My search for serenity came to a halt when I began exploring the thick forest regions and crowded beaches. However, it was not until last week, I got to enjoy such serenity in a beautiful, hidden place called Vellayani. Known for the Vellayani Temple which has been around for 700 years and is dedicated to Goddess Devi, I was told that, there is a beautiful spot in the back of the temple which has a freshwater source from which the locals grow and sell Lotus.As I have been to Vellayani Temple before, I was never expecting a freshwater source near the temple but changed my mindset when the locals told me. Even though I have seen people talking about the Lake, I never knew the directions and the exact location.
Vellayani Kayal, or Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater source in the capital city of Trivandrum. In a polluted place like Trivandrum, it is surprising to see a freshwater source. After reaching the temple we stopped by to take a sip of the staple "Sambharam"(Buttermilk) which quenched our thirst and we were able to get the directions for the Lake as well. With my expectations skyrocketing, we finally got there and what we saw was utterly beautiful. The ambiance was perfect and we couldn't ask for more.
With a considerable depth and a good flow of water, we decided to stay back and enjoy the day watching the lake from a distance. We decided not to bother the locals who were in the process of plucking the lotus flowers. After sitting and trading stories, it was time for us to have real fun. Now that the people have finished their job we decided to soak ourselves in the water. I was skeptical whether or not to get into the water since I was unsure about the depth and flow. Later on, we decided to not to get our dress dirty and instead enjoyed the view.
However, the water was not as "Fresh" as I expected since the water is slowly getting polluted. Illegal sand mining, pollution, and land reclamation are taking its toll on the lake. I do hope the quality of water would get restored soon. Also, there is an Agricultural College near Vellayani, which is one among the top agricultural institutions in Kerala. Another attraction is the festival held in the Vellayani Temple. The temple celebrates the longest-50 day- the non-pilgrimage festival of South India. This festival is held once in three years and is known as the ‘Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam’ – which means ‘the festival of feeding the Devi’.
Vellayani is easily one of the best places that I have been to and it is the best for reunions and get-togethers. Perfect picnic spot in the city, I really hope that Vellayani Lake stays as fresh as it was before. After all, it is the only accessible freshwater source left in our city.
Quick facts
1. How to reach – Frequent buses to the Vellayani are available from Trivandrum Central Stand and East Fort.
2. Nearest town – Trivandrum Municipality, 10 kilometers
3. Nearest railway station – Trivandrum, 10 kilometers
4. Nearest Airport – Trivandrum, 14 kilometers
5. Places to stay – Ideal for one day trip, but if you plan to visit for the long run, the rooms can be easily found in Trivandrum and Kovalam.
6. Best time to visit – There is no specific time for visiting, you can visit anytime.
7. Things to do – Taking a walk around the Lake and find a perfect place to set up a camp, ideal for Picnic. While you are at the Vellayani, make sure to take a visit to the temple so that you could see the architecture. Moreover, you could watch the sunset if you could stay until
the evening
8. Is it Child-friendly - Yes
Contributed by : Sooraj
Vellayani Kayal, or Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater source in the capital city of Trivandrum. In a polluted place like Trivandrum, it is surprising to see a freshwater source. After reaching the temple we stopped by to take a sip of the staple "Sambharam"(Buttermilk) which quenched our thirst and we were able to get the directions for the Lake as well. With my expectations skyrocketing, we finally got there and what we saw was utterly beautiful. The ambiance was perfect and we couldn't ask for more.
With a considerable depth and a good flow of water, we decided to stay back and enjoy the day watching the lake from a distance. We decided not to bother the locals who were in the process of plucking the lotus flowers. After sitting and trading stories, it was time for us to have real fun. Now that the people have finished their job we decided to soak ourselves in the water. I was skeptical whether or not to get into the water since I was unsure about the depth and flow. Later on, we decided to not to get our dress dirty and instead enjoyed the view.
However, the water was not as "Fresh" as I expected since the water is slowly getting polluted. Illegal sand mining, pollution, and land reclamation are taking its toll on the lake. I do hope the quality of water would get restored soon. Also, there is an Agricultural College near Vellayani, which is one among the top agricultural institutions in Kerala. Another attraction is the festival held in the Vellayani Temple. The temple celebrates the longest-50 day- the non-pilgrimage festival of South India. This festival is held once in three years and is known as the ‘Kaliyoottu Mahotsavam’ – which means ‘the festival of feeding the Devi’.
Vellayani is easily one of the best places that I have been to and it is the best for reunions and get-togethers. Perfect picnic spot in the city, I really hope that Vellayani Lake stays as fresh as it was before. After all, it is the only accessible freshwater source left in our city.
Quick facts
1. How to reach – Frequent buses to the Vellayani are available from Trivandrum Central Stand and East Fort.
2. Nearest town – Trivandrum Municipality, 10 kilometers
3. Nearest railway station – Trivandrum, 10 kilometers
4. Nearest Airport – Trivandrum, 14 kilometers
5. Places to stay – Ideal for one day trip, but if you plan to visit for the long run, the rooms can be easily found in Trivandrum and Kovalam.
6. Best time to visit – There is no specific time for visiting, you can visit anytime.
7. Things to do – Taking a walk around the Lake and find a perfect place to set up a camp, ideal for Picnic. While you are at the Vellayani, make sure to take a visit to the temple so that you could see the architecture. Moreover, you could watch the sunset if you could stay until
8. Is it Child-friendly - Yes
Contributed by : Sooraj
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