Introduction

Trivandrum’s most popular picnic destination, Veli Tourist Village is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the city centre, very close to the Trivandrum airport. The picturesque Veli Lagoon is separated by a narrow sandbar from the Arabian Sea; this sandbar is the Veli Tourist Village complete with a waterfront park, floating bridge and great water sports facility. Particularly popular with children, the place gets extremely crowded on weekends. A major draw to Veli is the large inland lake separated from the ocean by a narrow sandbar. Set out on a sunset cruise into the Veli Lagoon and watch the water change color from bluish-green to burnt orange. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lagoon and the Arabian Sea beyond on a pedal boat or row boat. Power boats, kayaks and hovercraft are other options for water sports lovers. Scenes from the daily life of the local fishermen flash past as you drift on the lagoon. You will see them ready their boats, work on their nets or poll sand-laden barges.

Fish ponds, wave pools, beautifully landscaped gardens enhance the ambience of the village, and make it look like a jewel, an emerald, on the shimmering waters of the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy some snacks to go with a hot cup of filter coffee at the floating restaurant. For kids, the tourist village has a tiny lake within the park speckled with sturdy, round tub boats equipped with miniature paddles. Head to the small cafeteria if you are in mood for an ice-cream. The most curious feature of the park is its massive climbing sculptures by popular sculptor Kanai Kunjiraman. After exploring Trivandrum, if you are at a loose end, make a trip to Veli Tourist Village and spend a leisurely day with your family.

Boat rentals (1000 to 1730 hours): Safari boat: Rs 15 per head, Speedboat: Rs 150 Pedal boat: 4 seater - Rs 50 for half an hour; 2 seater - Rs 40 for half an hour.

Special Attributes

Veli Lagoon is famous for sunset boat rides.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Walking distance from the airport, an auto-rickshaw ride away from the central railway station of Trivandrum.

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers, Honeymooners

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. In the morning and evening, the weather remains pleasant. But noon gets quite warm and the sun rays are rather strong. You are advised to wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July

Facilities

The place has a restaurant, cafeteria, and offers boating facilities. You can also visit the Shankhumugham Beach connected to the tourist village by a floating bridge.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Plan a trip near evening - the place looks lovely at sundown, especially when you are taking a boat ride on the lagoon.

Type of site

Tourist village/Lagoon/Lake