Shangumugham Beach: The Tranquil and Divine Beach of Thiruvananthapuram
This beach is the location for the arattu (ceremonial bath) of Lord Ananthapadmanabhan (Lord Maha Vishnu). Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ during special occasions. It is also the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan (Visarjan) during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. This tranquil beach, located on India’s west coast is made up of a vast stretch of white sand along with a stunning ancient stone complex called the arattu mandapam. I am talking about the Shangumugham beach that is nestled in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala and just a stone’s throw from the bustling Thiruvananthapuram international airport.
The Shangumugham beach’s peaceful ambiance provides a perfect setting for leisure evenings and for watching breath taking sunsets. The 35 metre long giant sculpture of Sagarakanyaka by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an added attraction. The ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic signs’ for children is also located here. Kids can play here while understanding traffic signs. The Shangumugham beach is that ideal place to chill in the evenings with a nice cup of brew in your hand, the wind jostling your hair and the salt in the air. Walking amidst the colourful boats moored on the beach while being on the whitish yellow sands is another key attraction.
But, Shangumugham beach’s call to fame is more than its natural attractions. It holds cultural and religious significance as the revered ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan, the presiding deity of the city. On the auspicious Arattu day, the beach witnesses a grand procession wherein idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha and Lord Krishna are ceremonially bathed in the Laccadive Sea, marking the conclusion of the festival amidst regal splendour led by the now-titular Maharaja of Travancore and his retinue, including members of the royal family, armed guards, and temple authorities.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a local or a tourist, Shangumugham beach will offer you a perfect blend of relaxation and scenic beauty. It’s rustic charm coupled with the rich action from the fishermen, its spiritual and religious connection, its picturesque vantage points that offer views of those stunning sunsets, its tranquil vibe and its gorgeous sea breeze make Shangumugham beach, the ideal setting for a picnic location. Add to it the many street vendors, coffee houses and restaurants on the beach and you have a day long destination ready for a day out in Thiruvananthapuram.
Key things to note:
1) Do exercise caution while swimming in the waters of this beach. This place is known to have undercurrents. And there are no lifeguards here.
2) There is no shade on the beach, so do come prepared to handle the tropical sun
3) Weekends, holidays and evenings can attract a lot of crowds here
4) There are no timings per se for the beach, but it is best not to stay beyond 10 pm as most shops would be closed and thereby it might not be safe
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: World’s richest Hindu temple
2) Veli Backwaters: Perfect day trip idea from Thiruvananthapuram
3) Poovar Island: Of river, lake, backwaters, the beach and the sea
4) Thiruparappu Falls: Gorgeous monsoon spectacle near Kanyakumari
5) Rosemala View Point: Gorgeous motorcycling route inside Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, Kerala
6) Thenmala Dam: A monsoon pit stop view
7) Manalar Falls: The herbal jungle waterfall of Kerala
8) Kambhavurutty Falls: The stunning waterfall inside a pristine forest
9) Mekkarai: One of Tamil Nadu’s prettiest villages
10) Sunderapandiapuram: Of lovely brahmin agraharam houses, sunflower fields, windmills and mountain views
11) Mekkarai to Achankovil to Konni: Heavenly motorcycling route through pristine forest
12) Mathoor Aqueduct and Hanging Bridge: An offbeat wonder nestled in the mountains near Kanyakumari
13) Kappil Beach: Sandy beauty hemmed in between the sea and the backwaters
14) Sivasailam Temple: 1000 year old temple surrounded by the lush mountains of the Western Ghats
15) Varkala Beach: That stunning cliff beach of Kerala where you can wash away all your sins
16) Vintage Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge: Colonial charm of the Indian Railways
17) Palaruvi Falls: Kerala’s herbal waterfall that drops like milk from the sky
18) Meenmutty Falls inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A beautiful tropical jungle trail
19) Ponmudi: That offbeat hill station of Kerala with a 360 degree mountain panorama
20) Punalur Suspension Bridge: Historical gem of Kerala
21) Courtallam: The herbal bath holiday destination of Tamil Nadu
22) Thenmala Forest: Offbeat nature and wildlife getaway
23) Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for nature lovers
24) Achankovil Saastha Temple: Gorgeous temple surrounded by forests and mountains
25) Aryankavu Saastha Temple: Ancient temple located in the sacred forests of the Western Ghats
26) Puliyarai View Point: Scenic pit stop on the Tenkasi – Kerala highway
