“Beach with a Cliff View!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2015 NEW
We stopped at Varkala Beach for lunch en route Trivandrum to Kollam. It is about 50 km north of Trivandrum.
There are a lot of restaurants on the main Papanasam (wash away sins) Beach. We chose a double decker restaurant and had our lunch on the top deck. We enjoyed the sea view as much as the sea food at the restaurant. Just behind the restaurant there were steps leading up to the cliffs which gives Varkala Beach it's special scenic beauty. There are a lot of hotels on the cliff top where one can spend a longer vacation. There is even a helipad on top.
The Sree Janardhana Swami Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt are two well known religious places located near Varkala, but we did not have time to visit.
Varkala beach is comparable to some of the better beaches of Goa for it's raw natural beauty. We would certainly like to spend a few more days here on our next Kerala holiday.
Visited November 2014
Ask EkMusafir about Varkala Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297639-d324100-r278656305-Varkala_Beach-Varkala_Kerala.html#
Showing posts with label Trivandrum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trivandrum. Show all posts
June 7, 2015
My TripAdvisor Review No.97: Thiruvanathapuram Zoo.
“One of the Best Zoos in India.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2015 NEW
We had wanted to visit this zoo ever since we saw the movie, ‘The Life of Pi’. The movie is based on the Booker Prize winning novel with the same title authored by Yann Martel. The Canadian author’s story is based on his research he had done on the animal behaviours during his visits to this zoo in 1996-97.
Founded by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1857, it is the oldest zoo in India. It is set in a rambling 55 acre botanical garden in the centre of Thiruvanathapuram, and is located in the same compound as the Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. There is a nominal entry fee per person, but camera charges were Rs.50. The timings are 10 am to 5 pm on all days, but closed on Mondays.
If one wants to explore the entire zoo on foot, then be prepared to spend at least two hours of walking around the natural surroundings of jungles, lakes and gardens around which the cages and enclosures are set. The zoo authorities have tried to keep all the animals in a natural environment, though it was not possible to eliminate cages altogether. Golf carts are also available for those who are not able to spend so much time and effort to walk around.
All in all it is a good experience for children and adults who are fond of wildlife and nature. You can click snaps of the animals as if they are in their natural habitats, if you have camera with a good zoom.
Visited November 2014
See all 6 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2015 NEW
We had wanted to visit this zoo ever since we saw the movie, ‘The Life of Pi’. The movie is based on the Booker Prize winning novel with the same title authored by Yann Martel. The Canadian author’s story is based on his research he had done on the animal behaviours during his visits to this zoo in 1996-97.
Founded by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1857, it is the oldest zoo in India. It is set in a rambling 55 acre botanical garden in the centre of Thiruvanathapuram, and is located in the same compound as the Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. There is a nominal entry fee per person, but camera charges were Rs.50. The timings are 10 am to 5 pm on all days, but closed on Mondays.
If one wants to explore the entire zoo on foot, then be prepared to spend at least two hours of walking around the natural surroundings of jungles, lakes and gardens around which the cages and enclosures are set. The zoo authorities have tried to keep all the animals in a natural environment, though it was not possible to eliminate cages altogether. Golf carts are also available for those who are not able to spend so much time and effort to walk around.
All in all it is a good experience for children and adults who are fond of wildlife and nature. You can click snaps of the animals as if they are in their natural habitats, if you have camera with a good zoom.
Visited November 2014
See all 6 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
Ask EkMusafir about Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Write a Revie
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d3652252-r278224318-Thiruvananthapuram_Zoo-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
June 6, 2015
My TripAdvisor Review No.96: Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum, Kerala.
“Beautiful but commercialised.”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2015 NEW
Kovalam is a well known beach town located about 16 km from Kerala's capital city, Trivandrum. We hired a cab to drive down to the beach as part of the sight seeing trip around Trivandrum.
The 17 km long crescent shaped beach is actually broken up into 3 parts by rocky outcroppings. These 3 parts are called 1) Lighthouse Beach, 2) Hawah Beach and 3) Samudra Beach. All along the shoreline is fringed with beautiful cocont trees.
Our cab driver took us to the central Hawah Beach which is somewhat more crowded, and full of restaurants, hotels and water sports activities. We could see the Vizhinjam Lighthouse from here, but the Samudra Beach in the north was not visible. There is a different route to the Samudra Beach and all the 5 star resorts of Kovalam are located on this side. So Samudra Beach is more like a private beach.
Compared to the beaches of Goa and Maharashtra I would say Kovalam Beach is average, since it has been so commercialised. Maybe if we had come here in the evening and witnessed a sunset I might have rated it higher on the beauty scale.
Visited November 2014
See all 5 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
Ask EkMusafir about Kovalam Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d6475427-r278077981-Kovalam_Beach-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2015 NEW
Kovalam is a well known beach town located about 16 km from Kerala's capital city, Trivandrum. We hired a cab to drive down to the beach as part of the sight seeing trip around Trivandrum.
The 17 km long crescent shaped beach is actually broken up into 3 parts by rocky outcroppings. These 3 parts are called 1) Lighthouse Beach, 2) Hawah Beach and 3) Samudra Beach. All along the shoreline is fringed with beautiful cocont trees.
Our cab driver took us to the central Hawah Beach which is somewhat more crowded, and full of restaurants, hotels and water sports activities. We could see the Vizhinjam Lighthouse from here, but the Samudra Beach in the north was not visible. There is a different route to the Samudra Beach and all the 5 star resorts of Kovalam are located on this side. So Samudra Beach is more like a private beach.
Compared to the beaches of Goa and Maharashtra I would say Kovalam Beach is average, since it has been so commercialised. Maybe if we had come here in the evening and witnessed a sunset I might have rated it higher on the beauty scale.
Visited November 2014
See all 5 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
Ask EkMusafir about Kovalam Beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d6475427-r278077981-Kovalam_Beach-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
June 5, 2015
My TripAdvisor Review No.95: Poovar Island, Trivandrum, Kerala.
“Remote Tropical Paradise.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2015 NEW
Poovar island is located in the extreme southern tip of the state of Kerala. It is about 35 km south west from Trivandrum towards the Arabian Sea. Here the Neyyar River flowing down from the Agastyamala Hills comes and meets the Arabian Sea, forming a beautiful estuary, surrounded by mangrove forests.
The best way to explore Poovar Island is by boat. The boatman will take you through the mangrove forests to the Neyyar River and then downriver towards the sea. The river then runs almost parallel to the sea, separated only by a sand bank which forms part of the island. You can take a walk on the beach formed by the sand bank, but it is quite dangerous to swim here, as the sea is very rough.
There are a number of high end resorts located at or near Poovar Island. Some of these are, 'Isola Di Coco', 'Estuary Island', and 'Poovar Island Resort'. You will also find some floating restaurants along the Neyyar River where you can enjoy a meal in a tropical setting next to the flowing river.
Visited November 2014
See all 4 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
Ask EkMusafir about Poovar Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d2471106-r277844489-Poovar_Island-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2015 NEW
Poovar island is located in the extreme southern tip of the state of Kerala. It is about 35 km south west from Trivandrum towards the Arabian Sea. Here the Neyyar River flowing down from the Agastyamala Hills comes and meets the Arabian Sea, forming a beautiful estuary, surrounded by mangrove forests.
The best way to explore Poovar Island is by boat. The boatman will take you through the mangrove forests to the Neyyar River and then downriver towards the sea. The river then runs almost parallel to the sea, separated only by a sand bank which forms part of the island. You can take a walk on the beach formed by the sand bank, but it is quite dangerous to swim here, as the sea is very rough.
There are a number of high end resorts located at or near Poovar Island. Some of these are, 'Isola Di Coco', 'Estuary Island', and 'Poovar Island Resort'. You will also find some floating restaurants along the Neyyar River where you can enjoy a meal in a tropical setting next to the flowing river.
Visited November 2014
See all 4 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
Ask EkMusafir about Poovar Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d2471106-r277844489-Poovar_Island-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
My TripAdvisor Review No.94: Padmanabhapuram Palace, near Trivandrum.
“Fascinating Ancient Palace.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2015 NEW
Although this palace is located in Kanyakumari district of the state of Tamil Nadu, it was built in the 16th century by the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore when Padmanabhapuram was the capital city of the kingdom of Travancore. The Palace is a fine specimen of Kerala’s indigenous style of traditional architecture. Even now it is maintained by the Govt. of Kerala’s Archaeology Department.
We visited this palace on the way from Poovar (Kerala) to Kanyakumari. After passing the town of Marthandam and crossing the Neyyar River on the Kerala border, we arrived at the Tamil Nadu town of Thuckalay where the palace is located. There is an entry fee of Rs.35 per person and Rs.50 for a camera. It is closed to the public on Mondays.
As you enter you will see a clock tower with a 300 year old clock which still keeps time. Once you are inside it is as if you have been transported into a completely different world by a time machine. There are at least 50 to 60 rooms in different sections of the palace, and there is an attendant in each of the rooms to guide you around that room.
The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The shining floor of the Durbar Hall is made from a weird combination of natural ingredients which include egg whites, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut shells, charcoal and river sand. In the Raja’s bedroom there is a 64 piece wooden bed made from a variety of medicinal trees. There is an entire room filled with Chinese jars all gifted by Chinese merchants. There are 17th and 18th century murals, windows with coloured mica, hanging brass lanterns which have been lit continuously since the 18th century, carved figures holding oil lamps, on columns made from jackfruit wood, and fish carvings on the ceilings. A part of the palace is now a heritage museum exhibiting antique household articles and curios.
This palace is a must visit in your tour of Southern Kerala, especially if you are interested in history
See all photos
Visited November 2014
See all 4 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
Ask EkMusafir about Padmanabhapuram Palace
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d456335-r277834460-Padmanabhapuram_Palace-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2015 NEW
Although this palace is located in Kanyakumari district of the state of Tamil Nadu, it was built in the 16th century by the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore when Padmanabhapuram was the capital city of the kingdom of Travancore. The Palace is a fine specimen of Kerala’s indigenous style of traditional architecture. Even now it is maintained by the Govt. of Kerala’s Archaeology Department.
We visited this palace on the way from Poovar (Kerala) to Kanyakumari. After passing the town of Marthandam and crossing the Neyyar River on the Kerala border, we arrived at the Tamil Nadu town of Thuckalay where the palace is located. There is an entry fee of Rs.35 per person and Rs.50 for a camera. It is closed to the public on Mondays.
As you enter you will see a clock tower with a 300 year old clock which still keeps time. Once you are inside it is as if you have been transported into a completely different world by a time machine. There are at least 50 to 60 rooms in different sections of the palace, and there is an attendant in each of the rooms to guide you around that room.
The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The shining floor of the Durbar Hall is made from a weird combination of natural ingredients which include egg whites, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut shells, charcoal and river sand. In the Raja’s bedroom there is a 64 piece wooden bed made from a variety of medicinal trees. There is an entire room filled with Chinese jars all gifted by Chinese merchants. There are 17th and 18th century murals, windows with coloured mica, hanging brass lanterns which have been lit continuously since the 18th century, carved figures holding oil lamps, on columns made from jackfruit wood, and fish carvings on the ceilings. A part of the palace is now a heritage museum exhibiting antique household articles and curios.
This palace is a must visit in your tour of Southern Kerala, especially if you are interested in history
See all photos
Visited November 2014
See all 4 reviews by EkMusafir for Trivandrum
Ask EkMusafir about Padmanabhapuram Palace
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d456335-r277834460-Padmanabhapuram_Palace-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
June 3, 2015
My TripAdvisor Review No.93: Poovar Backwater Cruise, Poovar, Trivandrum, Kerala.
“Fascinating Backwater Boat Ride.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2015 NEW
Early one morning we were walking along to Virali village, near Poovar, for breakfast when we noticed these colourful fibre glass boats parked on the banks of the river. The boatman offered us a ride through the backwater canals and even agreed to wait while we had breakfast at a riverside restaurant.
We were not expecting much, but it turned out to be a very fascinating boat ride indeed. As we entered the mangrove forests the foliage from the overhanging branches closed in on us. The boatman slowed down the speed of the boat so that the motor made less noise and we were silently gliding through the mangroves. We saw many water birds at close quarters. There were egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, cranes, eagles and some other bird species which we couldn’t identify.
We passed some resorts like ‘Isoly di Coco’, ‘Estuary Resort’, and ‘Poovar Island Resort’ in the backwaters. Some of them even have floating cottages on the river bank.
After some time we reached the much wider Neyyar River and now he increased the boat speed till we reached the riverside restaurant named ‘Anna Boorna’, where we had a breakfast of dosas and uthappas. It was an open air shack overlooking the river and had a beautiful setting. There are some other floating restaurants too, along the riverside.
We then got back into the boat and went to the estuary where the river enters the sea. There was a sand bank beyond which is the Arabian Sea. We stopped and climbed on to the sand bank and got our feet wet in the sea water. The slope of the beach is steep and it is not safe to swim here, as the waves are quite rough.
It was indeed a fascinating and unique boat ride experience, not to be missed if you are visiting this southernmost tip of Kerala, near Trivandrum.
Visited November 2014
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask EkMusafir about Poovar Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d2471106-r277231955-Poovar_Island-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2015 NEW
Early one morning we were walking along to Virali village, near Poovar, for breakfast when we noticed these colourful fibre glass boats parked on the banks of the river. The boatman offered us a ride through the backwater canals and even agreed to wait while we had breakfast at a riverside restaurant.
We were not expecting much, but it turned out to be a very fascinating boat ride indeed. As we entered the mangrove forests the foliage from the overhanging branches closed in on us. The boatman slowed down the speed of the boat so that the motor made less noise and we were silently gliding through the mangroves. We saw many water birds at close quarters. There were egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, cranes, eagles and some other bird species which we couldn’t identify.
We passed some resorts like ‘Isoly di Coco’, ‘Estuary Resort’, and ‘Poovar Island Resort’ in the backwaters. Some of them even have floating cottages on the river bank.
After some time we reached the much wider Neyyar River and now he increased the boat speed till we reached the riverside restaurant named ‘Anna Boorna’, where we had a breakfast of dosas and uthappas. It was an open air shack overlooking the river and had a beautiful setting. There are some other floating restaurants too, along the riverside.
We then got back into the boat and went to the estuary where the river enters the sea. There was a sand bank beyond which is the Arabian Sea. We stopped and climbed on to the sand bank and got our feet wet in the sea water. The slope of the beach is steep and it is not safe to swim here, as the waves are quite rough.
It was indeed a fascinating and unique boat ride experience, not to be missed if you are visiting this southernmost tip of Kerala, near Trivandrum.
Visited November 2014
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask EkMusafir about Poovar Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297637-d2471106-r277231955-Poovar_Island-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Kerala.html#
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