Profile
John Doe
Explorer
3200 Points
Upcoming Trips
- 5 May - Mount Batur
- 15 May - Uluwatu Show
- 28 May - Rice Terraces
Explorer
3200 Points
Metropolis and capital of Kerala, India
Well-connected by road networks within Kerala. Closest major transit hubs are located in the surrounding state region.
Rising elegantly above the palm-lined city skyline of Thiruvananthapuram, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a breathtaking sanctuary of devotion, grand artistry, and mystical legacy. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Anantha Sayanam posture (reclining on the serpent Anantha), this sacred shrine is celebrated as one of the 108 Divya Desams—the holy abodes of Vishnu in Tamil Vaishnavite tradition.What makes a visit here truly unforgettable is the seamless blending of two distinct architectural traditions: the intricate stone-carved Dravidian style from neighboring Tamil Nadu and the elegant timber-and-slated-roof aesthetic native to Kerala. The towering seven-tiered gopuram (entrance tower) serves as the temple's iconic landmark, soaring above the sacred temple pond, Padma Teertham.Inside the Sanctum SanctorumThe main idol is cast from a special mix called Katu-Sarkara-Yogham and spans over 18 feet long. To view the deity in its entirety, pilgrims look through three distinct doorways of the inner sanctum:First Doorway: Reveals the face and upper body of Lord Vishnu alongside the sacred Shiva Lingam under his right hand.Second Doorway: Shows Lord Brahma emerging on a lotus stem from the Lord's navel, along with Goddess Sridevi and Bhoodevi.Third Doorway: Displays the divine feet of the Lord and the serpent tail.The temple corridor is lined with 365 magnificently carved granite pillars, each carved from single monoliths featuring detailed images of deities and motifs. Visiting this ancient temple offers an unmatched sense of spiritual peace and reverence for South India’s living cultural heritage.Note for visitors: Entry inside the temple complex is restricted strictly to believers of the Hindu faith. The temple also enforces a mandatory traditional dress code—dhoti (mundu) without upper garments for men, and sarees or long skirts (lehengas/pavadai) for women.
Perched gracefully on a cliff overlook of the Malabar Coast, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort is widely celebrated as the world's first dedicated Ayurvedic retreat. Spanning over 15 acres of lush tropical greenery, coconut groves, and flowering gardens, this tranquil sanctuary offers a seamless blend of traditional Indian medicine, holistic living, and serene beachside hospitality.The Healing ExperienceAt the core of Somatheeram’s philosophy is authentic Ayurveda—the ancient Indian science of life. Guests do not merely visit for a vacation; they embark on personalized wellness journeys overseen by qualified Ayurvedic doctors and experienced therapists. After an in-depth consultation determining your individual Dosha (body constitution: Vata, Pitta, or Kapha), a customized regimen is designed.Panchakarma Detoxification: Deep cleansing procedures that eliminate toxins and balance bodily humors.Rejuvenation & Stress Management: Specialized herbal oil massages (Abhyanga, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi) combined with steam baths.Ayurvedic Cuisine: Meals are served as an extensive vegetarian buffet categorized by Dosha, allowing guests to eat according to their specific health prescriptions.Yoga & Meditation: Daily sessions held in open-air pavilions facing the Arabian Sea to align mind, body, and spirit.Accommodations at Somatheeram are crafted in traditional Keralite architecture, featuring timber wall panels, thatched roofs, and open-air courtyards that let in the gentle ocean breeze. From your cottage porch, you can watch the sunrise over Chowara Beach while surrounded by indigenous birds and fragrant flowers.
Kerala is globally renowned as the cradle of authentic Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine practiced for over 5,000 years. Unlike modern wellness spas, authentic Ayurvedic centers in Kerala focus on preventative health, therapeutic healing, and full-body detoxification through traditional practices such as Panchakarma.Visitors to Kerala can experience personalized treatments prescribed by qualified Ayurvedic doctors (Vaidyas). Therapies utilize fresh medicinal herbs, medicated oils, and time-tested techniques like Sirodhara (dripping warm oil on the forehead), Abhyangam (full-body oil massage), and Kizhi (herbal poultice massages).Surrounded by lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and pristine beaches, Kerala's unique tropical climate creates the ideal environment for Ayurvedic herbs to grow and for the human body to absorb therapeutic treatments effectively.