Neyyattinkara is an urban area situated between Balaramapuram and
Amaravila, 20 km south of
Thiruvananthapuram. The tranquil Neyyar River flowing through this area adds beauty to this place. The banks and adjoining areas of the Neyyar River came to be identified as Neyyattinkara.
Neyyar literally means 'River of Ghee.' The great sage Agastya of multifaceted fame is very familiar to Kerala soil. He set up his hermitage on the highest peak of the Western Ghats. This peak still carries his name and is known as Agasthyar Kootam. The intensity of Yagas and Homas (Vedic rituals) performed by him was immense. Ghee from these oblations used to be stored in pots and kept stacked in the premises. This clarified butter overflowed from these pots and started flowing down the mountain slopes to become a full fledged river of ghee in course in time. Terrible drought followed this event. A Brahmin lady who was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna prayed for help. Her prayer was answered and the land was saved. However, the name it had acquired in the legendary past has survived the ages, to continue as Neyyar.
This scenic town is the birthplace of the great freedom fighter, celebrated author and journalist, Swadesabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai.
The major landmarks include Veterinary Hospital, Fire Station, KSEB Office, Neyyar Irrigation Office, Neyyattinkara Head Post Office, Taluk Hospital, Sub Treasury, District Court and Dr G Ramachandran Public School.
Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Mutharamman Temple, Jama Masjid and Immaculate Conception Cathedral are some among the famous shrines situated in this vibrant center.
National Highway 47 passes through this place. All the buses from Thiruvananthapuram to Nagercoil pass through Neyyattinkara. Neyyattinkara Railway Station is the nearby access point. Trivandrum International Airport (24 km) is the nearest airport.
