Neyyāttinkara, India
Region: Kerala
Geographic Coordinates: 8.400000, 77.080000
Climate: Varies.
Population: 69449
Language: Malayalam
Neyyattinkara is a vibrant town located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of the southern state of Kerala, India. Nestled amidst lush greenery and serene landscapes, This town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its rich history, Religious significance, And picturesque surroundings, Neyyattinkara has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists. One of the main attractions in Neyyattinkara is the famous Neyyar Dam. This majestic dam is situated on the Neyyar River and surrounded by dense forests.
The reservoir formed by the dam is not only a source of water for irrigation but also an ideal spot for boating and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from atop the dam while taking in the tranquility that envelops this scenic location. For those seeking spiritual solace, Neyyattinkara boasts several revered temples. The most prominent among them is the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Known for its architectural grandeur and religious significance, This temple attracts devotees from far and wide during festivals like Janmashtami.
Another significant place of worship in Neyyattinkara is St.Thomas Cathedral Basilica – one of India’s oldest churches built by Portuguese missionaries in 1601 AD. This magnificent church showcases impressive Gothic architecture with intricate carvings on its walls and ceilings. Nature lovers will be delighted to explore nearby destinations such as Kovalam Beach – renowned for its pristine shores lined with coconut trees – just a short drive away from Neyyattinkara. The golden sands offer opportunities for sunbathing or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline while soaking up panoramic views of sunset over Arabian Sea.
Additionally, Wildlife enthusiasts can visit nearby attractions like Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary or Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve which are home to diverse flora and fauna including elephants, Tigers, Leopards, And various species of birds. Neyyattinkara is also known for its vibrant local culture and traditional art forms. The town hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, Where visitors can witness captivating performances of classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, As well as traditional music concerts. The culinary scene in Neyyattinkara is a treat for food lovers.
The town offers a wide range of delicious Kerala cuisine, Including mouthwatering seafood delicacies made with fresh catch from the nearby coast. Visitors can savor authentic dishes such as Appam (a rice pancake), Malabar Parotta (layered bread), And Karimeen Pollichathu (spicy grilled fish) that are sure to tantalize their taste buds. Overall, Neyyattinkara is a hidden gem in Kerala that offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, Religious heritage, Cultural vibrancy, And delectable cuisine.
Whether you seek tranquility amidst nature or wish to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of South India, This charming town has something to offer every traveler who ventures here.
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Located in Thiruvananthapuram, approximately 18 km from Neyyattinkara, this ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and renowned for its architectural beauty and religious significance.
- Kovalam Beach: Situated around 21 km from Neyyattinkara, Kovalam Beach is one of Kerala’s most famous beaches known for its golden sands, clear waters, and picturesque sunsets.
- Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Located near Kovalam Beach, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and surrounding areas.
- Poovar Island: Situated around 25 km from Neyyattinkara, Poovar Island is a scenic backwater destination where you can enjoy boat rides through mangrove forests and explore serene beaches.
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Situated in Thiruvananthapuram city (approximately 15 km away), this temple holds the Guinness World Record for hosting the largest annual gathering of women during the Attukal Pongala festival.
- Napier Museum: Located in Thiruvananthapuram city’s Museum Compound (around 20 km away), this museum showcases a vast collection of historical artifacts including ancient sculptures, paintings, coins, and more.
- Shanghumukham Beach: Situated around 24 km from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram city limits; it features a giant sculpture of a mermaid called Matsya Kanyaka and is a popular spot for evening strolls.
- Thirparappu Waterfalls: Located approximately 40 km from Neyyattinkara, these waterfalls are known for their natural beauty and offer an ideal picnic spot for visitors.
It’s worth noting that while Neyyattinkara itself may not have many prominent tourist attractions, its proximity to Thiruvananthapuram city provides easy access to a range of cultural, historical, and scenic sites.
- Agriculture: Neyyattinkara has a significant agricultural sector, with crops like coconut, rubber, tapioca, banana, and spices being cultivated.
- Fishing: Being situated close to the Arabian Sea, fishing is an important industry in Neyyattinkara. The town has several fishing communities engaged in traditional fishing practices.
- Handicrafts: Neyyattinkara is known for its skilled artisans who produce various handicrafts like coir products, shell crafts, wood carvings, and bamboo products.
- Retail and Trade: The town serves as a commercial hub for nearby rural areas with numerous retail shops and markets catering to local needs.
- Hospitality and Tourism: With its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Kovalam beach (around 15 km away) and Ponmudi hill station (around 35 km away), Neyyattinkara benefits from tourism-related activities such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, souvenir shops etc.
- Education: There are several educational institutions including schools and colleges that contribute to the local economy by providing employment opportunities.
- Healthcare Services: The healthcare sector plays an essential role in Neyyattinkara’s economy with hospitals clinics pharmacies etc., serving both the local population as well as patients from nearby regions.
- Transportation Services: Given its strategic location on National Highway 66 (NH-66), transportation services such as logistics companies or trucking services are also prevalent in the area.
It’s important to note that while these industries are prominent in Neyyattinkara’s economy; it remains primarily an agrarian region with agriculture serving as a major source of livelihood for many residents.
- Marthanda Varma: Neyyattinkara was historically part of the Kingdom of Travancore, and one of its most significant rulers was Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1706-1758). He is known for his military victories against neighboring kingdoms and for consolidating Travancore into a powerful state.
- Sree Krishna Swami Temple: The Sree Krishna Swami Temple in Neyyattinkara is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It has historical significance as it was once used by the royal family of Travancore as their place of worship.
- Velu Thampi Dalawa: Velu Thampi Dalawa (1765-1809) was an influential minister in the Kingdom of Travancore during the reigns of Maharajas Balarama Varma and Gowri Parvati Bayi. He played a crucial role in initiating social reforms and resisting British influence.
- Agasthyakoodam: Located near Neyyattinkara, Agasthyakoodam is one of the highest peaks in Kerala’s Western Ghats mountain range. It holds immense religious significance for Hindus as it is believed to be home to sage Agastya, an important figure in Hindu mythology.
- Mahatma Gandhi’s visit: Mahatma Gandhi visited Neyyattinkara on February 14, 1937, during his tour through Kerala advocating for social justice and independence from British rule.
While these events and individuals might not be widely known outside India or even within India itself, they hold significance in the local history and culture of Neyyattinkara.
- Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is a must-visit for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.
- Kovalam Beach: Although not directly in Neyyattinkara, this stunning beach is located just a short distance away and offers picturesque views, water sports activities, and luxurious resorts.
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Located in nearby Thiruvananthapuram, this famous Hindu temple is known for its intricate carvings and the massive idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the serpent.
- Napier Museum: Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, this museum showcases an impressive collection of historical artifacts, ancient sculptures, bronze idols, and traditional Kerala art forms.
- Kuthira Malika (Puthen Malika) Palace Museum: Also situated in Thiruvananthapuram near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex, this palace-turned-museum displays a unique collection of royal artifacts including Kathakali masks, crystal chandeliers, paintings, and antiques.
- Kanakakkunnu Palace: A magnificent palace located within lush green gardens in Thiruvananthapuram that often hosts cultural events like music concerts and exhibitions showcasing traditional art forms.
- Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Located near Kovalam Beach in Vizhinjam village near Neyyattinkara town; climb up to the top of this lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline.
- Poovar Island: Situated at the confluence of river Neyyar with Arabian Sea near Neyyattinkara; visit for its serene backwaters surrounded by mangroves and golden sandy beaches.
- The Zoological Park (Thiruvananthapuram Zoo): One of India’s oldest zoos situated within Thiruvananthapuram city; explore a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles, and an adjacent botanical garden.
- Neyyar Dam: Located around 30 km from Neyyattinkara, this scenic dam offers boating options amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Western Ghats. The nearby Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also worth a visit.
Note: While Neyyattinkara itself may not have many specific museums or art centers, it serves as a convenient base to explore the cultural and historical attractions in Thiruvananthapuram and its surrounding areas.
- Neyyattinkara Sports Club: Established in 1974, Neyyattinkara Sports Club is one of the oldest and most prominent football clubs in the area. They have participated in various local tournaments and leagues.
- Neyyattinkara Cricket Club: The Neyyattinkara Cricket Club is an active cricket team that competes in local tournaments and matches.
- Kuttichal Sports Academy: Though technically located just outside of Neyyattinkara, Kuttichal Sports Academy has produced several talented athletes from the region who have excelled in various sports like athletics and volleyball.
- St Mary’s Volleyball Team: St Mary’s Volleyball Team represents a local school or college and has participated in inter-school/college competitions.
It’s important to note that these teams might not have extensive histories or achievements at national or international levels like some other well-known Indian sports teams do. Nonetheless, they contribute to promoting sporting activities within the community of Neyyatinkara.
- Neyyāttinkara Ayyappa Temple Festival: This is a major festival celebrated at the Neyyāttinkara Ayyappa Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The festival lasts for several days and includes processions, traditional music and dance performances, and various rituals.
- Onam: Onam is a popular harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, including Neyyāttinkara. It is marked by grand feasts, boat races (Vallamkali), dances like Kaikottikali and Pulikali (tiger dance), as well as the creation of floral carpets known as Pookalam.
- Vishu: Vishu is another important festival celebrated in Kerala, including Neyyāttinkara. It marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and involves various rituals like Vishukkani (auspicious sight) preparations, fireworks, traditional meals called Sadya, and cultural performances.
- Attukal Pongala: This famous women-only religious event takes place at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple near Neyyāttinkara during February-March each year. Devotees gather to cook a special offering called Pongala using earthen pots on open fires.
- Navaratri: Navaratri or Durga Puja is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga that occurs around September-October each year in Neyyāttinkara as well as other parts of India. It involves elaborate decorations, fasting, devotional singing (bhajans), dance performances like Garba/Dandiya Raas, and the final day celebration known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
- Christmas Celebrations: Like many other parts of India with Christian populations, Christmas celebrations are also observed in Neyyāttinkara. Churches are decorated, midnight masses are held, carol singing takes place, and people exchange gifts to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
These are just a few examples of the cultural events and festivals celebrated in Neyyāttinkara. The region also has various other religious and community-specific celebrations throughout the year.
Neyyāttinkara Cuisine
Traditional Dishes
- Kerala-style seafood: Being a coastal town, Neyyāttinkara is known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes such as fish curry, prawn fry, and crab roast.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a traditional breakfast dish made from steamed rice flour and served with spicy chickpea curry (kadala curry).
- Appam with Stew: Appam is a soft pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, usually served with vegetable or meat stew.
- Kappa (Tapioca) Biriyani: This unique dish combines tapioca (kappa) with spices, coconut, and meat or fish to create a flavorful biriyani.
- Sadya: A traditional feast consisting of various vegetarian dishes served on banana leaves during festivals or special occasions.
Popular Restaurants
- Hotel Aryas – Known for its authentic Kerala cuisine including seafood delicacies like Karimeen Pollichathu (grilled pearl spot fish).
- Hotel Saravana Bhavan – Offers a variety of South Indian vegetarian dishes like dosas, idlis, vadas along with thalis.
- Hotel Annapurna – Famous for its tasty biriyanis and non-vegetarian delicacies like chicken fry and mutton curry.
- Thattukada Street Food Stall – A local street food joint offering delicious snacks like parottas, beef fry, egg masala etc.
- Nila Restaurant – Known for its cozy ambiance and diverse menu featuring Indian as well as Chinese cuisine options.
These are just a few examples among many eateries in Neyyāttinkara where you can experience the vibrant flavors of the region’s cuisine.
- Neyyar Dam: A popular tourist spot with a beautiful reservoir, boating facilities, and a deer park.
- Kovalam Beach: Located nearby, this famous beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports activities.
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife reserve with trekking trails and opportunities for bird watching.
- Aruvikkara Dam & Park: Known for its scenic beauty and picnic spots along the riverbank.
- Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea from the top of the lighthouse tower.
- Lion Safari Park: Located near Neyyar Dam, it is home to various species of lions and provides an opportunity to observe them up close in their natural habitat.
These are just a few examples of parks and recreational activities available in Neyyāttinkara; there may be more options depending on your interests.
