Aruvikkara

Aruvikkara is an important pilgrim centre located at a distance of 16 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The word Aruvikkara means “on the bank of a stream”. As the name indicates there is the Karamana River flowing by and on the banks of which, is the rock-shrine dedicated to 'Bhagvathi', the divine embodiment of Female power. There is a waterfall nearby. The place attracts a lot of tourists and is the site of a mini dam, which supplies water to the state capital. Aruvikkara Dam is almost near to the Durga Temple, where visitors travel round the year. The visitors travel to Aruvikkara not only for visiting the place but also to feed the fishes in the stream. The fish in the river is believed to be owned by the deity of the temple. A usual ritual here is feeding the fish with rice, flower and peanuts – this could heal warts, whiteheads, blemishes etc in the skin. If you are looking forward to some kind of excitement while traveling to this place, then one is facilitated with boating facilities at the reservoir of the region. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot. There is a waterfall near Aruvikkara that adds to the natural beauty of the serene surroundings.