Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam the second highest peak in Kerala, having a height of 1890 mts above sea level is a part of the Sahyadri mountain range. Resembling a sharp cone, it is located 70 Kms North East of Thiruvananthapuram.The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva.

A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into bluish glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.

In 1992, an area of around 23 sq kms was established as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park. The intention was to replenish the degraded forests and to use it for educational purposes.

Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence he dislikes the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

Location
70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Kovalam

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite destination of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky peninsula on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.

Backed by precipitously mounting headlands and covered by green coconut palms, the beaches, especially the southern most part of lighthouse beach. It is also lined with a host of shops and shacks offering all kinds of services; creating a wonderful resort atmosphere. Curio shops, hawkers of Kashmiri and Tibetan products, moneychangers and beachwear shops, between the surplus of restaurants and hotels, do brisk business during peak tourist season.

The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.

Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all-year-round destination.

Location: 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, South Kerala.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 16 km.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 10 km.