Madavoorpara (Thiruvananthapuram , kerala , INDIA )

The kingdom of Travancore was formed in the 16th century CE by King Marthanda Varma. It was around the same time that Malayalam became an independent language, distinct from its Tamil ancestor. Prior to that, this place was part of what is now affectionately referred to as ‘Tamizhakam’It is believed that kings of the Ay dynasty ruled over this place. 'Madavoorpara' and the cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved out on its steep slope, are some of the clues left over from those ancient times, signifying a tradition whose remnants can still be found, albeit subtly, in modern times.
'Madavoorpara' is now a protected site. The place has been developed both as a centre for recreation as well as for worshipping Lord Siva. The 'temple' is actually nothing more than a cave carved out on the surface of the bare rock, which has now been protected with iron doors.
The steps to the cave have been carved out by the feet of devotees and priests who climbed up the rock to pay respect to the carved idol of Shiva all through the centuries. A mere glance at the cave, from the base of the rock, will have you momentarily transported back to those distant times when it should have been dense forests everywhere surrounding the rock, and those ancient people performing rituals at the temple.
Cave temples are a rather uncommon sight in Kerala, although found comparatively in abundance in Northern India. Ancient history reasons the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism as major religions in the subcontinent to these carved out monuments of the worshipped, mythical or real. These temples were sponsored by the travelling merchants of those days for whom it was a must to earn the good will of every urban society through which they needed to pass through and conduct business with. In return for a fair profit, they ensured to create a good will among the people of that society by sponsoring a place for worshipping their revered figures and the custom of those days desired the temples to be made on rocks.
While Buddhism and Jainism rapidly spread roots in Northern India thus, the rulers of the South became skeptical of their beliefs being erased out in the process. So, to negate it, the southern rulers began fortifying the beliefs of their own land and its people, and in the process replicated some of the steps that the other religions followed.
'Madavoorpara' cave temple is thus one of the two ancient cave temples that can be found in the district of Trivandrum, the other being the cave temple at Vizhinjam.

The cave temple at 'Madavoorpara' is believed to have been built around the 8th century A.D. Today, more important than the cave temple, 'Madavoorpara' is being developed to become a perfect recreational spot for those who would want to take a breather from the daily chores of life and spend some time sitting far above all the noise and pollution and observe life from a distant perspective.
It is a bit of an arduous climb through the rocky slopes, especially for the elderly, but if you could make it through the beautifully constructed bamboo bridge which leads to the top of the rock, to a small hut with benches made of bamboo wood inside, waiting for you, it is a visual treat that welcomes your eyes and a soft breeze to caress your body with a tranquilizing effect. There is also a children's park built at the base of this rock for families to spend some quality time relaxing at 'Madavoorpara'.
The bamboo bridge that takes you to the hut atop the rock, and the panoramic view of the greenery that spreads all around that can be viewed sitting inside the hut, is what makes 'Madavoorpara' a true treasure to the city, one that still needs to be properly recognized and utilized it terms of value and potential by the general public. From the top you can see the distant images of the Technopark buildings and a few other high rises rising tall from the green carpet that's spread more or less evenly throughout, which still pays justice to the label given to this city by the Father of Our Nation as being the 'Evergreen City of India'.
Having said that, it needs to be duly noted that the task of separating the city limits from its verdant outskirts is quite an easy task. Even a casual glance by a naive observer would make him aware of the veil of smoke that rises continuously upward from those portions where the land is burdened with the bustling traffic of a fast growing city.
'Madavoorpara' is, as of now, one of the best kept secrets of Trivandrum and truly deserves to be titled as one of the best wonders that adore this special place.
How to get there:
Madavoorpara is around 18 km from Trivandrum. You can decide on which route to take.
Route-1
You can take the Chempazhanthy-Pothencode route from Sreekaryam. After 7 kms of drive through this road, you will reach Kattayikonam. You can see Madavoorpara temple signboard towards right.
Route-2
You can take the Powdikonam-Pothencode route from Sreekaryam. After 8 kms of drive through this road you will reach Santhipuram. Left turn from this junction and another 2 kms of drive through this road will take you to Madavoorppara. You don't have to climb up the rock if you take this route!