Trivandrum, Ponmudi and Poovar Getaway

Only Hindus can enter, and the temple is strict about it. Men wear a mundu or dhoti with no shirt, women a saree, half saree or long skirt. Phones and cameras go in a locker. Entry is free. Guests who cannot go in can walk around the temple tank and the East Fort street, then join at the palace next door.

A wooden palace of the Travancore kings, a few steps from the temple, named for the 122 carved horses under its roof. Open to everyone. Closed on Mondays and for a midday break from about 1 PM.

A red and white Indo-Saracenic building with bronzes, ivory carving and temple models, in a shady garden. Closed on Mondays.

A wide city beach beside the airport with a giant mermaid sculpture. Sunset is around 6 PM in December. The sea is rough here, so do not swim.

The road climbs from the Kallar forest checkpost through 22 hairpin bends. At the top: grassy slopes, rocks and mist, with views down to the plains on clear mornings. Go early, as clouds roll in by noon. The forest department shuts the road in heavy rain or landslides, sometimes at short notice.

Poovar is where the Neyyar river meets the sea, with mangroves, coconut palms and a golden sand bar between the river and the Arabian Sea. Morning is cooler and best for birds.

A short climb for a wide view of the coast and the new Vizhinjam port. Small ticket at the gate. Closed on Mondays and shut for lunch until about 2 PM.

A calm curve of sand with the lighthouse at one end. Sunset is around 6 PM in December. Swim only between the flags.