SHANKUMUGHAM

Shankumugham Beach is a beach in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, south India. The beach is on the western side ofThiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city and very near to Trivandrum 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. There is also a “Star Fish Restaurant” with eating kiosks and open air theatre with car parking facilities. Good food can be enjoyed at the Indian Coffee House, just across the beach, which is also a vantage point for enjoying the sunset. Unfortunately, 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. Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ during special occasions. Shanghu mugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi.

On the Arattu day at Thiruvananthapuram, images of Lord Padmanabhawamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken in procession to the Laccadive Sea at Shanghumugham beach. His Highness the former Maharaja of Travancore,Sri Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, 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 in Shanghumugham, images are taken back in procession which marks the conclusion of the festival.

The skating school here offers the coaching on skating. Adjacent to the skating school is an indoor sports complex which provides facilities for Badminton and Table Tennis.

The sculpture of Jalakanyaka - Mermaid by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an added attraction. This giant statue 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 small children.

The military airport of the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force is situated at Shankumugham Beach.Veli Tourist Village is near from the Shankumugham Beach boating facilities are offered at this picnic spot. Speed boats, restaurants and well landscaped gardens are available.