Tourist places in and around Trivandrum
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural Paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the serpent.The temple, located near the bus stand at East Fort, is one among the 18 sacred Vishnu Temples in India. It is the city's most impressive landmark. Its 7 storeyed gopuram built in the 16th Century is one of the finest specimens of traditional South Indian temple architecture which reflects the Kerala influence. The temple corridors are lined with 368 sculpted stone pillars. Beautiful murals and ornamentation adorn the walls. The Temple was renovated by the Maharaja of Thiruvithamcur in 1733. Only Hindus can enter the temple, wearing dhoti in a certain style.
Kovalam Beach (16 km)
16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this intenationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of toruists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular beach. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.A beautiful, curving, palm-fringed beach of golden sands and safe bathing have made India's major beach resort. It is an internationally known holiday destination. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular.
The Napier Museum
Built in the 19th century, the indo-seriocomic structure boasts a "natural" air-conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.Built in the 19th century, the Indo-Saracenic structure boats a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, at temple chariot and ivory carvings.
Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple
The 16th century shrine of Lord Vishnu as Sri Padmanabhaswamy or the ‘lotus navel' is considered to be one of the most sacred 108 Vaishnavite shrines. It enshrines an 18ft. long image of lord Vishnu reclining on the coil of Sri Anantha, the sacred snake. A lotus grows from the navel of Lord Vishnu, upon which resides Lord Brbhma. Its seven storeyed gopuram and fine pavilions lined with splendid stone carvings and mural are noteworthy. The sacred Padma theertham tank nearby was rebuilt by Raja Marthanda Varma in 1733. The temple is open only to Hindus and strict drees code is enforeced. The "Vetta" and "Arattu" processions are taken out twince a year from the here.Kuthiramalika (Puthen Malika) Palace Museum
It is housed in a palace built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma in traditional Tranvancore style. Rare and priceless collections of the Travancore royalty are displayed here.The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Vama- the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
Sree Chithra Art Gallery
Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays among others, select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.CVN Kalari Sangham
This premier institute is engaged in the preservation of Kalarippayattu, an ancient martial tradition of Kerala. The spectacular training sessions are worth seeing. It also provides Kerala's famous ayurvedic treatments.Govt. Art or Napier Museum
It is located on a large lush ground sprawling over an area of 80 acres in the heart of the city. The impressive museum building is built in traditional Kerala architecture with influence of Chinese and Mughal styles. It exhibits a fine collection of bronzes, ornaments, costumes, masks, ivory carvings and musical instruments etc. Sri chitrra Art Gallery and Zoological Park are located nearby.Zoological Gardens
The zoo set in a forest like landscape is one of the oldest and best zoos in India. In fact, it is a part of an impressive Botanical Garden.Govt. Observatory
It is set atop the highest point of the city and is one of the oldest observatories in the country. Panoramic view of the surroundings can be enjoyed from here.Shankhumugham Beach
The palm fringed beach adjacent to the airport is about 8kms from the city centre. There is also a recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a 35m long sculpture of a mermaid), children traffic training park and a restaurant.Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. It has an indoor recreation club, the matsya Kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a memaid), a restaurant shaped a starfish and a traffic training park for children.
Veli Tourist village
This ideal picnic spot on the outskirts of the city is set along a sheltered lagoon, near the aitport. It has an exscellent waterfront park.Other attractions: Science & Technology Museumk & Priyadarshini P{lanetarium Chacha Nehru Childrens' Museum, Akkulam Lake & Boat Club, Indian school of Martial Arts, Vettukad or ‘Madre de Deus' Church and Beema palli etc.
This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over that water, speed boats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape.
Munnar
One of the top hill-stations of South India, Munnar was once the summer capital of the British Government in the South India. Lush green tea-gardens, sleepy towns and brick-red houses make Munnar what it is. Go trekking on the Anaimudi, the highest peak of South India.Cochin
This 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' is sure to captivate you with all the beauties of a fine natural harbor. Explore the secret alleys of history as you visit some of the splendid palaces, churches and synagogues.Aleppey
Beaches, backwaters boat-races --- whoever coined the crown ' Venice of the East' was a true romantic by heart, for nature resides here still in its virgin purity.Thekkady
Listen to the call of the wild as this is the place you should head for for that perfect jungle-jamboree. Expect a wild encounter with the elephants, Gaurs, Sambar deer, wild boars. And if you are the lucky one, you can catch a glimpse of the real royal tigers of the Periyar.Kumarakom
Situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake, this can be your ultimate backwater destination. Serene, tranquil, calm -- this place features some of the best luxury-dens of Kerala. Go bird-watching in one of the richest bird-sanctuaries here.Silent Valley
This heart of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a dazzling den of tropical rain-forest, situated above an altitude of 2000meters. If Kerala is God's Own Country, Then this is God's Own Greenery.Attukal Bhagavathy temple
The Devi appeared before a devotee as a12-year-old girl near the Killi reiver. The devotee later built atemple for Bhagavathy on the riverside. The temple was rebuilt in 1974.Festivals
Attukal Pongala begins on Bharani star day in Kumbham (Feb-March) and continue for Nine days. Thousands of women devotees prepare pongal and offer it to the Goddess.Later the Devi is taken out in a procession to the Manacaud Sastha temple.
Other shrines
Aruvikkara Bhagavathy temple (16 km) and Aruvipuram Siva temple (24 km), founded by Sri Narayana Guru.Varkala (40 km)
The ancient Vishnu shrine is dedicated to Sri Janaradhanan. Brahma worshipped Vishnu And did penance here. The idol is believed to have been taken out from the sea and consecrated at this temple.The rocky cliffs on the seashore are rich in minerals and the natural springs possess medicinal properties.
Sri Naryana Guru (1854-1928), noted social reformer and spiritual guide to lakhs of followers, named this place as Sivagiri. He attained samadhi here.
Festival
10 days during Meenam (March-April).Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. ThePapanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins), the 2000 year old Sree janardhana Swamy Temple, a century old tunnel and Nature Care are the main attractions here.
Kollam
This town is an important commercial center known for cashew industry. It has an ancient Siva temple. Other shrines around Kollan include Sastha temples at Sasthankotta (29 km), Kulathupuzha (64 km) and Ariyankavu (70 km); Kottarakkara Mhaganapathy and Ochira (34 km) temple of parabrahman, where only a banyan tree is worshipped. Ochira Kali is held during Mithunam (June-July) and Vrischigam (Nov-dec).Mavelikkara
Sri Krishna temple at mavelikkara and Sri mahadvar Temple at nearby Kandiyoor.Around Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvallam 10 km away this serene backwater stretch enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its Canoe Rides.Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)The land's end of India or the point where the three seas meet, is the enchanting kanniyakumari. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Part of the fascination is, of course, the fact that it is the very tip of the indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian ocean. Places of interest at Kanyakumari : Tiruvalluvar statue, Gandhi memorial, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, & Padmanabhapuram Swami Temple which is en route to Kanniyakumari from Thiruvananthapuram.
Other excursions Vizhinjam rock cut cave, Koyikkal palace Nejumangad, Neyyar Dam
Anjengo (10 km)
This small historical town is set amidst Lakshadweep sea and Anjengo Kayal. The British East India Company established a factory here in 1673 and also built a fort with the permission of Queen of Attingal in 1695. The beach, relics of the fort and flagstaff, tombs of Dutch and British are some places of interest.Aruvikara (16 km)
It is famous for the ancient Bhagavathi temple. The stream in fort of the temple has large fishes, which are fed by the devotees.Aruvikkara Dam 16 km away this picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.