[Nutty Nair]

rageshbhaskar - Sorry, I saw your post now only. On the way from Kanyakumari there is Thriparappu waterfalls near Kulasekharam. But you will have to take a detour from NH for that. Also there is Kalikesam for which you will have to take a detour from Vadasserry near Nagercoil. But both would require considerable detours.

[foby.sebastian]

A tribute to Steve Irvin by kerala Govt. @ Neyyar Crocodile Rehabilation and Research Centre, Trivandrum.

[darklord]

Sreevallabha Temple, Thiruvalla

Coordinates: 9°22'25.23"N 76°33'45.21"E. Approximately 2.5 KM from MC Road.

One of the 108 Divya Desams, supposedly first built in 2998 BC. For the more active "readers," refer to the chapter "Chamkrothamma" in Aitihyamala by Kottarathil Shankunni.

Also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sree_Vallabha_Temple







Timings: Morning 4:30 to 11:30 and evening 5 to 8.




The carvings in wood and stone are a sight to see in itself; unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside.

[raghunandanj]

Thank you Mr Nair for the comprehensive information you have shared about the places around Thirvananthapuram. It indeed us a ready-reckoner for better planning that will go a long way in effective planning of excursions.

I plan to visit Thenmala and Ponmudi around August this year, so it would be great if you could provide additional information on the questions listed below:

1. Is August a good time to visit these places ? I ask from the perspective of weather and visibility.
2. How are the road conditions to Thenmala ?
3. Are there good ( family-acceptable standards ) restaurants in Thenmala ?

Thank you.

[Nutty Nair]

raghunandanj - Thank you for your appreciation sir. As to your queries,
1. August is usually the time when monsoon is over and places like Thenmala are in their full greenery. But going by the previous two years there may be some showers in Aug as well, so it would be useful to check the weather a few days before you head out. Usually it ought to be good. Any way as you are going with family just keep 1 or 2 umbrellas with you. Even if it doesn't rain you may need it for the scorching sun.
2. I am presuming you are going from Trivandrum to Thenmala. The road from Tvm to Thenmala is pretty good. Just look out for hooligan traffic on curves and you will be fine.
3. There is a restaurant at the Thenmala eco tourism zone itself. But I think one has to order lunch in advance. Just check the restaurant as soon as you reach there. Otherwise there are two small hotels at Thenmala near the old Thenmala Railway station. Whether they are family - acceptable standards, hmm... they are basically small shops by the road side. Families can have food there with no problems, just don't expect any fancy fare.
Another option is you can take parcels from Nedumangadu or Chullimanoor along the way. Also if you are going to Palaruvi, there is a Motel Aaram (KTDC Hotel) there from where you can have food. Also don't forget to take enough water along with you.

[darklord]

"Want to go for a drive?"

"In this monsoon time?"

"Why not? We will make a round of Chittar dams 1&2 and Pechiparai dam. Rainy season is the best time to visit dams."

And so we set off, three friends, in a Ritz diesel. Thanks, GoI for reducing diesel prices right on cue.

The route (~150 km round trip from Thiruvananthapuram, we set off from Balaramapuram):


Rain clouds, enticing us:


Scenery en route:




A small stream en route:



The dams:

A: Chittar Dam 2 (8.434476, 77.254027). We skipped it, as the gate to the dam seemed locked.
B: Chittar Dam 1 (8.435973, 77.286412). You will see the dam and the spillway from a little bridge en route. Move a few hundred meters forward and you will find enough space to park your car. No ticket either for parking or for entry. No boards banning photography.
C: Pechiparai Dam (8.450707, 77.308788). Rs. 10 for parking. No entry to the top of the dam. Photography prohibited. Boating facility apparently available, but shut down (whether temporarily or permanently, we don't know).

The photos are from Chittar Dam1.

Dam technical details:


What appeared to be remnants of weather station:


Dam:


Spillway:

[darklord]

Vistas:
























Pineapple cultivation en route Kulasekharam:


Parting shot:


Lots of birds as well, but we forgot to bring along a proper camera, and the pics are from mobile phone.

Roads are bad to average on the Kattakkada-Pathukani-Pechipara route, but scenery was fantastic. Roads are average to good on the Pechipara-Marthandam-Balaramapuram route, but the traffic is bumper-to-bumper and the settings are urban. We wrapped up the entire drive in about 6 hours.

[Nutty Nair]

darklord - nice photos.
Since this thread has been bumped up, a small update on the roads from Trivandrum to Thenmala. The road is pretty non - existent from Charalmukku to Kulathupuzha. Also the road is closed at Aryankavu from 29.10.2014 to 09.11.2014 due to repairs to the bridge after the check post.

[Mysticeyes]

Wonder how I missed this interesting post so far, Nutty Had been through the Trivandrum-Shenkottai road on 22/10/14. As you said, the road around Madathara-Kulathupuzha was horrible. But, coming to climate in the stretch, it was amazing.. Overcast sky, steady drizzle getting heavy at times, cool, misty and GREEN

A pic from other side of the border


Rain at Thenmala

[naveen.raju]

Had spent the last weekend in Kovalam. Didnt want to pen down a travelogue so posting the pictures here.

Ranji, sorry for hijacking your thread.

[Traveller Nayak]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

Had spent the last weekend in Kovalam. Didnt want to pen down a travelogue so posting the pictures here.

Ranji, sorry for hijacking your thread.

Mate, you can do a photologue too with simple narratives! I am sure as I am interested to know more about the pictures and the spots - others will be too. Do consider and thanks for sharing.

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by naveen.raju

Had spent the last weekend in Kovalam. Didnt want to pen down a travelogue so posting the pictures here.

Ranji, sorry for hijacking your thread.

Good job Naveen. Which resort ( Iso de or Travancore?) ? Could have met if you had time.

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by jkdas

Good job Naveen. Which resort ( Iso de or Travancore?) ? Could have met if you had time.

Stayed at Abad Harmonia, Chowara. Couple of pictures taken at Leela. Yes, could have met you. Spent two days in and around Kovalam.

[Nutty Nair]

Naveen - you know you could hijack the thread any number of times mate. But I'm going to really call you some names next time we meet because you were in Tvm and you didn't call me up.

[DevilzzzzOwn]

Lovely thread guys. Keep them coming.
Please for people like me who can't visit these places.

But through your pics and narration, we imagine ourselves to be there. Thanks a ton to all the travellers.