Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave, a historic spot which was left unnoticed for
a long time is situated at Vizhinjam, 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.
Just 1 km away from Kovalam, it is an ideal for one day tours. Vizhinjam,
the seaside village was once the capital of the many Chieftains who dominated
the southern parts of Kerala around the 8th century AD. Vizhinjam also
was a former Dutch and British factory, of which nothing can now be seen. The
place is home to some of the earliest architectural remains in Kerala,
dating back to the 9 C -10 C.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave contains the 8th century rock
cut sculptures. The cave encloses a one celled shrine. Dedicated to Vinandhara
Dakshinamurthi, this granite cave temple were constructed using a number
of Tamilian features. The outer wall of the cave has unfinished sculptures
of Lord Shiva holding a bow and Dancing Lord Shiva with his wife Goddess
Parvathy. Temple timings: 9 am-6 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Nearby Attractions
The other attractions of the area are Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour, Vizhinjam
Marine Aquarium
Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour
One of the busiest fishing harbour in Thiruvananthapuram, the
sight of hundreds of fishing boats, women taking head loads off to local
markets, fishermen gliding into the sea are delighting. The
beach also offers a fine sight of Vizhinjam mosque. Even though the beach
is good for enjoying scenic beauty, it is a dirty place with fishy smell.
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
Established in 1997, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is situated near Theatre
Junction. Even though, the aquarium is poorly maintained, it houses rich
collection of world’s rarest and most exotic species of invertebrates
and ornamental fishes such as Crabs, Squirrelfish, Clownfish, Moon wrasse,
Butterfly fish, Lionfish, Giant turtles, Aggressive surgeonfish, Triggerfish,
Deadly piranhas, Sharks etc. It also has a unique display of pearl images
of Christ, Virgin Mary, Hindu Gods and Goddesses and other images. The
aquarium is managed by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
(CMFRI).
Entry Fees: Adult 10/- and children 5/- , Timings: 9 am-6 pm. Ph:
0471-2480224, 2483324 .
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Monuments 
