Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
by dsantosh
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq. km. This is on the Western Ghats and was established in 1938.
The placehas a dams, thick forests , eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains. One can indulge in adventure .
The sanctuary is rich in rare mammalian fauna . One can see elephants, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and cormorant . One can also see gaur, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc. Water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are also common. Many kinds of snakes including the king cobra and python are also present in this sanctuary. The area has a variety of moth and butte Location: 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram city enroute to Ponmudi.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Part of Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and part of Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms). The total area of the sanctuary is 53 sq.kms. The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 sq.kms
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 km from the sanctuary.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram, about 56 km from the sanctuary.
Hang-out in the local spots..
by ajayzener
A 40 Km drive from trivandrum along the MC Road (NH 47) will take you to Kilimanoor. Before reaching the junction turn to the right ...opposite the old police station. As you go along the road on your left you will see the Tamburati Para (Literally translated as The Queens Hill). Down below you will see the river and a temple. It is nice place to spend the day (Be sure to pack some eatables and to carry some towels). You can be in the water with only the nature around you ...it is an ideal spot for picnic...you may at times find some locals as your company...
Avoid night travels to this place....
Buffet Dinner
by ajayzener about Sindoor Plaza
Sindoor Plaza is situated in Kowdiar. This is a nice restaurant with a indoor A/C restaurant. A garden restaurant and a terrace top. I attended a buffet dinner here, it was a mix of Indian and Chinese dishes. There were lots of options and one could chose from the large mix of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian food available. The food was delicious, but the place was rather too crowded. My favourite was the non-vegetarian kerala food.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
by Willettsworld
This large temple was built by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1733. It has a splendid seven storeyed, 35m (100ft) high gopuram (tower), that dates from 1604, with numerous pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings. This is the only place where Lord Vishnu (Padmanabha) is enshrined in the yoganidra (eternal sleep) posture. The Temple has been historically significant as the spiritual haven of Travancore kings. The huge idol resides on the holy serpent Anantha, with the head on the southern side, the feet towards the north and the navel with Lord Brahma in the middle. Unfortunately, only Hindu's are allowed inside the temple.
Kanakakunnu Palace
by Willettsworld
The Kanakakunnu Palace is located near the Napier Museum. It was constructed during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal (r. 1885-1924). Later, His Highness Sree Chithira Tirunal modified the Palace and constructed tennis courts in the palace premises. This stunning piece of architectural excellence was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests for such events as Royal banquets. The interior is decorated with large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of royal furniture.