Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 132

Sankhumukham Beach A favourite of sunset watchers Sankhumukham Beach: (8 km from the city) Sankhumukham beach adjacent to the airport is a lovely beach which attracts many people, particularly during the evening time. This is a favourite of sunset watchers. An indoor recreation club, the matsyakanyaka (a gigantic, 35 mt long sculpture of a mermaid, choreo- graphed by Kanayi Kunhiraman, the celebrated sculptor) and a restaurant shaped like a star fish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park nearby provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules. Sree Chithra Enclave: Sree Chithra Enclave was opened in 1993 in memory of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma who was the last Maharaja of Travancore royal family. The evolution and geographical-socio-cultural history of Travancore State are explained with the help of audio-visual presentation. The belongings and artifacts of royal family are also exhibited here. Kowdiyar Palace: This palace was the residence of the late Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family. The visitors are not allowed inside the palace. Thiruvallam: (10 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A temple dedicated to Saint Parasurama situated here and it is a famous pilgrim centre for Hindus. The Kerala Film Development Corporation’s studio, Chithranjali, exists here. Thiruvallam is also a serene, sapphire like backwater stretched on the way to Kovalam and famous for its canoe rides. 130 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS