Sunday, March 17, 2019

Kerala Travel Guide - Thiruvananthapuram

Lady tourist posing with hands up and one leg up against the backdrop of boats and backwaters.
From Alleppey (BOAT CRUISE IN ALLEPPEY) to Thiruvananthapuram, the journey led us to the vibrant capital city of Kerala. Known also as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram sits at the southern tip of India, facing the vast Arabian Sea and boasting a stunning coastline. With a rich history as the former capital of the Kingdom of Travancore, this city offers travelers a unique mix of nature, culture, spirituality, and heritage - making it much more than just a typical tourist stop (COLOMBO SRI LANKA ATTRACTIONS).

Nature and Heritage Along the Way

As we traveled, the serene beauty of Kerala revealed itself through endless stretches of tranquil paddy fields, lush green hills, and peaceful village life. The calm surroundings provided a refreshing escape from the busy city atmosphere. This scenic journey truly captured what Kerala is famous for - the perfect harmony between nature, culture and daily life (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).

Close view of an ancient Hindu temple, with staircase leading up.

Road view showcasing signboard in Kerala, India.

The green view of padi field in Kerala, India.

View of coconut trees in nature in India.

Relaxing Beachfront Resort Stay

Our overnight stay was at a charming beachfront resort that reflected the rustic, wooden architecture typical of the region. Spacious and comfortable, the resort faced the beach, allowing us to soak in breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. It was the ideal spot to relax, take slow walks by the shore, and enjoy quiet moments far from the bustle of city life.

Swimming pool view surrounded by plants and coconut trees in a resort.

Close view of a rustic ambiance in a resort, Kerala, India.

Exploring the Poovar Backwaters

One of the highlights of our trip was the Poovar Backwater Cruise. Our tour guide recommended this experience, and we gladly joined. Boarding the boat with other travelers, we cruised through calm, green waters winding between dense mangrove forests and quaint coastal villages, including Poovar Village near Thiruvananthapuram’s southern tip.

 

The area is rich in well-preserved local flora, with countless spices, colorful flowers, exotic birds, and groves of banana and coconut trees adding to the lush landscape. The cruise included a peaceful 20-minute stop at the stunning Golden Sand Beach, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. Along the way, we spotted the Pozhiyoor Church near the mouth of the Neyyar River, though we didn’t visit it this time.

 

One unforgettable moment was seeing the narrow water stretch where India meets Sri Lanka, separated by just a thin line of sea. Observing locals going about their daily lives along the coast made the experience all the more authentic. The Poovar Backwaters are truly a must-visit for anyone exploring Kerala.

Backwaters view in nature in Poovar, Kerala, India.

Boats parked at the shore, at a backwaters tourist spot.

Neyvar Church view, from the the Poovar backwaters boat ride.

Close view of Mangrove in Poovar Backwaters, Kerala, India.

Water border between India and Sri Lanka, with local lifestyle at the background.

Woman squatting and raising her hands with the sand of Golden Sand beach.



Boat ride in Poovar Backwaters, Kerala, India.

Kovalam Beach and Sunset

Our trip ended with a visit to Kovalam Beach. It was a public holiday, so the narrow road to the beach was packed with locals, creating a lively atmosphere. Watching the spectacular Kovalam sunset was a beautiful experience. We also enjoyed browsing the small stalls lining the beach, though beyond that, Kovalam offers limited activities.


Kovalam, India sunset, with locals sitting at the beach front.

More of Thiruvananthapuram in the next travel article. 

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