Most of India's finest beaches are in Kerala. For virtually its entire 900 km length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The palm-lined beaches of Kerala are renowned for the gentle surf and azure blue waters. To this add a delectable seafood cuisine, a smiling sun and friendly people to make an unforgettable holiday. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches.

Kovalam:

This internationally renowned beach resort is a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930's Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southern most, known as the lighthouse beach, is the most popular of the three. About 14 kms from Thiruvananthapuram this is a beautiful beach to relax.

Shanghumukham:

08 kms from Thiruvanathapuram, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport and Veli tourist village. An indoor recreation club, the Matsya kanyaka and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.

Varkala:

41 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, Varkala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. A quiet, secluded stretch of sand, the Papanasam Beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000-year-old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the nature care centre are the two main attractions here.

The Marari Beach (Mararikulam):

Right in the heart of the "spice coast" just four hours from Trivandrum is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an idyllic retreat for those who want to "get away from it all". Marari originates from "Mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. An experience that is completely new to the holidaymaker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience to local charm and traditional Kerala hospitality at its best.

Excursions:

Thiruvallam

10 kms away this serene backwater stretch enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its Canoe Rides.

Aruvikkara Dam

16 kms away this picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)

The land's end of India or the point where the three seas meet is the enchanting Kanniyakumari. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Part of the fascination is, of course, the fact that it is the very tip of the Indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Places of interest at Kanyakumari:

Tiruvalluvar statue, Gandhi memorial, Guganathaswamy Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, & Padmanabhapuram Swami Temple which is enroute Trivandrum & Kanniyakumari.

Take the houseboat trip from Kollam to Alleppey:

Kerala offers a unique mini - canvas to the traveller; the backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes & canals. Life on the backwaters is entirely different; water being the key to everything. There are no roads here, only waterways. On the banks one can see lush green rice fields spreading away into the distance and coconut groves with the occasional temple or church.

The backwaters are best experienced while slowly punting down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat. The houseboats are renovated cargo boats � kettuvallams � and are provided with all modern conveniences and comforts to make your stay a pleasant experience. To complement the traditional way of rowing using large poles, outboard engines are also provided. The boats are designed to facilitate a most eco-friendly functioning.

Wide selections of beautiful routes are available for the cruises. Each route is comprehensive, serene and enjoyable in itself, extending to you a complete experience of Kuttanad �the unique waterland of Kerala. For those from TECHNOPARK, the ideal trip is the short cruise from Kollam to Alleppey. Kollam is considered the ideal gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, and Alleppey has been known for years by the sobriquet 'Venice of the East'.

Other excursions

Vizhinjam rock cut cave, Koyikkal palace Nedumangad, Neyyar dam
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Other places of interest:

The Zoological Park, Priyadarshini planetarium, Observatory, Connemera market.