THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Across Southern Kerala, people sing praises of the architectural marvel that is the Kanakakkunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram. Located at the heart of the city, it plays a welcoming host to a multitude of cultural events, seminars and programmes. Its proximity to a number of important tourist sites, including the Napier Museum and Trivandrum Zoo, has made it an important part of the daily workings of the city. Once host to many an important gala, under the reign of the erstwhile ruler of Travancore Sree Moolam Thirunal, it is an integral part of city’s festivities and heritage to this day.

In the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city lies the great Napier Museum and the Natural History Museum in the Museum compound. The museum complex also houses the Zoological Park, Art Museum, Art Gallery, Sree Chithra Enclave, KCS Panicker Gallery, Aquarium and 3D Theatre. Built in the 19th century, it has its own natural air-conditioning system. It contains a host of historical artefacts including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. People are especially impressed by the Japanese shadow-play leather that is used to depict the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Kerala's rich cultural heritage is in full display here. The museum was named after the former Madras Governor General, John Napier. Also known as Government Art Museum, the architectural style of museum is a mix of Indian, Chinese, Kerala and Mughal Schools of Architecture.

Trivandrum Zoo is the oldest Zoo in the country and is located in the heart of the city. Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore from 1830 to 1846, built the Zoo. He formed a committee with General Cullen, Elaya Raja, and Mr. Allen Brown, who first established a museum in 1857. A park and zoo were added to it in 1859 with the intention of increasing visitors to the museum. The beautiful zoo is spread over 55 acres with lakes, woodlands, and well-manicured lawns. Visitors can enjoy boat rides in the lake by the zoo. Author Ann Martel famously drew inspiration for the animals in his book Life of Pi from creatures he saw in the zoological gardens of Trivandrum. Shaded pathways go through native forests, lakes, and woodlands, where tigers, macaques, hippos, peacocks, deer, leopards, and other animals live there.

One of the 108 Divya Desams, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Embellished in gold-plated covering, the temple is opened only to Hindu followers. Dedicated to Lord Padmanabha; one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the principal centres of Vaishnava worship in the dharma of Vaishnavism. Built as a replica of the Adikesavaperumal Temple in Thiruvattar, the Padmanabhaswamy temple is well-preserved antiquity. Although the origin of this temple still remains a mystery, devotees believe it to have existed since the first day of the Kali Yuga, which was 5000 years ago. The Padmanabhaswamy temple also has a mention in the Bhagwad Gita. The scripture states that Balarama, the older brother of Lord Krishna frequented the temple, bathed in the Padmatheertham and also made several offerings the deity here.

Perched on a mountain, Vizhinjam lighthouse is the highest lighthouse in Kovalam that offers the spellbinding view of the sea. It is because if this place that the nearby beach was started knowing as the Lighthouse beach. The lighthouse is 35 m tall, and from its highets point one can see the stunning view of the sea. GETTING THERE Vizhinjam Lighthouse happens to be the largest lighthouse in Kerala. Perched atop the green dressed Kurumkal hill, approaching it is not at all a problem. One can take a bus, auto rickshaw or car from anywhere in the city to reach the lighthouse.

There are indeed number of things to do in Trivandrum, including paying a visit to picturesque Neyyar Dam and its neighbouring wildlife sanctuary. Built in 1958, the dam is an ideal family picnic spot which is set against the mesmerizing landscape. It is built where rivers like Neyyar, Kallar and Mullayar confluence. The area is famed for obtaining several medicinal herbs as well. In the vicinity of this place, a wildlife sanctuary is well laid out. There are deer safari parks, crocodile and lion farms along with watchtower in the region. A guided trek, safari and elephant ride is a must here. Take out at least a day in order to get the best experience of the wild life sanctuary.

Poovar is a small rustic town situated 27 kms from Thiruvananthapuram with unspoilt, unexplored golden sand beaches and beautiful backwaters of Kerala. Also known as a fishing village, the tranquil Poovar island lies between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. Hiring a boat, (especially during the sunset)that will take you through the mangrove forest of backwaters is a must-do activity. The boat ride costs around INR 3000- INR 4000. The town has some of the beautiful resorts and hotels that are known for the hospitality they offer. Poovar beach is secluded and is only accessible by a boat. Swimming is allowed here throughout the year except for the monsoon months

This secluded beach is situated 54 kms north of Trivandrum. An exemplary escape from the bustling crowd of the city, Varkala is a paradise in its own right. The beach ensures a refreshing vacation with spectacular landscape, multiple international cuisines and mesmerising sunset view. [Among many marvels we see in our lives, a beautiful sunrise or sunset is the most exotic, Spend a morning at Sunrise Valley] Located at a distance of 54 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram is the Varkala Beach, one of the most secluded beaches of Kerala. It is a perfect spot for anyone who likes to escape from the noise and tensions of daily life. With swinging palms above and soft sands beneath, the seashore ensures you to have a rejuvenating vacation. Close by, there is wealth of attractions that one can explore. There also exists a spring, which is believed to have medicinal properties that can cure several health problems. The best time to visit here is between March and November, when the weather is quite pleasant.

Shanghumukham Beach is an ideal place for those seeking peace and serenity. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place is known for breath-taking sunrises and sunsets; visit to this beach is one of the best things to do in Trivandrum The calm environs and exquisite shoreline here is undoubtedly commendable. The beach is also considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ (Seat) of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan. Shamghumukham is also a prime location for the Ganesha Visarjan, where millions of Hindu devotees throng during the Vinayaka Chaturthi. The best time of the year to visit here is around the Arattu festival. The beach is swarmed with large processions, carrying the deities of Lord Padmanabhawamy, Lord Narasimha and Lord Krishna and led by the former Maharaja of Travancore. The Maharaja is escorted by members of the Royal family, temple authorities, armed guards, police, and officers. The ceremonial bath in this place marks the conclusion of the festival, after which the deities are taken back to their respective temples by the procession. Preferred due to its isolated location and picturesque landscape, Shanghumukham is the pride of Trivandrum. The famous sculpture of a Mermaid (Jalkanyka) carved by Raja Ravi Varma is an added delight. The sculpture is more than 35m long and is an exemplary piece of art. Visitors can expect comparatively quite evenings with impeccable sunsets. The breezy shorelines and excellent eating joints make this beach quite popular amongst the tourists. The Indian Coffee house, located across is the vantage point of witnessing beautiful sunset.

Ranked among the most versatile planetariums in India, the Priyadarshini Space Planetarium was opened to public in 1994. It is fitted with advance equipment that allows the projection of all the constituents of universe. This planetarium imparts valuable knowledge about earth and the enormous universe that we all are part of. Simulating the star-studded night sky on any earth location is its most attractive feature. The museum is situated in the campus of Kerala State Science and Technology Museum. Blessed with a unique blend of architecture, it is oriented horizontally which has a dome-type ceiling used as a screen for the images of celestial bodies. Astronomical phenomena are projected with the help of ocular device. There is a sky theatre, where several planetarium shows are conducted. One of the major shows held here is ‘The Man and the Universe’, displaying evolving stages of astronomy, constitution of planets and finally the origin of Universe. There are also other shows that display birth and life of a star, including some special events for groups at 10.30 AM, 12.00 PM, 3.00 PM and 5.00 PM.

The Veli Tourist Village which lies where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea provides for unique boating and picnicking opportunities. Visitors can hire pedal boats or paddleboats as per their convenience. One can also roam the gardens and have a nice picnic or choose to employ the boats for the entire duration of the trip. The view and feel of the place is extremely unique, considering it is merely 12 kms from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. Children are known to have a lot of fun climbing the sculptures here and the speedboat ride across the waters. A separate Children’s Park and Floating Cafe run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) are added incentives to visit this unique village.

Agastyakoodam, also known as Agastya Mala Peak is the second highest peak in Kerala with an extensive height of 1868 metre. Located within the premises of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Agastyakoodam is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and boasts of surreal natural beauty. Nestled in Sahyadris of Western Ghats, the slopes of the peak are carpeted in purple hues of orchids. Home to diverse species of fauna and rare species of medicinal herbs, the region is a hotspot for avifauna and exotic birds. The spot is considered a haven for birdwatchers. Besides, since it is a protected zone, you can spot nature at its best, without any commercial interference. The colossal peak is also a major Hindu pilgrimage spot for the devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya, on whose name the peak has been named. There is also a statue of him at the top where the Hindus can offer puja and prayers.

If its unique example of craftsmanship you wish to see, then visit the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum that is the finest specimen of the Travancore architectural style in Kerala. The paintings housed here are priceless and belonged to the royal Travancore Family. The façade of this magnificent palace is carved out of granite, teak, marble and rosewood which lend it a very special look. Some noteworthy attractions that will leave you with your jaws dropped are the two thrones, one made of Bohemian crystal, and the other made out of tusks of elephants.

Attukal Bhagavathy Amman Temple is one of the popular shrines in south Kerala, located in Trivandrum city. It is the point where millions of women yearly gather together for the famous Attukal Pongala Festival held in the month of February and March. The principal god of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is Attukal Devi or Attukal Bhagavathy. She is deemed to be a manifestation of Goddess Parvathi and is portrayed to have four arms bearing a spear, a sword, a skull and a shield. Besides the deity of Attukal Bhagavathy, there are also statues of Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha. The temple is decorated with many sculptures, which is an architectural mixture of both Tamil and Kerala history.

Locals in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram will declare that a weekend drive to Ponmudi is among the best ways to spend time in the city. Families and friends alike are known to go on long drives up the winding paths for a view they insist rivals any other in the State. The slopes shrouded in mist fill one with a feeling of wonder and amazement. A large amount of rare flora and fauna can be seen here including mountain flowers, wild orchids and exotic butterflies. The temperature is equable throughout the year and the three hour drive from the city is justified once the valley comes into view. One can always stopover at the breath-taking Kallar River on the way, which flows parallel to the road in the opposite direction, with the picturesque Meenmutty Waterfalls only a little distance ahead. A large number of cottages and resorts have come up in the area. The tree house view tower is another great place to visit. Ponmudi is indeed a rising hotbed of tourist activity. A hill so close to the city, yet nestled so near the protective arms of the sea.