A leisurely reposing gigantic mermaid, completely sculpted out of stone, is one of the major attractions of Shanghumukham Beach. Located a mere 8 km from the city, this beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The Shanghumukham beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. The matsyakanyaka or jalakanyak is a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid and draws visitors from around the world.