Place Details:
Shankhumugham beach is a clean and soothing beach just 8 km away from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. The sandy beach is a perfect place to enjoy sunsets and having a relaxed evening. The beach is part of a fishing village and the sight of fishermen unloading he catch of the day can be quite a spectacle.
Kerala, touted as God’s Own Country, is famous for the best beaches in the world and Shankhumugham justifies the saying. The beach is a popular destination among tourists for its unspoiled charm and tranquility.
The beach is clean and safe for swimming and sunbathing. The beach slopes gradually into the sea and poses no risks. The beach is also free of hawkers.
Shankhumugham beach holds religious importance too. It is among the places in Kerala where the Bali Tarpanam(prayers to the dead) are held annually. Thousands flock to the beach to participate in the ritual held during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August).
The Aaraat (festival procession) of the Padmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram is also held on the Shankhumugham beach. Idols of Lord Padmanabha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Krishna and Lord Narsimha are taken out for the ritual hunt as part of festivities. The head of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore leads the procession carrying the royal sword. Lord Padmanabha was considered the ruler of the Travancore princely kingdom while the Travancore royals governed as regents in his behalf. The festivities come to an end after the ceremonial bath on Shankhumugham beach and the procession returns to the Padmanabhaswami Temple.
Though facilities for adventure sports are nascent, you could hire a kayak or a speed boat.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Thiruvananthapuram is as given below. The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is also specified.