A day in Kanyakumari

On my way back from Kuttalam, I was wanting to do something for the next day since it was a Sunday.  Sometimes you need a day when you can just be.  I enquired with the  Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram and booked my seat for a one day trip to Kanyakumari.

To enjoy the beauty of Kanyakumari, we started our journey from  Thiruvananthapuram early morning at around 7.30 am. Though we were heading to this coastal town in Tamil Nadu state, located at the southernmost tip of India, we decided to stop at a few places in between.

MARVEL AT THE ARCHITECTURE OF PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

First spot on the way was Padmanabhapuram Palace – The biggest wooden palace in Asia. Situated near Thuckalay, at the foot of the Veli Hills,  it was the erstwhile capital of the Princely State of Travancore.  The fort complex contains several important buildings like the King’s council Chamber, Thai Kottaram, Natakasala and a heritage museum.  This  is one of the property under the Kerala Government in Tamil Nadu. The other one is the Guest house in Kanyakumari.

VISIT TO THE SUCHINDRAM TEMPLE

Out next stop was at Suchindram Temple . This temple is dedicated to Stanumalaya (Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma). The 135 feet tall Gopura is carved into thousands of high relief, exquisitely rendered images of deities and  transcendental pastime scenes. Inside the temple you can watch  the 18 feet Hanuman Statue and the musical pillars.

Just right to the temple is a large water tank with a pillared mandapa, crowned by a vimana in Dravidian style at the center.

Finally, we reached our destination of the day, Kanyakumari. It was already lunch time. We had our lunch from a nearby restaurant. Our next place in the chart was Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

EXPLORE THE VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL

Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial  is a gigantically popular tourist destination in Kanyakumari and is situated on a little rocky island just off the coast, about 500 meters away from the mainland. Built in 1970, this place is an absolute gem.

You can avail ferry service to reach the rocks from the mainland for Rs.20 per person. We busied ourselves with doing nothing - watching the waves and balancing in our seat.

Upon reaching, you need to take an entry fee of Rs.10 per person.  Legend says that Swami Vivekananda came to Kanyakumari on 24.02.1892 and meditated on this rock for few days before his departure for Chicago to participate in the World Religious Conference in 1893.

The best experience is that you can spend some time for meditation at the back side of the Memorial and feel the power that Vivekananda might have felt.

Another building on the rock is Sripada mandapam, which is adjacent to Vivekananda Mandapam, where one can sit in a serene atmosphere and meditate.

Thiruvalluvar Statue is located on one of the two rocks which is adjacent to Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial separated by about 70 meters. This 133 feet statue is the memorial of the great Tamil poet Saint Thiruvalluvar .

A visit here is one of the most unique things to do in Kanyakumari. Too soon it was time to leave the place and we headed back to the mainland.

RELAX IN TRIVENI SANGAM

Here, the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. A dip in the ‘Triveni Sangam’ (confluence of the three seas) at Kanyakumari is considered holy. This is the place where you can see both the sunrise and the sunset.

This place offers a number of beautiful spots to get your pictures clicked. It’s almost impossible to come up with a short phrase to describe this distinctive, genius space.

Sitting on the rocks with sea waves just an arm away is something that should be experienced and not explained. A short meditation can really make you feel so much one with yourself and you almost feel connected to the rest  of the world, and if you close your eyes, the sound of waves hitting the shores is the best music that you can ever hear.

VISIT TO THE TSUNAMI MEMORIAL

As the name suggests, this monument was built in the memory of those who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

DIVINE EXPERIENCE AT KUMARI BHAGAVATHY AMMAN TEMPLE

Probably the most famous place to visit in Kanyakumari is the Kumari Bhagvaty Amman Temple. According to legend, this 3000 years old temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvati who appeared in a form of Kanyakumari as the Kanya Devi, the virgin goddess.

 

HANG OUT AT GANDHI MEMORIAL

Visiting Gandhi Memorial is an altogether  different experience. It is said that after the assassination of Gandhiji  in 1948, the urn containing his ashes was kept here for the public to pay their homage before being immersed in the Triveni Sangam. The architectural style of Gandhi Memorial resembles that of Odisha temples. The height of the central dome is 79 feet, representing Gandhi’s age when he died. 

Gandhi Memorial Kanyakumari

HEADING HOME

In the evening,  we bid goodbye to Kanyakumari wishing to return back at any given opportunity. An ideal day when nothing was required but just to enjoy being.

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Road trip to Kuttalam

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, has many places that can be easily accessed over a long weekend. I was keen to go on a long drive in my Wagon R and so me and my friend decided to head to Kuttalam in the Kerala - Tamilnadu boarder.

The objective of the trip was to explore the road to Thenmala, Chenkotta and Kuttalam. The route offers an ideal option for those seeking solitude. You can find several temples at regular intervals and you will come across some of the most stunning landscapes.

Our Itinerary:
Thiruvananthapuram - Nedumangad - Palode - Kulathupuzha - Thenmala (73 kms) - Chenkotta - Kuttalam

I started early from Thiruvananthapuram so as to beat the city traffic. My friend joined me from Nedumangad . A little into the drive, I discovered that both of us are music lovers especially good old Malayalam songs, since both us are almost in the same age group.

First spot on the way was the Kulathupuzha Sastha temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. But we skipped this to cover during our return journey as we had to reach Kuttalam by afternoon. After having some snacks from the roadside eateries, we again started our drive to Kuttalam. You will love the atmosphere and surroundings in this route.  Just as we made our way up the ghats it started drizzling. I opened the window of the car to let the cool breeze blow right into the car.

Our next stop was at Pallamvetti Mahadeva temple. People from far off places who do not have children come here with dresses for babies which are tied onto the branches of trees.

Our next stop was Saddledam Dam - the boating centre of Thenmala ecotourism centre and is located at Pallamvetty. Since monsoon season was over, there was less water in the Dam. The Dam premises has a unique scenic beauty and hillocks of high lush evergreen forests.

We had pit stop to take photograph of the newly constructed 13-arch flyover for Punaloor - Chenkotta Meter Gauge.   Punalur-Shencotta metre-gauge line is the century-old flyover along the Western Ghats near Thenmala.

By now we were driving along the hill road.  Good road condition and pleasant weather made our drive enjoyable.  The picturesque lush green surroundings is sure to mesmerise you. You will come across many monkeys in this area, jumping on the branches of trees, sitting along the road and grabbing food bags from tourists.

Finally, we reached near our destination for the day, Shencotta. Kuttalam is just 7 kms from Shencotta. Exceptionally picturesque drive with dense vegetated fields and accompanying river streams resulted in frequent halts for photography.

You will love the atmosphere and surroundings of this spot. Our  lunch was on our way to Kuttalam, a typical Non Veg Thali which offers locally sourced cuisine  in a very relaxed atmosphere. Chicken was highly featured in the menu. After having lunch, we again started our drive to Kuttalam.

We were lucky to see the majestic Kuttalam waterfalls.This is the most important spot in the region. As the monsoon season was over, water was flowing in a narrow lane.

Kuttalam waterfalls

And I walked towards my car bidding adieu to the place, where I vowed to come again.

We were lucky to see the beautiful view of  sun rays shining on the top of the hills during sunset on our way back to Shencotta.

The green drive and the pretty roads will leave you awed, while the idyllic beauty of the journey and the destination will make you cool.

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Photo Update: Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016

This is the second time I got an opportunity to visit Kochi-Muziris Biennale for its 3rd edition and was thrilled with  the art installations. 

I started from Aspinwall House and then visited Greenix  and  Pepper House exhibits. On the way I stopped at various art installations, and clicked pictures of interesting art installations and information relating to them.

 Here then, is the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016, through my lens:

The Pyramid of Exiled Poets an installation by Slovenian litterateur Ales Steger  at Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi

The Sea of Pain, an installation by Chilean poet Raul Zurita at Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi

Dance of Death,  an installation by Yardena Kurulkar at Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi . Yardena Kurulkar creates a point of confrontation between life and death by mixing media with light bulbs

Big Dog, an installation by Chinese artist Liu Wei at Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi . Big Dog ia a large sculptural installation crafted primarily from oxhide dog chews.

Ghost Keeping, a sculptural installation by Romanian artist Istvan Csakany, depicting a textile factory at Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi .

Cut out Archive-Schoolpurchase in Coir an installation by Pranith Soyi at Pepper House, Fort Kochi.

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Unexplored Kava, Palakkad, Kerala

Malampuzha is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats, located in Palakkad district, in the Indian state of Kerala. Malampuzha Dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala, used for irrigation  and  is the source of drinking water to Palakkad and surrounding villages.

Kava is just one of those rustic villages around the catchment of  Malampuzha dam. This weekend getaway, sprawling in the middle of Malampuzha, has hills in all directions, varied flora and fauna, and a visit to this place will make you  feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

ENROUTE TO KAVA

Kava is a hidden gem, just 10 km from Malampuzha Garden.  Take your ride through Annakkal route from Malampuzha Garden and Kava is just 8 km from Annakkal junction. There is no public transport facility available to the place. Nowadays, this route is famous for film and wedding shooting. I saw a couple posing for pre-wedding photography. And I drove through the lonely roads with teak plantations on either sides.

WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND KAVA

It is a very good picnic spot and an ideal place for family outing. There is no proper entrance to the place and the entire area has been fenced. You can drive till the water of the lake through an opening in a fenced farm. All you can do is to sit and relax and enjoy the nice cool breeze. You can also take a walk around the lake surrounded by hills. For me, the highlight of the leg was a long stretch of dam water. Before you leave, do not forget to experience the dreamy landscape, the beautiful winds and also listen to the sound of small waves in water and birds chirping.  The lush tiny green grass is a perfect place to play. You can also watch the cows in the greenery. 

BEST TIME TO GO

All seasons throughout the year is suitable to visit Kava. During the monsoons however, you can see the clouds covering up the hills.

HOW I TRAVELLED?

By car. You need a car  to travel & move around.  Take water & snacks with you if you want to spend a full day !!

GETTING TO MALAMPUZHA

Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 9 kms.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport, about 67 kms.
Nearest towns : Palakkad, about 5 kms.
Bus Station : Palakkad Bus Station, about 5 kms.

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Sabarimala Yatra

Situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala ( Mount Sabari) in Pathanamthitta district, in the Indian state of Kerala, the temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is known as Sabarimala Sree Ayyappaswamy Temple. Sabarimala  lies in the Sahyadris, the Western Ghats.

KETTUNIRA

Wearing the holy Mala and black clothes, I reached the temple for Kettunira - preparation of the travel kit (irumudi kettu). Without the irumudi, the devotees are not allowed to climb the 'pathinettaam padi'   (18 steps) at the Sannidhanam.

The irumudi kettu has twin pockets. The pooja articles and offerings to Lord Ayyappa are placed in this kit. There are minimum three coconuts in this kit. The first coconut is to be broken at the Pampa Ganapati Temple, the second at Pathinettam Padi and the third one is used to fill ghee.( A coconut is cleaned and polished and a hole is made on one eye of the coconut, emptying the water inside. Ghee is filled inside this coconut).

After completing the Kettunira for all the group members, the Guruswami placed the 'irumudikettu' on our head.

THE JOURNEY STARTS

And the journey starts with chanting Saranam. There are three routes to reach Sabarimala. Our route was Erumeli->Pampa->Sabarimala.  Erumeli is the most popular route to the shrine.  Legend says that  Ayyappa himself followed this path to the summit of the hill.  It is also the most arduous route - 61 kms through the forested hills.

Day 2:

At around 2 AM, we reached Erumeli Temple.

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You can watch or participate in the famous Erumeli Petta Thullal. The devotees paint themselves with colors and carry tree branches, odd-looking arrows etc.  and dance with drum and chants  'Ayyappa thinthaka thom, Swami thinthaka thom'.

There are two other shrines adjacent to the main temple at Erumeli -  one for Lord Ayyappa and the other one dedicated to Vavar Swamy- the Muslim aide of  Lord Ayyappa.

Devotees usually visit the shrine dedicated to Vavar on the way to Sabarimala.

JUNGLE WALK

You can either walk till Mukkoshi temple or take a private vehicle to reach there. The trek through the dense forest (Periyar Tiger Reserve) starts from here.

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This dense forest area till Pampa river is known as Poongavanam.

The Devaswam Board has arranged several resting places( Thavalam)  at regular intervals.  There are three thavalam' s in between - Vallaramchetta, Puthussery and Karimala. Devotees can take rest or have food and drinks like water, butter-milk, cool drinks etc etc.

The next stop was Kariyilam thodu and we took rest here for sometime.  Karimala trek starts from this place. It was an absolutely  memorable experience to walk through the dense forests chanting Saranam.

On the top of Karimala, resting facility is available for pilgrims. After taking rest and burning camphor for Karimala Nathan, we started descending the Karimala.

PAMPA

After crossing Karimala, we reached Pamba river via   Cheriyanavattom and Valliyanavattom. Upon reaching Pampa, a bath at Pampa river was refreshing. Also considered as sacred as the Ganga up north, devotees believe that a dip in the river can wash away all the sins of a lifetime.

There are accommodation options, restaurants, tea shops etc in Pampa.

Day 3:

Woke up  early in the  morning, had a bath in Pampa river before starting  our journey to Sannidhanam. We visited Ganpati temple beside Pampa river and broke one of the coconuts. Then started our trek through the steep mountain path of Neeli Mala till Sabari Mala. En route emergency shops, medical aid, refreshing facility etc are provided. Since this is a steep slope, devotees are advised to go slowly and take some rest in between.

There are Dholis available for those who cannot climb the steep hill.  It is a bamboo chair  and four men will carry a person who is seated on the chair. Soon we reached Marakoottam stop, from which the queue got  restricted.

After crossing Saramkuthi stop , we reached Sannidhanam Nadapanthal. There was a long queue in many layers.

After standing in the queue for almost 4 hours, we climbed the 18 sacred steps in the main stairway to the temple. The shrines of Malikappurath Amma, Kannimoola Ganapathi , Lord of snakes-Nagaraja are also there in the Sannidhanam.

Sannidhanam

The ghee from the filled coconut is offered as abhisekham to the Lord. After having darshan of the Lord, I came out of the temple with blessings of the Supreme Lord. You can offer other pooja items to other shrines. The broken ghee coconut (Neythenga) is then offered to the fireplace (Azhi).

Aazhi, Sabarimala

Annadhanam ( a sacred tradition of offering food ) was available in a hall outside the temple.

PRASADAM

Bought Aravana payasam and Appam - the main prasadam of  Sabarimala temple.  

Soon we started our return journey with a spiritually fulfilling experience. One should visit this temple at least once in their lifetime.

Best time to visit: November to January
The temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
Women above the age of 10 and below the age of 50 are not allowed to enter the Sabarimala shrine.

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Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala beach is situated about 30 kms away from Kazhakoottom, Thiruvananthapuram - the IT city of Kerala.  This eco-friendly beach is one of the best place for relaxing and is surrounded with lush green trees.

My route was Kazhakoottom-Muthalapozhi-Varkala. About 3 kms from Kazhakoottom Junction, take a right turn and a straight road, the Perumathura – Thazhampalli road, will take you to Varkala.  The road was narrow but good though.

Since this is a coastal road, the sea will tempt you to stop and walk in at various points during the journey. Soon you will reach the newly opened Perumathura – Thazhampally bridge also known as Muthalapozhi bridge. This place is emerging as a new picnic spot in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Around 27 kms drive from Kazhakoottom, I reached Varkala Helipad parking area.

The best part is to experience the beauty of the sea from the top of the cliff. Varkala is the most beautiful place in Kerala to feel the warmth of the sea and tides. Sitting on the top of the cliff and watching the waves in the sea is a sight to behold.

Then a steep walk down to the beach from the North cliff. There is a saying that if life is passionate, the beach is the destination. One of the best experiences was sitting on the wet land and watching the waves come and go.

Varkala Beach is famous for western tourists. They were roaming around the beach without any worries.

Basically the space means fun. Enjoy the Beach and admire the beauty of water. Have a dip and swim. You can clean your body from a natural water spout after swimming.

A natural water spout in Varkala Beach

SHOPPING

A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, shops and hotels. You can find stalls selling ready-made dress, leather bags etc. etc. You'll also find plenty of places specializing in yoga and Ayurvedic therapies.

ADVENTURE

Those who are interested in water sports activity can choose surfing.

 You can also choose paragliding.

SUNSET

The beach is a crowd puller and is fascinating as well. You can stroll around  the beach which is quite pristine and clean, for the sunset view. When the sun sinks down, the sea shivers with a colorful light.

Sunset at Varkala Beach

A breathtaking sunset to behold, nothing could have seemed as magnificent.

The beach is also known as Papanasham Beach . The word Papanasham means wash away sins. It is believed that a dip in the waters of Papanasham Beach washes away all the sins in one's life. Here Hindus come to make offerings for  loved ones who are no more and they are assisted by priests.

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO

There are many places around Varkala to visit such as the Janardhana Swamy Temple, Anjjuthengu Fort, Vishnu temple and Sivagiri Mutt.

Anjjuthengu Fort

The main season starts from December to March, with December & early January experiencing the biggest rush.

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