Chitra Art Gallery

Kerala’s second highest peak, the Agasthyakodam Neyyar, is 1868 meters in height and is located at Trivandrum between the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Agasthyarkoodam in Malayalam and Pothigai Malai in Tamil.

Specialty Of Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam Hill is a paradise for bird watchers, as they are more likely to spot exotic varieties of wild birds. This hill is situated far away from human settlements, and that makes it one of the best pristine forests in Kerala. The peak was named after the Sage Agastya and is a pilgrim spot too, as there is a shrine dedicated to the Sage.

With a diverse range of plants and animals, Agasthyakoodam is well known for its great biodiversity. Medicinal herbs, orchids, and exotic plants are among the many rare and endemic plant species found in the area. With a wide variety of bird species present in its deep forests, the summit is also a birdwatcher's paradise.Due to its ecological significance, UNESCO has designated Agasthyakoodam as a vital component of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. A vast variety of life types are supported by the reserve's different habitats, which include grasslands, tropical forests, and montane ecosystems.Popular among trekking enthusiasts, Agasthyakoodam is a treasure trove of natural diversity, cultural legacy, and spiritual value, making it a beloved location for pilgrims, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.

Nearby Places

Neyyar Dam, Agasthiyar falls and Lord Thirukuttralanathar temple.

One of the popular tourist attractions in Varkala, the Anjengo Fort, was constructed by the British East India Company as the first trade settlement in Kerala. This fort has seen many historic events and is believed to have been built around the 17th and 18th centuries.

Specialty Of Anjengo Fort

According to sources, the name Anjengo was derived from the small area of the town, which was comprised of land with five coconut trees. This land was rented out to the British East India Company by the queen of Attingal. Several foreign powers tried to capture Kerala by targeting the fort.

The fort still has the remnants of its inhibitors and is one of the oldest cemeteries, dating back to 1704. The backwaters stretch out here, and the path with coconut trees is an enchanting sight to behold.

Anjengo Fort is a stunning site with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and it overlooks the Arabian Sea. During its heyday, the fort's strategic position made it an important outpost for trade and defense.

Tourists can discover a variety of historical artefacts within the fort complex, including rusted firearms, ancient cannons, and the remains of structures that formerly held distinct functions. These artefacts provide insight into the past and the way of life of those who called the fort home. In addition to the fort itself, the surroundings have lovely beaches, tranquil backwaters, and charming fishing villages.

Tourists can take leisurely strolls along the beach or partake in neighbouring mangrove forest birdwatching and boat trips. For those who are interested in learning more about the rich cultural and historical legacy of the state, Anjengo Fort is an ideal location.

Nearby Places

Varkala cliff, Varkala beach, Janardhana Swami temple and Sivagiri.

How to reach Anjengo Fort ?

By Air : The Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport that is located at a distance of 35 kilometers.

By Train : The Varkala railway station is the nearest railway station.

By Road : Varkala can be easily accessible by road from all places in Kerala.

The Ponmudi Hills are situated 55 kilometres from Trivandrum and are among the Western Ghats. The place is haunted by both families and groups of friends alike who are known to spend their time in the hills by going on long drives along the paths of the hills. The scenic view of the valley during the drive can rival any other mountainous view in the state.

Specialty Of Ponmudi Hills

The temperature in Ponmudi Hills is in an equitable state throughout the year. The hill takes about a three-hour drive from Trivandrum, which is the nearest place to the hill station. It is amazing how the Kallar River flows parallel along the road in the opposite direction and the Meenmutty waterfalls, which offer their spectacular beauty, are just a few kilometres away. The hill station can also be reached by trekking and camping along the hills.

Ponmudi is renowned for its mist-covered valleys, undulating hills, and abundant flora. Tea gardens, spice plantations, and colourful flora dot the landscape, making it an attractive location for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Several waterfalls embellish the slopes, providing peaceful areas for rest and renewal. Golden Valley and Meenmutty Falls are two prominent waterfalls.Ponmudi provides fantastic trekking and hiking experiences. The trails meander through dense forests, providing vistas of rare fauna and bird species. Trekkers are drawn to the surrounding Agasthyarkoodam, which is Kerala's second-highest peak.

Nearby Places in Ponmudi Hills

Tali Temple, Mananchira Square, and the Crown Theatre

How to reach Ponmudi Hills ?

By Air : The Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport which is 67 kilometers awayfrom the hills.

By Train : The Thiruvananthapuram railway station is the nearest railway station which is 60 kilometers from the hills.

By Road : Ponmudi is connected to other parts of Kerala by road and one can easily avail a bus from Trivandrum to reach the hill station.

Kuthiramalika, the Palace of Horses, greets its visitors with 122 horses smiling at the guests. Built by the Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the palace is a two-story building located near the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The palace was built in the 1840s and is made of rosewood, sandalwood, marble, and granite, which is an exemplary icon of the Kerala style of architecture.

Specialty Of Kuthiramalika Palace

The palace is also called Puthen Malika. The palace consists of 80 rooms, of which only 20 are open to visitors. The museum is a part of the palace and houses the assets owned by the Travancore royal family.

These include Belgian mirrors, life-sized Kathakali mannequins, paintings, chandeliers, furniture, Greek statues, armaments, and a musical tree that produces eight different sounds on tapping. The wooden staircase of the palace consists of spectacular paintings of peacocks, dragons, and elephants. The palace has on display two royal thrones, one of which is made of 24 elephant tusks and the other of which is made of Bohemian crystal.

Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma of Travancore gave the palace its construction in the nineteenth century. It accommodated notable guests and ceremonial gatherings in addition to acting as the Maharajas of Travancore's royal home. The distinctive style of Kuthiramalika Palace, with its 122 well-carved wooden pillars ornamented with various designs, is what makes it stand apart. These magnificent pillars showcase the rich cultural legacy of Kerala and are an impressive example of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Travancore royal family's extensive collection of artefacts, paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and royal memorabilia is on display in this palace, which doubles as a museum. Well-kept courtyards and gardens encircle the palace, providing visitors with a serene and picturesque setting in which to stroll and unwind amidst verdant foliage.

Nearby Places in Kuthiramalika Palace

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple and the Vellayani Lake.

How to reach Kuthiramalika Palace ?

By Air : The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance od about 6 kilometers.

By Train :The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is about a kilometre away.

By Road : The Kerala State government provides bus facilities from all parts of the State to Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital of the state.