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AGASTHYAKOODAM BIOSPHERE RESERVE

On Kerala’s second-highest peak, Agasthyakoodam, thrives a

biosphere reserve of immense importance for its rich biodiversity

and rare medicinal plants. Thiruvananthapuram serves as the

gatewaytothisreserve,whichisalsohometotheKanikkaran

tribe. Advance booking is required to trek to the summit.

PONMUDI HILL STATION

An enchanting hill resort at an altitude of 1,100 metres, Ponmudi,

with its spice and tea estates and mist-covered valleys, is a sight

tobehold.Amongitsmanyotherattractionsareadeerpark,

captivating mountain flowers and the Ponmudi Waterfalls.

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Top5placestovisitin

Thiruvananthapuram

Top5productsin

Thiruvananthapuram

TALK OF THE TOWN

OLAN

Made of white pumpkin,

black-eyed beans and mild

spices cooked in thick coconut

milk,olanis a popular side

dish that is enjoyed with

cooked rice.

BALARAMAPURAM

TEXTILES

The small town of

Balaramapuramisfamed

for producing traditional

handloom-woven textiles.

Weavers use traditional

loomstocreatefabricsmade

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By

Shreya Gopi

VIZHINJAM ROCK CUT CAVE

The rock-cut sculptures in this granite cave temple in Vizhinjam

date back to the 18th century. The outer wall of the cave depicts

relics of the Hindu god Shiva with Goddess Parvathi, while the one-

celled shrine encloses a sculpture of a deity as well.

MAGIC PLANET

Located within the KINFRA Film and Video Park, Magic Planet,

the world’s first entirely magic-themed park, is an infotainment

centre designed for children to explore science, technology, art and

literature. Enchantment abounds with stellar performances and

spellbinding acts, including an area exclusively dedicated to In dian

street magicians.

KOVALAM BEACH

A favourite destination for water sports, Kovalam Beach attracts

parasailing enthusiasts in particular. Best experienced between

October and March, parasailing at Kovalam offers a spectacular

aerial view of the region.

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INDIA

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exclusively of cotton. These fabrics are still considered prestigious

and valuable gifts on occasions such as weddings.

CARVINGS

Thiruvananthapuram is known for its intricately carved wooden

figurines. Created in traditional styles using rosewood and

sandalwood, these carvings range from deities and furniture to

boxes and toys.

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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

HERBAL PRODUCTS

From teas to soaps and medicines, herbal products are popular

in Thiruvananthapuram, a city with a great tradition of Ayurveda.

Acommonformofmedicine is known as lehiyam, a concentrated,

paste-like mixture to treat illnesses such as indigestion.

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MINIATURE

KATHAKALI

MASKS

Kathakali is a dance

form from Kerala, in

which dancers paint

their faces vividly

to portray different

characters. In

Thiruvananthapuram,

the capital city,

beautiful miniature

masks in all shapes

and colours are

popular souvenirs.

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