EXCURSIONS
A
short distance away from the city's airport is the Veli Lagoon, a serene tourist
village by the side of a beautiful lagoon. It, also, has a exciting range of
aqua sports facilities to offer. 15 km away from the city is the famous Kovalam
beach. It ranks amongst one of the loveliest beaches in the world. This sheltered
bay is ideal for surfing, swimming and sun-bathing.
Other facilities include Yoga, Ayurvedic massage and water-sports.Overnight
accomodation is available. 29 km from the city is Neyyar Dam, that houses a
mini wildlife sanctuary, and a crocodile farm. Additional attractions, in the
form of boating facilities and trekking opportunities, make this spot a favourite
with tourists. 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and 3000 feet above sea-level,
is the idyllic hamlet of Ponmudi.
A
popular weekend getaway with the local people, it boasts of a complex of attractive
cottages, and unlimited trekking routes across the sylvan hills, that embrace
it. Overnight accomodation is available. Kollam, 66 km from the city, was the
ancient port of the state, that received ships from all over the world. The
region also houses the Astamudi Lake, ancient churches, the Thirumullavaram
beach and some Hindu shrines.
Backwater cruises to Allapuzha can be organized from here, and modest accomodation
for an overnight stay is available.
