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One of the oldest churches of Trivandrum, Carmel Hill Monastery is a Roman Catholic Latin church that the Roman Catholic monks in Trivandrum maintain. The church is a magnificent ancient building with serene and peaceful interiors and a divine ambience. The place attracts visitors from far and wide who seek blessings and attend the holy mass led by the Capuchin priests. The prayers and preachings followed by the priests and the church choir are simple yet soothing to the mind, body and soul.
Location
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The Carmel Hill Monastery is located on Pangode Road opposite Cotton Hill in Vazhuthacaud in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It is very easy to reach the Carmel Hill Monastery as it lies just a few kilometres away from the Trivandrum Airport which is also the nearest airport to the church.
How To Reach
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By Road: Local buses or hired taxis provide good transport options. Ensure to check the bus schedules for routes that go directly to the monastery.
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport T1, about 11 km away. After landing, hire a taxi or use a car rental service for the drive to the monastery.
By Train: After arriving at the nearest station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Carmel Hill Monastery quickly and easily.
Places to Visit Near Carmel Hill Monastery
There are several places of tourist interest that are located near the Carmel Hill Monastery that one can visit for a wholesome trip.
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Photo: Alaison bennny / Wikimedia Commons
This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Sri Vaishnava tradition. The temple has been built in an intricate Dravidian and Kerala style fusion architecture featuring a 16th century gopuram and high walls. This temple has been mentioned in several ancient Hindu sacred texts such as Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Brahma Purana, Padma Purana and Vayu Purana. Ancient poet saints have often envisioned the city of Thiruvananthapuram to be made of gold and the Padmanabham temple as heaven.
Timings: 3:30 AM – 7:15 PM
2. Kovalam Beach
Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons
Home to three crescent beaches, Kovalam Beach is a popular tourist spot for both the locals as well as the outstation tourists. With a massive rocky promontory, this beach has several leisurely options for picnickers like swimming, herbal massages, catamaran cruising, beach cultural programs and many more. The beach complex is home to many Ayurvedic health resorts, shopping zones, convention centres, swimming pools, ayurvedic and yoga centres.
Timings: Open All Day
3. Napier Museum
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Located on the same grounds as Trivandrum Zoo, Napier Museum is a natural history and art museum located in Thiruvananthapuram. The new building was designed by the Madras Government consulting architect Robert Chrisholm. With its unique architectural style and ornamentation, the museum is influenced by a combination of Indian, Mughal, Kerala and Chinese schools of architecture. The place houses a rare collection of historic and archaeological artefacts like ivory carvings, ancient ornaments, bronze idols and many more.
Timings: 10 AM – 4:45 PM (Monday Closed)
4. Shangumugham Beach
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Shangumugham Beach is located on the western Thiruvananthapuram side and is considered to be the Arattukadavu or the presiding deity of the city. The beach is the prime place for performing “Bali Tharpanam’ pooja during special occasions by thousands of Hindus. The beach is also home to a giant statue of Sagara Kanya- Mermaid by Kanayi Kunhiraman which is around 35 metres long. One can also visit the “Jawahar Lal Nehru Park of Traffic Signs” here with children as it helps them understand the traffic rules while playing in the park.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
5. Vizhinjam Lighthouse
Photo: BishkekRocks / Wikimedia Commons
Located near the Kovalam beach, Vizhinjam Lighthouse is an ancient lighthouse used for guiding mariners and issuing communication for their navigation. Installed in 1972, this place was an important sea port in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Earlier, there were no lighthouses in the area. The tower is marked by distinctive red and white stripes.
Timings: 3 PM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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There are many hotels, resorts and homestays located near the Carmel Hill Monastery Church. One can choose the one that best suits their pocket and budget. Some of the popular options that are located in the vicinity are Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Taj Green Cove Resort, Hyacinth Hotel, Classic Sarovar Portico, Pattom Royal Hotel, Uday Suites and O by Tamara.
Where To Eat
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Thiruvananthapuram has many eateries, restaurants and delectable cafes where one can grab a bite for themselves. Some popular restaurants located nearby are O Cafe, Paragon Restaurant, BLND Restrobar, Villa Maya, Baker’s Arch, Garden Grille and Bar Restaurant, Mynt and Ariya Nivaas.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit the Carmel Hill Monastery Church is during the winter months between October to March. This is because during this time, the weather is quite pleasant and one can enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest.
Other Factors To Consider
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There are no entry charges for this church. One can visit the church with their family and spend a peaceful time inside it.
Average Cost Of The Trip:
The average cost of a trip to Carmel Hill Monastery can range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per person, including transportation, meals, accommodation, and any entry fees, depending on your travel preferences and duration of stay.
Tips For The Travellers:
- Maintain cleanliness and avoid littering. The monastery’s serene environment should be preserved for all visitors.
- Check the visiting hours and any special events or services that may be taking place during your visit.
- Carry water, especially if you plan to explore the area for a long time. Try local eateries for authentic meals.
Carmel Hill Monastery has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when the discalced Carmelite missionaries from Belgium originally established it. The building exudes an ancient European charm while providing a sense of peacefulness and serenity. Add this old-world church to your itinerary with TripXL and enjoy a touch of European elegance to your Southern India trip.
Cover Photo: Florian Pépellin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
