Madavoorpara

**Madavoorpara** is a major tourist attraction at Kaattayikonam in the Thiruvananthapuram city, the state capital of Kerala. It is a lesser-known destination in the city and one of the hang out places for the people nearby, known for its rock-cut Shiva Temple and the Bamboo Bridge. It stands 1800 feet above sea level and holds various archaeological and historical significances. The highest point gives a beautiful view of Thiruvananthapuram city along with the Arabian Sea and it was opened for visitors on 20th October 2016.

## History of Rock-Cut Temple

Madavoorpara Shiva Temple, the most important attribute of the view point, dates back to the 9th century CE and is known for its architecture, as it was carved from a single rock. It is in the lowest part of the viewpoint. The cave temple is open from 6am to 10 am and from 5pm to pm everyday, maintaining its rituals and religious festivities regularly. It is also one of the rarest rock-cut temples in the state. On the pillars of the temple, an ancient Malayalam script, named _Vattezhuthu_ had been inscribed which was used ages ago which is a rare sight. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.

### Bamboo Bridge

The Bamboo Bridge is one of the finest facilities that is stretched at a length of 100m. It provides the scenic beauty from the hill-top and is often used as a pathway to the topmost part of the rock. A lot of bamboo huts are established for the visitors to take rest and enjoy the venue. There is also an open stage built for future ventures including programmes, exhibitions and many more literary and cultural events. The bridge provides the finest experience of walking by foot especially during rainy seasons, when the water droplets are scattered on the bamboo and it makes it soothing for the visitors to walk along.

### Children's Park

It also has a park that gives enough space for the children to spend their cheerful time. It is another major attraction for the families to get together which also has a canteen nearby.

## Dedication

The preserved monument was opened to the city on 20th October, 2016 by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala. Tourism Minister of Kerala, Kadakampally Surendran inaugurated the development project on January 18th, 2018 that would help Madavoorpara to find its spot in the best tourist places in the world. Uralungal Labor Cooperative Society is entrusted with the implementation of the project at a cost of Rs. 7 crore.

## Future of viewpoint

The latest features to be included in the coming years include:
1. Amphitheatre
2. Floating Cottages
3. Water fountains
4. cafeteria
5. More seating facilities including stone pavements and benches
6. Amenity center
7. Green huts

## Location and access

Madavoorpara is in Kaattayikonam, near Pothencode town in Thiruvananthapuram. Sreekaryam-Pothencode road is the easy way to travel to the tourist destination where the closest railway station is situated 17km away. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport about 20km away via NH 66 and Kazhakkoottam- Kilimaanoor road.

## Infobox (settlement)

- **official name**: Madavoorpara Ancient Rock Cut Shiva Temple and Park
- **native name**: Madavoorpara
- **native name lang**: Malayalam
- **image skyline**: Hilltop view of Trivandrum city.jpg
- **caption**: Hilltop view of Trivandrum city
- **area total acre**: 22
- **elevation ft**: 1800
- **population urban**: 13881
- **area code**: 695584
- **translit lang1 info1**: Malayalam