Madavoorpara Ancient Rock-cut Shiva Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Madavoorpara is currently one of the prime tourist destinations in the city that highlights the core values of Responsible Tourism Mission. The rock-cut temple here, that dates back to 8th century CE, is believed to have been built by a Buddhist monk. You can also see inscriptions done in Vattezhuthu, an ancient Malayalam script, on a pillar here. The sanctum sanctorum carved out of rock holds the idol of Lord Shiva.

The area was taken over by the Department of Archaeology in 1960.  Situated near Kattaikonam in the capital city, this place is now a proud symbol of Responsible Tourism Mission. The Mission implemented several Experiential Tour packages here that made this peaceful village more popular among the tourists. Scores of experiences that range from screw pine weaving to pappad making wait for you in this sleepy hamlet!

Madavoorpara is situated 300 feet above sea level. The temple has attracted the attention of researchers and culture enthusiasts with its archaeological and historical significance.

Walk up to the hill through the Bamboo Bridge to spend some time in a serene and secluded space. The 100 m long Bamboo Bridge is a sight in itself. Besides the bridge, the bamboo huts atop the rock that bestows you with a panoramic view of the lush green surroundings stand apart as the main attraction of the place. A park that awaits children with its swings and slides is yet another added attraction for the families.  Atop this rugged hill, near a leafless white branched tree is the Ganga Theertham, an evergreen sacred pond.

From the top of Madoorpara

This rocky spot will soon have an amphitheatre, floating cottages, water fountain, cafeteria, amenity centre and so forth in order to develop it into one of the major tourist attractions of the capital city.

While zipping across, never forget to lend your ears to the tunes of the birds. This tranquil beauty will definitely offer you an escape from the hum-drum of routine mundane life.

Let the wind make your hair dance. Let it cool your mind and refresh your soul as you sit far above all the pollution and uproar of the city spread out below you.

Getting there: Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, via NH 66 and Kazhakoottam - Kilimanoor Rd, about 20 km Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, via Sreekariyam - Pothencode Rd,...

Madavoorpara Siva temple is a rock cut temple located in the outskirts of Trivandrum city. This temple is an ancient one dating back to 850 A.D. The temple and the surroundings are now under the protection of the State Archaeological Department. The temple has a carved idol of Lord Siva and a carving of Ganapathi on the wall in the right side. There is also a carving of the local chieftain on the left side of the temple. Madavoorpara was a relatively unknown destination even for locals until recently, but now after some articles in the local newspapers and media, the place is witnessing an increasing influx of visitors, especially during the weekends. There is a small park at the top of the rock. A bamboo bridge 101 meters long has been constructed by the State Archaeological Department to take people to the hut on top of the hill. Needless to say, the view from atop the rock is simply awesome. You can see the city blending with the outskirts from the top and also a view of the sea. The whole area gets a golden hue at the time of twilight which is simply awesome to witness. The board at the bottom of the steps leading to the temple stating that this is a protected monument and under the State Archaeological Department. Location & Route:- Now there are actually three routes from Trivandrum to Madavoorpara.

1. Trivandrum - Sreekaryam - Chempazhanthy - Kattayikonam - Madavoorpara
2. Take the Powdikonam - Pothencode route from Sreekaryam. After 8 km through this road comes Santhipuram. Take a left turn from this junction. After 2 km along this road, you will reach Madavoorpara. One advantage of this route is that you don't have to climb up the rock.
3. Take the bye-pass road to Kazhakuttom. From Kazhakuttom take the new road to Venjaramood. Take a right turn from Kattayikonam. Travel along this road for about 1 km and Madavoorpara comes up along the left side. There is a such a road on the left side which leads...

It was on a sarurday morning I visit the place. Retuning here after an year. It was clean, peaceful and beautiful back then. We picked here in a Hope to see that in the same way and to spend a beautiful morning with my family. But it is spoiled. In google the open hours was mentioned from 7am, but actual opening hours is from 9am. Luckily I reached there just after 8:30, so have to wait outside for almost 30mins. Even though there is nothing we might spoil if we enter at 20-25 mins early, the officer didn't open the gates, and I didn't complain as its his job to follow the time. So i waited with my wife, our kid and my nephew. He opened the gates and let us in only after 10 - 15 mins past 9am. That irritated me a bit, as we were waiting with the kids for around 40mins. Just as we enterd in the first couple of mins itself we were totally down. The children's park at the entrance was neither clean nor functional. Both swings were broken, slides were covered in mud, and most importantly the place were CONQUERED by DOGS... Not at all safe for kids to let loose and play for their own. We left then and there itself. Went to beach to have some time off.

Nb: Nothing was build and inaugrated as a mess, its the duty of us visitors and care takers to keep it clean and safe. This is the case of most of the public establishments, let it be a park, office or even a hospital. It was clean on the first day, but that is not the case on the 100th day or after an year. Shame on us. And sad as a taxpayer. Its my hard earned money that is being lost or looted here. Its our money, our effort......