Shankhumugham Beach:

Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Veli Tourist Village: (Open 0800 - 1800 hrs)



This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Ph: 2500785. Veli youth hostel Ph: 2501230 Boat rentals (1000 - 1730 hrs): Safari boat: Rs. 15 per head Speedboat: Rs. 150 Pedalboat: 4 seater - Rs. 50 for half an hour; 2 seater - Rs. 40 for half an hour.

The Zoological Park: (Open 0900 - 1815hrs.


Closed on Mondays) One of the first zoos in India, it is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises. Entrance fee: Adults: Rs. 5 Children: Rs. 3 Camera permit: Rs. 15

The Kanakakunnu Palace:
The palace and its sprawling grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets and programmes.
Ph: 2314615