of Chirayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram District. Sarkara Devi, one of the forms of Goddess Bhadrakali, is the main deity worshipped. Lord Ganesh and Nagaraja are the sub-deities. The temple rose to prominence with the introduction of the famous Kaliyoottu festival. Sarkara Bharani, the birthday of the Bhagavathy, is the other major festival celebrated. These two festivals reveal a glimpse of the rich cultural past of Travancore. The temple is about 33 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and near the Chirayinkil Railway Station.

AKKULAM LAKE

Akkulam is one of the beautiful picnic spots, in the suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram city. This place is only 10 kms. away and is easily accessible by road. The spot is developed on the banks of Akulam Lake, which is an extension of the Veli Lake. The calm and serene atmosphere and its unique natural beauty are a fascination for tourists. The Boat Club, which started functioning in 1989, now operates speed, safari, pedal and row boats from Akkulam to Veli Tourist Village. A traditional style Kettuvallom is also available for overnight stay. The swimming pool at Akkulam is equipped with glider and other playing facilities. The Childrens Park is a unique amusement spot. The newly commissioned musical fountain is an added attraction.

AGASTHYAKOODAM

Agasthya Mountain is also referred as Agasthyakoodam and is located about 70 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, capital city of Kerala State in India. It is located at a height of 1,868 meters (6129 feet) above mean sea level. The peak is the second highest peak in Kerala, South India. Agasthyakoodam peak is in the form of a sharp cone and is considered a heaven of rare herbs and Medicinal plants. A valuable and rare herb by name ‘Arogyapacha’ (Plant of eternal health) is attracting the attention of modern researchers to this hill. Agastyakoodam is the source of the Perennial River Thamiarabarni. The river flows in Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Peppara wild life Sanctuary, a part of Agastyakoodam Forests is in Thiruvananthapuram district.

The Peppara Dam was constructed across the river Karamana in 1984. The main purpose of the Dam is to effect water supply to the Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Agastyakoodam is highly respected by both the Hindus as well as the Buddhists. This is because the Hindus believe that this mountain is the home of Sage ‘Agastya’; transitelerated as Agathiar or Agastyar. He is in some ways regarded as the patron saint of much of the south India. Some say that it was the Sage ‘Agastya’ who first brought and popularized the Vedic religion to South India. Agastya is considered to be one of the seven ‘Rishis’ (Saptarshi) of Hindu ‘Puranas’. Buddhists think that Agastya Mountain is the abode of Bodhisatva Avalokiteswara.

JADAYU ROCK (Chadayamangalam)

A 1000-feet high rocky hill cluster at Chadayamangalam in south Kerala, believed to be connected with mythical character 'Jatayu' in epic Ramayana, will woo tourists as the country's first 'Rock Theme Park'.According to local tradition, the rock, 'Jatayupara', in Kollam District, is the place where the mythical bird 'Jatayu' fell after its wings were slain by the ten-headed Ravana by his lethal sword 'Chandrahasam'.As per the epic, Ravana, who ruled Lankapuri (Sri Lanka), chopped off one the wings of the bird when it tried to block his airship 'Pushpaka Vimanam' in which he was forcibly taking away Rama's consort Sita.The project is a blend of ecological and epic tourism and the state government, through this public-private partnership venture, is building a high-tech theme park on the rocky terrain with a mammoth statue of 'Jatayu' as its core.