Trivandrum and Kannyakumari- Kerala Part 1

I made this trip back in 2015, and honestly, everything was just worth it. And although one should begin their trip from Kochi, and end it at Trivandrum, with Kovalam and Varkala beaches, I started the whole way round. (I am not sure about the spellings though.)


Kovalam Beach

My resort was on the very beach itself, and faced the seaside. I suggest you to stay at that resort itself- Jeevan Resort. Kovalam beach actually consists of three crescent beaches. It is hence unique, and of course, peaceful and breath-taking. You can get all suntanned, and wet in sea water. There is a great selfie-spot up the rocks that you can climb- a mini-trek! Or you can watch the red and pink of the spectacular sunset. It is romantic, and worth a stay! 

Varkala Beach

This is a beach where the tour guides won't probably take you, and I heard it from some of my colleagues. If you do not visit this beach, well, your trip to Kerala is incomplete. The water is so blue that just by looking at it you will start jumping on your feet, desperate to go in for a swim! On a serious note, it is a good place to get suntanned. It takes about a 45-minute drive from Kovalam to Varkala, and then you have to climb down a flight of old stone stairs as well.

There are also many shops and stalls, and even hotels behind the beach. You can buy souvenirs, eat some great cuisine, and learn more about the culture of Kerala!

Vivekananda Rock

So I drove a long way to Kannyakumari after that, which is the southern-most point of India. It is a sangam  i.e. unity, in Hindi, of the Indian ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian sea. The sunset from this point is particularly famous. Unfortunately, the day I had been there, a cloud had overshadowed the sun, but still I managed to take a picture.

I had to take a streamer from the shore to the Vivekananda Rock, which is in the middle of the ocean. It is actually the place where Swami Vivekananda had meditated and talked to God before heading to Chicago. Well, that is the belief and the significance of the place.

A warning by the way- do not think of making any beautiful hairdos, because the sea winds are so overpowering yet fresh, that they turn your hair into a mess, and you have to take care of your clothes so that they do not make you lose your decency in public!

Meenakshi Temple

I had also paid visit to the Meenakshi temple. I had to leave Kerala for Tamil Nadu, in Madurai, but even Kannyakumari is in Tamil Nadu. The temple is known for the gold idol of a traditional Hindu Goddess. The temple is huge and beautiful. There are many carvings on the slopes, and the remarkable South-Indian architecture can be well-differentiated from the North-Indian and Mughal styles.

Taking a camera inside is not allowed, and you have to pay a good amount of money to take it in, along with your entry fee. Though, of course if you are a rule breaker, you will find it easy! The gold idol can be seen only from 4 in the evening. So be careful while planning your travel agenda.

I saw many women selling gajras in their straw baskets, so I decided to try them as well! The champa flowers, with their floral aroma. mesmerized my soul completely. It is not very expensive, so one should try such local amenities, and enjoy the little Indian things.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

This palace is on the way from Trivandrum to Kannyakumari. This palace has a very old history. Inside the palace, there were many narrow corridors. There were also many antique utility rooms, like washrooms, kitchens. One can get the essence of being a royal Southern aristocrat here. The entire palace was made of wood and natural produce. I had to walk barefoot, since wearing shoes was not permitted. The ground was so hot, I was walking on my toes. The feet-boiling part was painful, but the rest of the experience was fascinating.