Close to the Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram is Mankayam, situated near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk. This water spectacle can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department. At the Mankayam ecotourism zone, visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi (Forest Protection Group), working under the forest department of the State. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls. One is at Kalakayam, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area and the other at Kurissadi.

A Picnic Spot On The Way To Ponmudi Situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi, Kallar gets its name from the River Kallar, which flows through the region. Kallu means ‘stone’ and Aru means ‘river’, hence the name Kallar. The river is well known for its abundance of attractive, round-shaped boulders and pebbles, especially in the upper reaches and middle portion of its course.

With its grass-covered hills, luxuriant greenery and mist-laden shola forests, Ponmudi is a cool destination to city residents and tourists alike. Check out the developmental activities that took place in this beautiful hill station in Thiruvananthapuram. A series of short videos featuring key projects done by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala during 2016-2021.

Documentary on the activities of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden (JNTBGRI) at Palode in Thiruvananthapuram district.

If you are the kind of person least bothered about venturing out in the woods during the rainy season and is ready to take some risk and watch a waterfall in its full glory, then head for Kalakkayam waterfall located in the forests near Idinjaar in Thiruvananthapuram district. To reach Kalakkayam from Thiruvananthapuram, one has to come via Palode, which is about 35 kms from the city. From Palode take a deviation to reach Peringamala. Take a right turn from Peringamala to reach Kurisadi via Idinjaar, 12 km away. Since there are no signboards leading to the falls, from Kurisadi, one may seek local assistance to reach the spot of the waterfalls.

Meenmutty waterfalls is located near the Neyyar reservoir area in Trivandrum. To know more about Kerala tourism destinations, art forms, festivals, rituals, cuisine, ayurveda etc.

This is one of the least visited waterfalls in Trivandrum. Located deep within Agasthyarkoodam Biosphere Reserve, it is a treat to your eyes. Distances: Trivandrum – 59 kms Vithura – 24 kms

A small village hamlet in Trivandrum, Bonacaud is also a really pretty picnic spot. A sprawling encompassment of natural beauty in its array of valleys, waterfalls and hills, Bonacaud also is the lesser known base station of the famous peak, Agasthyarkoodam in the Agasthya hills of the Western Ghats. What however strikes a different tone amidst the abundant beauty and verdance tract that defines every aspect of Kerala and also Bonacaus is the presence of supposedly among the most haunted places in the state. That’s a chill that the Bonacaud Bungalow encompasses, that in its misty presence and obscure existence stands very much as a ghostly ground.

Lying on the outskirts of the capital city, the Peppara Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq. km. on the Western Ghats and was established in 1938. The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions. The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Asian elephant, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque, can be seen here.