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Golden sands of Azhimala

MANU REMAKANT communes with nature on pristine Azhimala beach

PEARLY SHORES Azhimala beach

For most people the search for a beach in Thiruvanthapuram begins and ends at Kovalam. But there are a few, who have discovered pearly shores lying beyond.

Long shores

Long, beautiful shores that gives its occasional visitors the tranquillity we often dream of; the perennial silence interrupted by the chime from a temple.

This is Azhimala, a beach, 21 km away from the city. It is morning, the traffic is still not heavy and the road surprisingly has no potholes. The steep road gives no clue as to what lies ahead. As you take the last turn, you note that the road ends in front of a temple. A beautiful temple, the Azhimala Siva temple has the blue waters as its backdrop.

At the temple, one can feel the direct communion between nature and spirituality. Chants of mantras, chimes of bells, waves crashing against the rocks and wind wafting through the coconut trees, you are one with nature and god. The temple is atop a rocky mount. To watch the waves crash, you can head to the temple's balcony.

To reach the shore, you will have to pass through a grove. Piece of cake. However the last stretch down isn't so. No rock-cut steps; acrobatic skills are needed. The sight of the stretch of golden sands rejuvenates you and pushes you to reach the destination.

At a distance, one can make out a fishing village. A few boats have set sail. A ship seems to be frozen in the horizon. Seagulls fly aimlessly up in the sky. Turn back and take a look at the rocks on which the temple is built on. To shelter from the sun and watch the waves, one can seek the shade under one of the rocks. Enjoy the gentle breeze, the beauty of nature and watch the sunset...

How to get there

Azhimala is 21 kms away from the city. You have to take the Chakkai by-pass along Vizhinjam towards Chowara. As you reach Pulinkudy you can see a big board announcing `Azhimala Siva temple'. Turn right and proceed nearly a kilometre to reach the destination.

Another kilometre from Azhimala, you will reach Chowara, another beautiful beach. Evenings are the best time as you can watch the beautiful sunset.

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