Things to do in Kerala

This is a beach which faces the Arabian sea and is at the metropolitan area of Thiruvanthapuram of Kerela, about 18 km from the centre of the city. Due to the presence of endless sight of Grove of Coconut trees (which in malyalam is called Kovalam) this place thus got its name. This Beach is famous for its crescent which is formed by the three separate rocky outcropped beaches in its 17 km long coastline. The three beaches are Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. The Light House Beach, which is the southernmost beach and most which attracts the most number of tourists, got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a 35 meter high on top of Kurumkal hillock.The Hawah beach, also known as the Eve beach ranks in second in tourist attraction and is a beehive of fisherman activities in the early hours of the day. The beach creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights because of it’s high rock promontory and a calm bay.The Samudra beach has a large promontory which separates it’s southern side and doesn’t have tourists thronging or hectic business. This part is mainly used by fishermen to ply their trade.

Karamana River, Vellayani Lake, Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Art Gallery, Valiyathura Pier, Neyyar Dam, Aruvikkara Dam, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple

Napier Museum, an art and natural history museum, is situated in the capital city of Kerala that is Thiruvananthapuram. Established in 1855 and named after Lord Napier the governor of Madras presidency from 1860-1872 is an architectural masterpiece designed by Robert Chisholm, who made the new building by demolishing the old one in 1880. Its origin relies upon the joint efforts of J.A. Brown, then Director of the Trivandrum Observatory and General William Cullen, then British Resident and the Government finally approved Browns idea of starting a Museum in a part of his Bungalow.
It is a landmark of unique architectural style which is a combination of Kerala, Chinese, Italian, and Mughal architecture. The Indo-Saracenic structure acts as a natural air-conditioning system. . It has a wide range of collection that includes- Archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols and ancient ornaments.
The “Sree Chitra Art Gallery “ is an absolute treat for art lovers which includes the art of Raja Ravi Verma, Mughal art and Tanjor art. Museum ground also holds the Trivandrum zoo spread over 55 acres. If you are in Thiruvananthapuram, then Napier museum is a good option for recreation.
It displays Kerela’s rich culture and heritage. It counts to 550 items which is displayed in this museum. The displayed articles includes artistic, cultural and antique objects comprising of sculptures in bronze and stone, carving of wood and ivory, lamps, textiles, Kathakali models, handicraft items, Koftgari works, traditional musical instruments, a treasure of numismatic collections representing Chera, Chola, Pandya dynasties of Southern India etc.
Coins from different ages are also displayed here which counts up to 5480 coins coming under 9 major categories.
Tickets for its entry is being sold till 4:30 pm. Use of video camera, still camera and mobile phones and any act inconveniencing or disturbing the fellow visitors or Museum management are being prohibited here. It is approachable by frequent buses, Auto-rickshaws, Taxi cars etc. It also has a ticketed parking facility.

Founded by Swami Vishnudevananda, the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, stands on a foothill near the Neyyar river which flows placidly giving it a relaxing view. It was named in the honour of the founder’s teacher H.H. Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati Maharaj, who was one of the most influential spiritual teacher of the twentieth century.
Due its location the ashram excludes tranquility and has picturesque surroundings. Many groups of guests mostly foreigners come here to to relax in the open courtyard and enjoy a light schedule. They are also free to simply relax and explore or even step out.
It is regarded widely as an excellent yoga school, having a solid training and its cost depends on the type of accommodation. Visitors can opt for twin share (some rooms have common bathrooms), dormitory, and tent space (bring own tent). Here classical yoga techniques, are taught in a warm and friendly environment, which helps to inculcate in guests the deep awareness of spiritual essence in life.
Its basically a Hindu-centric ashram which has a substantial Hindu religious aspect which includes three to four hours of chanting per day, plus prayers to Hindu deities and to the ashram’s founding gurus. It has a capacity to withhold around 400 participants at a time making it too much over crowded. January is the peak month for this ashram and it remains busy from October to April.
This is located on a fairly remote area, for which making short strolls into nearby towns becomes next-to-impossible. Internet is very limited here though this place is crowded. The Neyyar Lake on whose bank this ashram is made brings on the cool breeze making this place more convenient to an already beautiful mild forest area around it which adds to its appealing location. Though this place during the summer experiences temperature increase up to 35 degree Celsius but the shady forest which surrounds this ashram provides lots of respite and during the winter its temperature barely goes below 24 degree Celsius. Thus this place can be approached anytime in the whole year.
Meals (only vegetarian) are served two times a day (at 10 am and 6 pm) and it prohibits back tea and coffee. The schedule of this ashram is really strict.People who want a peaceful place should visit this ashram.