Aruvi waterfall (Thiruvananthapuram , kerala , India )

Aruvi Waterfall is an isolated waterfall located at a distance of some 60 kms from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and 7 kms away from Bonecaud estate. Reaching the waterfall would be an invigorating affair as the serene atmosphere and the lush greenery would rule over your heart and soul and the trekking route further would add more joy to the advent.
Prior Permisson Required for a Visit
May be this is the reason why the Aruvi waterfall name is not in the list of maximum tourists who visit to Thiruvanthapuram or to Kerala. Located in an isolated atmosphere, a prior permission is required for a visit or for trekking. So if you want to explore the unseen charm and unravished beauty of Aruvi and Peppera get order from forest department and walk the trails that have witness less footfalls.
Trekker’s Paradise
Lush greenery, wooded forests and the soothing atmosphere makes Aruvi waterfalls is truly a Trekker’s Paradise. Located in the Peppera forest range the area is inhibited by Kanni tribesmen and they can be helpful for trekkers. Adventure lovers would surely have a retreat of lifetime as the rigorous climb through the intriguing passes and the forested areas of Peppar would test the physics as well as the how enthusiastic you are to be an adventurer and trekker.

Meenmutty waterfall (Thiruvananthapuram ,kerala ,India )

Jagged rocks and foamy waters, all in the midst of a forest right out of a story book, that's
Meenmutty Falls for you. The 2 Km jungle hike ends all too soon and before you say 'Jack Robinson', you are at the falls. This is the kind of place movie makers come to shoot because they are always on the lookout for the exotic. This is what exotic means. You may reach the place via Kokhikode. Meenmutty Falls fall from a staggering height of 1000 meters and has a fantastic three tired look. Located at a distance of 45 KMs from Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram and 29 KMs from Kalpetta, this place is a must see...or should we say, must listen because the waterfall sings. Yes, it does. You need to hear it for yourself to believe me. Then let us know how you liked it. The cascading waterfall does not provide a very favorable place for the fish to swim in, hence a name that roughly translates to 'where the fish are blocked'. It’s a gorgeous place located in the Neyyar reservoir area. You must visit because this is the kind of place you want to add to your memory kit, the kind of place you'd never want to forget. This is the place travelers. This is it!
To reach water falls tourist have to trek 2KM from Kallar through the dense forests of Western Ghats. No other transportation to the water fall is available.
Kombaikani waterfalls is also located close to this fall and is a 2KM trek from here. Permission from forest departments needs to be taken to visit this waterfall and a forest rest house is located near it. Accommodation can be availed with permission from forest department.

Mankayam waterfall (Thiruvananthapuram , kerrala , India )

Escape from the mad moments and your boring city life. Be on the lap of Mother Nature amidst the music and murmur of Mankayam Waterfalls . Open the treasure house of beautiful moments and memories. Cherish the pleasant and refreshing experience. Enjoy the harmony of nature in clean and green surroundings . Far away from human habitation experience the real delightful experience. It is an ideal place to unwind from the faster pace of life and regain your biorhythm in the cool serene surroundings. Rejuvenate your mind and body for action.The ambiance of this ecotourism spot is simply fascinating. The most captivating greenery of this spot amidst fascinating and enriching settings of pristine natural waterfalls is really refreshing.

 Mankayam is around 50 Km from Thiruvananthapuram near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk. The Two waterfalls Kalakayam and Kurisadi are in Mankayam river which is a tributory of Chittar River.The water is extremely pure,cool ,clear and since it is coming from forest area full of medicinal plants this water is said to have medicinal properties. Vanasamrakshna Samithi (Forest Protection Group), working under the forest department of Kerala is in charge of maintenance of this Ecotourism Spot.

Entry Time: 8 am to 4 p.m

This location is suitable for one day trip for nature lovers.

2. How to reach there from Thiruvananthapuram

It is better to use your own vehicle or hire some vehicle

Thiruvananthapuram—> Peroorkada—->Karakulam—>Nedumangad —->Cullimanoor—-> Nanniyode—->Palode—->Perinamala—->Guard Station (Turn Left )—> Mankayam—>Brimore Estate

Location

Lattitude:8.755558, Longitude: 77.063241

There is one small KSRTC Bus conducting service between Thampanoor and Brimore Estate

First Trip

Travel Time : 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

Starting from Thampanoor at 6.30 a.m and reaching Brimore at 8.45 am

Second Trip

Starting from Thampanoor at 4.00 pm and reaching Brimore at 6.30 pm

Return: 6.40 Pm from Brimore and reaching Thampanoor at 8.15 pm

For KSRTC Bus Timings, Visit:

www.aanavandi.com

KSRTC Thiruvananthapuram: 0471 2323886 (24 Hrs)

KSRTC Thiruvananthapuram: 0471 2323979 (Office)

3.Things to Do at Mankayam

Visit to the waterfalls and Bathing

Originating from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brimore creates a tributary named Mankayam River. There are two spectacular waterfalls. One is at Kalakayam, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area and the other at Kurissadi. The spectacular falls at Kalakayam and Kurisadi can be seen and enjoyed from view points provided by the Forest Authorities. The Kurisadi Ghat offers an excellent spot for bathing.With rich forest setting, the area in and around the waterfalls are overwhelmingly green. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here.

Trekking

Walking Route to waterfalls

Tourists can visit nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. Trekking enthusiasts can spend half day for trekking Iruthala Moola – Ayampara route , where you can enjoy the beauty of Ayampara waterfalls and some of the wildlife in the area. Adventure lovers can go for one day Mankayam – Varayadin Mottai trek. The lush green valleys, grasslands and shola forests will enchant you and you will most likely to come across the endangered Nilgiri Tahr; a species of wild goat, at the peak of Varayadin Mottai.

4. Food and Drinks

It is better to carry your own food and drinks.There is only one restaurent named Prakrithi near to the entrance of the waterfall run by Mr.Shajahan a Gulf returnee.You have to book the food in advance through Mobile:8943159130 or at the time of reaching Mankayam.

5. Charges

Adults : Rs 20/- per person.

Children : Rs 10/- per person.

Bus : Rs 50/-

Minibus : Rs 30/-

Car/Jeep : Rs 20/-

Auto/Bike : Rs 10/-

5. Tips

During rainy season leaches can be a problem.Carry some common salt/match box / lime solution (calcium carbonate) / pesticide spray like hit.

To enjoy the serene surroundings avoid visit on holidays.

While taking bath avoid the edges and deep places.

Avoid the deep places just below the waterfall.

Carry your swim wear.

Carry your food and water.

Avoid Plastics

Bonacaud hill (Thiruvananthapuram , kerala ,India )

Bonacaud, serves as the base station for exploring the famous Agasthyarkoodam in the Agasthya hills of the Western Ghats is situated 60 kilometers from the state capital Trivandrum district of Kerala State. It is a small, isolated and unpolluted village. Spread over an area of 2500 acres of valleys, waterfalls and hills it is known for its spectacular beauty. Bonacaud is an ideal place for birding. Grey wagtail, forest wagtail, greenish leaf warbler, Asian brown flycatcher are amongst the 60 species of birds spotted around.
The famous hill resort Ponmudi is near to Bonacaud. Also known as Bonakkad, it is in the past, was known for its magnificent tea plantations started by the British about 135 years ago.
Until 70s the factory was very much lively but now it is closed. Ruined tea plantations are a common sight found here. The colonists roamed around the place on horseback and named the place Bonaccord. Later the locals modifying it as Bonacaud. The name Bonacaud means 'bona forest' caud in Malayalam means forest).
On the road up, one can see a tall watch tower from where one can get a clear view of the Peppara dam and its catchment area, enchanting lush green Agasthya hill ranges and the factory and buildings dotting the Bonacaud estate and the winding roads.
On the way to Agasthyarkoodam from Bonacaud, one can see a few small waterfalls. The Bona waterfall is six km away from the Bonacaud tea factory. One have to take special permission from the Forest Department to visit Bona Falls. Those want to visit this falls, one have to walk as vehicles are not allowed there. A 4 km trek is needed to reach the waterfall. Park the vehicles around 2 km away from the checkpoint. It is an attractive and lovely waterfall with an abundant fauna wealth. The next four km involves trek through the forest path. Permit for the trek can be obtained from the forest check post.
Pandippathi is a nearby trekking destination, where one can see gaur and other wild animals in proximity. The place is also an ideal for trekking. Pandipathu and Agasthya malai are two hardcore trekking areas here. Kurishumala is another famous trekking spot near Bonacaud. It looks like a difficult terrain to climb from the ground, but there are enough paths around the steeper inclines. Kurishumala can also be visited by jeep from Vagamon. From the top of Kurishumala one can relish a splendid view of the Peppara dam and Agasthyarkoodam.
Like all other hillstations in Kerala, this hillstation is also best to visit from October to March. This tiny village is very beautiful immediately after the monsoon which makes the region full of lush greenery.
Tourist can make use of the Information Centre of the Forest Department at Bonacaud. This two-storeyed eco-friendly structure stands on wooden stilts and makes use of local raw materials for construction.

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!

Sasthampara (Thiruvananthapuram , kerala , INDIA )

Sasthampara is just about 14 kilometers from the city. Situated near the village of Vilappil, this small plateau comprises small hills and rock formations. You can drive up; but whatever means of travel you use, you will have to trek the last 400 meters uphill.
There are shelters and an information office run by the DTPC. There are seats for you to rest on the way, and it sure is a rewarding walk up the hill. Once you reach the top, you feel like you are just a step away from heaven. You have a beautiful view of the city, with the clouds kissing you.
You get a bird's eye view of the city from Sasthampara; you can watch the sun kissed beaches, and the palm trees swaying in the breeze. Don't forget to pack your binoculars, if you want a closer look. You will see the many buildings at a distance, you will also see the mobile towers standing tall amid the greens.
Evenings are the best time to head out to this place. Pack a picnic hamper, walk up the hills to reach by 3 pm and you can see wisps of clouds float by, the flights soaring on their way to the airport. You can watch a beautiful sunset from the hills before heading down. There is a small children's park, and a lot of fresh springs and some pretty rocks up here.
Spread over a distance of about 14 acres in Vilappil panchayat, the Sasthampara boasts of an ancient sastha temple too. You can see Ponmudi and Agastyarkoodam at a distance, and on a clear day, you can even see the Neyyar dam.

Judge kunnu (Thiruvananthapuram , kerala ,India )

It takes 6 minutes to travel from Judge Kunnu to Trivandrum . Approximate driving distance between Judge Kunnu and Trivandrum is 5 kms or 3.1 miles or 2.7 nautical miles . Travel time refers to the time taken if the distance is covered by a car.

On the table above you can see driving distance in various units namely kilo metres, miles and nautical miles.

1 Mile is about 1609 metres. 1 Nautical Mile is exactly 1852 metres.

                              one of the romantic hill tops associated with composer king Swati Tirunal. His biographers cite this hill as his favourite spot. The hill is today known after the small mansion that has since vanished, Kunnu Bungalow. From the Kunnu Bungalow hill, one can get a 360 degrees view of the city – a wide canvas of greenery with tall buildings here and there, with Mukkunni mala in the background and Karamana River in the foreground… No wonder that a poet fell in love with the spot. The Bungalow, which housed a school for some time, was abandoned and left to ruin. It remained as an open ground for some time but today an unromantic water tank has made the spot unworthy of a visit.

Enroute to the Kunnu Bunglow is the former Sethalmond Palace (home to Princess Sethu Lakshmi) or Mudavanmughal Kottaram, which now houses the Sree Chithra Thirunal Institute of Medical Science and Technology. The palace, which was established sometime between 1900 and 1910, is also on an elevated ground (51m).

From Poojappura, the road towards Thirumala takes you to yet another beautiful hill top – the Parakkovil hill (60m). The tip of the hill is very rocky and the temple on it has been built on top of a huge boulder. This is the spot from where the huge slab of granite was cut in order to carve the Ottakkal Mandapam, the platform in front of the idol of Lord Vishnu in the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. The honorific ‘Thiru’ to Thirumala could have been added due to this, in the 18th century.

C.R. Sathya, a native of Karnataka who came to the city to work at the Indian Space Research Organisation, was curious about how and from where the granite slab was brought to the temple. His research on the topic confirmed that it came from Thirumala. In fact, one can still see the spot from where the slab was cut off.

The view from the rocky hill top is again an exhilarating one, especially in December.

The road from Poojappura to PTP Nagar takes you to the PTP Nagar/Thirumala hill (77m). The palace atop the Thirumala hill in PTP Nagar is now in private possession and affords a panaromic view of the surroundings.

There are a number of other city hills, some conspicuous and others not so much. The Thycaud hill and the adjoining Vazhuthacaud hill have many heritage buildings on it, the oldest being the Residency.

In 1838, William Henry Horsely writes: “ The British residency, a plain andmoderate sized structure, stands on an elevated spot, 2-3 miles east of the fort, commanding a view of the Thycad valley and surrounding country.” Government Women’s College, Model High School, Government Arts College, Swathi Thirunal Government Music College (once the office of the Assistant Resident) and so on are heritage institutions in Thycaud that are more than 100 years old or near about that.

Many other hills such as Puthenkotta hill (25m), a tiny one but conspicuous enough because it rises in a low plain near East Fort), Thiruvallam hill (or Chithranjali hills as it is renamed, 70m), Kallumala stone quarry near Peroorkada (80m), Randamada (133m), which is famous for sheet rocks, Valiamala (178m), Ottasekharamangalam (185m), Chathanpara (202m), and so on are also to be found in and around the city.

Towards Nedumangad and Peppara too there are many hills. Chemmunji Motta at 1700m is the source of the Karamana river, which quenches the thirst of the city.