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Weekend getaway

Madavoorpara's panoramic view beckons city dwellers

PHOTO: S. BINU RAJ

NATURE'S COLLAGE Madavoorpara is a great place to enjoy nature

Where to go during the weekend often poses a problem. The beach, museum, movies are passé. This weekend, turn your wheels and head for Madavoorpara and enjoy the wonders of nature.

The rocky terrain caters to nature lovers, for those who want a break from the daily grind, and archaeologists . The vast but rather even terrain is an ideal place for the whole family. Let the children play as you share your thoughts with dear ones and friends while gazing at the saffron horizon yonder.

As the sun sets

Evening is the best time to visit Madavoorpara as there is a cool breeze. Enjoy the changing colours of the evening sky. The view from the top of the 1,800 ft high rock will indeed be rejuvenating. The swaying coconut trees, distant hills and the sea make a perfect and rare collage.

A 600-year-old cave temple makes the site interesting. The antiquity of this temple adds charm and lends a mystic ambience to Madavoorpara. The deity is said to be of Lord Siva. However, some historians claim it to be an old Buddhist site. The temple, is now under the administration of the State Archaeology Department. The temple is open all days.

Sivarathri is a major event here and a lot of devotees throng during the festival. A perennial stream forms a small pond. Compound walls surround the pond, which is known as`gangatheertham.'

Though surrounded by a forest and rubber plantations, it is a safe place for families to visit. So, what are you waiting for? Head there this weekend.

How to get there

Madavoorpara is around 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram. There are two routes. Go straight to Sreekariyam and take the Powdikonam-Pothencode road. Drive down till you reach Santhipuram and take a left. It will lead you to Madavoorpara. The advantage of this route is that you don't have to climb up, as you reach the entrance itself.

The other route is the Chempazhanthy-Pothencode route from Sreekariyam. When you reach Kattayikonam, you will see a Madavoorpara temple signboard on your right.

S. BINU RAJ

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