Vellanikkal Rock: An 'photogenic' spot to add to your bucket list

Have you ever heard of this idyllic spot in Thiruvananthapuram called Vellanikkal Rock? Interestingly, it is called 'mini Ponmudi' and of late, many riders and travel enthusiasts have been posting beautiful pictures from the location on their social handles. But, tour enthusiasts say that the location was quite popular even before the social media era, though it never was considered a 'tourist spot' by casual travellers.

Panoramic view of Western Ghats, Arabian Sea!
The mountain sprawls in more than one hundred acres, around 1500 meters above the sea level. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian sea and the mighty Western Ghats from the summit. This rock mountain is spread in five acres of area near Pothencode's Madavoorpara, which has also become a favorite spot for trekkers in the recent times.

Interestingly, you could enjoy the sun rise and the sun set, with all its glory from here. If the weather is clear, you could catch a glimpse of the vibrant Thiruvananthapuram city on the south west side and also the distant views of the misty Ponmudi ranges on the eastern side.

A photographer's paradise
Shutterbugs love this spot and many come here just to click pictures. Families often plan a trip to the Vellanikkal rocks on holidays. Vellanikkal Rock is located at the border that separates the Manikkal and Mudakkal panchayats in Pothencode.

Those who enjoy trekking and adventure activities would also surely love this place. Meanwhile, Vellinikkal Bhagavathy temple and the Paramugal Aayiravalli temple are the other highlights here. Vellanikkal is just twenty kilometers away from the Thiruvananthapuram city and the railway station.