Shankumugham Beach is a vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere which is situated in Trivandrum district on the way to Trivandrum International Airport. As it is positioned miles away from the teeming crowds and closer to the lap of nature, the Shankumugham Beach provides all ingredients for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The beautiful white sand and pearl waves gushing around are the striking feature of this beach. This beach is regarded as the Arattukadavu of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, the revered and leading deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. At the time of religious events, the ceremony of Bali Tharpanam is carried out at this beach. Also, the idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken are carried in procession to the Laccadive Sea at Shankumugham beach on the Arattu day. It is also an ideal spot to admire the spectacular beauty of the sun setting in the Arabian Sea.

Highlights

• Shankumugham Beach is a quaint, serene and a popular beach in Kerala.
• Shankumugham Beach is regarded as the Arattukadavu of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, the revered and leading deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
• The idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken are carried in procession to the Laccadive Sea at Shankumugham beach on the Arattu day.
• The skating school situated near the Shankumugham Beach gives coaching on skating.
• There is an indoor sports complex which provides facilities for Badminton and Table Tennis adjacent to the skating school.
• The sculpture of Sagarakanyaka/Jalakanyaka - Mermaid by the renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunjiraman is a marvelous spectacle at this beach.
• The 'Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic signs for children' situated near the beach is an interesting as well as informative play area for children which help them to understand the traffic rules while playing in the park. It also provides cycling facilities.
• Veli Tourist Village is a prominent attraction near the beach which provides boating facilities, speed boating, restaurant facilities and well-landscaped gardens.
• The starfish-like shaped restaurant with an open-air theatre and eating kiosks and the Old Coffee House is situated near the beach.
• Shankumugham Devi Temple and Shankumugham Arattu Mandapam are the other attractions here.

Things to Do

Way to Reach

 By Air - Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Shankumugham Beach which is at a distance of 6 Kilometres. From there, you can hire a taxi or cab or board a bus to reach Shankumugham Beach.

 By Rail - Trivandrum Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Shankumugham Beach which is at a distance of 7 Kilometres. From there, you can hire a taxi or cab or board a bus to reach Shankumugham Beach.

 By Road - Trivandrum is well linked to all the major cities of the country by road. Many state transport buses and private buses are easily available to Shankumugham Beach. Trivandrum Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Shankumugham Beach.

FAQs:

What makes Shankumugham Beach unique?

Shankumugham Beach is known for its vast stretch of white sand, serene atmosphere, and breathtaking sunsets over the Arabian Sea. The beach also holds religious significance as the Arattu Kadavu of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, the presiding deity of the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

What cultural or religious significance does Shankumugham Beach have?

Shankumugham Beach is the Arattu Kadavu (bathing place) for the deities of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. During the Arattu festival, the idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are carried in procession to the sea for a ceremonial bath. The beach is also a popular site for performing the Hindu ritual of Bali Tharpanam and Ganesh Nimarjan during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Is Shankumugham Beach family-friendly?

Yes, Shankumugham Beach is a great destination for families. The beach offers a safe and serene environment for children to play and explore, along with family-friendly attractions like the Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park where children can learn traffic rules while playing. Open-air cafes and cycling areas add to the family fun.

Are there restaurants or cafes near Shankumugham Beach?

Yes, there is a starfish-shaped restaurant with an open-air theatre near the beach that serves local delicacies. Additionally, the Old Indian Coffee House and various beach kiosks offer a variety of snacks and refreshments to enjoy while soaking in the beach’s relaxing vibe.

Is Shankumugham Beach popular for destination weddings?

Yes, Shankumugham Beach is emerging as a popular destination for weddings. Its beautiful landscape, serene environment, and proximity to Thiruvananthapuram city make it an ideal location for couples seeking a memorable beach wedding.