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Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is an ancient city in the Kerala state. Being a coastal town, the city is known for welcoming international trade for centuries. Despite numerous influences, the city has preserved its culture and nature, which is why is one of the greenest tourist attractions in India.

Following, we will discuss 5 natural sites of this city which are perfect for weekend or holiday getaway.

Agastya Mala

Agastya Mala is a tall mountain peak, about 60 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. It is named after Hindu saint Agastya. There are waterfalls and river tributaries in the vicinity. It is a great spot for picnic, landscape photography, and trekking.

Please note, you need to get an official permit for trekking in the region.

Poovar Island

It is a small fishing village, cut from the main city. Boat and steamers are the only way to reach this island. The Poovar Island is a rare combination of sea, beach, and backwater. You can also enjoy cruise and canoe ride here. There are not many water sports in the village, but is a perfect place for the people who are looking for a peaceful break from the routine.

Aruvikkara Dam

Aruvikkara dam is about 16 kilometers from the city center. Built on the river Karamana, the dam is a popular picnic spot. The best is Aruvikkara dam is very much natural and untouched by the urbanization.

Neyyar wildlife sanctuary

It is a wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats mountain range. The place is also a conflux (meeting point) of the rivers- Neyyar, Mullayar, and Kallar.

The sanctuary homes Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Tortoise, and Cobra in their natural habitat.

Here is more information about Neyyar wildlife sanctuary.

Valiathura Pier

Valiathura Pier is a perfect spot for the sunset and sunrise lovers. The place is largely occupied by the fishermen who collect fish from the backwater. You can also enjoy the fishing scenes in traditional boats at this place.

If you are looking for transport options, you can hire an intercity cab in Thiruvananthapuram to visit these places.

Useful links-

Plan one day trip to Thiruvananthapuram

5 great places to visit near Thiruvananthapuram

How to reach Thiruvananthapuram?

Shopping in Thiruvananthapuram

Set in the foothills of Himalayas, Itanagar is a peaceful city and also the capital of Arunachal Pradesh state of India. Homing the historic Ita Fort, the city is partly surrounded by orchids, forests, and ferns.

The natives of Itanagar

The city was originally inhabited by the Nyishis, a tribal community of the region. Itanagar homes a number of tribes of the northeast Indian region. Mostly the residents of Itanagar follow Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Hence, a traveler can find a number of Buddhist temple in and around Itanagar.

Festivals of Itanagar

Itanagar makes a great cultural holiday destination, as there is a plethora of celebration here. Some of the remarkable festivals are-

• Nyokum: It is the festival of the Nyishi tribe, celebrated every year in the month of February for the prosperity of the people.
• Solung: It is an agricultural festival celebrated during monsoon (usually in the month of July or August).
• Losar: It is the new year festival of the Monpa tribe of the region.
• Boori Boot: It is a festival celebrated to cherish successful harvest of crops.

Landmarks of Itanagar

Gekar Sinyi

Also known as Ganga Lake, Gekar Sinyi is a beautiful natural lake surrounded by hard rocks. Around the lake, one can also encounter prehistoric vegetation (flora), orchids, and ferns.

Ita Fort

It is the historic landmark of the region. In fact, the city of Itanagar is named after this fort. Constructed during the 14th century, Ita Fort translates to a mansion of brick. The fort has three entrance gates on three different sides.

Gompa

Gompa is a Buddhist temple, consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The temple reflects the Tibetan architectural influence and offers a great countryside view.

Which is the best season to visit Itanagar?

Itanagar witnesses a humid subtropical climate. It has dry, mild winters and warm, wet summers. Hence, you can simply pack your bag and hop on anytime here, for instance, weekends, Christmas holidays, summer vacations, etc.

If you are planning a northeast India tour, you can also book a cab in Itanagar for sightseeing and onward journey.

Useful Links-

Itanagar: One day trip planner

Travel options to reach Itanagar

Itanagar: A food tour

Places to visit near Itanagar

Chhath is a Hindu Vedic festival, popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh states of India. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and his wife Usha to thank them for bestowing life on the earth and praying for healthier and happier life.

How is Chhath Puja celebrated?

Chhath is a three days festival, the third day being the main and grand. It is an epic festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm even today.

Dressing

On the day of Chhath, people wear traditional dress preferably in saffron color. Women wear saree and men wear Kurta and Dhoti and avoid using leather in any form in their clothing. Women also carry a deep streak of vermilion from nose to the end of hair split.

Fasting

Women keep fast on this day and don’t eat anything until the prayer is done and the Prasad is distributed.

Praying

Chhath is one of the few festivals in India that do not involve worshipping an idol. People gather around a river or any other natural water source before sunrise.  A hand full of water from the river is offered to the Sun God called as Tarpan.

People then take a dip in the river and chant holy slogans. Some people also perform a prostration march along the riverside.

When is Chhath Puja celebrated?

This festival is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. That is why it is also called as Kartika Shukla Shashthi. According to the English calendar, this festival falls in the month of October or November.

What are the special dishes prepared during Chhath?

The special dishes prepared for this festival are thekua, kheer, and rice-ladoo.

Chhath is the most important festival of the natives of Bihar and no matter where they are, they always celebrate this festival. It is also the most eco-friendly festival as no synthetic colors or fire-crackers are used in celebration. If you are willing to participate in Chhath Puja- the traditional way, you can easily take a tour to Patna in a private cab.

Useful Links-

Patna: One day trip planner

5 quick getaways from Patna

The local delicacies of Patna