The Great Kovalam Poets:
Ancient Kovalam Poets Ayyippilla Assan and Ayyanappilla Assan were the authors of the Great Epics, Janakeeya Maha Kavlangal Ramakatha Pattu and Bharathampattu respectively. They lived in Kovalam, near the Light House Beach, Avaduthura in 1400 A. 1). The monument is protected by the Kerala Govt. Archaeological Department.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave:
Vizhinjam was earlier the capital ot the Ay chieltains who ruled the southern parts of Kerala around the 8th century A.D. The granite cave here encloses a one celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinadhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall ol the cave depicts hall completed relicts ol the Hindu God Shiva with his wife and dance partner Goddess Parvathi.

Thiruvallam (6 km):
This place, en route to Thiruvananthapuram, is lamous lor backwater rides. For details contact: Karuvayal Tours Ph: 460974, Soma Houseboats Ph: 481600, Attoram Village Backwater Tours, Thiruvallam

Pozhikkara Beach, Pachalloor:
A serene and spectacular beach, where the backwater meets the sea, Pozhikkara is ideal lor birdwatchers.

Marine Aquarium, Vizhinjam (3 km):
The Marine Aquarium houses the world's rarest and most exotic species of invertebrates and Fish. The hidden coral paradise has been displayed by recreating the habitat in its natural form.

Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam (7 km):
This 2000 year old temple on the bank of river Karamana, is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. This temple is a venue for ancestor worship. As part of the Ball ritual, devotees make offerings to the souls of the dear departed, after taking a dip in the holy water.

Short tours from Kovalam

Beach Varkala (54 km-2 hours):
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 two main attractions here.

Backwater Kollam (86 km - 2 /, hours):
The boarding point for many a mindblowing houseboat cruise, Kollam has an intricate network of backwaters, canals and lagoons. The most famous of these is the Ashtamudi lake, a vast expanse of emerald green waters fringed by coconut groves.

Hill Station Ponmudi (77 km - 2 /, hours):
An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. Well known for its beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets and springs, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails.

Land's End Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) (88 km - 2 ½ hours):
Situated south of Thiruvananthapuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu, this is the lands end of India where the three oceans - the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal-meet. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Devi Temple.

Wildlife Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (64 km-2 hours):
The possible wildlife sightings at this sanctuary are elephants, sambars, leopards and lion-tailed macaques.

Dam Neyyar (46 km - 1 ½, hours):
A popular picnic spot, Neyyar dam has a huge park with a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park.

Momumil;ll Padmanabhapuram Palace (40 km - 1 ½ hours):
This majestic old palace on the way to Nagercoil is famous for Its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany celling, coloured mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbar hall, museum, poster bed (made of 64 types of medicinal wood), Belgian mirrors, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors made of a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. The palace Is built in the traditional Travancore architectural style.

Suchindram Temple (72 km - 2 hours):
The Sthanumalaya temple at Suchindram is a popular pilgrim centre. The temple also houses an emporium of art treasures from various periods in history.