Southern Travancore Travel Guide

Explore the best of Southern Travancore with our complete travel guide that covers the best places, things to do, food and drink, culture, safety, and more.


Introduction to Southern Travancore

Located on the southern coast of Kerala in India, Southern Travancore is a beautiful region offering a mix of rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and adventurous activities. From historical landmarks and outdoor adventures to delicious food and vibrant local culture, Southern Travancore has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Travancore

Here’s our list of must-visit places in Southern Travancore:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Padmanabhapuram Palace
  • Kanyakumari Monument
  • Thiruvizha Sree Krishna Temple
  • Thirparappu Waterfalls
  • Puthenmalika Palace

Natural Attractions of Southern Travancore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kovalam Beach
  • Varkala Beach
  • Agasthiyar Falls
  • Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Travancore

Southern Travancore offers several hiking and biking trails, including:

  • Agasthyakoodam Peak trek
  • Bonacaud to Meenmutty Falls trek
  • Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari biking route
  • Vattappara to Agastyarkoodam trek

Best Things to Do in Southern Travancore: Activities and Tours

  • Enjoy the backwater cruise in Poovar Island
  • Visit the rural villages for an authentic slice of local life
  • Take an Ayurvedic treatment or spa
  • Attend traditional Kerala dance and music performances
  • Participate in water sports activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Travancore

Here’s a sample itinerary for exploring Southern Travancore in a week:

Day Activity
1 Explore Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanyakumari Monument
2 Visit Kovalam Beach and enjoy a seafood dinner
3 Take a trek to Bonacaud to Meenmutty Falls
4 Go for backwater cruise in Poovar Island and Ayurvedic treatment
5 Visit rural villages & attend traditional Kerala dance and music performances
6 Explore Varkala Beach and participate in water sports
7 Visit wildlife sanctuaries in Neyyar and Peppara

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Travancore

Experiencing the local food and drink scene is an essential part of any trip to Southern Travancore.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Puttu and Kadala
  • Coconut-based Curries
  • Rice-based dishes like Sadya
  • Fish Curry with Red Rice
  • Seafood dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu

Local Beverages

  • Palm wine
  • Tender Coconut water
  • Masala Chai
  • Filter Coffee
  • Local Tea

Where to Stay in Southern Travancore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Travancore has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including luxury hotels, eco-friendly resorts, homestays, hostels, and guesthouses.

What to Buy in Southern Travancore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs to buy in Southern Travancore include:

  • Spices
  • Local Handicrafts
  • Coir Mats and Baskets
  • Traditional Kerala Saris and Dhotis
  • Artistic Showpieces made of wood, clay or marble

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Travancore

The local culture of Southern Travancore is predominantly influenced by the Dravidian and Aryan cultures. The people here are friendly and hospitable.

Best Time to Visit Southern Travancore

The best time to visit Southern Travancore is from September to March when the weather is pleasant, and the region experiences very little rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Travancore

Here are some important Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind during your stay in Southern Travancore:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Be polite to the locals

Don’t:

  • Wear overly skimpy clothing
  • Consume drugs
  • Litter or cause harm to the natural environment
  • Harm the wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Travancore

Southern Travancore is generally a safe place, but it’s always a good idea to take some precautions, like avoiding isolated areas after dark and keeping valuables secure.

Health in Southern Travancore

Visitors are advised to take precautions, such as avoiding tap water, particularly during the monsoon season, and carrying mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.

Getting to Southern Travancore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Travancore

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is well-connected to several domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Southern Travancore

Southern Travancore has several bus stations that connect to the major cities and towns in the region, including Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Thiruvananthapuram or Kanyakumari railway station or drive via the National Highway 44 that runs through Southern Travancore.

How to Get Around in Southern Travancore

The best way to get around Southern Travancore is by taxi or auto-rickshaw. Buses and trains are also available but can be crowded.

Where to Go Next from Southern Travancore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations that can be explored from Southern Travancore include:

  • Thekkady
  • Munnar
  • Alleppey
  • Cochin
  • Trivandrum

Conclusion

Southern Travancore offers an amazing travel experience, with its rich history, stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and warm, friendly people. With this comprehensive guide, you are now ready to plan your perfect trip.

Attingal Temple Attingal Temple


    Attingal
    Braemore Estate
    Kappil
    Oachira
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    Punalur