Shankumugham Beach: Difference between revisions

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{{more footnotes|date=October 2013}}
{{more footnotes|date=October 2013}}
{{Infobox landform
{{Infobox landform
| name             = Shankhumugham Beach
| name             = Shankhumugham Beach
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| photo_caption    = Shankumugham beach, [[Thiruvananthapuram]]
| caption          = Shankumugham beach, [[Thiruvananthapuram]]
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| location         = Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| location         = Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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| coordinates     = {{coord|8.48112950|N|76.91237030|E|display=inline,title}}
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| type             = Beach
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[[File:ശംഖുമുഖം കടൽത്തീരത്തെ മത്സ്യകന്യക ശില്പം.jpg|thumb|Mermaid at Shankumughom beach at Trivandrum]]
[[File:ശംഖുമുഖം കടൽത്തീരത്തെ മത്സ്യകന്യക ശില്പം.jpg|thumb|Sagarakanyaka at Shankumughom beach at Thiruvananthapuram]]


'''Shankumugham Beach''' is a beach in [[Thiruvananthapuram district]] of [[Kerala]], south [[India]]. The beach is on the western side of [[Thiruvananthapuram]] (Trivandrum) and very near to [[Trivandrum International Airport]].
'''Shankumugham Beach''' is a beach in [[Thiruvananthapuram district]] of [[Kerala]], south [[India]]. The beach is on the western side of [[Thiruvananthapuram]] and is very close to [[Thiruvananthapuram International Airport]].


The vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere, away from the crowd in the city, provide all the ingredients for relaxation and for spending an ideal evening. - The city of the Holy Anantha {{!}} India|url=https://trivandrum.nic.in/tourist-place/sankhumugham-beach/|access-date=2020-09-07|language=en-US}}</ref> with eating kiosks and open-air theatre with car parking facilities. Good food can be enjoyed at the Old Coffee House, just across the beach, which is also a vantage point for enjoying the sunset. The beach is not well maintained, with garbage littering the entire area.
Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan - the presiding deity of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Arattu Mandapam, Shanghumugham|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/arattu-mandapam/599|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Kerala Tourism|language=en}}</ref> Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’  during special occasions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thousands offer Bali Tharpanam on Karkidaka Vavu|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/thousands-offer-bali-tharpanam-on-karkidaka-vavu-karkidaka-vavu-thirunelli-thirunnavaya-1.2109274|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en}}</ref> Shankhumugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of [[Ganesh Chaturthi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ganeshotsavam procession tomorrow |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/ganeshotsavam-procession-tomorrow/articleshow/70967457.cms |publisher=Times of India |access-date=4 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ganesh Visarjan 2021 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ganesh-visarjan-2021-devotees-immerse-idols-of-lord-ganesha-1031489-1558164 |publisher=Deccan Herald |access-date=20 September 2021}}</ref>


Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan<ref>{{Cite web|title=Arattu Mandapam, Shanghumugham|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/arattu-mandapam/599|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Kerala Tourism|language=en}}</ref> - The presiding deity of the city. Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’  during special occasions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thousands offer Bali Tharpanam on Karkidaka Vavu|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/thousands-offer-bali-tharpanam-on-karkidaka-vavu-karkidaka-vavu-thirunelli-thirunnavaya-1.2109274|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en}}</ref> Shankhumugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Binayak|first=Poonam|title=Ganesh Chaturthi: The Hindu Festival Celebrating Lord Ganesha|url=https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/5-things-you-should-know-about-ganesh-chaturthi/|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Culture Trip}}</ref>
On the Arattu day at [[Thiruvananthapuram]], idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken in procession to the [[Laccadive Sea]] at Shanghumugham beach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alpashi and Painkuni Arattu festival of Sree Padamanabhaswamy Temple {{!}} Festivals of Kerala|url=http://www.keralaculture.org/|access-date=2020-09-07|website=www.keralaculture.org|language=en}}</ref> His Highness the now-titular Maharaja of Travancore leads the procession with the royal sword in hand while escorted by members of the royal family, armed guards, temple authorities, mounted police, and officers. After the ceremonial bath at Shanghumugham, the idols are taken back in procession, thus marking the conclusion of the festival.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alpashi festival comes to a close|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/nov/15/alpashi-festival-comes-to-a-close-1898337.html|access-date=2020-09-07|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


On the Arattu day at [[Thiruvananthapuram]], images of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken in procession to the [[Laccadive Sea]] at Shanghumugham beach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alpashi and Painkuni Arattu festival of Sree Padamanabhaswamy Temple {{!}} Festivals of Kerala|url=http://www.keralaculture.org/|access-date=2020-09-07|website=www.keralaculture.org|language=en}}</ref> His Highness the now-titular Maharaja of Travancore will lead the procession with the royal sword in hand, who will be escorted by members of the royal family, armed guards, temple authorities, mounted police, and officers. After the ceremonial bath at Shanghumugham, images are taken back in procession which marks the conclusion of the festival.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alpashi festival comes to a close|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/nov/15/alpashi-festival-comes-to-a-close-1898337.html|access-date=2020-09-07|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
The sculpture of [[Sagarakanyaka]], a [[mermaid]], by [[Kanayi Kunhiraman]] is an added attraction.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Backwaters - Kerala, Kerala Travel, Real Estate, Kerala Matrimonial|url=http://www.kerala.com/pages/keralabackwaters-thiruvananthapuram|access-date=2020-09-07|website=www.kerala.com}}</ref> This giant statue is more than 35 metres long. The 'Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic signs for children' is situated here,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thiruvananthapuram: Traffic park to get a lease of life|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2019/may/25/thiruvananthapuram-traffic-park-to-get-a-lease-of-life-1981335.html|access-date=2020-09-07|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> which is helpful for the children to understand the traffic rules while playing in the park. The park also provides cycling facilities for small children.


The sculpture of '''Sagarakanyaka''' - [[Mermaid]] by [[Kanayi Kunhiraman]] is an added attraction.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Backwaters - Kerala, Kerala Travel, Real Estate, Kerala Matrimonial|url=http://www.kerala.com/pages/keralabackwaters-thiruvananthapuram|access-date=2020-09-07|website=www.kerala.com}}</ref> This giant statue is more than 35 metres long. The 'Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic signs for children' is situated here,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thiruvananthapuram: Traffic park to get a lease of life|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2019/may/25/thiruvananthapuram-traffic-park-to-get-a-lease-of-life-1981335.html|access-date=2020-09-07|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> which is helpful for the children to understand the traffic rules while playing in the park. The park also provides cycling facilities for small children.
The military area of [[Southern Air Command (India)|Southern Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] and part of the main airport are situated near Shankumugham Beach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=On cloud nine: Differently-abled students visit Air Force Station|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2019/oct/10/on-cloud-nine-differently-abled-students-visit-air-force-station-2045427.html|access-date=2020-09-07|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


The military area of [[Southern Air Command (India)|Southern Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force]] and part of the main airport are situated near Shankumugham Beach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=On cloud nine: Differently-abled students visit Air Force Station|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2019/oct/10/on-cloud-nine-differently-abled-students-visit-air-force-station-2045427.html|access-date=2020-09-07|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
==Coastal erosion and effect on the beach==
[[Coastal erosion]] along the [[Thiruvananthapuram]] coastline has caused significant reduction in the beach area. A study from 2022 found that the region including the Shankumugham beach observed an erosion of 4.73 meters per year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thiruvananthapuram's famed beaches could vanish in just five years.|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/07/26/coastal-erosion-impact-thiruvananthapuram-beaches-five-year-warning.html|access-date=2023-06-24|website=Manorama online}}</ref> The Shankumugham-Airport road along the beach was closed due to excessive erosion.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Passengers walk to Trivandrum airport lugging baggage, thanks to bad roads.|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/passengers-walk-trivandrum-airport-lugging-baggage-thanks-bad-roads-a-155148|access-date=2023-06-24|website=The News Minute}}</ref> [[File:Remains of the Shanghumugham airport road after sea erosion.jpg|thumb|Remains of the Shankumugham airport road after sea erosion]]


[[Veli, Kerala|Veli]] Tourist Village is near the beach.  Boating facilities are offered at this picnic spot. Speed boats, restaurants and well-landscaped gardens are available.


{{See also|Thiruvananthapuram Tourist spots}}
==See also==
[[Thiruvananthapuram Tourist spots]]


==How to reach==
==How to reach==
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File:Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park, Thiruvananthapuram.JPG|Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park
File:Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park, Thiruvananthapuram.JPG|Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park
File:A sculpture at Shankumugham beach.JPG|A sculpture at the beach
File:A sculpture at Shankumugham beach.JPG|A sculpture at the beach
File:Shankumukham beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 12 48 21 211000.jpeg
</gallery>
</gallery>


Latest revision as of 10:44, 27 February 2026


Template:Infobox landform

Sagarakanyaka at Shankumughom beach at Thiruvananthapuram

Shankumugham Beach is a beach in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, south India. The beach is on the western side of Thiruvananthapuram and is very close to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan - the presiding deity of the city.[1] Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ during special occasions.[2] Shankhumugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi.[3][4]

On the Arattu day at Thiruvananthapuram, idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken in procession to the Laccadive Sea at Shanghumugham beach.[5] His Highness the now-titular Maharaja of Travancore leads the procession with the royal sword in hand while escorted by members of the royal family, armed guards, temple authorities, mounted police, and officers. After the ceremonial bath at Shanghumugham, the idols are taken back in procession, thus marking the conclusion of the festival.[6]

The sculpture of Sagarakanyaka, a mermaid, by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an added attraction.[7] This giant statue is more than 35 metres long. The 'Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic signs for children' is situated here,[8] which is helpful for the children to understand the traffic rules while playing in the park. The park also provides cycling facilities for small children.

The military area of Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force and part of the main airport are situated near Shankumugham Beach.[9]

Coastal erosion and effect on the beach[edit | edit source]

Coastal erosion along the Thiruvananthapuram coastline has caused significant reduction in the beach area. A study from 2022 found that the region including the Shankumugham beach observed an erosion of 4.73 meters per year.[10] The Shankumugham-Airport road along the beach was closed due to excessive erosion.[11]

Remains of the Shankumugham airport road after sea erosion


See also[edit | edit source]

Thiruvananthapuram Tourist spots

How to reach[edit | edit source]

Picture gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Aaratu Mandapam
    Aaratu Mandapam
  • Sagarakanyaka or Jalakanyaka
    Sagarakanyaka or Jalakanyaka
  • High tide warning at the beach during one of the monsoon days
    High tide warning at the beach during one of the monsoon days
  • Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park
    Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park
  • A sculpture at the beach
    A sculpture at the beach

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Arattu Mandapam, Shanghumugham". Kerala Tourism. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  2. ↑ "Thousands offer Bali Tharpanam on Karkidaka Vavu". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  3. ↑ "Ganeshotsavam procession tomorrow". Times of India. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  4. ↑ "Ganesh Visarjan 2021". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  5. ↑ "Alpashi and Painkuni Arattu festival of Sree Padamanabhaswamy Temple | Festivals of Kerala". www.keralaculture.org. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  6. ↑ "Alpashi festival comes to a close". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  7. ↑ "Backwaters - Kerala, Kerala Travel, Real Estate, Kerala Matrimonial". www.kerala.com. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  8. ↑ "Thiruvananthapuram: Traffic park to get a lease of life". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  9. ↑ "On cloud nine: Differently-abled students visit Air Force Station". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  10. ↑ "Thiruvananthapuram's famed beaches could vanish in just five years". Manorama online. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  11. ↑ "Passengers walk to Trivandrum airport lugging baggage, thanks to bad roads". The News Minute. Retrieved 24 June 2023.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Waters of Kerala

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