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Kovalam, 16 Kilometers south of Thiruvanthapuram, is most people's idea of
Paradise; a lazy blue sea lapping against sands fringed by swaying palms. You
can sail into the sheltered bay in a catamaran or swim in the clear waters.
Centuries ago, India's natural system of medicine, called Ayurveda, was
developed in Kerala.
Places of Interest
Kovalam beach, one of India's finest beaches, is just 16km south of
Thiruvananthapuram. It is much sought after for sunbathing, water sports,
shopping, catamaran cruising, yoga, meditation and remunerative Ayurvedic body
toning massages. A boat cruise on the back water is one of the highlights of
Kerala. The cruise continues across shallow palm fringed lakes, studded
with cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, and along narrow shady canals.
Thiruvallam (6 km): This place, enroute to Thiruvananthapuram, is famous for
backwater rides.
Varkala: (54 km - 2 hours): A quiet, secluded stretch of sand, the Papanasam
beach in Varkala is town (or its mineral springs and rocky difis. The 2000
year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are two main
attractions here.
Kollam (86 km-2 1/2 hours): The boarding point for many a mind blowing
houseboat cruise, Kollam has an intricate network of backwaters, canals and
lagoons. The most famous of these is the Ashtamudi lake, a vast expanse of
emerald green waters fringed by coconut groves.
Ponmudi (77 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. Well known (or its beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies,
small rivulets and springs, this hill station also has excellent trekking
trails.
Kanyakumari (CapeComorin)(70km-2 1/2 hours): Situated south of
Thiruvananthapuram, in the state of TamilNadu, this is the land's end of India
where the three oceans- the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of
Bengal - meet. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset
views, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Devi Temple.
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