Shankhumugham Beach is located in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. It is a clean and gentle beach, situated just 8 km away from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. This is the ideal place to take pleasure during the evening. The vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere adds to its beauty. The fishing activity takes place in Shankhumugham Beach, which is the attraction for any tourists. The beach is located amidst a fishing village, which is dominated by the fishermen`s community.
Activities in Shankhumugham Beach
Shankhumugham Beach is clean and safe for swimming and sunbathing. The sandy beach of Shankhumugham is a perfect place to enjoy sunsets and having a relaxed evening. One can also enjoy the adventure sports like kayaking, angling, speed boating and rafting. There is a gigantic sculpture of a mermaid which is called "Sagarkanya" and is a major attraction of this beach. It is more than 35m long. The "Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic Signs for Children" is situated here, which is helpful for the children to understand the traffic rules while playing in the park. The park also provides cycling facilities for children.
Religious Significance of Shankhumugham Beach
Shankhumugham Beach holds spiritual importance too. This beach is considered as the "Arattukadavu" of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan, the presiding deity of the city. It is among the places in Kerala where the "Bali Tarpanam" (prayers to the dead) is held annually. Thousands of Hindus congregate to Shankhumugham Beach to take part in the ritual held during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam that is in July-August every year.
Festivals at Shankhumugham Beach
The festival procession of the Padmanabhaswami temple at Thiruvananthapuram is also held on the Shankhumugham Beach. The idols of Lord Padmanabha, who is known as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna and Lord Narsimha; are taken out for the ritual hunt as part of festivities. The head of the royal family of Travancore leads the procession carrying the royal sword. The revels come to an end after the ceremonial bath in Shankhumugham beach and the procession returns to the Padmanabhaswami Temple.
Visiting Information of Shankhumugham Beach
Shankhumugham Beach is easily accessible from the Kovalam Beach. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to reach Shankhumugham Beach. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (7km). From here, tourists can avail taxis to reach the beach.
