TOURISM

BEACHES- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Shangumugham Beach;

Nestled along the mesmerizing shores of the Arabian Sea, Shangumugham Beach in Kerala has long been hailed as a local gem and a must-visit destination for tourists. Recently, this picturesque stretch of coastline witnessed a historic moment as it hosted its first wedding at the newly inaugurated wedding destination center on November 30. Let's embark on a journey to discover the beauty of Shangumugham Beach and unravel the significance of its transformation into a dreamyweddingestination.

Situated on the Arabian Sea, Shangumugham Beach captivates visitors with its pristine beauty and panoramic views. Locals and tourists alike flock to this popular beach to bask in the serenity and engage in various activities. Let's explore some of the enchanting attractions and experiences Shangumugham has to offer.

1. Sunset Spectacle: The beach is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, casting a vibrant palette of orange, pink, and purple hues across the sky. As the sun bids farewell, fishing boats return to the shore, adding a touch of authenticity to the coastalpanorama.

2.Matsyakanyaka Sculpture: Standing tall at 35 meters, the Matsyakanyaka sculpture, a giant mermaid crafted by renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman, graces the beach. Covered in shells, this statue symbolizes the inseparable bond between the sea and theland.

3.Recreation and Relaxation: Shangumugham offers facilities like the Indoor Recreation Centre and Children's Park, ensuring entertainment for the entire family. From games and movies to rides and dining options, there's something for everyone.

4.Historical and Religious Exploration: Explore the rich heritage surrounding the beach by visiting nearby temples and monuments, including the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, and the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Beyond its daytime allure, Shangumugham is now emerging as a vibrant nightlife spot for Thiruvananthapuram locals. With the inauguration of the wedding destination center, the beach is set to host dreamy weddings against the backdrop of the ocean. The preparations for tomorrow's wedding are already in full swing, promising an unforgettable experience for couples and guests alike. The wedding destination center at Shangumugham will offer more than just a stunning venue. Accommodation facilities, delectable seafood, and authentic Kerala dishes will be part of the package for visitors. The project, executed with the involvement of world-class event managers, signifies a new era for weddings in the state. This initiative not only elevates Shangumugham into a coveted wedding destination but also positions Kerala as a hub for modern, cinematic weddings. The move is a testament to the state's commitment to offering diverse and enchanting experiences to its residents and visitors.

KOVALAM BEACH

Kovalam is famous for its beaches, among the most pristine in India. Kovalam is extremely popular among westerners due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. It is also one of the oldest tourist enclave in India, which known among tourist circuit right in 1930s. Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach.

Kovalam was brought to the public eye by Her Highness The Queen of Travancore Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai decided to build a palace for herself at a rock top near the beach, as her private residence better known as Haylcon Castle. Later, in 1936, the next Queen, HH Karthika Thirunal choose this palace for her honeymoon with her newly wed husband, 1st Prince GV Raja. It was Prince G.V Raja who found immense tourist potentiality of the region and decided promote the region among state guests, by inviting Thomas Cook & Sons- UK to develop the region. The Maharaja of Travancore soon started hosting regular state banquets and accommodation of his European guests in Kovalam Haylcon Palace. This made the beach popular among European families living in nearby Madras and Bombay Presidencies as well as elite Travancore families to spend their holidays. Thus, the move helped to lay foundations of modern tourism industry in South India. Post independent India, the beach was popular among Indians and few tourists. It was 1970s, the hippie culture helped to revive the beach, with vast influx of tourists, spending their wild holidays here. When Kerala government thought of making tourism as a major industry, towards 1990s, Kovalam was the first tourist destination to be highlighted and promoted. Today its an intentionally renowned beach.

Kovalam has 3 major beaches in its 17 km coastline. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach is the most popular of the three. Many hotels, restaurants, lodges and shops are located here. It is frequented by outsiders who stay and enjoy Kovalam.

The Northern most crescent, (with the different names Main Beach/Leela Beach/Samudra Beach) - is crowded on weekends, is very popular with the locals, day-travelers, and passing-by tourist buses. During the week it's quiet. Hawa Beach inbetween is among one of the beaches in India where top-less sunbathing is tolerated and well appreciated by the locals. The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on both Lighthouse and Hawa beach.

Note that many tourists in Kovalam are between the ages of 40 and 60 years young. Those expecting a replica of Goa will be pleasantly surprised by the more relaxed atmosphere, a bit more laid back, the food a touch softer and lighter.

VARKALA BEACH;

Varkala is a town in the Indian state of Kerala, about 50km north of Trivandrum and is the home of the popular Papanasam Beach. Also, the Samadhi of Kerala's Saint Sree Narayana Guru is situated in this town and hence has become a place of pilgrimage.

If you're looking for beaches and are fed up with the crowds and prices at Kovalam, then its well worth checking out Varkala. The best times to go are, of course, in the season, when the beach extends out all around the cliff face for 500 meters.

The beaches around this area are excellent, and if you're looking for a cheap holiday Varkala should definitely be on your list. In the off season its really mellow and relaxed: swim, sleep and chill out.

The main season runs from Dec 1st- March 31st, with December and early January experiencing the biggest rush. If you want to go out of season, then you can stay very cheaply and of course avoid the crowd. Varkala is a new place to hang out in India and has only recently been developed as a tourist destination. Now even the north of Varkala Beach is getting developed for tourists. There is a promenade built by the Department of Tourism, which allows a scenic 1.5 hour walk north, passing Odayam and Edava until Kapil.

Shree Janardhana Swamy temple. It is 2000 years old. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. The Janardhana Temple was built during this period and many Hindu's still visit Varkala to this day, for this very reason. The Varkala sands has become an ideal spot for confluence of cultures exotic and alien. Varkala also houses a leading pilgrim centre in Kerala. The temple, dedicated to Vishnu and Hanuman, atop the hill has brought a sobriquet for the region, Southern Kasi (Benares). Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum but can hang around the temple.

Sivagiri. Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), saint, social reformer, philosopher and leader of Ezhava community, made Varkala his headquarters. Sivagiri mutt, instituted by Sree Narayana Guru, is another major pilgrim centre here. The 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' is usually conducted between 30th December and 1st January every year. The Sivagiri Mutt - a religious retreat was founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) the renowned philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala. Even decades after the Guru breathed his last here in 1928, his Samadhi (resting place) continues to be thronged by thousands of pilgrims. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, a religious organization established by the Guru to propagate his concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'.